Lantern Led Tour

A one-hour after-dark guided tour of The Real Mary King's Close, exploring Edinburgh's preserved 17th-century underground streets by lantern and candlelight.

This seasonal evening experience runs daily through October and on 1 November 2026, with departures from 18.00. A costumed storyteller leads visitors by lantern light through the preserved closes beneath the Royal Mile, sharing the real stories of the people who once lived and worked there. Along the route, historic characters — including a feared figure such as a witch pricker — are brought to life, with dimmed lights and candles creating an atmospheric but historical rather than horror-focused tour. The tour lasts about an hour, is conducted in English, and involves stairs and uneven surfaces; children under 5 are not admitted.