This December, Edinburgh’s top tourist attraction, The Real Mary King’s Close, invites visitors to enjoy a brand-new immersive experience and travel back in time to the 19th century, uncovering how fascinating Victorian traditions shaped the way we celebrate Christmas today.
Running four times daily each Sunday in December, the exclusive new experience invites small groups to journey back in time to meet the residents of The Close and learn about the history of Christmas, including the law that effectively banned Christmas celebrations in Scotland for nearly 400 years.
Amid a widespread crisis within the Catholic Church and the spread of the Protestant Reformation across Europe, the Kirk in Scotland grew increasingly wary of anything associated with Roman Catholic practices. This ultimately led the Scottish Parliament to enact a law in 1640 that outlawed the celebration of “Yule vacations.”
After embarking on the one-hour standard guided tour, guests will make their way to an atmospheric underground vaulted room for an exclusive 30-minute interactive experience where they’ll meet a special member of the Chesney family, one of the last residents of Mary King’s Close.
Visitors will enjoy listening to tales of the festive season, uncovering the rise of beloved customs that live on today, whilst enjoying a Victorian craft activity and indulging in warm tea and freshly baked scones.
Paul Nixon, General Manager at The Real Mary King’s Close, said: “Christmas as we know it today was once forbidden in Scotland, with celebrations banned for nearly 400 years and harsh punishments in place due to religious laws.
“We’re delighted to bring this unique tour to life for our guests and highlight how Victorian traditions eventually revived Christmas here in Scotland, and within the city.
“After being named the UK’s best tourist attraction earlier in the year in the Tripadvisor Travellers’ Choice Awards, we’re delighted to continue offering experiences that shine a light on Edinburgh’s remarkable history with locals and visitors alike.”
The Real Mary King’s Close stands as an important part of Edinburgh’s history. It teaches future generations about the incredible struggles people faced during the plague, the extreme living conditions, and the punishing impact of social hierarchy.
The exclusive 1.5hr Victorian Christmas experience will be running every Sunday in December, with four tours running each day at 12.00, 13.30, 15.00 and 16.30. Prices are £32.50 per adult and £25 per child (5-15 years old).
The Real Mary King’s Close, one of Edinburgh’s most iconic historic sites, is proud to announce an exciting new experience as part of its 2024 calendar: Meet the Poet: Robert Fergusson. This special event marks the 250th anniversary of the death of one of Scotland’s most influential yet often misunderstood poets, Robert Fergusson.
In collaboration with the University of Glasgow’s research project, The Collected Works of Robert Fergusson: Reconstructing Textual and Cultural Legacies, The Real Mary King’s Close offers an extraordinary opportunity to step back into 18th-century Edinburgh and engage directly with the life and work of the poet who captured the essence of the city like no other.
Guests will begin their journey back in time with a one-hour guided tour of Mary King’s Close, exploring Edinburgh’s only 17th-century preserved street beneath the Royal Mile.
This experience is particularly poignant as Robert Fergusson himself would have walked these very streets, frequently visiting Craig’s Close—located just next to Mary King’s Close—where he was a member of the Cape Club, an after-hours drinking society. Following the tour, guests will be treated to a unique 30-minute “meet and greet” with Robert Fergusson himself.
During this session, Fergusson will recount the story of his short but vibrant life, share some of his most beloved poems, and invite guests to try their hand at writing their own verse, inspired by his work and the rich history that surrounds them. For those wishing to elevate their experience, an optional upgrade is available, including a dram of whisky, to be shared in a toast with Fergusson.
This event is part of a broader initiative by the University of Glasgow’s research project The Collected Works of Robert Fergusson: Reconstructing Textual and Cultural Legacies, which is funded by the Leverhulme Trust.
The project is preparing a new edition of Fergusson’s complete works, due for publication by Edinburgh University Press in 2026. As part of this initiative, they are holding numerous events to commemorate the 250th anniversary of Fergusson’s death in 2024.
