Special event: exploring underground streets from a bygone era!
A special event is being being planned beneath the streets of Edinburgh’s Royal Mile.
Visitors to The Real Mary King’s Close will shortly be in for a treat as, unlike the usual guided experiences, they’ll be able to wander the streets at their own pace to uncover hidden tales!
The immersive event lets you interact with the past in an environment brimming with atmosphere and characters.
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.
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.
‘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,’ says Paul Nixon, General Manager.
‘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 Real Mary King’s Close: ‘passionate about storytelling and creating unforgettable experiences‘
Crowned top tourist attraction
The Real Mary King’s Close was recently crowned the UK’s best tourist attraction and ranked 11th Best Visitor Attraction in Europe in the ‘Best of the Best’ 2024 TripAdvisor Travellers’ Choice Awards.
The ‘Underground Unlocked’ event will allow guests to come face to face with the people who once called The Close home.
It’ll allow you to encounter the enigmatic plague doctor, John Paulitious, and hear his grim warnings. Or, perhaps, you’d like to stop for a chat with Mary Stewart, Mary Queen of Scots, who spent her last night in Edinburgh in Pearson’s Close.
You can exchange words with renowned poet Robert Fergusson. Or, perhaps, pause to listen to Janet Chesney who was the mother of the Close’s final resident. 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.
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.
Britain’s subterranean heritage spans the length and breadth of the country with visitors flocking to these underground historical monuments.
