Photos: Richard Webb , Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 2.0 Clarkson Frederick Stanfield, Wikimedia Commons, Public domain Patche99z, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
Photo credits
Photos: Richard Webb , Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 2.0 Clarkson Frederick Stanfield, Wikimedia Commons, Public domain Patche99z, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
Mary King's Close, seen from the street above
Your local guide
Ewan Campbell
View profile
Highlights
- A close buried beneath the street
- The doorway down to Mary King's
- A pavement line marking the old street
- How Edinburgh built over itself
- The close's story from street level
About this tour
This session stays on the street above Mary King's Close, looking at how an entire close ended up buried beneath later buildings. You see the doorway that leads down to it and the change in pavement level that marks the old street line. Ewan explains how this part of the Old Town came to be built over rather than torn down.
After a brief sound check, the session spends most of its short time at the entrance itself, leaving space for questions about how the close came to be sealed off. Ewan answers what comes up and sends a short reading list afterwards for anyone who wants the full story.
It suits anyone who has heard of Mary King's Close and wants the context before visiting yourself. It also works for those interested in how cities get built on top of themselves.
Included
- Live video walk with a local guide
- Questions to your guide all the way
- A short list of places to visit later
Not included
- Internet connection
- Travel to the city
Itinerary
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Welcome and sound check 5 min
The guide joins the video call, checks the picture and sound with you, and gives you a quick sense of Edinburgh before heading out.
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The Royal Mile above the close 15 min
The camera stands on the street where the entrance to Mary King's Close sits below street level. Ewan explains how later buildings were built directly over the top of the old street.
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The close's entrance 15 min
A doorway leads down to the close itself, closed off from casual entry. Ewan points out the level change in the pavement that marks where the old street once ran.
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Your questions 7 min
Time to ask anything about Edinburgh: prices, safety, food, or whatever you are curious about.
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A short list to keep 3 min
Before you go, the guide sums up with a few things worth remembering: a dish to try: Scotch whisky and Leith, worth a slower look.
Good to know
- A stable wifi or mobile connection makes the picture smoother than a shaky one.
- Any phone, tablet or laptop with a camera works. You watch, the guide does the walking.
- Times are shown in London time, so check the time where you are before you book.
- The session is not recorded, and recording it yourself is not allowed. Feel free to take your own notes.
- Ask questions any time, out loud or in the chat. The guide will pause to answer.
- Sessions run in small groups, up to 10 people, so there is room for everyone to ask something.
Questions about this tour
What will the session cover?
The guide walks through Edinburgh, showing you The Royal Mile above the close and The close's entrance live on camera, plus whatever else you would like to see.
What happens if my connection drops?
Rejoin with the same link within a few minutes and the guide will catch you up on anything you missed.
Can I ask the guide questions during the session, or is it a fixed script?
Anything, any time. Sessions leave room for your own questions throughout, not just at the end.
Do I need to know the history already?
No background needed. The guide explains everything as it comes up.
How it works
- You get one join link after booking.
- Join from any device: phone, tablet or laptop.
- We meet on Google Meet; the link comes with your booking. I walk Edinburgh live with my phone. I stand on the street above the close.
Times shown in London time (GMT)
Cancellation
Flexible
- Cancel up to 24 hours before the start: full refund.
- Cancel less than 24 hours before the start, or no-show: no refund.
- If the guide cancels or the date does not reach its minimum group: full refund.
- Cancel in My Account → Bookings; the refund is calculated from the start time in the tour's local time.
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Next: Sat 7 Nov · 10 seats left From 19,00 €
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