New experience awaits visitors to Scotland’s underground world of the past
The cobbled streets of Edinburgh are nestled under the gaze of the city’s long extinct volcano, Arthur’s Seat.
Under those pavements and roads are the secrets of yesteryear. There is a warren of subterranean passageways, cellars and meeting places which were long considered as being ‘home’ for many of the city’s residents.
This was a place which would have been well known to the infamous body snatchers, Burke and Hare. It’s a site which conjures up a mysterious sense of the ‘other world.’ A place where angels once feared to tread…
Today, they’re places which you can visit to savour the sights of the past – with an expert guide to share with you tales of yesteryear.
And, this summer, two of the city’s key subterranean attractions are partnering to reveal a forgotten side of Edinburgh’s rich history. The Real Mary King’s Close and The Lost Close are uniting for the very first time.
‘We’re delighted to be partnering with The Lost Close to offer a fresh and unique way to experience Edinburgh’s hidden history,’ says Paul Nixon, General Manager at The Real Mary King’s Close.
‘This joint ticket gives our visitors a rare chance to explore two underground closes in one morning, each with its own powerful story.’
‘From coffee culture and Enlightenment thinking to industrial innovation and everyday life, it’s a journey through the layers that have shaped the city we know today.’
‘We expect this to be a highly popular experience and anticipate that tickets will sell out quickly.’
The experience begins at The Lost Close, where guests gather at the historic John’s Coffee House – once a vibrant meeting place for Scottish Enlightenment thinkers like Adam Smith and David Hume.
‘With one ticket, guests can explore two very different underground closes.’ Image: James Armandary.
Rediscovered in 2019
From there, guests will descend into underground vaults and a close sealed off for nearly 200 years following Edinburgh’s Great Fire, only rediscovered in 2019.
‘This partnership with The Real Mary King’s Close is an exciting first for us at The Lost Close,’ says James Armandary, Tourism Development Lead at The Lost Close
‘With one ticket, guests can explore two very different underground closes and uncover the rich, hidden history they share – from the story of coffee in Scotland to the everyday lives of people who once walked these streets.’
‘It’s a unique way to experience Edinburgh’s past from two fascinating perspectives.’
Guided by an expert storyteller, learn about the fascinating journey of coffee in Scotland, from its early trade roots to the rise of the city’s first coffeehouses and their enduring influence today.
During the tour, guests will enjoy a cup of specialty coffee from local roaster, Common Coffee.
They’ll learn all about an extraordinary industrial discovery: the world’s second-oldest surviving Crossley four-stroke engine.
A remarkable glimpse into the past
It was originally installed at the Royal Aquarium and later used to ventilate the city’s police chambers. Experts say the rare Victorian relic offers a remarkable glimpse into Edinburgh’s innovative past.
Following the 35-minute Coffee Tour at The Lost Close, the journey continues just a few steps away at The Real Mary King’s Close, one of Scotland’s most celebrated heritage attractions.
Guests will be able to step into the world of 17th Century Edinburgh much loved and revered by authors and historians alike.
Led by character guides, guests explore a perfectly preserved warren of underground streets, homes and passageways that once bustled with life above ground.
As the Close was gradually buried under the foundations of the Royal Exchange, its stories were sealed in time.
On the immersive one-hour tour, guests will uncover tales of plague, poverty, politics and the perseverance of residents who once called the Close home.
Rich in historical detail and theatrical storytelling, The Real Mary King’s Close offers an unfiltered look at Edinburgh’s hidden past and the people who shaped its future.
Launching on Thursday 19th June and running every Thursday, Friday and Saturday until 30th August, this exclusive dual-site tour invites guests to journey through two unique underground closes.
Tours last approximately 1 hour 45 mins. Tickets are priced at £40, including access to both tours and a cup of coffee, making it the perfect experience to start your day.
With a maximum of 12 guests per session, availability is limited, and early booking is advised.
