The Real Mary King's Close

Book Real Mary King's Close tickets for one of the best attractions in Edinburgh

If you're looking for things to do in Edinburgh and want to find out what life was like in the city's murky past, The Real Mary King's Close is just what you're after.

Included in your Real Mary King's Close tickets:

  • 1-hour guided tour of The Real Mary King’s Close, led by an eccentric, in-character guide
  • Flexi admission ticket - tickets allow you to change the date and time of your booking up to 9.00am on the day of your visit
  • Discover Mary King's Close, a den of streets kept as they were in the 1600's
  • Learn about the infamous plague doctors and hauntings in a place where history is as real as it gets 
  • eTickets sent instantly by email and text

Get your tickets today for the Real Mary King's Close for one of the very best additions to your days out in Edinburgh. You'll receive your tickets instantly over email and SMS. 

Take a trip back in time at The Real Mary King's Close and experience one of the darkest historical sites in Edinburgh...

An authentic and excellently-preserved 17th century street, the story of The Real Mary King's Close is surrounded in myths and mysteries.

Join an eccentric in-character guide on a journey through the Close, uncovering stories of the people who lived, worked and died there. 

From tales of myths, legends, a plague, royal visitors and even hauntings, there's sinister stories lurking around every corner in this underground labyrinth of narrow passageways. 

Step down into the hidden history of Edinburgh when you make a visit to The Real Mary King's Close, where dark history comes to life... 

Location

The Real Mary King's Close

2 Warriston's Close,
Edinburgh,
EH1 1PG
Show on Google Maps

How to find us

By rail: 

Waverley Train Station is a 10-minute walk from The Real Mary King's Close. Most train routes to Edinburgh stop at Waverley. 

The quickest route is to climb the 100 steps at the foot of Warriston’s Close. From Waverley Bridge, walk to the mini-roundabout. Cross over onto the bottom of Cockburn Street, and look up! You should spot the sign for Warriston’s Close on your right. The Real Mary King's Close is at the top of the stairs on your left.

To avoid the stairs, continue to walk up Cockburn Street until you meet the junction with the Royal Mile. Turn right at the top, and continue until you see the entrance on the right.

By bike: 

Simply follow the signs for the Old Town and High Street to find the The Real Mary King's Close. There are cycle racks immediately outside the entrance.

By bus: 

Lothian Buses offer excellent services to all parts of the city. If you intend travelling to us by bus, simply choose a service that stops near the high street or bridges.

By car: 

Car parking is very limited in Edinburgh’s Old Town. There are a few spaces dotted around, but most are snapped up early. 

Facilities
  • Toilets
  • Café
  • Gift shop
More Info
How long is the Real Mary King's Close tour?

The tour lasts for one hour.

How often does The Real Mary King's Close tour run?

The tour typically runs every 15 minutes from the hour – from the time of opening to the time of closing.

Can I bring my dog to The Real Mary King's Close?

The nature of the tour does not make the tour suitable for animals.

If you require the assistance of a guide dog, then The Real Mary King's Close will be happy to accommodate. 

Can I take photos or videos on the tour?

Unfortunately, due to the nature of the site, photography and video recording are not allowed.

A photo is taken for you at the iconic close with a static camera. It is, of course, optional for you to purchase once the tour has finished.

What language are The Real Mary King's Close tours conducted in?

All tours are conducted in English, although there are free audio guides in French, German, Italian, Spanish, Mandarin, Dutch, Polish, Hungarian or Portuguese on the mobile app. 

Please note that earphones are mandatory for these guides. 

Is the Real Mary King's Close tour suitable for all ages?

The tour is suitable for all ages from 5+ onwards. Entrance to The Real Mary King’s Close historic site is prohibited to anyone below the age of five.

However, everyone is welcome to use the Burgh Courtroom Gift Shop and Café. Please keep this in mind before booking tickets to the attraction.

Is The Real Mary King's Close wheelchair accessible?

The historic, underground nature of the site makes access to the Close impossible by wheelchair. 

What is a Close?

Edinburgh is built on a spine of rock and down the backbone of the Old Town, from the Castle to Holyrood, runs the slope of the Royal Mile.

A series of lanes and alleyways grew out of this long street, falling away to either side – these are the 'wynds' or 'closes' where Old Town folk made their residences.

Who was Mary King?

Closes were named after the most prominent citizen or the most commonly found business to be on the close. Documents show that Mary King was a prominent businesswoman in the 1630s.

At that time she was a widow and a mother of four, who traded in fabrics and sewed for a living. It was highly unusual for a close to be named after a woman at that time, indicating Mary’s standing in the town.

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