- Call us on 0344 873 0070
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The Real Mary King's Close
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The Real Mary King's Close
In times gone by they were some of Edinburgh’s busiest and most vibrant streets, bustling with traders selling their wares to the Old Town’s residents. Now they are buried beneath the city.
On this tour you’ll explore the hidden network of underground streets and homes which branch off from Edinburgh’s Royal Mile – hidden from view but still a huge part of the city’s history.
For 500 years, Mary King’s Close and the neighbouring Closes have been shrouded in myths and mysteries, with chilling tales of ghosts, murders, and plague victims being walled up and left to die.
Now you can discover the real truth about Old Town Edinburgh’s subterranean streets, which is stranger and more fascinating than any fiction!
Hear the captivating stories of what life was like here from your expert tour guide, who is fully costumed as a one-time resident of the Close.
Who was Mary King?
Edinburgh’s Closes were often named after the most prominent citizen found to be living there. As a successful businesswoman who traded in fabrics and sewed for a living in the 1630s (as well as being a widow and a mother of four), Mary King was one of these people. It was highly unusual for a close to be named after a woman at that time, which indicates her standing in the town.
Suitable for:
- Families
- Couples
- Groups
- Teenagers
- Seniors
Great for:
- Explorers
- Culture Vultures
IMPORTANT:
- When booking your ticket, please choose the time-frame you wish to visit.
- We'll send you an e-ticket which will specify your exact tour time.
- If you would prefer to select a different time, please call us on 0844 873 0070.
Availability:
Daily except Christmas Day
Tour Times:
- Tours run every 15 minutes throughout the day
- April - October: Open 10am - 9pm (last tour)
- November: Open 9.30am - 6.30pm (Sun), 9am - 5.30pm (Mon-Thu) and 9.30am - 9pm (Friday & Saturday)
- December - March: Open 10am - 5pm (Sun-Thur) and 10am - 9pm (Friday & Saturday)
Guide:
This tour is led by an expert guide who will be fully costumed to play the part of a one-time resident of the Close!
Location:
- The Real Mary King’s Close is opposite St. Giles Cathedral on Edinburgh’s Royal Mile
- The address is 2 Warriston’s Close, High Street, Edinburgh EH1 1PG
Duration:
Please allow approx. 1 hour for this tour
Parking:
The nearest car parks are located at Niddry Street and Castle Terrace
Disabled Access:
Unfortunately this tour is not suitable for wheelchair access, as there are 58 steps descending and 38 ascending throughout the tour, with steep inclines.
What to Wear:
We recommend sturdy, comfortable footwear as the floors can be uneven with some steep inclines.
Included:
- Tour of Edinburgh’s underground streets and houses
- Expert Guide
Not included:
- Food or drinks
- Transport
- The Real Mary King’s Close is opposite St. Giles Cathedral on Edinburgh’s Royal Mile
- Address: 2 Warriston’s Close, High Street, Edinburgh EH1 1PG
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