The Real Mary King’s Close – The NEN

Edinburgh site named most haunted in the UK ahead of York & London

More than a third of people in the UK believe in ghosts and supernatural beings^[1], and experts say sightings aren’t limited to Halloween. With tourist season starting to pick up over Easter and the bank holidays, encounters at the UK’s top attractions may become more frequent.

Online psychic chat company Psychic World analysed thousands of ghost reports across the UK, mapping haunted sites within the local area and ranking by both the number of nearby hauntings and the frequency of chilling encounters in visitor reports.

Which UK attraction is most haunted?

	*Attraction name*	*Location*	*Haunted sites within 500m*	*Supernatural mentions*	*Spooky Score / 10*
1	Mary King’s Close	Edinburgh, Scotland	28	26	9.75
2	Theatre Royal, Drury Lane	London, England	9	9	9.22
3	York Minster	York, England	39	39	8.95
4	Gloucester Cathedral	Gloucestershire, England	16	16	8.65
5	Pluckley Village	Kent, England	2	1	8.38
6	Newcastle Castle	Newcastle, England	16	21	8.27
7	Edinburgh Dungeon	Edinburgh, Scotland	24	18	8.17
8	Dudley Castle	West Midlands, England	8	3	7.85
9	Shepton Mallet Prison	Shepton Mallet, England	2	9	7.84
10	Edinburgh Castle	Edinburgh, Scotland	14	13	7.64
11	Chislehurst Caves	Kent, England	2	3	7.45
12	Warwick Castle	Warwickshire, England	3	11	7.39
13	Arundel Castle	West Sussex, England	6	5	7.17
14	Stirling Castle	Stirling, Scotland	7	4	6.30
15	Margam Castle	Port Talbot, Wales	2	7	6.23

Scotland’s capital is now home to the UK’s most haunted attraction, Mary King’s Close.

Mary King’s Close in Scotland earns a spooky score of 9.75 out of 10 thanks to the many haunted sites within 300m of the historical landmark.

The historic close has had a reputation for hauntings since the 17th century, with the most famous story of a little girl nicknamed Annie, a melancholy, lonely ghost.

Additionally, noises, doors slamming by themselves, oranges cutting themselves in half, and a clock repeatedly stopping working at 4.15 am have been noted.

True to its reputation, Edinburgh ranks three times within the top 10, more than any other UK city, while Scotland is mentioned four times in the top 15.

The second most haunted attraction in the UK is Theatre Royal, Drury Lane in London. A West End theatre home to some of the world’s most exciting musicals now has a spooky score of 9.22 out of 10.

It’s said that actor William Terriss’ ghost has been seen at the theatre in a grey suit and white gloves, following his murder in 1897, alongside others in the area.

Frequently named the most haunted city in Europe, York is still worthy of its title, according to Psychic World’s analysis. With an estimated 600,000 people buried in church graveyards and other sites under its streets,

York Minster, the Anglican cathedral in North Yorkshire, has a spooky score of 8.95 out of 10 and 39 haunted sites nearby.

The sound of children singing and laughing has been heard coming from a nearby passage, and one witness reported the feeling of a small hand placing itself in his, although no one was visible.

Fourth is Gloucester Cathedral, with a spooky score of 8.65, with 16 haunted sites within 500m of the attraction. A ghost with a hunched back is said to wander around the pub and cellar, knocking the elbows of people as they raise their glass for a drink, and sometimes the furniture in the pub is found to have been rearranged overnight.

Rounding out the top five is Pluckley Village in Kent, which earns a spooky score of 8.38 out of 10. This historic village is known as one of the most haunted in England, being home to 12 ‘official’ ghosts. One of the most famous is Lady Dering, who is sometimes sighted in the churchyard of St Nicholas following her death in the 12th century.-

https://www.psychicworld.com

Edinburgh attraction offers first overnight stay in centuries

For the first time in over 100 years, the Real Mary King’s Close is offering members of the public the extraordinary chance to spend a night within its walls.

The overnight stay forms the centrepiece of a new campaign at The Real Mary King’s Close, offering visitors the rare opportunity to experience the historic streets after dark. The initiative also supports work to stabilise and protect the site, helping historians, conservators and visitors better understand how people in Edinburgh centuries ago lived and uncover stories that would otherwise remain hidden.

