Article Source: The Real Mary King's Close
Last Updated: 17 July 2020 13:51
The five-star attraction, which features a warren of uniquely preserved 17th century streets, has spent lockdown redesigning its tours to ensure the safety of staff & visitors, preparing some exciting new tour features, as well as conducting some research into Edinburgh’s plague history.
The tours will run at 50% capacity to adhere to the government’s social distancing guidelines. Signage, screens, and floor markings have been installed throughout the historical hidden close. Staff will be wearing masks and gloves where applicable and will maintain a social distance at all times. Hand sanitisers have been installs at intervals throughout the attraction, and a new strict cleaning regime has been implemented between each tour. The attraction has been given “Good to Go” status by VisitScotland and guests can prepare for their visit beforehand by checking out the “Know before you Go” web page.
Visitors will get the chance to delve into Edinburgh’s murky history, exploring rooms, nooks and crannies that were once inhabited by some of the city’s most influential people, including Edinburgh’s first plague doctor, Joannes Paulitius and Mary Queen of Scots herself.
Paul Nixon, General Manager of The Real Mary King’s Close, said: “We are really looking forward to welcoming back new and returning visitors this week. Watching tourism come back to life throughout the city has been really encouraging. When Covid-19 came about there was a feeling of uncertainty amongst tourism businesses, I am now feeling hopeful that Edinburgh can start to confidently welcome tourists back with open arms.
“We have reduced our tour sizes down to a maximum of 16 from 21 which we actually think is a positive change as it will improve the tour experience. I’m also really pleased to announce the new additions which we’d planned to unveil prior to lockdown including a room completely designated to one of our most popular characters, the plague doctor. As part of the room’s creation we commissioned a study by Dr Aaron Allen from the University of Edinburgh to carry out research comparing the Covid-19 pandemic to the plague outbreak in the 1600s. It’s really interesting to see the similarities albeit 400 years apart with social distancing, cleanliness and education being the most effective weapons against the outbreak in the 17th century.”
The first tour on Saturday will start at 10am. For the full tour schedule and for advance bookings visit www.realmarykingsclose.com
Acclaimed Scottish folk four-piece Gnoss are back with a brand-new single ‘Emily’ set for release on Friday 25th July!
READ MOREGilded Balloon launches a rewards scheme with £6 tickets now available for local residents for some of the Fringe's biggest shows - including Rosie O'Donnell, Jack Docherty, Kim Blythe and more!
READ MOREATG Entertainment launches their Summer Saver campaign with discounted tickets to over 100 shows including several at the Edinburgh Playhouse!
READ MORESheila Fleet is thrilled to announce the opening of her contemporary two-storey jewellery shop at 4 Hanover Street, just off Princes Street.
READ MORELeith Makers is excited to invite you to be a part of their upcoming collaborative exhibition: Leith Connections, running from 6th - 31st August.
READ MOREChildren attending Dobbies Little Seedlings Club will get the chance to travel back hundreds of millions of years to learn about prehistoric plants and talk about their favourite dinosaurs!
READ MOREScottish trad supergroup Mànran will headline a one-off live show on the Mound this month, as part of the return of Innis & Gunn's popular Edinburgh Festival Fringe takeover.
READ MORESUSHISAMBA Edinburgh launches its famed Champagne Afternoon Tea, with a refreshing summer spin, whilst guests enjoy unparalleled views from the restaurant’s home on the 10th floor of W Edinburgh!
READ MOREHot on the heels of a thrilling TravFest25 programme, the Traverse Theatre has announced the first details of the exciting work audiences can look forward to seeing in the venue from September.
READ MOREEdinburgh's West End has welcomed an exciting new destination as Don't Tell Mama, the beloved local coffee shop, officially opens The West End Garden.
READ MOREVirgin Hotels Edinburgh is excited to announce the creation of a brand new role, adding the first-ever 'Director of Mischief' position to its team.
READ MOREEdinburgh Zoo has welcomed Scotland’s only sloth bear, Cipísek, from Zlin Zoo in the Czech Republic.
READ MOREPubLife, a UK-wide summer celebration of the '90s will take place in over 500 pubs, including 7 in Scotland.
READ MOREThis summer, as school holidays get underway, families are invited to enjoy a day out at Scone Palace with their Kids Go Free promotion.
READ MOREThe inaugural Scone Palace International Horse Trials will take place from 21st–24th August 2025 in the stunning grounds of Scone Palace and Perth Racecourse.
READ MOREToday, Collective is delighted to announce and open a new programme, Panorama: New Views of a City, running from Wednesday 9 July to Sunday 21 December 2025.
READ MOREThis summer, The LEGO Group is excited to bring its new Summer Fun with Music Creativity Workshop directly to families in Edinburgh!
READ MOREScotland's greatest running event, the AJ Bell Great Scottish Run, will return to Glasgow on Sunday 5th October and they want everyone to 'Be Your Greatest'.
READ MOREFamilies will have the chance to meet some of this year’s biggest blockbuster-inspired characters for free at Fort Kinnaird this summer, as part of a series of exciting meet and greet sessions.
READ MOREThis week, the globally acclaimed venue, The Famous Spiegeltent makes her grand return to St Andrew Square after almost a decade away from her spiritual home.
READ MORENewtongrange Community Council is now pleased to reveal the names of the green-fingered locals that stood out in this historic garden contest.
READ MOREDynamic Earth launches its Toddler Tidal and Deep-Sea Discovery Zones in a bid provide accessible enrichment for little ones across the Capital.
READ MOREHis Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh welcomed Gold DofE Award holders to The Palace of Holyroodhouse this morning at a very special event to mark their achievements.
READ MOREBTS Army: Forever We Are Young, a brand-new documentary celebrating the fans that helped catapult 21st century pop icons BTS into global stardom comes to Vue.
READ MOREFamily favourites and animated adventures are heading to the big screen this summer holiday at Vue venues across Scotland.
READ MORECapital Theatres has today launched The People’s Archive, a digital exhibition that celebrates the rich history and cultural legacy of the King’s Theatre.
READ MOREA Disney-loving mum and her one-year-old daughter have been crowned Edinburgh’s biggest Stitch fans after winning a competition hosted by Fort Kinnaird.
READ MORELivingston Designer Outlet goes Jurassic crazy this July with lifelike dinosaurs, ranger training and endless photo opportunities for the whole family to enjoy.
READ MOREDeparting on Saturday 29th November 2025 at from Edinburgh Waverley, this enchanting lunchtime journey will be led by the iconic 60532 Blue Peter.
READ MOREEdinburgh International Film Festival (EIFF) has today announced its programme of screenings and events for its 2025 edition.
READ MORE