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The first time I visited Edinburgh’s Old Town, I didn’t go down a single close. I wasn’t looking out for it, I didn’t know what secrets they beheld.
But now, after visiting dozens of closes, I want to share with you the most interesting ones.
I hope you have a richer experience when strolling down Edinburgh’s famous Royal Mile, because the closes are truly a fascinating part of Edinburgh’s history.
About the Closes on the Royal Mile in Edinburgh
What Is a Close?
A close is a Scots word for alleyway. Back in the day, these closes were “closed” to the public; they were private entrances to tenements and often named after a prominent resident or business.
History
These closes are hundreds of years old, some even 500 years old.
When Edinburgh’s Old Town was walled in by the Flodden Wall, houses were stacked on top of each other, creating narrow passageways.
There were once more than 200 closes on the Royal Mile, but now only about 80 remain.
Why Look Out for Them?
Some of the hidden closes on the Royal Mile contain interesting sights that you would never find unless you were actively looking for it.
Some have secret gardens, some have incredible views, some even have magic.
So, which ones are worth your time?
Map of Best Closes on Edinburgh’s Royal Mile
11 Best Hidden Closes on Edinburgh’s Royal Mile
I start this list from the eastern side of the Royal Mile (by the Palace of Holyroodhouse), and then go in order towards the western, busier side (by Edinburgh Castle).
1. White Horse Close
The White Horse Close is so named because of an inn in this location back in the 17th century. It is said that stagecoaches used to turn around in this courtyard.
The area has been restored over the years, and it is regarded as one of the most picturesque group of buildings on the Royal Mile.
Since it is tucked away off the main road, not many tourists know to come here. And if they do, they just stay a minute or so before moving on as there really is nothing more to do or see.
However, for me, on my visit to White Horse Close, I met a very friendly resident named Silvia who was making her own wreaths and helped me make my own as well. It felt like I’d stepped into a fairy tale.
2. Campbell’s Close
Behind the ever-charming Clarinda’s Tea Room is Campbell’s Close. And you can sit out here in the courtyard, enjoy the flowers, and drink your tea from Clarinda’s.
I finally got to check out Clarinda’s for myself on my most recent visit to Edinburgh, and wow, it is gorgeous. The cozy space is decorated with floral wallpaper and antique portraits, lending it a vintage vibe.
There are only eight tables inside, so sometimes there is a queue to get inside, and they don’t take reservations.
But don’t worry if the tea room is full, as sitting outside of it is just as delightful.
3. Dunbar’s Close Garden
Dunbar’s Close Garden is my favorite secret close along the Royal Mile.
I mean, it’s a whole garden! There are hedges and thistles, flowers and plants and trees. You’ll truly be surprised by the size of it.
The garden was designed in a 17th century style back in the 1970s. It’s a peaceful place, and you can sit and enjoy it on one of the benches, or take photos to your heart’s content.
Best of all, it’s free to enter and open to the public daily.
4. Crichton’s Close
If you’re interested in poetry, then head down Crichton’s Close to have a browse around the Scottish Poetry Library.
I strolled around the library briefly and was impressed by the modern building and the outdoor seating.
The poetry library has been in its current location since 1999, and its collection now consists of 30,000 pieces. Quite impressive.
5. Bakehouse Close
Bakehouse Close was named after the bakers and bakeries it once housed. And while it may just seem like any typical alleyway, it’s special for Outlander fans.
Bakehouse Close was a filming location, used as the print shop of Alexander Malcolm in Outlander, specifically during the scene when Jamie and Claire are reunited.
When I visited, other fans were taking pictures on the steps, and one was even playing the Outlander theme song on their phone.
6. Chalmers Close
Chalmers Close runs down to Jeffrey Street from the Royal Mile, making it a shortcut to the Waverley Train Station.
But aside from just being a shortcut, it’s also home to the new Museum of Magic, Fortune-telling & Witchcraft, opened in 2023.
I visited this museum in 2025, which is just one room filled with an assortment of odds and ends dealing with witchcraft or magic.
There were folk cures like dried bat wings, spirit houses, and rowan wood, used to ward off evil.
I particularly enjoyed learning more about the unfortunate women in Edinburgh’s history, accused of witchcraft. Their stories definitely should be told.
7. Mary King’s Close
Mary King’s Close is one of the buried closes in Edinburgh Old Town with a rich and layered history.
Mary King was a business owner, and the close was named after her about 48 years after her death.
In 2003, the Real Mary King’s Close started offering tours of the 17th century street hidden underneath the Royal Mile. This is now one of Edinburgh’s top attractions.
