Nestled beneath the vibrant Royal Mile in Edinburgh’s Old Town, Mary King’s Close is a subterranean world frozen in time, where history and hauntings converge to create an unforgettable experience.
This hidden street, named after a prominent merchant’s daughter from the 1630s, was once a bustling hub of life, filled with homes and businesses typical of the city’s narrow closes.
The devastating plague of 1645 swept through, leaving tragedy in its wake, and by the 18th century, the close was partially demolished and sealed beneath the City Chambers.
Preserved in its 17th-century state, the close’s claustrophobic rooms, steep stairways, and eerie atmosphere make it a time capsule of Edinburgh’s grim past. Its abandonment and connection to plague victims have cemented its reputation as one of the city’s most haunted sites, drawing travelers eager to uncover its secrets.
Ghostly Tales: Annie
The ghostly tales of Mary King’s Close add a chilling layer to its historical allure. Visitors frequently report unexplained sensations, from sudden chills to disembodied voices echoing in the darkness.
The most poignant spirit is Annie, a young girl believed to have perished during the plague. In 1992, a psychic sensed Annie’s presence, describing a child abandoned by her family to die alone. Since then, visitors have left toys, dolls, and sweets in Annie’s room as offerings to comfort her restless spirit.
The sight of this makeshift shrine, piled high with tokens, evokes a powerful emotional response. Other spectral encounters include sightings of a shadowy figure in period clothing and the sound of footsteps in empty chambers. The close’s oppressive, damp environment heightens these eerie experiences, making it a magnet for ghost hunters and curious explorers alike.
Guided Tour
Visiting Mary King’s Close is only possible through a guided tour with The Real Mary King’s Close, a captivating experience that blends history, storytelling, and subtle theatricality. Costumed guides, dressed as 17th-century residents like plague cleaners or merchants, lead you through the underground passages, bringing the close’s past to life with vivid narratives.
The tour reveals the harsh realities of life in 17th-century Edinburgh, from overcrowded tenements to the plague’s brutal toll, as you explore preserved rooms, including a merchant’s house and a recreated plague-stricken home. While not overtly a ghost tour, guides weave in chilling tales of Annie and other spirits, often sharing eerie accounts from past visitors.
The hour-long tour involves navigating steep, uneven stairs, which may challenge those with mobility issues, and photography is prohibited to preserve the site’s atmosphere. For a deeper experience, special offerings like After Hours Tours provide a spookier vibe, while rare Photography Tours allow you to capture the close’s haunting beauty on select dates.
Planning a visit to Mary King’s Close requires some forethought to make the most of this unique attraction. Tours are in high demand, particularly during peak seasons like summer or Halloween, so booking in advance through the official website is essential.
Royal Mile
The entrance lies at 2 Warriston’s Close, just off the Royal Mile near St. Giles’ Cathedral, making it easy to find. As of 2025, adult tickets cost around £21, with discounts for children, students, and seniors, though checking the website for current pricing is wise.
Tours run daily from morning to evening, with extended hours during festivals, and evening visits amplify the spooky atmosphere. Comfortable shoes are a must for the uneven terrain, and a light jacket is recommended for the chilly, damp chambers. Visitors should approach the close with respect, as its stories are tied to real human tragedies, particularly when leaving offerings for Annie.
Mary King’s Close is more than a haunted attraction—it’s a portal to Edinburgh’s soul, where the lives of ordinary people, from merchants to plague victims, are etched into the very stones.
The blend of historical authenticity and supernatural intrigue creates a compelling experience that lingers long after you resurface. For a full day of exploring Edinburgh’s dark history, pair your visit with nearby haunted sites like Greyfriars Kirkyard or the South Bridge Vaults.
