The Real Mary King's Close

The Real Mary King's Close Is A Historical Underground Attraction Located In The Heart Of Edinburgh, Scotland. It Offers A Unique And Immersive Experience, Allowing Visitors To Explore A Hidden Network Of Narrow Alleys, Buildings, And Streets That Date Back To The 16th Century. The Site Is Famous For Its Preserved History, Offering Insights Into Life In Edinburgh During The Early Modern Period, As Well As The stories Of The People Who Lived There.

Key Features Of The Real Mary King's Close:

1. Historic Streets And Buildings:

   • The Real Mary King's Close Is Part Of An Old city Center Street, Named After Mary King, A Prominent Local Figure From The 17th Century. The Close (a Narrow Street Or Alley) And The Buildings Were Once Vibrant And Bustling With Life.
   • The Site Features A Series Of underground Spaces That Were Part Of A Thriving Community Before Being abandoned And Hidden Beneath Modern Edinburgh's Streets. Visitors Can Wander Through The Preserved Spaces To See What Life Was Like For The Residents In Centuries Past.

2. Guided Tours:

   • The Attraction Offers guided Tours Led By Professional Storytellers, Who Bring The history Of The Close To Life. The Tours Cover A Range Of Topics, Including The plague, living Conditions, And work Of The People In The Area.
   • The Guides Provide Engaging Stories About Edinburgh's Past, Often Sharing Both historical Facts And local Legends Associated With The Close. The Tours Are Available In Several Languages, Including English, Spanish, And French.

3. Historical Significance:

   • The Real Mary King's Close Offers A Fascinating Look At Edinburgh's Past, Particularly During The 17th Century. The Close Was Once Home To noble Families, merchants, And working-class Residents.
   • One Of The Most Notable Aspects Of The Site Is Its Connection To The plague Of 1645, Which Devastated Edinburgh. The Story Goes That Some Of The Last People To Live In The Close Were Affected By The Outbreak, And Some Areas Of The Close Are Believed To Have Been Sealed Off To Contain The Disease.

4. The Haunted History:

   • The Real Mary King's Close Is Also Known For Its ghost Stories And haunted History, Which Add An Element Of Mystery To The Visit. Some Visitors Claim To Have Experienced Strange Occurrences, Leading To The Close Being Considered One Of Edinburgh's most Haunted Locations.
   • The Attraction Offers A spooky, Atmospheric Experience, And It Is Often Considered One Of The best Ghost Tours In The City.

5. Restoration And Preservation:

   • The Site Was Rediscovered In The Late 20th Century During Construction Work In Edinburgh. It Was Carefully Preserved And Restored To Offer A Glimpse Into The City’s History, Making It A Valuable Cultural And Heritage Site.
   • The Close Is A Rare Surviving Example Of How ordinary People Lived In early Edinburgh.

Visiting Information:

1. Location:

   • The Real Mary King's Close Is Located On The Royal Mile In Edinburgh, A Central And Easily Accessible Area Of The City. It Is Situated Near Other Famous Landmarks Such As Edinburgh Castle And The St Giles' Cathedral.

2. Opening Hours:

   • The Attraction Is Generally Open every Day From 10 AM To 6 PM, Though The Exact Hours May Vary Seasonally Or On Public Holidays. It's Always A Good Idea To Check Ahead On The Official Website For Up-to-date Timings.

3. Admission Fees:

   • Entry To The Real Mary King's Close Is ticketed. Prices Vary Depending On The Type Of Tour And Age Group. Adult Tickets Typically Range From £15 To £20, With Discounts Available For children And students.
   • Family Tickets And group Rates Are Also Available, And Tickets Should Ideally Be Booked In Advance, Especially During Peak Tourist Seasons.

4. Duration Of Visit:

   • A Typical Visit Lasts Around 1 Hour. The Guided Tours Take About 45 To 60 Minutes, Depending On The Group Size And The Guide's Pace.

5. Commute Options:

   • Walking: Since The Real Mary King's Close Is Located In The Royal Mile, It Is Easily Accessible By Foot From Many Central Locations In Edinburgh.
   • Public Transport: The Nearest bus Stops Are Along High Street Or Royal Mile, And There Are Several Tram And Bus Routes Passing Through The Area.
   • Taxi/Ride-sharing: A Taxi Or ride-sharing Services Like Uber Can Drop You Directly At The Entrance Of The Attraction.
   • Parking: Parking Can Be Limited In The Area Around The Royal Mile, But There Are Nearby car Parks Or on-street Parking Options.

6. Accessibility:

   • The Attraction Is Not Fully wheelchair Accessible Due To The Narrow And Uneven Nature Of The Underground Passageways. However, The Team Is Happy To Accommodate Visitors With Special Needs, So It’s Worth Contacting Them Beforehand To Discuss Any Accessibility Concerns.
   • The Site May Not Be Ideal For Those With Mobility Impairments Due To The Steep Stairs And Uneven Ground.

In Summary:

The Real Mary King's Close Is An Incredible Journey Back In Time, Offering Visitors A Chance To Step Into The Hidden World Of 17th-century Edinburgh. With Its Unique Blend Of history, mystery, And ghost Stories, It’s One Of The City's Most Fascinating And Immersive Attractions. Whether You're Interested In Edinburgh’s Past, Its Haunted Legends, Or Simply Enjoy Discovering Hidden Parts Of The City, The Real Mary King's Close Is A Must-see For Visitors.