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THE REAL MARY KING'S CLOSE

Guided tour €€
4.8/5
74 review
Open - from 10h00 to 17h00 Opening hours

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High Street, 2, Warriston's Close, Edinburgh , United Kingdom Show on map
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2025
Recommended
2025

The Real Mary King's Close is a collection of alleys and underground dwellings that were in the heart of Old Town in the 17th century. They took the name of one of the daughters of the lawyer Alexander Close who owned several properties there. In the 18th century, they were partially demolished and buried during the construction of the City Chambers. It was from that moment, in the bowels of the city, that the maze entered into the darkest mysteries and legends of Edinburgh; and this, for 400 years. Archaeologists' research has made it possible to understand how some poor families have found refuge there in the face of the capital's overpopulation. It was also here that the plague patients were isolated so that they would die hidden from everyone. The evocation of the disease is then an opportunity to disentangle the true from the false and to fight many preconceived ideas. Ghost stories are legendary, such as that of a little girl named Annie who was seen by a medium and to whom many visitors still bring gifts today, or those of the many victims of the legendary murderers Burke and Hare, whom they reportedly hid before selling them to hospitals. Reopened to the public in 2003, The Real Mary King's Close lifts the veil on dark hours and cursed destinies, in a gloomy universe that does not leave anyone indifferent. The visit lasts one hour and makes sense thanks to actors in costumes for a successful immersion.

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Members' reviews on THE REAL MARY KING'S CLOSE

4.8/5
74 reviews
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Visited in july 2025
Felicity est une guide informative et charmante ! Nous avons appris une tonne d'histoire sombre, et c'était amusant ! ....également un peu effrayant.... A recommander ????
Visited in july 2025
J'ai eu le guide Connah, il était génial, c'était une visite géniale et vraiment géniale, j'aurais aimé qu'elle soit plus longue mais sinon j'ai vraiment apprécié d'en apprendre plus sur l'histoire. Il faut absolument réserver à l'avance, c'est toujours complet
Visited in july 2025
Nous avons eu une très bonne expérience, Ali a fait une visite fantastique. Je vous recommande vivement d'y jeter un coup d'œil.
Visited in july 2025
C'était une bonne expérience. Un groupe plus restreint aurait été plus intime et plus amusant.
Visited in july 2025
La visite est incroyable ! Notre guide (une femme asiatique, désolée, je ne me souviens pas de son nom) était si gentille, professionnelle et drôle. C'est incroyable que les bâtiments soient encore debout après 400 ans ! La photo qui a été prise à la fin est un peu chère donc nous ne l'avons pas achetée.

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