One winner will enjoy the chance to stay beyond visiting hours and experience Mary King’s Close as no modern visitors ever have – after dark, without crowds and immersed in the atmosphere of the streets where people once lived, worked and survived.

The experience includes an overnight stay for two with exclusive after-hours access to the site, a private after-dark tour led by an experienced costumed character revealing stories and details rarely shared during public visits, an immersive one-on-one experience with characters including the Plague Doctor and Dr Arnott, and dinner and breakfast served within The Close.

On top of getting to spend a night on the Close, the winner will also receive guest access for two to all of The Real Mary King’s Close special tours running throughout 2026, including Contagion & Carnage: The Plague Tour, A Dram of History, Pride History Tour, Dr Arnott’s Sampling Sensation, Myths and Legends Tour, Lantern Led Tour, and Victorian Christmas Experience. In addition, 10 runners-up will also receive two standard entry tickets to The Real Mary King’s Close.

Paul Nixon, General Manager at The Real Mary King’s Close said: “This is a truly unique chance to experience The Real Mary King’s Close like no visitor ever has before. To spend the night here after dark, when the crowds have gone and the streets fall silent, is something very few people could ever imagine.

“It’s an unforgettable way to step back in time and immerse yourself in the stories of the people who once lived and worked within these historic streets.”

Supporters can enter the draw to win a night’s stay at The Real Mary King’s Close by contributing to the crowdfunding campaign at www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/win-real-mary-kings-close?utm_source=press&utm_medium=pr&utm_campaign=rmkc-draw-mar26

Entries are open from now until Monday 30 March at 9pm. Entries cost £5 and can be made as many times as you like. The winner and runner-ups will be selected at random and contacted shortly after the draw closes.

The overnight stay will be arranged directly with the winner at a mutually agreed date, subject to availability and site constraints.

For more information about The Real Mary King’s Close, visit:

www.realmarykingsclose.com

Herstory Tour relaunches for International Women’s Day

The Real Mary King’s Close is celebrating International Women’s Day with a specially curated Herstory Tour. The underground experience invites visitors to journey underneath The Royal Mile and learn all about the incredible lives of the women who once lived and worked on the now hidden streets of Edinburgh.

The one-hour tour will include fascinating revelations about some of the most famous women in Scottish history. The tour is guided by a former resident of The Close, including Janet Chesney, a member of the last family to leave the historic street behind.

Guests will even get to meet Mary King herself and find out how she obtained voting rights nearly 300 years ahead of her time. They will also hear how revolutionary thinkers like Sophia-Jex Blake and the other medical students who formed the Edinburgh Seven pioneered gender equality.

The Herstory Tour shares stories of the women who faced suppression and persecution over the centuries but also of how Auld Reekie’s most influential women shaped the city’s history and impacted our lives today.

Mary King’s Close is known for having been “a haven for independent women” with 45% of properties having a female head of the household.

The Close is the perfect place to celebrate International Women’s Day, learning about the achievements of the women of the Close.

Paul Nixon, General Manager at The Real Mary King’s Close, said: “Telling stories of the past, shining a light on Edinburgh’s history and those who came before us are things we are extremely passionate about.

“We are delighted to be sharing the less popular stories of some of the remarkable women who once occupied the Close.

“We can’t wait to welcome everyone on the Herstory Tour and explore a hidden world together.”

Tours will run on Sunday March 8th at 1400 and 1600.

Prices are £30 per adult / £24 per child (5 to 15yo – no under 5 allowed).

For more information and bookings please visit: www.realmarykingsclose.com

The Real Mary King’s Close and The Lost Close partner for new “Above & Below Edinburgh” experience

The Real Mary King’s Close and The Lost Close have announced a new collaborative tour experience, Above & Below, launching this February.

Running from Friday 13 February to Sunday 22 February, Above & Below brings together two independently guided experiences to offer guests a richer understanding of Edinburgh’s layered history, both beneath the Royal Mile and above the Old Town.

The experience begins with a 1-hour guided tour at The Real Mary King’s Close, where guests descend into preserved 17th-century streets and hear the real stories of the people who lived, worked and survived there.

Following a short break, guests then continue their journey above ground on a guided Old Town walking tour led by one of The Lost Close’s expert guides, concluding with time spent exploring The Lost Close itself, a series of hidden underground vaults rediscovered in 2019 located directly opposite The Real Mary King’s Close.

