A time capsule of streets beneath Edinburgh’s Royal Mile bringing history to life.
On a one hour tour led by a character tour guide depicting a former resident of the Close, guests will delve below to learn the real stories from Edinburgh’s incredible past between the 16th and 19th centuries.
Get under the skin of the plague, learn why it was wise to avoid the streets at 7am and 10pm, hear the stories of the people who lived, worked and died on these streets and discover how all social classes lived together stacked on top of each other in tenements that are said to have been the world’s first skyscrapers!
Despite being shrouded in myths and legends of haunted happenings and unexplained occurrences, The Real Mary King’s Close offers guests an authentic insight into the social history of these uniquely preserved streets and houses.
The safety of our guests and staff is of utmost importance and we have taken extra care and precautions to ensure a safe visit for our guests. Rigid cleaning schedules, reduced group sizes, social distancing, staff temperature checks and face coverings at all times are just some of the precautions we have taken Please find all measures we are taken on our Know Before You Go page.
This festive season...
As you emerge from the underground guided tour, let the Christmas spirit enthral you. Festively decorated and lit up, our historic Burgh Courtroom will await with an authentic Victorian carousel for the kids, scrumptious hot chocolates and Brodies coffees, and a selection of locally-sourced gifts for last minute present shopping.
Special offer: Get a free carousel ticket for every child that comes on tour. The Real Mary King’s Close social history tour is suitable for kids from 5 years old and over.
