Directions to The Real Mary King's Close

It may be hard to believe, but in Edinburgh’s Old Town there are alleyways hidden underneath the streets that we use today. The Real Mary King’s Close tour takes you underground to relive the history of these old alleys. They remained untouched for 400 years after the plague forced the city council to demolish the buildings and build a new Edinburgh, free from disease. The Real Mary King’s Close was discovered under the Royal Mile when a water pipe broke and needed replacing. That’s when, after digging up the pipe, 400 years’ worth of legends about ghost and secret passages came to light and was put to shame by actual facts. The attraction was opened to visitors in April 2003 and has been attracting increasing numbers of visitors ever since.

Because Mary King’s Close is situated under the Royal Mile, in narrow Warriston’s Close, it can be difficult to spot. Not many signs are allowed on the High Street so it can be a challenge. The best way to find it is to keep to the left hand side of the street when walking down from Edinburgh Castle and when you see St Giles Cathedral on the other side of the street (to your right), that’s a sign that you are almost there. Just keep reading the signs by the closes to your left.

Address: 2 Warriston’s Close , Writers Court , Edinburgh, EH1 1PG

View Larger Map

The People's Story
Old-Town, Edinburgh

Take a step back in time and find out what it was like for ordinary people living in Edinburgh in the olden days. The People’s Story has plenty for you to discover, and
St Mary's Cathedral
West-End, Edinburgh

Edinburgh’s western skyline is dominated by three spires of St Mary’s Cathedral, which is Scotland's largest cathedral and a renowned masterpiece of Victorian Gothic
Hopetoun House
South-Queensferry, Edinburgh

This resplendent stately home, built in the 17th century, is still lived in to this day. The house is open to the public during the summer months and the 6500 acres of gr
Canongate Kirk
Old-Town, Edinburgh

Canongate Kirk – a congregation with ancient traditions and a vibrant sense of Christ’s calling in today’s city.............
Gladstone's Land
Old-Town, Edinburgh

Gladstone's Land offers an insight into life amongst the hustle and bustle of Edinburgh's Old Town in the 17th century. For a comparison between old and new, you should a
Blackford Hill
South-Edinburgh, Edinburgh

Blackford Hill is 164m high hill located in the south of Edinburgh. You can enjoy a clear view over Edinburgh, Edinburgh Castle, and Arthur's Seat, Pentland Hills and th
St Cuthbert's Church
City-Centre, Edinburgh

St Cuthbert's Church Hidden in the trees to the western end of Princes Street Gardens is the solid and imposing bulk of St Cuthbert's Parish Church.............
Edinburgh Castle
Old-Town, Edinburgh

The centrepiece of the City of Edinburgh and its most iconic feature is, without doubt, Edinburgh Castle.............
National Gallery of Scotland
City-Centre, Edinburgh

The National Gallery of Scotland is second only to Edinburgh Castle in terms of visitor numbers. It’s not surprising when you consider the wealth of fine artworks that
Rosslyn Chapel
Midlothian, Edinburgh

Rosslyn Chapel was founded in 1446, having taken 40 years to complete. It was well worth the effort, as a visit here will prove.............