Underground Streets in Edinburgh Unlocked

For one evening only on Thursday, 13th March, The Real Mary King’s Close is inviting guests to a truly unique event that will cast The Close in an entirely new light.

Article Source: The Real Mary King’s Close
Last Updated: 27 February 2025 12:03

• Explore the hidden streets of Edinburgh like never before with The Real Mary King’s Close ‘Underground Unlocked’ experience

• The streets beneath Edinburgh’s Royal Mile which were home to real residents, will come alive once again.

Unlike the usual guided experiences, this immersive event will let visitors wander the streets at their own pace, uncover hidden tales, and interact with the past in an environment brimming with atmosphere and characters.

The one-of-a-kind event will see the streets beneath Edinburgh’s Royal Mile buzz with life as guests stroll through preserved homes and businesses, stepping into the world of those who once lived, worked, and died here.

Recently crowned the UK’s best tourist attraction and ranked 11th best visitor attraction in Europe in the 2024 TripAdvisor® Travellers’ Choice® Awards - Best of the Best, The Real Mary King’s Close continues to captivate visitors with its unique blend of history, storytelling, and immersive experiences.

Guests at ‘Underground Unlocked’ will come face to face with the people who once called The Close home. Encounter the enigmatic plague doctor, John Paulitious, and hear his grim warnings. Stop for a conversation with Mary Stewart, Mary Queen of Scots, who spent her last night in Edinburgh in Pearson’s Close. Exchange words with renowned poet Robert Fergusson, or pause to listen to Janet Chesney, mother of the Close’s final resident, as she shares memories of a vanished way of life.

The two-hour experience will allow guests to wander leisurely and curiously as every turn reveals a new piece of history, character, and every shadow holds a secret.

Paul Nixon, General Manager at The Real Mary King’s Close, said: “Our new Underground Unlocked events give a rare chance to explore The Real Mary King’s Close at your own pace for up to two hours. During the one-off experience, guests will meet and interact with up to 13 historic residents, and step inside preserved homes and businesses, exactly as they stood centuries ago.”

“We wanted to give an idea of what the streets would have been like back in the 17th when the Close would have been bustling with life. At The Real Mary King’s Close, we are passionate about storytelling and creating unforgettable experiences that transport our visitors back in time. We can’t wait to welcome them to ‘Underground Unlocked’ and give them our most immersive experience yet.”

The special ‘Underground Unlocked’ experience will be running on Thursday 13th March from 18.00 until 21.00. Tickets are £40 per person. Spaces are extremely limited, so pre-booking is highly recommended.

For more information and bookings please visit: https://www.realmarykingsclose.com/event/underground-unlocked-2025/

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