The Real Mary King's Close

The Real Mary King's Close Making Edinburgh's hidden history unmissable. BOOK ONLINE FOR YOUR TOUR!
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Imagine a warren of streets frozen in time beneath Edinburgh’s Royal Mile where behind every twist and turn secrets lie waiting to be told...

The Real Mary King’s Close is a five star visitor attraction located in the heart of Edinburgh’s Old Town.

20/06/2026

🦆💀 Question Time... Plague Doctor edition!

The Chesney family were the last residents of Mary King's Close before the area was cleared in the early 20th century.

But what was their profession?

🅰️ Butchers
🅱️ Saw doctors
🅲 Barber surgeons

Leave your answer in the comments below and see if you've got what it takes to be a historian! 👇

Bonus points if you tell us why you picked your answer.

Before millions of guests stepped beneath Edinburgh's streets, there was a remarkable discovery...This photograph, taken...
19/06/2026

Before millions of guests stepped beneath Edinburgh's streets, there was a remarkable discovery...

This photograph, taken in October 1986, shows a photographer standing in Mary King's Close shortly after workmen uncovered the entrance while carrying out work beneath the Edinburgh City Chambers.

Long before The Real Mary King's Close opened as the attraction you know today, it's widely said that curious visitors could sometimes catch a glimpse of the Close if they asked the janitor at the City Chambers nicely. Over the years, we've had so many guests tell us stories of relatives who were lucky enough to experience those secret visits.

Today, the Close welcomes visitors from around the world, but it's wonderful to look back at moments like this that remind us of our more recent history.

A huge thank you to Catherine for sharing this fantastic photograph with us.

Did you, or someone you know, ever visit Mary King's Close before it officially opened as an attraction? We'd love to hear your memories in the comments.

📷 Photo: Stan Warburton / Joe Steele

18/06/2026

🕯️ A whisper. A rumour. An accusation.

In 17th-century Scotland, allegations of witchcraft could spread rapidly through a community, often with devastating consequences.

Our True Crime Tours explore the real stories behind Scotland's witch trials, including the case of Euphamie MacCalzean, a wealthy Edinburgh woman whose power and position may have contributed to her downfall.

Discover the human stories behind the accusations and uncover one of the most fascinating and tragic chapters of Scottish history.

📅 Running every Friday and Saturday throughout June.
🎟️ Pre-booking is strongly recommended.

https://www.realmarykingsclose.com/whats-on/true-crime-tour/

Do you think fear or personal gain played the bigger role in Scotland's witch trials?

17/06/2026

💀 What do you think life was really like during the plague?

Join one of Edinburgh's plague doctors as he explores the preserved streets and rooms beneath the Royal Mile, offering a glimpse into a city facing one of the greatest challenges in its history.

The Real Mary King's Close is connected to two recorded plague doctors, John Paulitious and George Rae, who cared for residents during outbreaks in the 17th century. Walking through the Close today offers a fascinating opportunity to imagine the world they knew and the people they served.

History feels a little different when you're standing where it happened.

Would you have visited a plague doctor if you were feeling unwell in 1645?

15/06/2026

🏳️‍🌈 What did it mean to live outside society's expectations in historic Edinburgh?

For poet Robert Fergusson, it meant spending time at the Cape Club, a curious gathering of artists, performers, intellectuals and colourful characters who carved out a space beyond the rigid rules of the day.

Their stories, and many others, form part of our Pride History Tours this June, shining a light on hidden LGBTQ+ histories and the remarkable people who helped shape Scotland's past.

📅 Tours take place on 20 & 27 June only.
🎟️ Spaces are limited, so pre-booking is strongly recommended.
👉 Visit the link in our bio to secure your place.

Who from history would you most like to sit down and share a drink with? 🍻

14/06/2026

"Hold your hands."

"Hold these hands, mate."

Edinburgh arguments have certainly evolved over the centuries... or have they? 👀

From ragabrashes to mumblecrusts, Scotland's past was full of wonderfully creative insults. Thankfully, our storytellers stick to sharing the history rather than settling disputes underground. 🤜🤛

Which historic insult is your favourite: ragabrash or mumblecrust? Let us know below! 👇

12/06/2026

Respected craftsman. City councillor. Criminal mastermind?

Deacon Brodie's double life has become one of Edinburgh's most famous stories. By day, he was a trusted member of society. By night, he is said to have used copied keys and his locksmithing skills to rob homes and businesses across the city.

Discover his story, along with tales of murder, betrayal, body snatching and punishment, on our True Crime Tours this June.

📅 Every Friday and Saturday throughout June

These are the real crimes that once shook Edinburgh.

Do you think Deacon Brodie would have got away with it in today's world?

11/06/2026

Have you ever noticed the oyster shells hidden within the walls at The Real Mary King's Close? 🦪

Our storytellers are always pointing out fascinating details that many visitors walk straight past.

In the 17th century, leftover oyster shells were often used in construction, helping to strengthen window frames and surrounding masonry. But they also carried a more unusual purpose.

At the time, some people believed oyster shells could protect their homes from witches. Placing them around windows and doorways was thought to prevent unwanted visitors from entering.

It's a small detail, but one that reveals how practical building techniques and centuries-old beliefs often went hand in hand.

Have you come across any unusual historical superstitions during your travels or visits to historic sites?

10/06/2026

🐀 The good news? No plague.
🐀 The even better news? Very cute rats.

While rats were once a familiar sight in Edinburgh’s Old Town, the only ones roaming around The Real Mary King's Close nowadays are the plushie kind in our gift shop.

Soft, cuddly, and considerably less chaotic than their 17th-century ancestors, these little characters have become a favourite souvenir for visitors heading home from the Close. 🧸

Honestly, they’re probably the only rats you’ll ever be excited to see staring back at you from a shelf.

Would you take one home, or are you still traumatised by history class? 👀😂

🏆 We came home with TWO awards! 🏆Last week, we attended the Continuum Attraction of the Year Awards in Manchester and we...
09/06/2026

🏆 We came home with TWO awards! 🏆

Last week, we attended the Continuum Attraction of the Year Awards in Manchester and we're delighted to share that The Real Mary King's Close was named Attraction of the Year 2026 🎉

The celebrations didn't stop there. Our wonderful storyteller Mehdi Bel Abbes was also crowned Team Member of the Year 2026 for his outstanding guest experiences, generosity and team spirit. 👏

These awards are a reflection of the incredible people who make The Real Mary King's Close what it is, from our storytellers and guest services team to operations, retail, marketing and everyone behind the scenes.

To top it all off, this recognition comes in the same year that Tripadvisor named us the 6th Best Tourist Attraction in the World. 🌍✨

Thank you to our team, our guests and everyone who has supported us along the way. Here's to another year of sharing Edinburgh's hidden history.

Address

2 Warriston's Close, High Street
Edinburgh
EH11PG

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 9pm
Tuesday 9am - 9pm
Wednesday 9am - 9pm
Friday 12:15pm - 9pm
Saturday 9am - 9pm
Sunday 9am - 7:30pm

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