The collaboration builds on the success of the two visitor attractions’ ongoing joint experience, Closes & Coffee, which has been running for more than 7 months and has been warmly received by guests.

Paul Nixon, General Manager at The Real Mary King’s Close, said: “We are incredibly proud to be partnering once again with The Lost Close. Supporting small, locally owned businesses is something we genuinely value, and this collaboration is a great example of how working together can create something special for visitors.

“After more than 7 months of successfully running our joint Closes & Coffee experience, we have been really pleased with the outcome, and Above & Below feels like a natural next step in that partnership.”

Katie Scott, Head of Experiences & Events at The Lost Close added: “Working with The Real Mary King’s Close has been a hugely positive experience for us. Closes & Coffee showed just how powerful collaboration can be when two organisations with shared values and a passion for Edinburgh’s history come together.

“Above & Below allows us to build on that success, connecting underground spaces with the streets above and offering guests a more complete and meaningful way to experience the Old Town.”

Priced at £40.00 per person, Above & Below is available for a limited time only during February half-term, with advance booking recommended –

https://thelostclose.com/above-and-below-edinburgh

The Real Mary King’s Close celebrates another record-breaking year as visitor numbers continue to rise

VISITORS FROM 147 COUNTRIES FUEL RECORD YEAR

One of Edinburgh’s leading visitor attractions, The Real Mary King’s Close, has reported another record-breaking year after welcoming 296,726 guests in 2025, marking continued year-on-year growth and reinforcing its position as one of the Capital’s most popular experiences.

The latest figures represent an impressive 5% increase on 2024, when the attraction welcomed 282,525 visitors, making 2025 the third consecutive record year for The Close. Located beneath Edinburgh’s historic Royal Mile, the attraction continues to draw strong interest from both domestic and international audiences keen to explore the city’s hidden history.

Traditionally one of Edinburgh’s peak summer months, July saw 38,079 visitors undeterred by warmer weather, instead choosing to step below the Royal Mile to uncover Auld Reekie’s rich heritage, hidden streets, and stories from the city’s past.

Over the course of the year, The Real Mary King’s Close welcomed visitors from 147 countries, underlining its global appeal. International guests travelled from as far afield as the Åland Islands, Belize, French Polynesia, Kyrgyzstan, Mauritius, Namibia and Nepal, alongside key tourism markets in Europe, North America and Asia.

The visitor site’s reputation is further reflected in its online performance, now boasting over 5,780 reviews across Google and Tripadvisor, with 93% rated four stars or higher, positioning it among Edinburgh’s highest-rated cultural experiences.

Alongside its core offering, The Real Mary King’s Close continued to expand and diversify its programme in 2025, launching two new tours while seeing strong ongoing demand for its established special experiences. Introduced in April, Carnage and Contagion: The Plague Tour welcomed 574 guests; Coffee & Closes, in partnership with John’s Coffee House, attracted 884 guests in its first year.

These new additions sat alongside the continued success of specialist and limited-run experiences, which allow returning visitors the opportunity to delve into different facets of Scotland’s history, including the Dr Arnott Experience, which welcomed 3,043 guests, and four Underground Unlocked free-flow events that together welcomed 976 guests.

Retail performance also remained strong, with historically inspired merchandise proving particularly popular. Best-selling items included the Plague Dr Shopper bag, with 5,363 units sold, and the Plague Ducktor, which sold 3,538 units during the year.

Paul Nixon, General Manager at The Real Mary King’s Close said: “Achieving another record-breaking year is a fantastic milestone and demonstrates the overwhelming appetite for immersive, high-quality historical experiences in our Capital City. Our dedicated team welcomed nearly 300,000 guests in 2025, from 147 different countries.

“We are continuing to evolve our offering through new tours and experiences while staying true to what makes The Close distinctive – its powerful storytelling, authenticity and a deep connection to Edinburgh’s past. It’s so encouraging to see consistent growth across both the peak and shoulder seasons, and we’re excited to build on this momentum.”

For more information about The Real Mary King’s Close and bookings please visit:

www.realmarykingsclose.com

The Real Mary King’s Close unveils festive events exploring the Edinburgh’s hidden past

This December, The Real Mary King’s Close invites visitors to escape into Edinburgh’s past with two interactive underground experiences: the return of its sell-out Victorian Christmas Experience and the once-a-year revival of Underground Unlocked.

