The Real Mary King's Close

The Real Mary King's Close Making Edinburgh's hidden history unmissable. BOOK ONLINE FOR YOUR TOUR!
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Imagine a warren of streets frozen in time beneath Edinburgh’s Royal Mile where behind every twist and turn secrets lie waiting to be told...

The Real Mary King’s Close is a five star visitor attraction located in the heart of Edinburgh’s Old Town.

31/05/2026

Just casually wandering through 4 floors of hidden underground history beneath the Edinburgh City Chambers… ✨🕯️

The Real Mary King’s Close still preserves entire streets and spaces beneath the Royal Mile, frozen in time below the city above.

Not many people expect Edinburgh to have a hidden underground world waiting beneath their feet…

Would you explore it? 👀

30/05/2026

True Crime Tours return this June at The Real Mary King’s Close ⚖️

Step beneath Edinburgh’s streets and uncover the real crimes that once shocked the city. Our limited-edition True Crime Tours explore the darker side of Edinburgh’s history through real stories, real people, and real punishments.

Discover tales of:
🕯️ Witch trials
⚔️ Public executions
🦴 Body snatching
🔪 Murder and betrayal

These are not myths or ghost stories. They are part of Edinburgh’s hidden past.

Join us this June beneath the Royal Mile… if you dare.

📅 Running throughout June
🎟️ Advance booking recommended

28/05/2026

Scotland’s history has always been more colourful than people think. 🏳️‍🌈

From secret relationships to hidden identities, our Pride Tours shine a light on the real LGBTQ+ stories woven through Edinburgh’s past, including the fascinating connection between King James VI and George Villiers.

Step underground this June and explore the stories history left in the dark.

📅 Pride Tours running 20th & 27th June
📍 Beneath Edinburgh’s Royal Mile

Who’s joining us? 👇

A little notice from beneath the Royal Mile… 👀Our online shop will be going offline in June for a short while before ret...
26/05/2026

A little notice from beneath the Royal Mile… 👀

Our online shop will be going offline in June for a short while before returning after summer with a fresh new look.

If you’ve been thinking about picking up one of our exclusive souvenirs, quirky keepsakes or Plague Doctor favourites, now’s your chance before the virtual doors close.

And remember: our Burgh Courtroom gift shop at The Real Mary King’s Close remains open daily and has even more treasures waiting to be discovered ✨

Have you got a favourite item from our shop? Tell us below!

25/05/2026

“Up the close and doon the stair,
Ben the hoose wi’ Burke and Hare…”

A rhyme once repeated by Edinburgh children. A reminder of one of the city’s most infamous crimes.

This June, our True Crime Tours invite you to investigate the darker side of Edinburgh’s history beneath the streets of the Old Town. Explore the real stories of crime, punishment, addiction, eviction, witch trials, and the disturbing figures who once lurked in the city’s closes.

Led by a dedicated True Crime guide, this atmospheric 1-hour tour reveals the fascinating realities hidden beneath centuries of folklore and fear.

📅 Fridays & Saturdays, 1st–27th June 2026
🔞 Over 16s only

The past is waiting underground… if you’re brave enough to face it.

24/05/2026

Ever wondered how to find our gift shop once you arrive at The Real Mary King’s Close? 👀

Good news. One of our wonderful storytellers is here to show you the way from our Royal Mile entrance straight to the Burgh Courtroom Gift Shop.

Packed with quirky souvenirs, plague doctor favourites, books, local gifts and plenty of hidden treasures, it’s the perfect stop before or after your tour. ✨

Next time you visit, follow the route and step into a little corner of Edinburgh’s hidden history.

Have a favourite item from our shop? Tell us below 👇

23/05/2026

A medical emergency has broken out on Mary King’s Close… 👀

Mrs Craig has taken ill, and our trusty little Plague Dr Plushie is doing his very best to diagnose the problem. The question is…

Which type of plague does she have? 🤔

🦠 Bubonic Plague
🫁 Pneumonic Plague
🩸 Septicemic Plague

Watch the reel, examine the evidence carefully, and leave your diagnosis in the comments below. Bonus points if you can explain why… 🩺

History has never looked quite this adorable. 🐦⬛

What if the most fascinating stories in Edinburgh were the ones history almost erased?Join Anna Dowling-Clarke for Unear...
22/05/2026

What if the most fascinating stories in Edinburgh were the ones history almost erased?

Join Anna Dowling-Clarke for Unearthed: The Women of Edinburgh Tour, a special two-part experience exploring the lives of the women who shaped Edinburgh from behind the scenes.

Begin beneath the city at The Real Mary King’s Close, walking through preserved 17th-century streets and hearing the real stories of the people who lived and worked there. Then head above ground on a guided walking tour through the Old Town, discovering hidden histories woven through familiar closes, kirkyards and cobbled streets.

✨ Two tours in one experience
✨ Saturdays & Sundays
✨ Limited availability this weekend and next

Some voices echo through history. Others must be unearthed.

Book your place now:

Two marketing teams.One underground "city". 🕯️🐀Whether you’re here for the hidden history, the atmospheric streets, the ...
21/05/2026

Two marketing teams.
One underground "city". 🕯️🐀

Whether you’re here for the hidden history, the atmospheric streets, the real stories of Edinburgh’s past residents… or simply for the ✨ plague content ✨, there’s something for everyone at The Real Mary King’s Close.

Now settle an important debate for us…

Who did it better: Millennial marketing team or Gen Z marketing team? 👀

👇 Tell us in the comments.

Address

2 Warriston's Close, High Street
Edinburgh
EH11PG

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 9pm
Tuesday 9am - 9pm
Wednesday 9am - 9pm
Friday 12:15pm - 9pm
Saturday 9am - 9pm
Sunday 9am - 7:30pm

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