Edinburgh: Real Mary Kings Close Guided Tour

Beneath the bustling Royal Mile in Edinburgh lies an intriguing hidden gem – the Real Mary King’s Close. This captivating guided tour transports visitors back in time, unveiling over 400 years of fascinating history. Trained guides lead the way, sharing engaging narratives of the street’s former residents and significant events. As adventurers explore the only preserved 17th-century alleyway, they’ll discover a world frozen in time, complete with audio guides in multiple languages. With sturdy footwear recommended, this hour-long journey promises an immersive experience that may leave you wondering…

Key Points

• Guided tour of the preserved 17th-century Real Mary King’s Close in Edinburgh, offering a unique exploration of the city’s hidden history.
• Immersive experience with live English-speaking guides sharing captivating narratives and insights into significant historical events.
• Tour duration of 1 hour, covering over 400 years of Edinburgh’s past, recognized as Scotland’s Best Heritage Experience.
• Audio guides available in multiple languages to enhance accessibility and inclusivity for diverse visitors.
• Suitable for adults, with age and accessibility restrictions for certain guests.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Overview and Details

The Real Mary King’s Close in Edinburgh offers visitors a unique opportunity to explore the city’s hidden history beneath the bustling Royal Mile.

This 1-hour guided tour immerses guests in over 400 years of Edinburgh’s past, showcasing the preserved 17th-century streets and the stories of its former residents. Priced from £39 per person, the tour is regarded as Scotland’s Best Heritage Experience and features live English-speaking guides.

Participants will discover significant historical events, from plague epidemics to royal visits, as they navigate the atmospheric settings of this underground site.

With free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, the tour provides a captivating and immersive experience for those seeking an insight into Edinburgh’s hidden past.

Historical Insights

Visitors to the Real Mary King’s Close can discover over 400 years of Edinburgh’s hidden history through the stories of its former residents.

The close transitioned from an open street bustling with trade to an underground site, and visitors will learn about significant events like the plague epidemic and royal visits.

The guided tour offers an immersive look at the uniquely preserved 17th-century street, allowing guests to explore the atmospheric settings and engage with the captivating storytelling of the tour guides.

Through this historical journey, participants gain valuable insights into Edinburgh’s past and the evolution of this remarkable urban space.

Tour Experience

A guided tour of the Real Mary King’s Close offers an immersive walk-through of uniquely preserved streets and spaces, allowing participants to encounter atmospheric settings and engaging storytelling. Visitors will be outfitted with radio equipment for safety as they explore this underground site. The tour experience features:

Feature	Description
Entrance Fee	Included in the tour price
Audio Guides	Available in multiple languages
Storytelling	Captivating tales of former residents
Ambiance	Atmospheric settings that transport guests back in time

The tour guides expertly bring the history of this 17th-century street to life, providing an informative and memorable experience for all.

Visitor Guidelines

Not all visitors may be suitable for the Real Mary King’s Close tour.

The tour isn’t recommended for children under 5, individuals with claustrophobia, or wheelchair users. Children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult.

Sturdy footwear is a must due to the uneven surfaces and steep inclines, as the tour involves descending 58 steps and ascending 38.

Pets, cameras, smoking, and intoxicated individuals aren’t allowed.

The tour give you an immersive and atmospheric experience, so visitors should be prepared for the unique conditions of the preserved 17th-century street.

More Great Thing To Do Nearby

Customer Feedback

According to the available customer reviews, the Real Mary King’s Close tour has an overall rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars based on 2,302 reviews.

Visitors consistently praise the guide’s engagement and the atmospheric setting, emphasizing the informative nature of the tour and the captivating storytelling.

Many reviews highlight the guides’ use of audio guides in multiple languages, which enhances the overall experience.

Positive feedback focuses on the unique preservation of the 17th-century street and the insight into Edinburgh’s history, including significant events like the plague epidemic and royal visits.

The tour seems to offer an immersive and educational experience for participants.

Exploring the Preserved Street

The Real Mary King’s Close offers visitors a rare opportunity to explore Edinburgh’s only preserved 17th-century street.

Descending beneath the bustling Royal Mile, guests are transported back in time as they wander through the uniquely preserved alleys and buildings.

The Close provides a tangible connection to the city’s past, with each nook and cranny brimming with stories of former residents.

Visitors can envision the once-thriving community, now frozen in time, as they navigate the atmospheric settings.

Through the captivating narratives of the knowledgeable tour guides, the Close’s rich history unfolds, shedding light on significant events that shaped Edinburgh’s past.

Captivating Storytelling

The tour guides at the Real Mary King’s Close skillfully weave captivating narratives that bring the site’s history to life.

Through engaging storytelling, they transport visitors back in time, sharing tales of the former residents and the significant events that unfolded in these preserved 17th-century streets.

The guides’ use of vivid descriptions and immersive techniques, such as audio equipment, heighten the atmospheric experience, leaving participants with a deeper understanding and appreciation of Edinburgh’s past.

Their ability to captivate audiences with the site’s rich history is widely praised, contributing to the Real Mary King’s Close’s recognition as Scotland’s Best Heritage Experience.

Language Accessibility

Alongside the captivating storytelling, the Real Mary King’s Close tour also offers language accessibility to enhance the experience for visitors.

The tour provides live guides who deliver the tour in English, ensuring everyone can fully understand and enjoy the historical narratives.

Plus, audio guides are available in multiple languages, allowing non-English speakers to explore the site at their own pace and gain insights into Edinburgh’s hidden history.

This multilingual approach ensures the tour is inclusive and accessible to a diverse range of participants, enriching their understanding of the Real Mary King’s Close and its compelling past.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Own Audio Guide or Headphones?

No, participants aren’t allowed to use their own audio guides or headphones during the tour. The tour provider uses radio equipment for visitor safety and to enhance the immersive experience through the guide’s live storytelling.

Are Photography and Video Recording Allowed During the Tour?

No, photography and video recording are not allowed during the tour. The visitor guidelines clearly state that no cameras are permitted on the tour. Participants must refrain from taking photos or recording videos throughout the experience.

Is There a Restroom Facility Available During the Tour?

There is no restroom facility available during the tour. Visitors are advised to use the restrooms before or after the tour, as the historic site does not have any public restrooms within the guided area.

Can I Leave the Tour Group and Rejoin at a Later Point?

No, participants must remain with the guided tour group throughout the duration. Leaving the group and attempting to rejoin later is not permitted for safety and logistical reasons on this immersive historical experience.

Is There an Option to Extend the Duration of the Tour?

There is no option to extend the duration of the tour. The guided tour of the Real Mary King’s Close is a fixed 1-hour experience. Participants must stay with the group for the entirety of the tour.

Recap

The Edinburgh: Real Mary King’s Close Guided Tour offers a captivating journey through 400 years of hidden history. With engaging live guides, visitors explore the preserved 17th-century street, seeing tales of former residents and significant events. Recognized as Scotland’s Best Heritage Experience, the tour provides audio guides in multiple languages, ensuring inclusivity for all. Sturdy footwear is recommended as adventurers navigate the atmospheric settings filled with captivating narratives.

You can check if your dates are available here: