- Explore the hidden streets of Edinburgh with The Real Mary King’s Close ‘Underground Unlocked’ experience
To celebrate its 20th anniversary, The Real Mary King’s Close is inviting you to a truly unique event that will cast The Close in an entirely new light.
Explore the hidden streets of Edinburgh, relish in secrets and stories never told before and come face-to-face with fascinating former residents, at the exclusive ‘Underground Unlocked’ event on Thursday 25th May.
Guests at ‘Underground Unlocked’ will have the opportunity to step back in time and into the shoes of former residents, roaming the streets which now lie beneath Edinburgh’s iconic Royal Mile. The Real Mary King’s Close will bustle with life once again for the first time since people lived, worked and died there during the 17th century.
The two-hour self-guided experience will allow guests to wander leisurely, and curiously, through preserved shops and homes and even meet thirteen former residents along the way.
Experience The Close through your own eyes as you meet the mysterious plague doctor, John Paulitious, around one corner; or the wealthy ‘merchant prince’, Stephen Boyd, around another.
Converse with the renowned poet, Robert Fergusson, or hear stories from Janet Chesney, the mother of the last resident to live on the close. Hear their captivating real stories and journey through the previously concealed streets and rooms on your own terms.
Paul Nixon, General Manager at The Real Mary King’s Close, said: “Back in 2003, we opened our doors under Continuum Attractions to reveal the real stories of Mary King’s Close and its former residents. Since then, it’s been such a huge part of Edinburgh’s historical tourism sector for the past 20 years.
“We wanted to celebrate by giving our customers the chance to explore it like they’ve never seen it before, and immerse themselves in the rich history Edinburgh has to offer.”
“At The Real Mary King’s Close, we are passionate about storytelling and creating unforgettable experiences that transport our visitors back in time. We can’t wait to welcome them to ‘Underground Unlocked’ and give them our most immersive experience yet.”
The special ‘Underground Unlocked’ experience will be running on Thursday 25th May from 18.30 until 21.00. Tickets are £29 per person or £25 for EH postcode residents. Use EHUNLOCK at the checkout. Discount is only available online.
Spaces are extremely limited, so pre-booking is highly recommended.
For more information and bookings please visit:
https://bookings.realmarykingsclose.com/book/underground-unlocked/207