Signature Guided Tour
- 1st Jan - 31st Dec 2026
- Monday - Sunday
- 1-hour tour
- Standard Tickets From £28.50 per adult & £21 per child (5 to 15 years old)
- No under 5 year olds
- Audio guides are available for our tour in French, German, Italian, Spanish, Mandarin, Dutch, Portuguese, Polish and Hungarian.
Step down into Edinburgh’s hidden history
Join us for a one-of-a-kind journey beneath the city streets and uncover a world long forgotten. Our Guided Tours offer a rare chance to explore the original 17th-century closes and rooms hidden beneath the Royal Mile, where true tales and untold secrets come to life.
Led by one of our costumed guides, you will walk in the footsteps of real residents who once lived, worked and died in this extraordinary place. Each guide embodies a character from the past and shares gripping stories rooted in fact. From the haunting days of plague and poverty to moments of resilience and rebellion, our tours reveal the very soul of historic Edinburgh.
Expect dark corners, great storytelling and an immersive atmosphere that will stay with you long after your visit. Tours are delivered with energy and momentum, ensuring every moment is packed with atmosphere and insight. Please note that the experience involves 58 steps, spanning several floors, uneven surfaces, and steep inclines. Be prepared for a fair amount of walking and standing.
Whether it is your first time or a return trip, no two tours are ever quite the same.
What to expect:
A 1-hour guided tour through preserved underground streets and rooms
Fascinating insights from a character guide based on real historical figures
A blend of historical fact, rich storytelling and atmospheric spaces
A unique perspective on Edinburgh’s social history and hidden past
Important information:
Guided Tours last approximately 1 hour
We are a 5-star attraction and frequently sell out, so we strongly recommend booking in advance
From 1 June to 31 August, we offer Standard Admission Tickets which allow changes to your booking up to 4 hours before your scheduled visit
We operate a cashless payment system and accept all major debit and credit cards, except American Express.
For safety reasons, children under 5 years of age cannot be admitted
Due to the nature of our historic site, photography and filming are not permitted during the tour. This includes mobile phones, cameras, GoPros, Meta smart glasses and any other photography, video or recording devices.
Please note that food and drinks aren't allowed on the Close, during the tour.
Choose the ticket that suits your plans
We know plans can change. Choose between our Standard and Essential tickets depending on how much flexibility you’d like.
Standard Ticket
Flexibility included
Enjoy greater peace of mind with the freedom to change your plans at no extra cost.
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Reschedule your tour for free
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Postpone your visit for free
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Make unlimited changes to your booking for free
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Changes can be made up to 4 hours before your tour start time
Essential Ticket
For plans that are less likely to change
Changes can be made up to 4 hours before your tour start time, with a £15 fee per booking.
The £15 fee applies if you:
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Reschedule your tour
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Postpone your visit
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Make any other changes to your booking
Audio guides are available for our tour in French, German, Italian, Spanish, Mandanin, Dutch, Portuguese, Polish and Hungarian.
Please download our (free!) Mary King’s Close Audio Guide webapp, and make sure to bring headphones along with you on the day.
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