The Real Mary King's Close

The Real Mary King's Close: 17th-century history beneath the Royal Mile

The Real Mary King's Close is an Edinburgh tourist attraction that allows visitors to walk through a preserved 17th-century street underground, in the heart of the city's historic centre. The experience is built around guided tours with costumed period guides, who recreate the lives of those who lived, worked and died in the Close. The company presents itself as one of Edinburgh's leading attractions and as the city's only preserved 17th-century street.

Guided tours and themed experiences

The regular programme includes the Signature Guided Tour, a journey through the preserved 17th-century streets beneath the city accompanied by a costumed guide, who reconstructs the stories of former residents. Alongside this tour are other specialised experiences, some available for a limited time during the year.

• 17th Century Medicine Experience: a guided tour and interactive workshop with Dr Arnott, a former resident of the Close, focusing on the remedies and cures of the era. Participants examine "samples" and make their own herbal remedy. Available from January to December 2026, Friday to Sunday.
• Closes & Coffee Tour: a tour of two hidden closes, The Lost Close and The Real Mary King's Close, with coffee included. Available throughout 2026, every day.
• Above & Beyond Tour: a joint experience with The Lost Close that combines a walk through the historic streets of the Old Town with a descent beneath the Royal Mile. Available from 29 June to 1 November 2026, every day.
• Myths and Legends Tour: a tour focusing on the folklore, beliefs and superstitions linked to everyday life in Edinburgh. Available from 1 to 30 September 2026, Saturdays and Sundays.
• Underground Unlocked: a one-night immersive event in which visitors explore the underground street at their own pace and encounter up to 15 historical characters, with access to preserved homes and businesses. Tickets on 1 October 2026 in slots from 19.00 to 19.50.
• Lantern Led Tour: a guided tour by lantern light only, recreating the scarcity of light in the period. Available from 2 October to 1 November 2026, every day from 18.00.
• Lantern Led Tour & Dinner Experience: combines the lantern-led tour with a Scottish-inspired dinner at the Amber Restaurant. Available from 2 October to 1 November 2026, on the 18.10, 18.20 and 18.30 tours.
• The Cape Controversy: a four-hour immersive dining experience with live performances, history and a multi-course menu inspired by the Cape Club. Available on 28 November 2026, Saturday.
• A Victorian Christmas Experience: a guided tour followed by a Victorian Christmas activity with a member of the Chesney family, tea, a traditional scone and a craft. Available from 4 to 27 December 2026, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays.

Groups, education and private events

The attraction offers specific programmes for groups, with options for educational groups and private tours, as well as its own rates and benefits. It also offers the possibility of hiring the space for corporate events and private celebrations, and has a dedicated service for press and general enquiries.

Visiting and accessibility

Access is at 2 Warriston's Close, on the Royal Mile, in Edinburgh. The attraction is open seven days a week and offers audio guides, as well as accessibility information and a full calendar of opening times and prices. The gift shop and souvenir guidebook complete the visitor offering.

Visitor reviews

The site features visitor testimonials on Tripadvisor that describe the tour as entertaining, informative and fun, and highlight the historical interest of the journey through the city of Edinburgh. The attraction is part of Continuum Attractions.

Location and contact

Phone: 0131 225 0672 · Email: info@realmarykingsclose.com