The Hidden Closes of Edinburgh's Royal Mile
Edinburgh is a city filled with hidden stories, secret alleyways, and centuries of fascinating history. While most visitors explore the famous Royal Mile, many walk past some of the city's most mysterious locations without ever noticing them.
What Are the Edinburgh Closes?
Tucked between the historic tenement buildings that line the Royal Mile are narrow alleyways known as closes. These hidden passages once served as homes, workplaces, social meeting spots, and, during Edinburgh's darker chapters, as crime scenes and plague shelters. Some closes were entirely sealed off for decades, preserving a snapshot of life from centuries past beneath the modern city.
The Famous Closes Worth Exploring
Mary King's Close is perhaps the most well-known hidden close in Edinburgh. Buried beneath the Royal Exchange in the early 18th century, this underground street is now a popular attraction offering guided tours into Edinburgh's past.
Brodie's Close near the Lawnmarket was home to Deacon William Brodie — a respected city councillor by day and a notorious burglar by night. His double life is said to have inspired Robert Louis Stevenson's Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde.
Advocates Close runs steeply from the Royal Mile down towards the New Town and offers one of Edinburgh's most dramatic views, particularly at dusk when the city lights begin to glow.
Walking Tours: The Best Way to Discover Hidden Edinburgh
The most rewarding way to experience the closes of Edinburgh's Royal Mile is on a guided walking tour. Heritage Guides offers expertly narrated Edinburgh walking tours that take visitors beyond the typical tourist trail and deep into the city's hidden history. From candlelit close explorations to tales of body snatchers and witches, each tour is crafted to reveal the authentic character of Edinburgh's Old Town
Planning Your Visit
Edinburgh's Royal Mile is best explored on foot, and the closes can be found along its entire length between Edinburgh Castle and the Palace of Holyroodhouse. Wear comfortable shoes — the closes and wynds are often steep and uneven cobblestone. Many are freely accessible, while others, such as Mary King's Close, require a ticket. Evening tours offer a particularly atmospheric experience.
Why Edinburgh's Closes Matter
The closes of Edinburgh are not simply tourist attractions — they are living layers of history. Each one carries the memory of thousands of people who once lived, worked, and died within their walls. Exploring them is one of the most genuine ways to connect with Edinburgh's complex and captivating past. For travellers seeking something authentic beyond the guidebooks, the hidden closes of the Royal Mile offer an unforgettable window into Scotland's remarkable history.