To visit, you’ll need to book well in advance (don’t try to get a tour the same-day) as it’s a very popular tour.
Learn more about the underground world of Edinburgh in my post, Is There an Underground City in Edinburgh? (Guide + Map).
8. Warriston’s Close Stairs
The 120 stairs in Warriston’s Close connect the Royal Mile to Cockburn Street.
But aside from being practical, they’re also very picturesque.
You can take some incredible photos on this staircase, which sits between two tall historic buildings and gives you views of Princes Street below.
9. Advocate’s Close
I first wandered down Advocate’s Close to have lunch at the restaurant here called the Devil’s Advocate (which is phenomenal, by the way).
Aside from good food, this close also offers an incredible view of the Scott Monument, framed by an arched doorway and even a vintage lantern.
Back in the day, this close was a fashionable address, and it was named after the Lord Advocate of Scotland, Sir James Stewart, who served from 1692 to 1709.
10. Lady Stair’s Close
Lady Stair’s Close was named after Elizabeth, Dowager Countess of Stair, an 18th-century resident of the building that now houses the Writers Museum.
The Writers Museum is a small museum with three floors and a winding staircase but a gorgeous building nonetheless.
Each floor is dedicated to one of three featured Scottish writers — Robert Burns, Sir Walter Scott, and Robert Louis Stevenson. There’s an impressive collection of items by these authors, such as their writing desks, first editions, and even locks of their hair.
I learned so much about these writers and came away quite inspired.
It’s free to enter, but donations are appreciated.
11. Jollie’s Close
Jollie’s Close is near Edinburgh Castle, but it’s gated. So while you can’t go down this close, I’d still recommend stopping by.
Why? It’s often decorated for holidays. For example, in October, it featured a display of pumpkins. And in December, a Christmas tree was festively decorated in the corner.
It’s a charming little close to photograph quickly while making your way down Edinburgh’s Royal Mile.
Where to Stay on Edinburgh’s Royal Mile
If you’d like to really soak in Edinburgh’s Old Town, consider staying right on the Royal Mile. This way, you’ll have even more time to explore all its secret closes.
For a full, detailed breakdown of the best areas to stay in Edinburgh, see my post, “Where to Stay in Edinburgh the First Time: 5 Best Places + 5 to Avoid.”
Recommended hotels on Edinburgh’s Royal Mile:
- The Witchery by the Castle
- Royal Mile Suites by the Castle
- Old Town Chambers, Autograph Collection
- Radisson Blu Hotel, Edinburgh City Centre
- Leonardo Royal Hotel Edinburgh (near a close that connects to Royal Mile)
What to Pack to Visit Edinburgh
Warm, waterproof wear
If you’re visiting Edinburgh during its cold and rainy season (almost every month of the year besides a few weeks in summer), you should definitely bring a warm waterproof jacket and waterproof walking boots.
- This waterproof jacket and these waterproof boots I took with me to Scotland helped us explore no matter the weather. We walked around Edinburgh in the rain and snow, during foggy mornings and chilly evenings, and enjoyed it all. Be prepared for rainy weather, and dress for it, so you don’t miss out.
- Also consider bringing fleece-lined leggings — I loved this pair I packed!
Favorite travel essentials
- I really recommend these compression packing cubes. They’re very thick and durable and allow you to pack more than you expect.
- I also love this travel backpack that opens like a suitcase, fits almost as much as a carry-on, and has tons of pockets as well as a strap to attach to your luggage handle. It makes traveling so much easier and more organized. It also fits nicely under the airplane seats.
- I bring this AirFly receiver for AirPods with me on long-haul flights, so I can connect to the plane’s video screen with my own AirPods.
- I no longer hop on a flight without wearing my Sockwell compression socks because they really do help relieve/prevent leg cramps from sitting so long in one place. I have the lotus pattern, but there are other patterns to choose from, such as this cat pattern or this flower pattern. See all sock patterns in the Sockwell storefront.
Other Posts to Help You Plan Your Trip to Scotland
Edinburgh
- 18 Best Views of Edinburgh Castle: From the Vennel to Cafe Windows
- 3 Day Edinburgh Itinerary: Ultimate Guide for First Timers
- 17 Best Things to Do in Edinburgh For Free
- Is There an Underground City in Edinburgh? (Guide + Map)
- Create Your Own Harris Tweed Bag in the Islander Edinburgh Workshop
- Is a Day Trip to the Scottish Highlands from Edinburgh Worth It?
Glasgow
Wow great information thank you I can’t wait to visit