Comprising a 35 minute coffee tour at The Lost Close and a 1 hour tour at The Real Mary King’s Close, this morning tour includes entry to two of Edinburgh’s most atmospheric hidden closes.
Start at John’s Coffee House & Tavern, once a lively meeting place for Enlightenment thinkers like Adam Smith and David Hume. Beneath it lies The Lost Close – a hidden close sealed for nearly two centuries and only uncovered in 2019.
Descend into this remarkable underground space for an expert-led storytelling tour. Learn about the role of coffee in shaping 18th century Edinburgh, explore the history of coffee houses, and admire the world’s second-oldest Crossley Four-stroke engine – a surprising gem beneath the city streets. Along the way, enjoy a cup of freshly brewed coffee from Edinburgh roaster, Common Coffee.
Then, continue your journey through time across the road at The Real Mary King’s Close. Step down into the preserved 17th century streets beneath the Royal Mile and hear the real stories of those who lived, worked and died on the Close. With no myths and no exaggeration, this is Edinburgh’s history told where it happened.
Tours take place on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays from 19 June to 30 August 2025, and are restricted to 12 guests per tour.
Please note, due to historic nature of the sites, this tour is not wheelchair accessible.
Tickets, which are priced at £40.00 per person, should be booked in advance on Closes & Coffee Underground Experience.
