True Crime Tour (18)

True Crime Tour

  • 1st - 27th Jun 2026
  • Friday & Saturday
  • 16.20 | 17.50 | 19.40 | 21.00
  • From £31.50 per person
  • Over 16s only
  • The tour is in English. Audio guides are not available.

Book now

Investigate real offences committed on Mary King’s Close…

Join our True Crime Tours to discover the darkest side of Edinburgh’s history. This immersive underground experience explores real stories of crime, punishment, and survival within preserved 17th-century streets hidden beneath the Old Town. Guided by a specialist storyteller, guests will discover the people, events, and harsh realities that shaped historic Edinburgh.

Book Now

True Crime Tour 6

About the Tour

Our True Crime Tour reveals Edinburgh’s criminal past through real historical accounts and immersive storytelling. Explore the hidden Close while hearing stories of notorious criminals, witch trials, public punishment, and the difficult conditions faced by residents of the Old Town. Designed for older audiences, this guided experience focuses on authentic history rather than horror.

Book Now

True Crime Tour 3

What to Expect

  • A 1-hour guided underground tour beneath Edinburgh’s Royal Mile
  • Access to preserved 17th-century streets and rooms
  • Specialist storyteller guide bringing history to life
  • Real cases of crime, punishment, and social hardship
  • Atmospheric underground passageways and immersive storytelling
  • A mature experience recommended for ages 16+ only

Book Now

True Crime Tour 2

Plan Your Visit

  • Location: The Real Mary King's Close
  • Duration: Around 1 hour
  • Recommended age: 16+
  • Advance booking recommended
  • Uneven surfaces and stairs throughout the experience
  • Arrive 15 minutes before your tour time
  • Please note: This tour includes discussions of sensitive topics such as rape and suicide, which some visitors may find distressing.

Book Now

Frequently Asked Questions

The experience lasts approximately one hour.

The tour is for guests aged 16 and over due to mature themes.

Yes. The experience is based on real historical events and people from Edinburgh’s past.

Yes. The tour takes place within preserved underground streets beneath the Royal Mile.

Some areas include narrow passageways and historic staircases, so accessibility is limited.

Yes. Tours can sell out, especially during weekends and peak seasons.

Please arrive at least 15 minutes before your scheduled tour time.

The tour is atmospheric and explores dark historical themes, but it is not a horror attraction.

Register for updates

Be the first to hear about our events and receive priority access to ticket sales.