Real Mary King's Close
Real Mary King's Close · Edinburgh
A guided tour through the hidden underground closes beneath the Royal Mile, filled with atmospheric storytelling and real history. Best suited to older children with a taste for the dramatic.
Why families love it
- Explore genuinely preserved 17th-century streets hidden beneath Edinburgh's Royal Mile, complete with authentic rooms and atmospheric narrow passageways that feel frozen in time.
- Costumed guides bring history vividly to life with tales of plague, poverty and everyday existence, making this far more engaging than simply reading information boards.
- The underground temperature stays cool year-round, making this an excellent rainy day option when you need a break from Edinburgh's unpredictable weather patterns.
Best for
Families with older primary-aged children or teenagers who enjoy history with atmosphere and aren't fazed by dark spaces or stories about disease and hardship.
Good to know
The tour involves steep stairs and uneven surfaces, so it's not suitable for buggies or very young children who tire easily. Despite its spooky reputation, this isn't a horror attraction—it's genuine history told theatrically, though the plague stories can be quite vivid. Book online in advance as tours run at set times and fill up quickly, especially during school holidays and Edinburgh Festival season. The close stays around 8-10 degrees Celsius year-round, so bring layers even in summer.
Practical info
- Age guidance
- Children under five aren't permitted on tours for safety reasons, and the content really works best for ages eight and up who can appreciate the historical storytelling.
- Typical cost
- Tickets cost around £18 for adults and £12 for children aged 5-15, with family tickets offering modest savings for two adults and two children.
- How long to allow
- The guided tour lasts approximately one hour with no option to leave early, so make sure younger children use the toilet beforehand in the visitor centre.
- Last checked
- May 2026