Step into the shadows of Edinburgh’s Old Town and explore the darker side of Edinburgh’s past, uncovered.
A warren of streets, homes, and passageways, 5-star attraction The Real Mary King’s Close is Edinburgh’s only preserved 17th century street. Step beneath the Royal Mile and explore the shadowy secrets of the Old Town on a one-hour experience which delves into real cases of crime and punishment from centuries gone by.
This immersive guided experience reveals the truth behind the city’s most unsettling chapters. Led by a specialist “True Crime” guide, you’ll navigate the preserved underground streets where history’s darker moments unfolded, from everyday offences to extraordinary events that shaped life on the closes.
Through gripping storytelling rooted in fact, uncover how issues such as eviction, addiction, and the absence of social protections impacted ordinary people. Learn how fear and suspicion fuelled the rise of the witch trials, and discover the chilling connections between the Close and the real-life figure believed to have inspired Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde.
Due to the nature of this preserved 17th-century site, the experience includes multiple steps, uneven surfaces, and low lighting throughout. Unfortunately, step-free access is not available, and the tour is not suitable for wheelchair users.
The tour is delivered in English only and does not include audio guides. Please note that this experience explores mature themes and is suitable for guests aged 16 and over.
Tours run every Friday and Saturday in June 2026 at select times. For further details and to book tickets go to True Crime Tours.