The project aims to give Fergusson’s literary, textual, biographical, linguistic, medical and cultural legacies the timely recognition they deserve.
Rhona Brown, Professor of Scottish Textual Cultures at the University of Glasgow, explained the significance of Fergusson’s work: “Robert Fergusson (1750-74) is one of Scotland’s most important poets, but he is often misunderstood.
“He is known for his enormous influence on Scotland’s national poet, Robert Burns, and for his tragic early death in an asylum at just 24 years of age. But there’s so much more to Fergusson than this.
“Writing in both Scots and English, one of Fergusson’s key themes is the ordinary life of Edinburgh, and he depicts the city, warts and all, in his masterpiece, Auld Reikie (1773). His poetry is astute and satirical, funny and razor-sharp. So, although the end of his life may have been tragic, his legacy is anything but.
“At the 250th anniversary of his death in 2024, we have an opportunity to rethink Robert Fergusson and to understand his legacies in new ways. We urge you to read the poems and see for yourself!”
Paul Nixon, General Manager at The Real Mary King’s Close,said: “We are thrilled to be part of the celebration of Robert Fergusson’s life and legacy.
“The Meet the Poet experience offers our guests a rare and immersive experience, where they can not only walk in the footsteps of Edinburgh’s past but also engage with one of its most compelling voices.
“This collaboration with the University of Glasgow allows us to bring Fergusson’s work to life in a way that is both educational and deeply personal.”
The Meet the Poet: Robert Fergusson event is a must-see for those interested in Scottish history, literature, and culture. It offers a unique chance to explore the lesser-known aspects of Fergusson’s life and appreciate his impact on the literary world, all within the atmospheric setting of Mary King’s Close.
Booking Information:
Tickets for the event are now available for purchase on The Real Mary King’s Close website. Due to the intimate nature of the event, spaces are limited, and early booking is recommended.
The events will be held on Friday 20th and Friday 27th of September.
For more information or to book your tickets, please visit:
Top Edinburgh attraction, The Real Mary King’s Close has been revealed as the UK’s favourite tourist attraction and 11th best visitor attraction in Europe in this year’s Tripadvisor® Travellers’ Choice® Awards – Best of the Best for 2024, highlighting the top attractions to visit in the UK and internationally.
The highest level of Tripadvisor’s awards, the Best of the Best winners are among the top 1% of listings around the world on Tripadvisor, with the popular Edinburgh attraction beating competition from some of the nation’s most iconic locations, such as Tower Bridge, The British Museum and Tower of London, to the top spot in the rankings, as well as Edinburgh attractions including Royal Yacht Britannia and Edinburgh Castle.
Inviting guests to venture beneath the capital’s iconic Royal Mile and discover the hidden close, which was once bustling with life, the popular tour takes visitors on a journey to uncover the city’s long-forgotten 17th-century streets and soak up the rich history of Auld Reekie.
With a variety of specially curated limited-edition tours running throughout the year, the attraction, operated by Continuum Attractions, remains a fan-favourite for locals and tourists alike, welcoming more than 250,000 visitors each year.
Commenting on the landmark achievement, Juliana Delaney, CEO of Continuum Attractions, said: “Our attraction is truly unique.
“Being able to bring the centuries-old stories of Edinburgh’s dark past to life in such an engaging and fun way is testament to our brilliant team of storytellers who capture the imagination of our guests.
“When we took on the Close some 20 years ago the predictions were for 60,000 visitors per year. Through the careful development of the site and expert storytelling we have built a reputation that has reached far and wide.
“Being named as the UK’s number one tourist destination is a real privilege but the most important thing is knowing that our guests enjoy their time with us and will want to return. Our partnership with City of Edinburgh Council has delivered them a world-class heritage attraction.”
The Real Mary King’s Close has been part of Edinburgh’s rich cultural scene for 21 years after Continuum Attractions teamed with the city council to reveal the Close’s rich history.
