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- Kids Things To Do Edinburgh and Lothian
- The Real Mary Kings Close
Where are we going?
Address: 2 Warristons Close, High Street, Edinburgh, EH1 1PG How do we get there? Number: 0845 070 6244
About this activity
The Real Mary King’s Close is where you can delve into 400 years of history!
This historic and fascinating attraction is located hidden beneath lively streets of modern Edinburgh’s busy and iconic Royal Mile! Yes - hidden underneath! In fact, The Real Mary King's Close unlocks the secrets of the city's ONLY preserved 17th century street, so you really will be walking back in tim.
A costumed character tour guide based (who will be actually based on a real one time resident) will be there to help you explore this amazing underground site, sharing all the fascianting stories of the people who would have lived in the street, and what life would have been like. These guided tours take about one hour.
Shrouded in myths and mysteries, The Real Mary King's Close really is something special as you explore the warren of streets, homes, and passageways offering the family a truly unique and historic experience.
Older kids will love wandering through a labyrinth of Old Town alleyways, and discover the stories of the people who lived, worked, and yes - died in the street.
You can even meet the Plague Doctor and relax in his outdoor courtyard!
It's worth noting that the tour is not suitable for children under 5 years of age.
Activity location
Directions
They are situated on the Royal Mile, across from the magnificent St. Giles’ Cathedral and the Mercat Cross.
Look for the flags and arches of Edinburgh City Chambers, and they're right next door. They are based underground so a little difficult to find!
By rail, 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!
How much does it cost?
Adults
£21.00 Standard (£23.00 - £25.00 flexible options)
Children
Ages 5 to 15: £15.00 Standard (£17.00 - £19.00 flexible options)
Last Updates
2023
The Real Mary Kings Close FAQ’s
The attraction isn't suitable for children under 5 years.
The coffee shop is a great place to enjoy snacks and drink from local suppliers, and kids can enjoy ice cream!
Due to limited availability and capacity, tours can sell out quickly, so consider booking a few days or weeks ahead of your visit!
Make sure you do stop by the gift shop! Here you can find locally sourced artist prints, handcrafted Scottish mementoes, and exclusive whisky blends, and even sought-after plague doctor masks!
It's a great place to teach students history first hand!
With their Hidden History Education Programme students can follow in the footsteps of former Old Town residents on a 1-hour guided tour.
Students can delve into the past with an immersive and interactive workshop. From a deadly plague epidemic, to a famous royal visitor, there is a myriad of tales just waiting to be discovered. To get started, all you need to do is step into the underground depths of the Royal Mile…
The attraction isn't suitable for children under 5 years.
From the street to the main entrance, there is level access. The Royal Mile is sloped, but fairly level at the main door into the attraction.
Steps lead from the admissions area and exhibition to the rest of the site. The café, shop, and toilets can also be accessed via the Warriston’s Close entrance to the attraction. Carers receive free admission
You can buy semi-flexible or flexible tickets for a couple of pounds more if you think you might need to change your ticket within 48 hours before your original booking, or even change on the same day.
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