Tag: Underground Unlocked

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 

Edinburgh’s hidden streets unlocked at exclusive underground event

  • 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