The Victorian Christmas Experience, running across all weekends from Saturday 6th to Friday 28th December, brings guests face to face with a member of the Chesney family, among some of the last to live on the Close.

Through expert-storytelling, visitors will discover how Christmas slowly re-emerged in Scotland after centuries of suppression, and how Victorian Edinburgh shaped many traditions we still enjoy today.

Following the guided tour, visitors will gather in a candlelit room to enjoy tea, traditional scones with jam and clotted cream, and a craft activity inspired by authentic Victorian practices.

December will also see the return of the exclusive Underground Unlocked tours, offering two special evenings on Thursday 4th and 11th where visitors can roam freely through the preserved 17th-century streets at their own pace.

Rather than following a guided tour, guests will encounter a number of historical residents including merchants, plague doctors, poets, businesswomen and even those once condemned during the witch trials, each sharing their own vivid story.

For just a few hours, the Close will echo with the bustle of the people who once lived and worked beneath the Royal Mile.

Characters include Mary King herself, the sharp-witted merchant and burgess; Patrick Byrne the leather tanner; Dr John Paulitious, Edinburgh’s first plague doctor; Marie Maitland, the bold poet whose verses were hidden for centuries; and Euphame MacCalzean, determined to reclaim her voice after a wrongful accusation during the witch trials.

With more than a dozen figures appearing across the site, every turn reveals a new fragment of the city’s hidden history and offers a fleeting glimpse into Edinburgh’s past as it might’ve felt centuries ago.

Paul Nixon, General Manager at The Real Mary King’s Close said: “December is always packed with events, and we know people have so much to choose from.

“That’s why we’re excited to offer something a bit different – an immersive festive experience that the whole family can enjoy together.

“It’s a fun and interactive way to learn more about Edinburgh’s past, and after the overwhelming response last year, we’re delighted to bring it back.

“We’re also reintroducing our ever-popular Underground Unlocked evenings, which remain one of the most memorable ways to experience the Close. Together, the two events offer something truly unique for anyone looking to do Christmas a little differently this year.”

For more information and bookings please visit www.realmarykingsclose.com

The hidden folklore shaping Edinburgh’s past revealed in new tour

This September, step beneath the Royal Mile and into a world where history and folklore entwine, as The Real Mary King’s Close unveils its brand-new “Myths and Legends Tour”.

Throughout the month, Edinburgh’s hidden streets will reveal the stories that have plagued the city for centuries, as visitors wander through the dimly lit closes, guided by tales – steeped in history – of witches and fairies.

From the eerie glow of the Will-o’-the-Wisp to the mysterious tiny coffins un-earthed on Arthur’s Seat, discover how these incredible stories have shaped the city’s identity and continue to echo beneath its streets.

Among the figures brought to life on the tour are the Glaistig, half-woman and half-goat, said to guard cattle and mislead travellers, the sound of pipers believed to remain lost beneath the city, and headless drummers once thought to warn off danger.

Legends of goddesses and fairies blur the line between history and myth, weaving tales that link Edinburgh’s present to the lives, dreams, and anxieties of those who walked its closes centuries ago.

In 2024, The Real Mary King’s Close was crowned the UK’s best tourist attraction in the TripAdvisor® Travellers’ Choice® Awards ‘Best of the Best’, also ranking 11th among Europe’s top visitor attractions. It continues to captivate visitors with its unique blend of history, storytelling, and immersive experiences.

Paul Nixon, General Manager at The Real Mary King’s Close, said: “Edinburgh has always been a city of stories, and the Close holds some of its darkest and most captivating.

“These legends reveal the fears and beliefs of the real people who lived here, and experiencing them underground, in the streets where these lives unfolded, makes the past feel immediate and alive.”

The new Myths and Legends tours take place every Friday and Saturday throughout September, starting on 5th September, with two departures each day at 16.00 and 17.30.

The one-hour tours are limited to 20 guests, and visitors are advised to prebook as tours are expected to sell out fast.

History made accessible

The Real Mary King’s Close launches first-ever sign language tours ahead of Edinburgh Deaf Festival

One of Edinburgh’s most iconic attractions is making its own history by launching digital sign language tours for the first time. The Real Mary King’s Close will offer tours in British Sign Language (BSL) and International Sign Language (IS) using a multimedia app, launching to coincide with Edinburgh Deaf Festival which began on 8th August.

