The Real Mary Kings Close
Edinburgh, Edinburgh and Lothian · ★ 4.5 · 41,641 visitor reviews
Edinburgh, EH1 1PG
About
The Real Mary King's Close is a warren of underground streets and spaces. It can be a strange concept to understand: back in the 1600's, Mary King's Close and neighbouring Closes were at the heart of Edinburgh's busy and vibrant streets, open to the skies and bustling with traders selling their precious wares to the Old Town's residents. Why would this street find itself underground 400 years later?
For years, the hidden Closes of Old Town Edinburgh have been shrouded in myths and mysteries, with blood curdling tales of ghosts and more, and of plague victims being walled up and left to die… eek!! Research and archaeological evidence have revealed a truer story, rooted in fact and, as is so often the case, more fascinating than any amount of fiction: but no spoilers here, you'll have to go to find out! With a costumed character tour guide based on a one time resident, you will explore this underground site, hearing these fascinating stories.
Tours take approximately one hour and are frequent, taking place every 15 minutes from 10:00 (09:30 in August). A 1 hour Overground Tour Experience is available as a bolt on to the standard tour for just an additional £5: a great way of extending your day out even further! It's worth remembering that some children react badly to wax dummies, thought should be given to personal suitability before you go!
Under 5s are not permitted anyway due to the occasional unnerving content.
Good for: older children, teenagers
Categories
Facilities
- Onsite Parking
- Toilets
- Baby Changing
- Pushchair Friendly
Prices
Opening times
Monday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM Thursday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM Friday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM Saturday: 9:30 AM – 6:30 PM Sunday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Common questions
Is The Real Mary King's Close suitable for young children?
The Real Mary King's Close is best suited for older children and teenagers, and children under 5 are not permitted at all. The tour contains some unnerving content and wax figures that may frighten younger visitors, so do consider your child's temperament before booking.
What are the opening hours for The Real Mary King's Close?
It is open Monday to Friday and Sunday from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM, and Saturdays from 9:30 AM to 6:30 PM. Tours run frequently, approximately every 15 minutes from opening time.
How much does it cost to visit The Real Mary King's Close?
Adult tickets are £15.50, children aged 5 to 15 pay £9.50, and concession tickets are £13.50. You can also add on a 1-hour Overground Tour Experience for an extra £5 per person.
Does The Real Mary King's Close have baby changing and toilet facilities?
Yes, there are toilets and baby changing facilities available on site. While the attraction is not aimed at very young children, these facilities are there for families who may have younger siblings along for the visit.
What exactly is The Real Mary King's Close?
It is a network of underground streets and spaces beneath Edinburgh's Old Town that were once bustling 1600s thoroughfares open to the sky. A costumed character guide leads you through the warren of hidden closes, sharing the fascinating true history uncovered through research and archaeological evidence.
What families say
41641 reviews