How to find us
The Real Mary King’s Close, given its underground nature, can be a little difficult to find! Our entrance is now situated directly on the Royal Mile, find us opposite the Mercat Cross and St Giles’ Cathedral.
These directions should help and we’ve provided a map for you too
Plan your route
Enter your postcode into the box below and let Google maps do the rest...
By Rail
From Waverley Railway Station: Exit and make your way to Waverley Bridge. Walk along Waverley Bridge until you reach a junction with a mini-roundabout, then cross onto Cockburn Street. Walk up Cockburn Street for a short period until you reach the foot of Warriston’s Close which is on your right. This Close has over 100 steps to the top! We are positioned at the top of this staircase to the left.
An alternative route that avoids stairs is to continue up Cockburn Street, until you meet the junction with the High Street (Royal Mile). Here, take a right turn and walk up the High Street (Royal Mile) until you arrive at The Real Mary King’s Close on your right. (Opposite St Giles Cathedral).
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 (Royal Mile). Continue up the High Street (Royal Mile) until you arrive at The Real Mary King’s Close which is on your right. (Opposite St Giles Cathedral).
By Taxi Cab
There are a range of taxi companies in Edinburgh, if you decide to visit us by taxi please ask the driver for “Mary King’s Close, opposite St 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 and charges will apply.
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.
