What's Under the Royal Mile?

The hidden world of Mary King’s Close and step into the stories of 17th-century life, loss and legend beneath the streets of Old Town

“In Edinburgh’s Old Town, every stone tells a story, and every close holds a secret waiting to be discovered.”

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Mad about Scotland? Spread the cheer! Today’s newsletter celebrates the beauty, culture and spirit of Scotland, from its rugged landscapes and ancient castles to its rich traditions and flavours. Know someone who dreams of Scotland too? Spread the magic by forwarding this to a friend - they’ll love discovering a wee bit of Scotland in their inbox!

Mary King Close - Love to Visit Scotland

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In today’s email:-

• What's Under the Royal Mile?

• Hidden Gems of Edinburgh

• Around the Web: A home for Scotland's stories; The King's official residence in Edinburgh; Scotland’s Secret Places and more…

• Everything you need to know about visiting the Scottish Highlands and the Isle of Skye

• Experiences Likely To Sell Out

• 🌟 New: Travel Quizzer is Here!

• From Social Media: From dramatic cliff-top Fortresses to fairytale Palaces, these Castles stand as living testaments to the past

• Scottish Food You Will Love: A Pro Chef’s Guide to Edinburgh’s Must-Try Food

• Coo Wee: Edinburgh's HIDDEN Streets - The Real Mary King's Close

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What's Under the Royal Mile?

Hidden beneath Edinburgh’s busy Royal Mile is one of the city’s most fascinating sites—The Real Mary King’s Close. This underground street takes visitors back to the 1600s, showing what life was really like in Old Town. It’s named after Mary King, a successful businesswoman who once lived there. In the 1700s, part of the close was closed off when new buildings were added above it. Today, you can walk through these dark and narrow spaces, hear stories of the people who lived through plague and hardship, and even learn about the ghosts said to haunt the close.

Back in the day, Edinburgh was a very crowded city, so people built their homes tall instead of wide. The narrow lanes that ran between the buildings were called “closes,” and they were often named after the people or jobs found there. Rich families lived in the top floors, while poor families stayed in the damp, dark rooms below. Mary King’s Close was one of these busy streets, full of life and stories. Now buried under the modern city, it gives us a rare chance to step back in time and see how people lived hundreds of years ago.

Mary King Close - Love to Visit Scotland

Hidden Gems of Edinburgh

Edinburgh, Scotland's captivating capital, is renowned for its rich history and vibrant culture. While most tourists flock to the well-trodden paths of the Old Town and New Town, these areas can become overwhelmingly crowded, especially during peak summer months. But fear not, for there's a different side to Edinburgh waiting to be explored…

The quaint coastal town of North Berwick - Love to Visit Scotland

Around The Web

A home for Scotland's stories

A vibrant arts venue with a seasonal programme of live storytelling, theatre, music, exhibitions, workshops, family events and festivals. The venue and its staff have a welcoming spirit, inclusive nature and talent and creative skill to boot…

The King's official residence in Edinburgh

Open throughout the year, the Palace of Holyroodhouse stands at the end of Edinburgh's Royal Mile. Explore the Palace's close associations with some of Scotland’s most well-known historic figures such as Mary, Queen of Scots and Bonnie Prince Charlie…

Walk in royal footsteps around Holyrood Abbey

All that survives of the rebuilt church is the nave. This was spared at the Protestant Reformation in 1560 because it served as the parish church of Canongate, the next burgh. The choir and transepts were destroyed in 1570…

900 years of history

The history of St Giles’ Cathedral, has spanned 900 years, from early beginnings as a Romanesque church in 1124 to its current standing as a modern Presbyterian church. It has seen the seeds of civil war sown and been the centre of the Scottish Reformation as John Knox’s Parish church…

Nothing is what is seems…

With five floors and over 100 interactive, hands-on exhibits, we have something fun to entertain all ages. Tour Edinburgh’s streets without moving. Test your brain against mind-bending illusions. Take spectacular cityscape photographs from our Rooftop Terrace. It’s all part of the Camera Obscura & World of Illusions experience.

Scotland’s Secret Places

Scotland is a land full of ancient stories, dramatic landscapes, and deep-rooted traditions. Most people visit places like Edinburgh, Loch Ness, or the Isle of Skye—and don’t get us wrong, they’re brilliant. But what if you could go a wee bit deeper? What if your next adventure led you to places most travellers have never even heard of?

Crovie, Aberdeenshire – A Village Frozen in Time - Love to Visit Scotland

Top Experiences In Scotland Likely To Sell Out

2024 is going to be a busy year - Here is a list of the top experiences that will most likely sell out and you should book in advance. Don’t delay!

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🌟 New: Travel Quizzer is Here!

Are you ready to prove your travel smarts? Don’t miss the chance to play the hottest new trivia game for travel lovers!

Here’s a taste: Where is the famous Kylemore Abbey located?

Think you know? Don’t wait—thousands of trivia buffs are already hooked. Play Travel Quizzer now!

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From Social Media

From dramatic cliff-top Fortresses to fairytale Palaces, these Castles stand as living testaments to the past

Scottish Food You Will Love

A Pro Chef’s Guide to Edinburgh’s Must-Try Food

Coo Wee

Edinburgh's HIDDEN Streets - The Real Mary King's Close

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