The Real Mary King’s Close
The Real Mary King’s Close lies hidden beneath Edinburgh’s Royal Mile, a preserved network of 17th‑century streets and rooms that offers a rare glimpse into the city’s past. Once a bustling neighbourhood of merchants, tradespeople, and families, the close was eventually sealed and built over, leaving its history frozen in time. Guided tours lead visitors through dimly lit passageways where tales of plague, political intrigue, and everyday life unfold, brought to life by costumed guides portraying former residents. The site is named after Mary King, a prominent merchant, and has become one of the UK’s most acclaimed attractions, blending authentic history with atmospheric storytelling. From myths and ghostly legends to the harsh realities of life in Old Edinburgh, the experience captures the city’s darker side while preserving an important chapter of its heritage.
Edinburgh ScotlandThe Real Mary King’s Close is located beneath the Royal Mile in Edinburgh’s Old Town, specifically at 2 Warriston’s Close off the High Street. This unique historic attraction uncovers a hidden network of underground streets, preserved as they were in the 17th century, revealing homes, shops, and stories of the people who lived and worked there. The Close is famous for its immersive guided tours, where visitors meet characters portraying former residents, bringing to life tales of plague, folklore, and everyday life in historic Edinburgh. Positioned opposite the stunning St Giles’ Cathedral and near the Mercat Cross, it is in the heart of the city’s bustling historic quarter. Nearby attractions include Edinburgh Castle, the Scotch Whisky Experience, and a wealth of museums, shops, and eateries along the Royal Mile, making it a must-visit for those interested in Edinburgh’s layered history.
National Museum of Scotland
Edinburgh
Museum of Edinburgh
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Surgeons’ Hall Museums
Edinburgh
Museum of Childhood Edinburgh
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Museum on the Mound
Edinburgh
National War Museum of Scotland
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Newhaven Heritage Museum
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People’s Story Museum
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Writers’ Museum
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St Cecilia’s Hall
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Museum of Scottish Fire Heritage
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Corstorphine Heritage Centre
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Queensferry Museum
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Royal Scots Dragoon Guards Museum
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Royal Observatory Visitor Centre
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Our Dynamic Earth
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Trinity House Maritime Museum
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Museum of Magic, Fortune-Telling & Witchcraft
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King’s Theatre
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Festival Theatre
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Edinburgh Playhouse
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Queen’s Hall
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Usher Hall
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Royal Lyceum Theatre
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Traverse Theatre
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Bedlam Theatre
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Church Hill Theatre
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Rose Theatre
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Scottish Storytelling Centre
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Summerhall
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St Stephen’s Theatre
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Festival Square Theatre
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Leith Theatre
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Portobello Town Hall
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Scottish National Portrait Gallery
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Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art
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City Art Centre
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Collective Gallery
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Fruitmarket Gallery
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Open Eye Gallery
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Leith Walk Gallery
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Braewell Gallery
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Dovecot Studios
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Morningside Gallery
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West End Craft & Design Fair
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Bourne Fine Art Gallery
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Red Door Gallery
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Marchmont Gallery
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Talbot Rice Gallery
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Torrance Gallery
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Gallery TEN
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Wasps Patriothall Studios and Gallery
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Rhubaba Gallery and Studios
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Edinburgh Castle
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Palace of Holyroodhouse
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Craigmillar Castle
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Holyrood Park
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Princes Street Gardens
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The Meadows
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Inverleith Park
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Calton Hill
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Harrison Park
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Victoria Park
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Pilrig Park
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Camera Obscura & World of Illusions
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Arthur’s Seat
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Scott Monument
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The Royal Mile
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St Giles’ Cathedral
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Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh
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Dean Village
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Innocent Railway Tunnel & Path
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The Scotch Whisky Experience
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The Edinburgh Dungeon
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Grassmarket
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Stockbridge Market
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Edinburgh Farmers’ Market
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Leith Market
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Tron Kirk Market
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Ocean Terminal Market
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