John Knox House

Step inside John Knox House, the oldest original medieval building surviving on Edinburgh's Royal Mile, dating back to 1470. This atmospheric historic house museum tells the dramatic story of the Scottish Reformation and the turbulent lives of John Knox and James Mosman, jeweller and goldsmith to Mary, Queen of Scots. Families can walk in the footsteps of its famous inhabitants, hear the drama unfold in every room, look out for the tricks and traps used to fool intruders, and hunt for the devil hiding in the Oak Room ceiling. A free written guide points out the details you might otherwise miss, and the house is part of the Scottish Storytelling Centre, one of Scotland's most welcoming arts venues with regular storytelling performances, events and workshops. Children over 7 pay just £1.50 and under-7s go free, making it a brilliant, budget-friendly stop on a Royal Mile day out. Booking is not essential, with a maximum of 30 visitors per hour. Note that only the entrance level of the medieval house is wheelchair accessible - the upper floors are reached by a winding staircase - while the adjoining Storytelling Centre is fully accessible with lift access.