Some stories are lost to history, fading into oblivion over time. Edinburgh is a city of secrets and mystery, with hidden stories lying underneath its cobbled streets. But what if we told you there is a whole other world waiting for those who are brave enough to descend into the city’s dark past and uncover the untouched ways of life of 17th-century Edinburghers? The Real Mary King’s Close offers just that, showing visitors a (very realistic) journey back in time 400 years – all discovered underground.
The Real Mary King’s Close is part of the majestic Royal Exchange Square building on The Royal Mile, which was built over the old streets of Edinburgh, making them disappear underground. The spot offers a range of guided tours, from a daily general guided tour led by an actor to True Crime and Lantern-Led late-night spooky tours during winter.
In the guided tour, visitors can expect a detailed tour of the underground closes that takes around an hour to complete, with an expert tour guide telling all the tales about what life was like back in 17-century Edinburgh. Moreover, The Real Mary King’s Close stands out from the rest for its restoration of certain homes and areas.
For example, there is a fully restored room of a home with a wax figure of Mary Queen of Scots herself sitting in a chair waiting to be executed, as well as a room with a plague-ridden family in their beds. That’s right, the guided tour also explores the history behind the plague and how Edinburgh dealt with the pandemic, getting rid of it in just two years.
So, whether you are a local Edinburgher or just visiting, The Real Mary King’s Close is a memorable attraction that is popular for a reason – expect the unexpected, and explore the underground streets like never before.
The Real Mary King’s Close also boasts plenty of themed tours for you to explore, and you can book them here.