The milestone is a significant step in The Real Mary King’s Close’s commitment to making history immersive and more accessible than ever to anyone wanting to step back in time into the fascinating world of 17th-century Edinburgh.

Developed in close collaboration with Deaf Action, the translation is delivered digitally by a storyteller portraying Alexander Blackwood – the founder of the world’s first deaf church and deaf organisation in 1830, whose early meetings were held at nearby Lady Stair’s Close – a stone’s throw away from Mary King’s Close in Edinburgh. The historical connection helps root the experience in the city’s wider cultural and deaf heritage.

From initial scripting to on-screen performances, every aspect of the project has been shaped with deaf and hard-of-hearing audiences in mind. The result is a fully accessible and engaging guest experience, allowing more people to step into the streets and understand the stories hidden beneath the Royal Mile.

Paul Nixon, general manager at The Real Mary King’s Close, said: “We want everyone to feel the thrill of stepping into Edinburgh’s hidden past. These new BSL and IS options are more than just a translation – they’re a meaningful extension of our storytelling, built in partnership with the deaf community.

“Reprising the Alexander Blackwood character adds an extra dimension to the tours, allowing our guests to connect not only with the history of the Close, but with a pivotal figure in deaf heritage, rooted in Edinburgh. His story belongs here and we’re proud to honour it in a way that makes our experience more accessible, more immersive and more representative of all who shaped this city’s past.”

The idea for these new sign language tours came directly from The Real Mary King’s Close team, who used the expert guidance of Deaf Action to ensure the needs of deaf guests were met. From scripting to filming, every stage was thoughtfully designed to ensure deaf and hard of hearing guests can fully engage with the stories.

Richard MacQueen, commercial manager at Deaf Action, said: “As the world’s oldest deaf charity, established in 1835, Deaf Action is proud to partner with The Real Mary King’s Close to make this iconic Edinburgh attraction accessible in both British Sign Language and International Sign.

“With such a strong shared connection to the city’s history, it’s fitting that two organisations with deep roots in Edinburgh are working together to break down barriers. We applaud The Real Mary King’s Close for taking meaningful steps to ensure deaf residents and visitors can fully experience the fascinating stories hidden beneath the Royal Mile.”

The Close invites the public to experience this new offering and celebrate the launch during the Edinburgh Deaf Festival, which highlights deaf culture, language and creativity.

Guests can access the new tours from The Real Mary King’s Close free language guide app, which also features translations in 11 other languages.

For more information about The Real Mary King’s Close and bookings please visit: www.realmarykingsclose.com

Step Into Two Hidden Worlds Beneath Edinburgh: A New Dual Underground Experience Launches This Summer

– The Real Mary King’s Close and The Lost Close partner for the first time to reveal a forgotten side of Edinburgh’s rich history –

This summer, Edinburgh visitors and locals can delve beneath the city’s streets and explore not one, but two of its best-kept secrets thanks to a new underground experience that unites The Real Mary King’s Close and The Lost Close for the very first time.

Launching on Thursday 19th June and running every Thursday, Friday and Saturday until 30th August, this exclusive dual-site tour invites guests to journey through two unique underground closes.

The experience begins at The Lost Close, where guests gather at the historic John’s Coffee House – once a vibrant meeting place for Scottish Enlightenment thinkers like Adam Smith and David Hume.

From there, guests will descend into underground vaults and a close sealed off for nearly 200 years following Edinburgh’s Great Fire, only rediscovered in 2019. Guided by an expert storyteller, learn about the fascinating journey of coffee in Scotland, from its early trade roots to the rise of the city’s first coffeehouses and their enduring influence today.

During the tour, guests will enjoy a cup of specialty coffee from local roaster, Common Coffee, before encountering one of the most extraordinary industrial discoveries in recent Scottish history: the world’s second-oldest surviving Crossley four-stroke engine. Originally installed at the Royal Aquarium and later used to ventilate the city’s police chambers, this rare Victorian relic offers a remarkable glimpse into Edinburgh’s innovative past.

Following the 35-minute Coffee Tour at The Lost Close, the journey continues just a few steps away at The Real Mary King’s Close, one of Scotland’s most celebrated heritage attractions. Voted the UK’s best tourist attraction in the Tripadvisor® Travellers’ Choice® Awards – Best of the Best for 2024, the award-winning experience invites guests to step directly into 17th-century Edinburgh.