The Real Mary King’s Close has received more than 21,000 reviews on Tripadvisor which has helped it to land in top spot.
One recent reviewer said: “This tour is highly recommended by me! If you love history this will be an awesome way to immerse yourself in what life was like in the 1600s in Old Town.”
A second said: “A very interesting and unique visit to the Edinburgh of past times. You get to visit the old homes of people who lived there and learn their stories. Our guide Emilia was very nice and made the whole tour feel like time travel. Would totally recommend!”
Find out more about The Real Mary King’s Close and book tickets here.
To celebrate Pride Month, The Real Mary King’s Close is once hosting a series of educational and thought-provoking ‘Pride History Tours’, designed to reveal the hidden histories of LGBTQIA+ community life in Edinburgh from as far back as 1546 until 1912.
The LGBTQIA+ community tend to be missing from the history books, and it can often be difficult to imagine the struggles they had to face throughout the centuries.
This one-hour guided tour, led by the renowned Scottish poet, Robert Fergusson, or Marie Maitland, allows guests the chance to journey beneath the iconic Royal Mile to learn about key moments in history, influential figures who paved the way for change, and those who tried to stand in their way.
Whilst wandering through the now-hidden streets, guests will discover real stories from real people. During the tour, Sophia Jex-Blake and Dr James Barry will also shed light on their successes as well as the struggles they faced as LGBTQIA+ identifying members of the community.
During Pride month, it’s important to look back as well as forward, to realise how much the discourse around sexuality has evolved over the years.
The vocabulary and terms used today to describe sexuality didn’t exist until around the mid-20th century. When talking of homosexuality from the 16th to 19th century, it was described in various terms such as “buggery” and “sodomy”.
If someone was seen to be disobeying the heteronormative codes of society, they would be brutally condemned, ostracised and even sentenced to death.
Participation in The Real Mary King’s Close Pride Tours will provide guests with a deeper understanding and nuanced insight of the history of the LGBTQIA+ community in Edinburgh and in Scotland.
Paul Nixon, General Manager at The Real Mary King’s Close, said: “We’re so excited that our Pride Tours are back for Pride Month.
“Each year they grow with popularity with guests wanting to celebrate and learn about the diversity, resilience, and the importance of inclusivity throughout the centuries.
“The aim of the tours is to encourage acceptance and community through storytelling, and we hope we have encapsulated this in our specially curated tour.
“We can’t wait to welcome everyone, share our knowledge of the past, and help shape the future.”
Tours will be running throughout June, every Friday and Saturday at 16.00 and 17.30. Prices are £30 per adult / £24 per child.
Janet and David Chesney, the last residents of Mary King’s Close, the renowned Edinburgh city-centre attraction, now have their gravestone restored to its former glory thanks to dedicated volunteers.
Located in Dalry Cemetery, the Chesneys’ burial site fell into disrepair following the closure of the Edinburgh Cemetery Company in the 1970s. Over the years, the cemetery suffered extensive vandalism until Edinburgh District Council assumed ownership in 1988 through a compulsory purchase order.
More than a century after the couple’s passing, the Chesneys’ gravestone, along with numerous others, lay neglected amidst overgrowth, barely legible. However, the Friends of Dalry Cemetery volunteer group, fueled by donations, recently enlisted the expertise of professional stonemason John Burrell to restore the monument.
Today, visitors to Dalry Cemetery can once again appreciate the Chesneys’ memorial, a testament to the dedication of community volunteers in preserving Edinburgh’s rich history.
Eryk Jan Grzeszkowiak, Friends of Dalry Cemetery volunteer, said: “”During the volunteering sessions we often remark how most people associate cemeteries with death. Dalry Cemetery, however, is now very much alive.
“Every time an old monument is restored, cleaned or researched we get one step closer to bringing back the memory of those who came before us.
“In words of a poet, W. Szymborska “The eternity of the dead lasts as long, As one keeps paying them with memory”.”
