The Real Mary King's Close (couple trip)
How Couple-Friendly is The Real Mary King's Close?
What makes it 81% Couple-Friendly: The atmospheric underground lanes, costumed guides, and optional whisky or evening tours create a memorable date, though tight spaces give little privacy and require good mobility.
Positives:
- Immersive storytelling: Costumed guides bring 17th-century Edinburgh to life under the city.
- Intimate group size: Tours cap at small groups for a private shared experience.
Challenges:
- Narrow passages & stairs: 58 steps down and 38 up with tight lanes may feel cramped.
- No photography allowed: Cameras and phones must be stowed during the tour.
What is The Real Mary King's Close?
- A subterranean network of 17th-century streets and dwellings lying beneath Edinburgh’s Royal Mile
- A historical site that comprises former slum quarters sealed in 1645 during the Black Death and later rediscovered
- An underground time capsule revealing medieval urban planning through narrow closes, vaulted stone passages and period architecture
What is so special about The Real Mary King's Close for couple trip?
- Experience a guided tour through hidden, haunted 17th-century streets.
- Join hands-on workshops or whisky tastings for a fun shared activity.
- Explore at your own pace with free multi-language audio guides.
- Relax afterwards with a coffee and browse local keepsakes in the gift shop.
- Enjoy small group sizes and immersive storytelling below Edinburgh’s Royal Mile.
Recommended visit duration: 1-2 hours
Why 1-2 hours visit duration is ideal for couple trip: Guided tours and a quick coffee break fit comfortably in 1–2 hours.
Couple-Friendly Activities in The Real Mary King's Close
Standard 1-Hour Guided Tour:
Let costumed guides lead you through hidden 17th-century streets.
Tip: Book online to secure your slot and arrive 10 minutes early.
Dr Arnott’s Sampling Sensation:
Hands-on workshop testing 17th-century remedies using color, smell, and taste.
Tip: Reserve weekend spots in advance and skip if you prefer mild flavors.
Insightful Whisky Tour:
Enjoy a dram while learning underground whisky history beneath the Royal Mile.
Tip: Check special tour dates online and pair with a local dinner after.
Free Audio Guide:
Download the app for a self-guided tour in 10+ languages.
Tip: Bring headphones and pause at exhibits to discuss highlights.
Mary Ogle’s Coffee Cart & Gift Shop:
Savor a takeaway coffee and browse handcrafted souvenirs after your tour.
Tip: Share a hot chocolate and pick a mini keepsake to remember your visit.
When is the best time to visit The Real Mary King's Close (Edinburgh, United Kingdom)?
In August and around Halloween, book your tickets weeks in advance to avoid sold-out tours.
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Reviews of The Real Mary King's Close (Edinburgh)
Johanna Brown
Super cool tour of a very well preserved piece of Edinburg history! Our tour guide Jade was excellent. Very informative and funny. You can't take pictures during the tour, but they do take a souvenir picture if you want one. I loved it!
Shaun
We visited last week as a group of 10 on a visit to Edinburgh and it is was fantastic (once you catch your breath from climbing the hill to get to it!). We had time to use the bathroom and gift shop before we entered. Entry was on time. I'd say there were about 20 people in our tour with Becca(?) as our guide. Bloody brilliant. Humourous. Lots of fun facts and really good story telling about old E...
S Brooks
My son and I visited last May, and I was a bit apprehensive do to the possibility of steep walking areas, but to my surprise it was just fine. The ladies upon entrance were perfect, and our guide was wonderful, telling about the tales of Edinburgh of long ago, unfortunately we didn't see any ghosts, and Dr. Death was interesting to sit with, and the end of the tour was special too. (Don't want to ...
Tristan Summerer
First we were sad not to be able to take pictures downstairs (upstairs and in the shop it's allowed) but you don't have any time to be honest. Everything was exciting and the told history about Edinburgh and those buildings was fascinating! Anthony was the best tour guide we could imagine! His voice was perfectly loud, clear and well understandable! He gave clear instructions and was always kind a...
Cody P
I had a lot of fun on this tour! I won’t spoil everything down there, but there’s definitely a lot to keep you entertained. Our guide was excellent and had a plethora of knowledge. No pictures are allowed, though you can buy an overpriced one at the end if you so choose. Wonderful gift shop too. We definitely picked up some Christmas gifts. Reservations are highly recommended as only so many peopl...
Typical Budget for a Couple (2 Adults)
| Item | Cost (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Standard Guided Tour (2 adults) | GBP 42 |
| Coffee & Snacks | GBP 6 |
| Souvenir Purchase | GBP 10 |
| Total Estimated | GBP 58 |
Note: All prices are indicative and may vary. Please check directly with the venue for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
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How to Make the Most of Your Visit to The Real Mary King's Close
- Pre-book online: Reserve your preferred time slot on the official site to skip sold-out shows.
- Visit midweek mornings: Early weekday tours are quieter and allow more personal space.
- Combine with Royal Mile walk: Start or end your tour with a stroll along the Royal Mile nearby.
Map of The Real Mary King's Close
Address: 2 Warriston's Cl, Edinburgh EH1 1PG, UK
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About The Real Mary King's Close
Opening Hours
Hours may vary during holidays, special events, and peak seasons. Please check the official website for the most up-to-date information.
Website
Official WebsitePhone Number
+44 131 225 0672Explore Popular Things to Do
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