The Real Mary King's Close

Step back in time beneath Edinburgh's Royal Mile and explore authentic 17th-century streets frozen in time at The Real Mary King's Close. Expert guides bring history to life through captivating storytelling tailored for young minds, revealing what daily life was like for families who lived in these underground passages centuries ago. The atmospheric tour combines fascinating historical details with age-appropriate interactive elements that keep children engaged throughout.

• ✓Walking through authentic preserved 17th-century rooms where real Edinburgh families once lived
• ✓Meeting costumed character Annie, a friendly ghost story that younger visitors enjoy
• ✓Exploring the narrow, atmospheric closes (alleyways) buried beneath the modern city
• ✓Interactive elements where children can handle replica historical objects
• ✓Learning about the Great Plague of 1645 and how it affected the close's residents

1. 1.Book tickets online in advance, especially during school holidays and summer months, as tours sell out quickly and operate on a timed entry system.
2. 2.Tours involve stairs and uneven surfaces with no elevator access, so bring baby carriers instead of strollers (prams) which are not permitted underground.
3. 3.The underground temperature stays cool year-round at around 10°C (50°F), so bring warm layers even on hot summer days.
4. 4.Arrive 15-20 minutes early to collect tickets and use restrooms, as there are no facilities once the tour begins.
5. 5.Photography is not allowed during tours to preserve the experience, but there's a photo opportunity at the end in the gift shop area.

Visit on weekday mornings (Tuesday through Thursday at 10:00 AM opening) for smaller tour groups and a more intimate experience. Avoid weekends and Scottish school holidays when tours fill up fastest. Summer evenings on Saturdays offer extended hours until 7:30 PM if you prefer exploring after other daytime activities.

Tours last approximately 75 minutes and must be pre-booked online. Tickets cost around £19.50 for adults and £12.50 for children (5-15 years). The venue is located directly on the Royal Mile beneath the City Chambers. No cafe on-site, but central Edinburgh location means numerous dining options within walking distance.

Open year-round with special themed tours during Halloween and Christmas periods that may be more intense for sensitive children. Hours vary by day of the week, with longer hours on weekends. Always check the website before visiting as hours can change seasonally and for special events.

The Outsider Restaurant on George IV Bridge (5-minute walk) offers a kid-friendly menu with great views. For quick bites, try Mamma's Pizza on the Grassmarket (8-minute walk) which welcomes families and serves authentic Italian pizza and pasta that children love.