Lantern Led Tour
- 2nd - 31st Oct 2026
- Every day, from 18.00
- 1 hour
- £31.50 per adult & £26 per child
- No under 5 year olds
- This tour is in English and Audio guides are not available
Discover Edinburgh by Lantern Light
When darkness falls, the stories come alive.
Step beneath the Royal Mile this October and experience The Real Mary King's Close as it would once have been seen, illuminated by the warm glow of a lantern. As daylight fades above Edinburgh, descend into the preserved 17th-century streets below and discover the real stories of the people who once lived, worked and survived here.
Guided by your lantern and one of our resident storytellers, you'll journey through shadowy closes where history feels closer than ever.
About the Tour
Your Lantern Led Tour takes place after dark, creating a unique atmosphere that transforms The Real Mary King's Close.
In the 17th century, Edinburgh's towering tenements rose as high as 10 to 12 storeys. With buildings packed tightly together inside the city's Flodden Wall, very little natural light reached the narrow closes below. Lanterns were an essential part of everyday life, helping residents navigate the dark streets beneath the towering buildings.
Following one of our expert costumed storytellers, you'll explore preserved homes and closes while discovering the real lives and deaths of Edinburgh's former residents. Along the way, you'll encounter one particularly feared figure whose appearance alone was enough to strike terror into the hearts of the city's inhabitants.
With dimmed lights and flickering lantern light to guide the way, this seasonal experience offers a memorable perspective on Edinburgh's hidden history.
What to Expect
- A 1-hour guided Lantern Led Tour beneath Edinburgh's Royal Mile.
- Explore preserved 17th century streets illuminated by lantern light.
- Discover the real stories of Edinburgh's former residents.
- Meet historic characters brought to life by our costumed storyteller guides.
- A uniquely atmospheric evening experience available only throughout October.
Plan Your Visit
Daily departures throughout October
From 18.00
Lantern Led Guided Tour
- Tours conducted in English.
- Advance booking is recommended.
- Audio guides are not available for this experience.
- Involves walking on stairs and uneven surfaces.
- Not suitable for children under 5.
- While atmospheric, this is a historical tour rather than a horror experience. Some moments may feel eerie, but the focus remains on the real history of Edinburgh and the people who lived here.
Frequently Asked Questions about Lantern Led Tours
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