Step beneath the Royal Mile and shine a light on the past by joining an atmospheric lantern-led guided tour in Edinburgh in October. Descend the historic steps leading down from The Royal Mile onto Mary King’s Close.

During the 17th century, Edinburgh was still surrounded by the Flodden Wall, which prevented the city from expanding beyond it. Instead, we built upwards.Tenements in Edinburgh could reach heights of between 10 and 12 storeys high during the period. Given how closely packed the streets were, it made it difficult for natural light to reach the lowest levels of the closes.

Experience the darkness for yourself by booking a lantern-led tour at The Real Mary King’s Close. All you will have to lead you is one of Edinburgh’s past residents and the flickering of your lantern…

Learn about the lives and deaths of real people who used to roam the streets of Edinburgh. You’ll also meet two additional characters from the 17th century along the way; ones that used to strike terror into people’s hearts at the very sight of them…