The Real Mary King’s Close | Everything You Need to Know

Step into the shadows of 17th-century Edinburgh at The Real Mary King’s Close, a hidden treasure beneath the vibrant Royal Mile. This preserved street, once bustling with merchants, craftsmen, and families, offers a unique window into the city’s past, complete with tales of plague, poverty, and ghostly legends. Reopened to the public in 2003, it’s now one of Edinburgh’s top attractions, earning accolades like the Best Visitor Attraction in the UK by Tripadvisor in 2024. Whether you’re fascinated by history, intrigued by the supernatural, or simply seeking a unique experience, The Real Mary King’s Close promises an unforgettable journey through time.

Location

The Real Mary King’s Close is located at 2 Warriston’s Close, High Street, Edinburgh, EH1 1PG, in the heart of Edinburgh’s historic Old Town. Positioned along the iconic Royal Mile, it’s just a 10-minute walk from Edinburgh Castle and directly opposite St Giles’ Cathedral. Nearby landmarks like the Scottish Parliament and Waverley Train Station make it an ideal stop on any Edinburgh itinerary. For easy navigation, use the postcode EH1 1PG in GPS or apps like Google Maps.

Opening Hours

The Real Mary King’s Close is open year-round, with hours varying by season:

• January to February 13th:
• Monday–Friday: 10:00 am–5:00 pm (last tour)
• Saturday: 9:30 am–7:00 pm (last tour)
• Sunday: 9:30 am–6:00 pm (last tour)
• February 13th to March 2nd:
• Sunday–Thursday: 9:30 am–6:00 pm (last tour)
• Friday–Saturday: 9:30 am–9:00 pm (last tour)

The admissions desk and shop open 30 minutes before the first tour and close when the last tour begins. The attraction is closed on Christmas Day but open over New Year. Check the official booking page at The Real Mary King’s Close for live availability and any event-related changes.

How to Get There

Situated in Edinburgh’s city center, The Real Mary King’s Close is easily accessible:

• Public Transport:
• Train: Edinburgh Waverley Station is a 10-minute walk away.
• Bus: Lothian Buses stop along the Royal Mile, with routes like 6, 23, and 27 serving nearby stops.
• Tram: The St Andrew Square tram stop is a 15-minute walk.
• Walking: From Edinburgh Castle, it’s a scenic 10-minute stroll down the Royal Mile. The route from Waverley Station passes historic sites like the Scott Monument.
• Driving: Parking in central Edinburgh is limited. Disabled parking is available on Johnston Terrace (check Edinburgh City Council). The nearest car park is NCP Edinburgh Castle Terrace, a 14-minute walk. Consider using public transport to avoid parking challenges. For real-time traffic updates, use apps like Waze.

Best Time to Visit

The Real Mary King’s Close is a fantastic year-round destination, particularly suited for rainy days due to its indoor setting. To avoid crowds, visit early in the morning or on weekdays, especially during off-peak seasons like spring (March–May) or autumn (September–November). Summer and holiday periods can be busy, so book in advance. Special events, like Dr Arnott’s Sampling Sensation on weekends, may enhance your visit but could affect tour availability, so check the official website for updates.

Tickets and Costs

Tickets must be pre-booked online to guarantee entry, available at The Real Mary King’s Close booking page. Prices are:

Ticket Type	Standard	Flexi	Notes
Adult (16+)	£24.00	£27.00	Flexi allows free date/time changes up to 4 hours prior
Child (5–15 years)	£17.00	£20.00	Not suitable for under 5s
Private Tour (up to 20 guests)	From £450	–	Exclusive group experience
Dr Arnott’s Sampling Sensation	£32.50 (Adult) / £25.00 (Child)	–	Interactive 17th-century medicine workshop, weekends only

• Discounts: Carers (one per paying visitor) enter free with ID (e.g., DLA, PIP, Blue Badge). Visitors with visual/hearing impairments receive a 50% discount, bookable via contact@realmarykingsclose.com.
• Additional Notes: Children under 5 are not permitted for safety reasons. Under 16s must be accompanied by an adult. Flexi tickets offer flexibility for changes, while standard ticket changes incur a £15 fee.

What to Expect

The one-hour guided tour of The Real Mary King’s Close immerses you in 17th-century Edinburgh, led by costumed actors portraying characters like maids, merchants, or Mary King’s daughter. You’ll explore:

• Annie’s Room: A touching tribute to a young girl who lived in the Close.
• Mary King’s House: The home of the street’s namesake, a prominent merchant burgess.
• Foul Clenger’s House: Insight into the grim sanitation conditions of the time.
• Historical Streets: Narrow, preserved alleyways showcasing life during the plague era.

The tour delves into stories of daily life, the bubonic plague, and ghostly legends, creating an eerie yet educational atmosphere. The dim lighting and cramped spaces enhance the authenticity, though they may feel claustrophobic for some. Free audio guides in nine languages (French, German, Italian, Spanish, Mandarin, Dutch, Portuguese, Polish, Hungarian) are available via the official app. The tour concludes at the Burgh Courtroom Gift Shop, where you can purchase souvenirs. Expect to spend about 1–1.5 hours, including time for browsing the shop.