Carol Stewart, Friends of Dalry Cemetery researcher, explains:
David Chesney – also known as David McKean Chesney – was born around 1798 in the parish of Kirkmabreck in Kirkcudbrightshire on the south-western coast of Scotland.
It is not clear who his parents were, although it is possible that his father’s surname was McKean. David Chesney became a sawmaker.
Janet Cowan was born in Rothesay, on the island of Bute, to Robert Cowan and his wife, Jane Duncan. Janet was baptised there on 1 June 1806.
Janet’s son, Andrew Cowan Ramsay was born on 16 January 1831 in Rothesay and was baptised on 21 February of the same year. His father was called William Ramsay and he came from Glasgow. It appears that Andrew’s parents never married but after his mother married David Chesney on 9 March 1839, in the Gorbals district of Glasgow, Andrew took his stepfather’s surname. It appears that there were no children born to David and Janet Chesney after marriage.
The 1841 Census indicates that the Chesneys were then living in the St Ninian’s district of Stirling but by 1851, they had moved to Edinburgh. The 1851 Census states their address as Mary King’s Close. Mary King’s Close was one of a network of closes running off the High Street in Edinburgh’s Old Town, upon which the Royal Exchange Building was partially built in the 1750s. This meant that the premises were substantially located underground.
On the 1851 Census, David’s occupation is stated as Master Sawmaker and the information indicates that he employed two men. Also appearing on this census was their lodger, an apprentice sawmaker called David Inglis. Interestingly, Andrew Chesney, who worked with his father, was not living with his parents at that time but instead appears on the 1851 Census, living at a boarding house in Edinburgh’s Bread Street. It is possible that Andrew boarded at a boarding house in order that the Chesneys could earn additional income from renting a room to a paying lodger – in this case, their apprentice.
On 16 November 1860, Andrew Chesney was married to Margaret Marshall at 24 Grove Street in Glasgow. Margaret’s father was James Marshall, a shoemaker and her mother was Isabella Williamson. After marriage, Andrew brought his wife to live with him in Edinburgh.
David and Janet Chesney continued to reside in Mary King’s Close throughout the 1860s and 1870s, however by then their home & shop address was identified as 8 Royal Exchange. The 1871 Census indicates that David Chesney was now retired and their son Andrew was running the saw-making business. By 1875, it appears that David Chesney had acquired property in Edinburgh, owning residential premises at 11 Middle Arthur Place on Edinburgh’s Southside.
Janet Chesney died on 17 November 1882, aged 76 years, at 8 Royal Exchange, Edinburgh. The cause of her death was stated to be bronchitis, from which she had been suffering for around 5 years and general debility from old age. The informant of her death was her son Andrew. She was interred in a private plot (R. 204) in Dalry Cemetery on 20 November 1882. It was only some years after the death of Janet Chesney, that David Chesney vacated the premises at 8 Royal Exchange. The Valuation Rolls, which were local taxation records, listing people and properties in Scottish counties and burghs, indicate that he was still living there in 1885, however it appears that he was eventually the last remaining occupant to vacate before the residential and business premises of the Royal Exchange were sealed off.
By 1885, David Chesney had acquired further properties in Edinburgh – at Spittal Street and at Montague Street in Newington. Andrew and Margaret Chesney lived in Spittal Street for most of their married life but they had no children.
David Chesney seems to have retired to live in Rothesay, on Bute where he appears on the 1891 Census and it was there that he died on 9 August 1892 at 11 Bridgend Street. The names of his parents are not recorded on his death record and the cause of his death was simply stated as “infirmity”. The informant of the death was his son, Andrew. David Chesney was interred with his wife Janet in Plot R.204 in Dalry Cemetery on 11 August 1892. At the time of his death, the value of his estate was estimated to be £777 5s 4d, which at that time was a very large sum of money.
