Lights Out for Lantern Led Tours at The Real Mary King’s Close 

Halloween in Edinburgh  – What to expect on a Lantern Led Tour

Step beneath the Royal Mile and shine a light on the past by joining an 𝐚𝐭𝐦𝐨𝐬𝐩𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐜 𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐧 𝐥𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐨𝐮𝐫 in Edinburgh in October. Descend the historic steps leading down from The Royal Mile onto Mary King’s Close.

During the 17th century, Edinburgh was still surrounded by the Flodden Wall, which prevented the city from expanding beyond it. Instead, we built upwards. Tenements in Edinburgh could reach heights of between 10 and 12 storeys high during the period. Given how closely packed the streets were, it made it difficult for natural light to reach the lowest levels of the closes.

Experience the darkness for yourself by booking one of our lantern-led tours. All you will have to lead you is a resident of the close and the flickering of your lantern…🕯️

Learn about the 𝐥𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐝𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐡𝐬 of real people who used to roam the streets of Edinburgh. You’ll also meet a rather insidious character from the 17th century along the way; one that used to strike terror into people’s hearts at the very sight of them…

Please note, audio guides are not available for our Lantern Led Tours.

Add a delicious twist to your Halloween night

After wandering the shadowy closes with only a lantern to light the way, why not end the evening with something truly indulgent? From 11th to 31st October, guests joining our 18.15, 18.30 or 18.45 Lantern Led Tours can round off their night with A Spirited Evening—a special Halloween dinner at Amber Restaurant.

This hauntingly good tasting menu comprises seven dishes served across three courses and has been crafted just for the occasion, showcasing bold Scottish flavours.  Dessert is paired with a perfectly chosen dram of Scotch whisky to warm the soul.

Settle in and savour dishes that are rich, seasonal, and brimming with character. From starter to pudding, A Spirited Evening is designed to stir the senses.

🕯️ Tour at 18.15? Dinner is served at 19.30
🕯️ Tour at 18.30? Join Amber for dinner at 19.45
🕯️ Tour at 18.45? Your table awaits at 20.00

It includes a tasting menu of seven dishes served across three-courses a whisky paired with dessert, and tea or coffee to finish.
Available to Lantern Led Tour guests on select evenings. Spaces are limited and must be booked in advance through us.

Amber can cater to vegetarian, vegan and other dietary requirements—just let us know when booking.

Embrace the spirit of Halloween with an evening that’s dark, delicious, and devilishly memorable.

Don’t take our words for it!

***** Tripadvisor | October 2024: “Walking with our dimly lit lanterns through the narrow, preserved streets and rooms, I felt transported back in time. It’s an eye-opening glimpse into how people once lived, worked, and survived in these closes.”

***** Tripadvisor | October 2024: “We did the lantern-led tour on Halloween night, and it was fantastic. The staff were great from start to finish but our tour guide was amazing. […] It was entertaining, informative and the right amount of atmosphere. […] This was on our bucket list and we would certainly recommend it.”

***** Tripadvisor | October 2024: “We had a great time walking through the warren of underground tunnels and staircases, lanterns in hand, learning about the history of Edinburgh. Plague doctors, witch pickers, foul clengers were a great part of the experience telling stories and engaging us in their stories. […] Highly recommend!”

***** Tripadvisor | October 2023: “I went at night on the lantern tour with my fiancée and our 2 kids ages 9 and 10 and we all loved it. Was a great mix of learning about the hidden history of Edinburgh while being entertaining too. Some good scares too but not enough to be too much for the kids. They loved it!”

***** Tripadvisor | October 2023: “Amazing experience, specially in the Halloween season! We took the lantern tour and its quite interesting. Spooky and historic at the same time.”

***** Tripadvisor | October 2023: “We learned a ton and had a few creepy moments. (…) Also this tour does include live theater to teach you, so note you may be picked on at some points to participate. Overall, it was a great tour and I definitely recommend!”