Safety and Accessibility

The Real Mary King’s Close prioritizes visitor safety but has accessibility limitations:

• Safety:
• Guides carry radios for immediate assistance and can escort visitors out if needed.
• Sturdy footwear is recommended due to uneven surfaces and steep inclines (58 steps down, 38 up).
• Dim lighting may cause disorientation or claustrophobia; inform staff if you’re prone to vertigo or motion sickness.
• Visitors with photosensitivity/epilepsy should notify staff in advance due to a bright flash used for souvenir photos.
• Accessibility:
• Not wheelchair accessible due to the listed building’s steps.
• Support chairs are available for mobility issues; book via contact@realmarykingsclose.com.
• Handrails are provided on all staircases.
• Carers enter free (one per paying visitor) with ID; 50% discounts for visual/hearing impairments.
• Guide dogs are welcome with prior arrangement.
• Accessible toilets (2) are available via the Burgh Courtroom Gift Shop. The nearest Changing Places facility is at Waverley Train Station or the National Museum of Scotland (Changing Places).

History and Background

Named after Mary King, a 17th-century merchant burgess, The Real Mary King’s Close was a vibrant street in Edinburgh’s Old Town until it was partially demolished and buried in 1753 to form the foundations of the Royal Exchange (now Edinburgh City Chambers). The last resident, Andrew Chesney, left in 1902. Shrouded in myths, the Close is famous for its haunted reputation, with tales of plague victims and ghostly apparitions, possibly fueled by biogas from the nearby Nor Loch causing eerie lights. Reopened in 2003, it now offers a vivid look into Edinburgh’s gritty past, from poverty to plague, through immersive storytelling.

Fun Facts:

• The Close has been featured in media like Ian Rankin’s Inspector Rebus and Ghost Hunters International, cementing its cultural significance.
• Its preservation was accidental, as the lower tenements were used as foundations for the City Chambers.

Learn more at the official website or during the tour’s visitor center experience.

Nearby Attractions

The Real Mary King’s Close is perfectly positioned for exploring Edinburgh’s Old Town:

• Edinburgh Castle (Edinburgh Castle): A 10-minute walk, offering panoramic views and Scotland’s crown jewels.
• St Giles’ Cathedral (St Giles’ Cathedral): Across the street, a stunning Gothic church with free entry (donations welcome).
• Scottish Parliament (Scottish Parliament): A 15-minute walk, offering free tours of modern Scottish governance.
• National Museum of Scotland (National Museum): A 10-minute walk, with free exhibits on Scottish history and culture.

Combine your visit with a morning tour of the Close, a visit to St Giles’ Cathedral, and an afternoon at Edinburgh Castle for a full day of history.

Practical Tips

• Book in Advance: Secure your spot online at The Real Mary King’s Close, especially during peak seasons.
• Wear Sturdy Shoes: Uneven surfaces and stairs require comfortable, non-slip footwear.
• Dress Warmly: The underground setting can be cool, even in summer.
• Photography: Permitted for personal use, but avoid disrupting others.
• Audio Guides: Download the free app for multilingual guides; bring earphones to avoid disturbing others.
• Arrive Early: Check in 10 minutes before your tour at the admissions desk.
• Claustrophobia or Mobility Concerns: Contact staff in advance for assistance.
• Weather: Ideal for rainy days, as the tour is entirely indoors.

FAQs

What are the opening hours of The Real Mary King’s Close?

Hours vary, typically 10:00 am–5:00 pm (weekdays) and 9:30 am–7:00 pm (weekends). Check The Real Mary King’s Close for exact times.

How much does it cost to visit The Real Mary King’s Close?

Standard tickets are £24.00 (adults) and £17.00 (children 5–15). Flexi and private tours are available, with discounts for carers and those with impairments.

Is The Real Mary King’s Close suitable for children?

Yes, for ages 5 and up. Children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult.

Are there any discounts available?

Carers enter free with ID, and a 50% discount applies for visual/hearing impairments. Contact contact@realmarykingsclose.com.

How long does it take to visit The Real Mary King’s Close?

The guided tour lasts about one hour, with extra time for the gift shop.

Is photography allowed at The Real Mary King’s Close?

Yes, for personal use, but be considerate of other visitors.

Are there guided tours available at The Real Mary King’s Close?

All visits are guided by costumed actors, with special tours like Dr Arnott’s Sampling Sensation available. Book at The Real Mary King’s Close.

What’s the best way to get to The Real Mary King’s Close from the city center?

Walk 10 minutes from Waverley Station or take a bus to the Royal Mile. It’s also a short walk from Edinburgh Castle.

Is The Real Mary King’s Close wheelchair accessible?

No, due to steps, but support chairs are available. Contact contact@realmarykingsclose.com for arrangements.

Are there dining options near The Real Mary King’s Close?

The Burgh Courtroom Gift Shop has a small café area. Nearby, the Royal Mile offers numerous cafés and restaurants, like The Witchery by the Castle.