Andrew Chesney died on 3 October 1906, aged 74 years, at 34 Thirlstane Road, Edinburgh. He had been suffering from hemiplegia – presumably as the result of a stroke – for almost three years at the time of his death. On 6 October 1906, he was interred in the Edinburgh Metropolitan cemetery (Plot I. 474), now known as Morningside Cemetery.
The informant of his death was William Naysmith Marshall, his nephew. William had taken over the saw-making/repairing business which he operated from around 1895 until approximately 1930, in premises at 5 Upper Bow, which is situated on the Royal Mile, close to Castlehill.
Andrew’s widow Margaret died on 22 January 1918 at 33 Comiston Drive. The cause of her death was senile arteriosclerosis. She was also interred in Morningside Cemetery, in the plot shared with her husband Andrew, on 26 January 1918. The informant of her death was her nephew, William Marshall.
PICTURES
Photo 1: Friends of Dalry Cemetery volunteers Paul Stansell, Thomas Kielty, Jakob Assarsson, and Lani Knott.
Photo 2: In memory of Janet Cowan, wife of David Chesney, died 17th November 1882, aged 74. Also the said David Chesney, died 9th August 1892, aged 94 years.
Photo 3: The Burying Ground of D & J Chesney. It is very unusual for the wife’s name to be included on the monument base.
Photo 4: The white marble obelisk monument has been cleaned and planted by volunteers and is becoming a must-see for Edinburgh history diehards.
The Real Mary King’s Close offers new immersive holiday to live like a 17th century local
Live like a local in 17th century Edinburgh with a stay that sees technology taken away, a visit from the Plague Doctor, and a bucket for a toilet
History lovers now have the chance to live like a 17th century Edinburgh local with a new week-long experience staying in the underground streets of The Real Mary King’s Close that are frozen in time.
You would have to be a ‘fool’ to stay on this immersive experience, as guests see their phones taken from them on arrival, as well as having to use a bucket as toilet, and avoid waste being thrown on them from other guests as they shout ‘Gardyloo!’
The new immersive experience from The Real Mary King’s Close is all about offering an authentic experience as visitors learn what it is like to be a former resident of the close. Edinburgh experienced the worst outbreak of the plague due to the crowded living conditions and over the week-long experience guests can expect visits from the Plague Doctor in their terrifying outfit designed to protect them, including a long cloak and beak-like mask.
As well as visits from the Plague Doctor, guests will live in cramped conditions sharing a bucket for a toilet, however there is no room service in this experience as guests will have to throw their waste out with a shout of ‘Gardyloo!’ so other guests know what is about to wash the streets.
Paul Nixon, General Manager at The Real Mary King’s Close, said: “As one of the UK’s top-rated experiences on TripAdvisor we are always looking for new ways for guests to immerse themselves in 17th century Edinburgh. What better way to learn what it was like to live on these streets nearly 400 years ago than to actually live on these streets?
“That is why we are set to offer a new week-long experience where guests can stay on the Close and learn what it was really like to live here day-to-day, from having no phones to using a bucket as a toilet, this is set to be an experience like no other, you’d be a fool to miss it!”
The Real Mary King’s Close launches its brand-new Medical History Tours, a unique guided experience which takes guests on a journey through the fascinating development of medicine through time
Located beneath the Scottish capital’s iconic Royal Mile, The Real Mary King’s Close is launching a brand-new tour based on 17th century medicine this Edinburgh Science Festival.
The new Medical History Tour will explore the nature and development of Edinburgh’s last plague outbreak, as well as the stories of Scots who revolutionised medicine to make it what it is today. All whilst exploring Edinburgh’s iconic underground street.
Edinburgh has famously been a focal point for medical innovation and experimentation. The city’s medical school is the oldest in the English-speaking world and was at the heart of the Scottish Enlightenment. While many amazing discoveries and advancements came from Edinburgh, like everywhere, some ideas were slightly strange…
Guests will learn about everything from the unusual methods of diagnoses employed by local apothecaries – such as former resident of Mary King’s Close, Dr Arnott – to the city’s worst plague outbreak.
