How to find us
The Real Mary King’s Close, given its underground nature, can be a little difficult to find! We are permitted very limited signage on the Royal Mile so it is a challenge…its worth it when you find us we promise! Look out for the black bunting at the top of Warriston’s Close on the Royal Mile – this is the Close that leads to The Real Mary King’s Close.
These directions should help and we’ve provided a map for you too
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By Rail
From Waverley Railway Station: exit via Waverley Bridge exit, and turn left. Walk along Waverley Bridge until you reach a junction with a mini-roundabout, then cross to other side of road, into Cockburn Street. Walk up Cockburn Street until you reach the foot of Warriston’s Close. This Close is one long stone staircase (over 100 steps to the top), and if you walk up them, they will take you to our entrance. However, an alternative route that avoids stairs is to continue up Cockburn Street, until you meet the junction with the High Street (part of the Royal Mile). Here, take a right turn and walk up the High Street until you reach St. Giles’ Cathedral (the large building with a crown-shaped roof, not a pointed spire!). We are situated in Warriston’s Close directly opposite.
By Bus
Lothian Buses offer excellent services to all parts of the city. If you intend travelling to us by bus, then you should choose services that include High Street / Bridges in their destination lists.
From Edinburgh Bus Station, St Andrew Square: exit via St Andrew Square exit, and turn left. Walk along St Andrew Square (passing Harvey Nichol’s Department Store) into South St Andrew Street, and continue to Princes Street. Cross to other side of Princes Street, turning left, and walk past The Balmoral Hotel, taking the first right onto North Bridge. Walk up North Bridge, taking the first right onto High Street. Continue up the High Street until you reach St. Giles’ Cathedral (the large building with a crown-shaped roof, not a pointed spire!). We are situated in Warriston’s Close directly opposite.
By Taxi Cab
Edinburgh’s taxi companies are comparatively cheap and efficient, compared to other cities. If you decide to visit us, and are travelling by cab, ask the taxi driver for “Mary King’s Close, opposite Saint Giles’ Cathedral, Royal Mile”. Please note that access to the Royal Mile is limited.
By Car
Parking spaces are very limited in the Old Town of Edinburgh. The nearest car parks are: Niddry Street (beneath the SAS Radisson Hotel) or Castle Terrace; however, please note that access to the Royal Mile is limited.
From Niddry Street
Walk uphill to the High Street and turn left, turning on to the High Street. Walk up High Street until you reach St. Giles’ Cathedral (the large building with a crown-shaped roof, not a pointed spire!). We are situated in Warriston’s Close directly opposite.
From Castle Terrace
Exit onto Castle Terrace, and walk uphill in the shadow of Edinburgh Castle, into Johnstone Terrace. At the top of the hill at the mini-roundabout, cross to the far side of the street (Lawnmarket) and walk down – passing Gladstone’s Land. At the junction with Bank Street / George IV Bridge, cross over onto High Street and walk down, passing the statue of David Hume. When you approach St. Giles’ Cathedral (the large building with the crown-shaped roof, not a pointed spire) look for Warriston’s Close opposite. We are situated within this close.
By Bicycle
Edinburgh has an extensive cycle route network. Follow the signs for Old Town / High Street. We have cycle racks immediately outside our entrance, although any belongings left here are at the owners’ risk.