Before you book your tickets, it is important to check if the tour is suitable for everyone in your group. From strict age limits to the famous “58 steps,” here is everything you need to know about the physical side of the experience.

The Strict Age Limit: Why No Under 5s?

If you are traveling with an infant or a toddler, please be aware that The Real Mary King’s Close has a strict minimum age limit of 5 years old. This is not a flexible policy. For health and safety reasons—and due to the unique underground environment—children under the age of 5 (including babies in carriers or strollers) cannot be admitted to the tour.

Why the restriction?

• Safety & Evacuation: The Close is located deep beneath the City Chambers. In the event of an emergency, the narrow, steep tunnels are not safe for carrying infants or navigating with strollers.
• Sensory Impact: The tour uses atmospheric lighting, sudden sound effects, and dark, enclosed spaces that can be distressing for very young children.
• Physicality: Even for adults, the terrain is challenging. The tour is not designed for those who need to be carried.

Traveling with a toddler? While you won’t be able to take them on the tour, the Burgh Courtroom Café and Gift Shop are located at street level and are fully accessible to all ages. You can wait there while the rest of your party explores below.

Important: Specialized Discounts & Carer Tickets

While standard Adult and Child (5-15) tickets can be booked directly on our homepage, there are certain specialized tickets that are only available via the official Mary King’s Close website or ticket office:

• Registered Carers: One carer per paying visitor can enter for FREE.
• Visual Impairment: There is a 50% discount for guests with a visual impairment.

Note: These specific tickets (Carer/Visual Impairment) must be booked directly with the attraction and often require you to show valid ID or documentation upon arrival. If you do not require these specialized rates, we recommend securing your tickets online to avoid the long queues at the Royal Mile ticket office.

Mobility & The “58 Steps” Rule

Because Mary King’s Close is a meticulously preserved 17th-century site, it has not been possible to install lifts or ramps without destroying the very history you are coming to see. Consequently, the tour is not wheelchair accessible.

To complete the journey through the underground streets, every visitor must be able to navigate the following:

• The Descent: There are 58 steep steps leading down into the heart of the Close.
• The Ascent: At the end of the tour, there are 38 steps to climb back to street level.
• The Terrain: You will be walking on original 17th-century paving. This means the ground is often uneven, sloped, and can be slippery if the weather has been damp.
• Sturdy Footwear: We strongly recommend wearing comfortable, closed-toe walking shoes. High heels or flip-flops are not advised for this environment.

Support for Mobility Issues

While wheelchairs cannot be used on the tour, the attraction does provide support chairs (portable resting stools) in every room for guests who are able to walk but may struggle with standing for the full 60 minutes.

If you or someone in your group can manage the stairs but needs a place to sit during the historical talks, these chairs are a great resource. Handrails are also available on all staircases to assist with the climb.

Sensory Information: Lighting, Space, and Air

In 2026, the tour has enhanced its “Sensory Experience,” but for some visitors, the underground environment can be a challenge.

• Claustrophobia: You are walking through narrow alleys and rooms with low ceilings. Some parts of the tour are quite “tight.” If you start to feel overwhelmed, your guide is equipped with a radio and can escort you back to the surface immediately.
• Lighting: To maintain the historical atmosphere, the Close is dimly lit. If you have a visual impairment, please keep this in mind. As mentioned above, visitors with visual impairments are eligible for a 50% discount when booking directly at the ticket office.
• Air Quality & Asthma: The air underground is cool and can be slightly damp or dusty due to the centuries-old stone. If you suffer from asthma, ensure you have your inhaler with you.

Didn’t Meet the Requirements? Best Accessible Alternatives

If the stairs or age limits mean that Mary King’s Close isn’t the right fit for your group in 2026, don’t worry—Edinburgh has world-class alternatives that offer history and “spookiness” without the physical barriers.

For Families with Children Under 5

• Camera Obscura & World of Illusions: Located right next to the Castle, this is one of the best attractions for toddlers. It’s full of lights, mirrors, and interactive fun, and it is fully accessible with a stroller lift.
• The Museum of Childhood: Just a 3-minute walk down the Royal Mile from Mary King’s Close. It’s free to enter and perfect for little ones who are too young for the plague stories.

For Limited Mobility or Wheelchair Users

• The Edinburgh Ghost Bus Tour: This is the perfect alternative if you want the “dark history” without the walking. It’s a comedy-horror theater show on wheels. The bus is a classic 1960s Routemaster, and they offer accessibility options (please check their 2026 schedule for specific wheelchair-lift timings).
• The National Museum of Scotland: Located on Chambers Street, this museum is 100% wheelchair accessible. You can see the “Kingdom of the Scots” gallery to get your history fix without a single stair.
• Mercat Tours (Above Ground): While their vaults aren’t accessible, they offer excellent “History and Horror” walking tours that stay on the flat, paved surfaces of the Royal Mile.

Ready to Book?

If your group is ready for the 58-step descent and the 17th-century streets, we recommend booking your arrival time as early as possible. In 2026, morning slots are the most popular for those looking to avoid the Royal Mile crowds.

Check Live Ticket Availability & Prices on our Homepage