Due to overcrowding within the city walls, the plague permeated the area in 1645. Those suffering from the plague would hang a white sheet from their window to warn their neighbours to keep away, quarantining themselves while awaiting a visit from the Plague Doctor.
Visitors will also learn about key moments in history that defined 19th century medicine, such as the formation of the Edinburgh Seven – an all-female group of aspiring doctors spearheaded by Sophia Jex-Blake, who fought for women’s education and the right to practice medicine.
The story of Dr James Barry is also highlighted on the tour, a renowned military surgeon who performed the first successful caesarean section in the British Empire.
The celebrated attraction continues to provide both tourists and locals in Edinburgh with a fascinating glimpse into the city’s dark past. As a result, The Real Mary King’s Close has not only established itself as one of Edinburgh’s top tourist attractions, but as one of the UK’s most highly rated experiences on TripAdvisor.
The new Medical History Tours from part of Edinburgh Science Festival, running from the 30th March to the 14th April.
Each year, the world-class Science Festival brings science to life through an exciting array of events, workshops, shows, and talks for all ages.
Whether you’re a science enthusiast, a curious mind, a creative or a family looking for an educational adventure, the Edinburgh Science Festival promises amazing and interactive experiences.
Paul Nixon, General Manager at The Real Mary King’s Close, said: “We’re really looking forward to welcoming people to our brand-new Medical History Tours at The Real Mary King’s Close.
“On the tour, we delve into the fascinating history of the medical scene here in Edinburgh, hearing from pioneers in the field. Our team is passionate about telling powerful stories and educating people about Edinburgh’s rich history.
“We can’t wait to see new and familiar faces on the tour and look forward to inspiring the next generation of budding doctors!”
Tours are available on Saturday 30th March, Saturday 6th April and Saturday 13th April.
Top Edinburgh attraction, The Real Mary King’s Close, reports best ever year after welcoming over a quarter of a million guests
The Real Mary King’s Close reports a record-breaking year for 2023 after welcoming over a quarter of a million guests underground to explore the hidden streets of Edinburgh. Located beneath the Capital’s iconic Royal Mile, the Close saw over 257,000 visitors, smashing their previous record year in 2019 by over 10,000 people.
The Real Mary King’s Close has not only established itself as one of Edinburgh’s top tourist attractions, but as one of the UK’s most highly rated experiences on TripAdvisor; inviting visitors to journey underground, encounter fascinating former residents, and become immersed in the city’s secrets and untold stories.
Even with the increase in number of visitors, the attraction is at an all-time high with a 5-star rating on TripAdvisor, holding prestigious spots such as the 4thbest thing to do in Edinburgh and 10th best visitor attraction in the UK.
The celebrated attraction continues to provide both tourists and locals in Edinburgh with a fascinating glimpse into the city’s dark past; such as the extreme living conditions endured during the plague and the harsh effects of social hierarchy during the 17th century.
Since reopening in May 2021 post-pandemic, the Close has welcomed over half a million guests, as people from all over the world come to learn about Edinburgh’s rich history. In 2023 alone, the attraction welcomed visitors from 162 different countries including France, China, USA, Peru, Swaziland and Kazakhstan.
The year was topped off with the completion of an exciting renovation project. Following a £200,000 investment, the Close transformed its listed Burgh Courtroom, located in Edinburgh’s City Chambers, into an impressive new retail experience on the Royal Mile, elevating the space and the experience.
Paul Nixon, General Manager at The Real Mary King’s Close, said: “We are thrilled to have had such a successful year in 2023 and welcome so many people from all over the world, it is a true testament to everyone here in the team.
“We first opened our doors 20 years ago in 2003 to reveal the true stories of Mary King’s Close and its former residents. Since then, we have grown from strength to strength, positioning ourselves as a leading attraction in Scotland’s historical tourism sector.
“Summer is always a particularly popular time for us, however 2023 saw a fantastic level of growth all year, with significant increase in numbers during the low seasons as well. No matter the time of year there’s plenty to discover here at the Close.”
“At the Close we are passionate about storytelling and creating unforgettable experiences that transport our visitors back in time. As we do this, we also look forward to the future and we can’t wait to see what 2024 will bring!”
For more information about The Real Mary King’s Close and bookings please visit:
Calling all brave and curious explorers, this February The Real Mary King’s Close is shining a light (or lack of) onto Edinburgh’s history, illuminating the lives of former residents and unravelling truths about their deaths with Lantern Led Tours.
The Lantern Led Tours are available for a limited time only during Half Term, where guests will descend into complete darkness with the only light source being the flicker of their lanterns, as they explore Edinburgh’s history.
Hidden beneath the Capital’s iconic Royal Mile, Edinburgh’s best underground experience is ready to send those daring to on a time-traveling adventure.
The one hour guided tour will transport customers to another era, with eerie interactions from two insidious characters that used to strike terror into people’s hearts at their very sight.
Paul Nixon, General Manager at The Real Mary King’s Close, said: “The Real Mary King’s Close is a place filled with excitement and mystery and stands as an important part of Edinburgh’s history.
“We’re delighted to re-launch our popular Lantern Led Tours after a highly successful run last year and give visitors the chance to follow in the footsteps of past residents, this time with only a lantern to guide them.
“This is the perfect activity to do with friends and family over the February holidays and discover more about the city’s dark past together.”
Lantern Led tours open from Friday 9th February to Monday 26th February, running each Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from 6pm to 9pm.
Tickets cost £30 per adult and £24 per child (5 to 15yo – no under 5’s allowed).
The Real Mary King’s Close invests £200,000 in listed Burgh Courtroom following over a quarter of a million visitors in 2023
The Real Mary King’s Close has completed an exciting renovation project, costing £200,000, to transform its listed Burgh Courtroom, located in Edinburgh’s City Chambers, into an impressive new retail experience on the Royal Mile, further improving the visitor journey at the top Edinburgh tourist attraction.
Following a complete redesign, the new design allows the original assets of the courtroom to stand out thanks to celebrated interior specialists, Lumsden Design. Working with the symmetry of the room to accentuate details, the layout of the newly curated gift shop takes inspiration from Edinburgh’s 17th century market stalls, the Luckenbooths.
The Luckenbooths were the city’s first permanent shops. Situated on the Royal Mile across from St Giles Cathedral, they could be found just a stone’s throw away from Mary King’s Close before the street was hidden beneath the City Chambers in 1753.
Excitingly, the new space also aims to improve the visitor experience. By connecting the guest journey from Mary King’s Close to the gift shop more seamlessly, the Burgh Courtroom now provides an interesting new extension of the tour itself, with the history of the room being revealed to guests on tour for the very first time.
The popular attraction views the renovation work as an investment following its hugely successful year, with over a quarter of a million people visiting in 2023. Much of The Real Mary King’s Close’s highest footfall came during the annual Fringe festival and the school holidays.
July saw a record-breaking number of visitors journey underground, with The Met Office reporting that it was the UK’s wettest July since 2009, and the sixth wettest July on record.
With the addition of exclusive monthly special tours in 2023, including a Herstory Tour for Women’s History Month in March and the Pride History Tour in June, visitors were able to learn from a wealth of fascinating social history experiences, providing a deeper insight into Edinburgh’s dark and fascinating past.
Paul Nixon, General Manager at The Real Mary King’s Close, said: ‘Reflecting on knock-on effect of the pandemic on the tourism industry overall in recent years, we are delighted to see a consistent increase in our footfall.
“We want to invest in our fantastic Burgh Courtroom to ensure our guests are getting the highest quality visitor experience as possible. We’re really looking forward to seeing the gift shop transform to a space that is reminiscent of the time and feeds into the social history of Mary King’s Close itself.”
For more information about The Real Mary King’s Close, visit :