Led by character guides, guests explore a perfectly preserved warren of underground streets, homes and passageways that once bustled with life above ground. As the Close was gradually buried under the foundations of the Royal Exchange, its stories were sealed in time.

On the immersive one-hour tour, guests will uncover tales of plague, poverty, politics and the perseverance of residents who once called the Close home. Rich in historical detail and theatrical storytelling, The Real Mary King’s Close offers an unfiltered look at Edinburgh’s hidden past and the people who shaped its future.

Paul Nixon, General Manager at The Real Mary King’s Close, said: “We’re delighted to be partnering with The Lost Close to offer a fresh and unique way to experience Edinburgh’s hidden history.

“This joint ticket gives our visitors a rare chance to explore two underground closes in one morning, each with its own powerful story. From coffee culture and Enlightenment thinking to industrial innovation and everyday life, it’s a journey through the layers that have shaped the city we know today.

“We expect this to be a highly popular experience and anticipate that tickets will sell out quickly.”

James Armandary, Tourism Development Lead at The Lost Close, added: “This partnership with The Real Mary King’s Close is an exciting first for us at The Lost Close.

“With one ticket, guests can explore two very different underground closes and uncover the rich, hidden history they share – from the story of coffee in Scotland to the everyday lives of people who once walked these streets. It’s a unique way to experience Edinburgh’s past from two fascinating perspectives.”

Tours last approximately 1 hour 45 mins. Tickets are priced at £40, including access to both tours and a cup of coffee, making it the perfect experience to start your day. With a maximum of 12 guests per session, availability is limited, and early booking is advised.

Tour Schedule:

Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays from 19th June – 30th August.

09:15 – 09:50: Coffee Tour at The Lost Close

10:00 – 11:00: Guided tour at The Real Mary King’s Close

To book, please visit: https://www.realmarykingsclose.com/event/closes-coffee/

New tour offers ‘unflinching look’ into one of Edinburgh’s most devastating historical events

**Exclusive new Contagion & Carnage: The Plague Tour at The Real Mary King’s Close brings to life one of Edinburgh’s darkest chapters**

The Real Mary King’s Close is offering an uncompromising look into one of the most devastating chapters of Edinburgh’s history: the Plague.

Recently 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, this limited-time event promises a compelling insight into the people who lived—and died—through Edinburgh’s darkest days.

The immersive ‘Contagion & Carnage: The Plague Tour’ will take place every Friday and Saturday throughout April 2025, within the atmospheric underground streets of The Real Mary King’s Close. Guests will be transported back to the 17th century during the tour with stories on how the Black Death ravaged the city, as streets were overcrowded and unsanitary.

During the tour, which is not for the faint hearted, guests will learn about figures such as Dr. John Paulitious, Edinburgh’s first official plague doctor, and Lang Meg, a rare female leader of the city’s Foul Clengers—the team tasked with cleaning infected homes and disposing of the dead.

Through storytelling, visitors will witness the impact of the bubonic plague and learn about the desperate measures taken to contain its spread.

Guests will explore the once cramped 17th-century homes, where entire families suffered through illness with little hope of survival. The tour also delves into the gruesome medical practices of the time, from the use of red-hot pokers to treat buboes to the introduction of the now-iconic plague doctor’s beaked mask, an early form of protective clothing.

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, as guests explore what the city was once like.

“The streets encountered some of Edinburgh’s darkest days, and the plague was one of the most devastating events to hit the city as it ravaged the overcrowded streets. We are proud to be able to tell the story of what happened with our new immersive Plague Tour that will not only bring to life what happened but show how it impacted us all today helping shape modern pandemic responses.”

The experience draws striking parallels between past and present, highlighting the evolution of disease control and the eerie similarities between historic quarantines and modern pandemic responses. This gripping exploration of Edinburgh’s plague-ridden past is both educational and thought-provoking, shedding light on a chapter of history that shaped the city’s future.

The Real Mary King’s Close stands as an important part of Edinburgh’s history. It teaches the following generations about the incredible struggles people faced during the plague, the extreme living conditions, and the punishing impact of social hierarchy.

The tours will be running four times per day every Friday and Saturday throughout April 2025. Tickets for the Plague Tour are priced at £30 per person, with availability limited due to the intimate nature of the tour. Given the expected demand, early booking is highly recommended.

For more information and bookings please visit:

https://bookings.realmarykingsclose.com/book