Edinburgh Sights

Real Mary King’s Close

#1 of 424 things to do in Edinburgh

#1 of 1442 things to do in Scotland

4 reviews | Write a review

Good for: history buffs

Not good for: Those with trouble walking

  • Address
    • Writers Ct, High St 2 Warriston’s Close
  • Transport
    • 2, 23, 27, 41, 42 or 45
  • Website
  • Phone
    • 0845 070 6255
  • Price
    • adult/child £11/6
  • Hours
    • 10am-9pm Apr-Oct, to 11pm Aug, 10am-5pm Sun-Thu, 10am-9pm Fri & Sat Nov-Mar

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Lonely Planet review for Real Mary King’s Close

Across from St Giles is the City Chambers, originally built by John Adam (brother of Robert) between 1753 and 1761 to serve as the Royal Exchange – a covered meeting place for city merchants. However, the merchants preferred their old stamping ground in the street and the building became the city council offices in 1811.

Part of the Royal Exchange was built over the sealed-off remains of Mary King’s Close, and the lower levels of this medieval Old Town alley have survived almost unchanged in the foundations of the City Chambers for 250 years. Now open to the public as the Real Mary King’s Close, this spooky, subterranean labyrinth gives a fascinating insight into the daily life of 16th- and 17th-century Edinburgh. Costumed characters give tours through a 16th-century town house and the plague-stricken home of a 17th-century gravedigger. Advance booking recommended.

 

Traveller reviews for Real Mary King’s Close (4)

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    Insightful, exciting and absolutely delightful!

    jasmineknowshow recommends this,

    This is something not to be missed if visiting Edinburgh. Situated in old town on the royal mile it offers a brilliant in sight into medieval life in Edinburgh. It's the perfect experience for those that love history, and even for those that do not. The tour guides are incredible, and really add to the experience. The gift shop has some nifty little treats too.

    Good for: history buffs

    Not good for: Those with trouble walking

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    Simply amazing

    lmwalsh10 recommends this,

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    really interesting

    die_franzi recommends this,

    Mary King's Close gives quite an inside into post-medieavl life. It exciting, but still professional. It's enough to book it a few hours in advance.

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    interesting sight of well preserved 17th century Edinburgh

    jjita recommends this,

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