The Real Mary King's Close

Edinburgh’s Old Town has witnessed centuries of crime, punishment, and dark secrets… but few stories are as infamous as Burke and Hare.

In the 1820s, the pair supplied bodies to Edinburgh’s medical schools through a series of shocking murders that horrified the city and changed the law forever.

This June, uncover their story and many more on our immersive underground True Crime Tours at The Real Mary King’s Close.

Led by a specialist storyteller guide, this 1-hour experience explores the real history of Edinburgh’s criminal past beneath preserved 17th-century streets hidden below the Royal Mile.

🔞 Recommended for ages 16+ only

What is the most fascinating true crime story from history you’ve ever heard? 👀

https://www.realmarykingsclose.com/whats-on/true-crime-tour/

The Plague Ducktor has arrived on Mary King’s Close… and poor little Johnnie Craig is first in line for a “medical examination.” 🦆⚕️

Armed with absolutely no qualifications and a very dramatic beak, our tiny doctor waddles through the Close asking the important questions:
“Have ye got the plague?” 👀

Thankfully, no actual diagnoses are handed out on our tours… just real history, fascinating stories, and a few unexpected laughs beneath Edinburgh’s streets.

So tell us… would you trust the Plague Ducktor to treat you? 😂👇

The court of Mary Queen of Scots was filled with rumour, scandal, and dangerous power struggles.

Among the most shocking stories is that of Lord Darnley and David Rizzio, whose close relationship sparked whispers across the royal court before ending in one of Scotland’s most infamous murders.

This June, our special Pride History Tours explore hidden LGBTQIA+ stories from Edinburgh’s past, shining a light on lives, identities, and communities often left out of traditional history books.

Join our storytellers beneath the Royal Mile for an atmospheric underground tour through centuries of untold stories.

📍 The Real Mary King’s Close
🗓️ Saturdays, 20th - 27th Jun 2026
⏰ 1-hour experience
🎟️ Book now https://www.realmarykingsclose.com/whats-on/pride-history-tour/

Just casually wandering through 4 floors of hidden underground history beneath the Edinburgh City Chambers… ✨🕯️

The Real Mary King’s Close still preserves entire streets and spaces beneath the Royal Mile, frozen in time below the city above.

Not many people expect Edinburgh to have a hidden underground world waiting beneath their feet…

Would you explore it? 👀

True Crime Tours return this June at The Real Mary King’s Close ⚖️

Step beneath Edinburgh’s streets and uncover the real crimes that once shocked the city. Our limited-edition True Crime Tours explore the darker side of Edinburgh’s history through real stories, real people, and real punishments.

Discover tales of:
🕯️ Witch trials
⚔️ Public executions
🦴 Body snatching
🔪 Murder and betrayal

These are not myths or ghost stories. They are part of Edinburgh’s hidden past.

Join us this June beneath the Royal Mile… if you dare.

📅 Running throughout June
🎟️ Advance booking recommended

Scotland’s history has always been more colourful than people think. 🏳️‍🌈

From secret relationships to hidden identities, our Pride Tours shine a light on the real LGBTQ+ stories woven through Edinburgh’s past, including the fascinating connection between King James VI and George Villiers.

Step underground this June and explore the stories history left in the dark.

📅 Pride Tours running 20th & 27th June
📍 Beneath Edinburgh’s Royal Mile

Who’s joining us? 👇

“Up the close and doon the stair,
Ben the hoose wi’ Burke and Hare…”

A rhyme once repeated by Edinburgh children. A reminder of one of the city’s most infamous crimes.

This June, our True Crime Tours invite you to investigate the darker side of Edinburgh’s history beneath the streets of the Old Town. Explore the real stories of crime, punishment, addiction, eviction, witch trials, and the disturbing figures who once lurked in the city’s closes.

Led by a dedicated True Crime guide, this atmospheric 1-hour tour reveals the fascinating realities hidden beneath centuries of folklore and fear.

📅 Fridays & Saturdays, 1st–27th June 2026
🔞 Over 16s only

The past is waiting underground… if you’re brave enough to face it.

Ever wondered how to find our gift shop once you arrive at The Real Mary King’s Close? 👀

Good news. One of our wonderful storytellers is here to show you the way from our Royal Mile entrance straight to the Burgh Courtroom Gift Shop.

Packed with quirky souvenirs, plague doctor favourites, books, local gifts and plenty of hidden treasures, it’s the perfect stop before or after your tour. ✨

Next time you visit, follow the route and step into a little corner of Edinburgh’s hidden history.

Have a favourite item from our shop? Tell us below 👇