For one night only, history lives again beneath the Royal Mile.

On 1 October 2026, The Real Mary King’s Close opens its underground streets in an entirely different way.

Underground Unlocked is not a guided tour. Instead, you are invited to explore the Close freely for up to 2 hours, wandering through preserved streets alive with the voices, trades, and stories of Edinburgh’s past residents.

Step inside homes and workplaces where merchants barter, poets share hidden verses, and plague doctors move through the shadows. Around every corner, historical figures bring the underground city to life through conversation, craft, and storytelling.

Throughout the evening, you may cross paths with familiar names from Edinburgh’s history, including Mary King herself, Deacon Brodie, Marie Maitland, and residents living through the realities of plague, superstition, and survival in the 17th century.

With up to 15 characters appearing throughout the Close, no two journeys are ever the same. Each encounter reveals another layer of life beneath the city streets.

Immersive, atmospheric, and entirely self-guided, this is a rare opportunity to experience The Real Mary King’s Close as a living underground community for one unforgettable evening.

What to expect:

Explore the underground streets freely for up to 2 hours
• Encounter up to 15 historical characters throughout the experience
• Step inside preserved homes and workplaces
• Immersive storytelling and live interactions across the Close

Good to know:

Over 5s only
• Experience delivered in English
• Audio guides are not available
• This is a self-guided roaming experience rather than a traditional tour
Spaces are limited for this exclusive one-night event.