Welcome
STEP DOWN INTO EDINBURGH'S HIDDEN HISTORY
The Real Mary King’s Close is hidden beneath the characteristic and lively streets of Edinburgh’s busy thoroughfare – the Royal Mile.
Shrouded in myths and mysteries, The Close and its warren of streets, homes, and passageways offer a truly unique 5-star visitor experience. Unlock the secrets of Edinburgh’s only preserved 17th century street, wander through a labyrinth of Old Town alleyways, avoid the cry of gardyloo, and discover the stories of the people who lived, worked, and died here.
The Close itself can only be accessed via 38 stone steps. There is no lift access unfortunately. However, our Burgh Courtroom, courtyard and toilets are fully accessible.

Level access
There is level access from the main entrance to:
Admissions & Exhibition RoomAccess with steps
Visual
General
Getting here
For further information on accessible travel in Scotland, go to Transport Scotland.Travel by public transport
Lothian Buses and Scotrail operate a number of services a short distance away from The Real Mary King's Close. For more information, please visit www.lothianbuses.com or www.scotrail.co.uk. Please note that we are located towards the top of the Royal Mile, and the route from the railway station is fairly steep.
Travel by taxi
Parking
Arrival
Path to main entrance
Main entrance
Getting around inside


Ticket/ information desk
Admissions & Exhibition Room
The admissions area and exhibition room are both fully accessible, and don't require a ticket to enter. The Close itself can only be accessed via 38 stone steps. There is no lift access unfortunately. The space can become crowded at peak times of the day. Because of steps leading from/to the exhibition room fire exit, our cafe, shop, and toilets must be accessed via our Warriston's Close entrance (accessed via the Royal Mile).

Things to See and Do
Shop
The cafe and shop are both fully accessible. This space can also become crowded at peak times of the day. Guests can access this area of the attraction via a separate entrance on Warriston's Close. This entrance also includes an outside courtyard featuring a timeline of our history, and interesting facts about the Plague Doctor.



Public toilet
The toilets are located a couple of metres inside the main building (separate from the main admissions and exhibition areas). Along with our cafe and shop, guests can access this area of the attraction via a separate entrance on Warriston's Close. This close is situated a couple of metres away from our main entrance on the Royal Mile.
Shop
Level access to the shop can be found via the Warriston's Close entrance to the attraction.

Place to eat and drink
Coffee House
We have a range of food and drink options available in our cafe. Please ask to view the allergen guidelines for any specific dietary requirements.

Getting around outside
The outdoor courtyard area can also be accessed via the Warriston's Close entrance. This area features bench-style seating, a timeline of our history, and interesting facts about the Plague Doctor. Keep checking our website for updates about our pop-up events that run throughout the year.




Customer care support
Emergency evacuation procedures
Customer care support