The Real Mary King's Close, Edinburgh, United Kingdom

4DVETheK 5:00 PM Feb 27, 2023

DON'T avoid like the plague!
We were out for lunch with a resident of Edinburgh who recommended it as "the best thing to do" in the city. So off we went. I do like a bit of Urban Exploration of abandoned sites generally so this tour appealed given the nature of the former street and buildings. Very interesting talk by the young guide. Without wishing to sound picky or pedantic, my old secondary school teacher would have had palpitations by the words "where you are stood"...as opposed to "where you are standing". Maybe that was correct though all those years ago. Dunno, I wasn't there! It's getting 4* because it was a touch pricey for what it was. One young person taking a group of 15 or so people around for an hour for £21 a head. Nice work if you can get it. Multiply that for a full day of tours! Enjoyed it. Would recommend despite the grammar and cost.

4DunelmArts 5:00 PM Feb 3, 2020

Spend an hour in the 17th Century
We took our tour of Mary King's Close on a wet February morning. Tours last for 60 minutes and are taken by a costumed guide representing one of the characters who lived in the Close. Our guide provided an interesting, historical and often humorous commentary which brought the buildings and streets of 17th century Edinburgh to life. She also explained how the building of the Royal Exchange on top of the Close caused the Close to be interred. The underground tour does involve some steps, steep slopes and small rooms. It is lit, but if you’re claustrophobic or have mobility issues, you may struggle a little. Having said that, our tour guide was very patient and understanding with members of our group who weren’t quite so quick on their feet. Edinburgh still has many of these Closes, so if you would like to compare Mary King’s Close to a open air example, when you leave the attraction, cross the Royal Mile and have a look at Borthwick’s Close, which was the best example we found close by to give an idea of the narrowness and steepness of the street, and with a thin sliver of sky above you. Despite the £16.50 ticket price, the tours are very popular and fill up quickly. Tours take a maximum of 20 people, so if you want a specific time or date, you’re best to book online in advance. Tickets for the same day can’t be booked online, but may be available at the ticket office, or you can phone to check availability. Lockers are available for a non returnable fee of £1 if you want to store anything during the tour. Café, toilets and gift shop. Photos not allowed on the tour, but you can purchase an official photo at the end of the visit.