A Spirited Halloween on the Royal Mile:

This Halloween season, Edinburgh’s dark past comes alive — and this year, you can finish your ghostly adventure with a feast worthy of the occasion.

The Real Mary King’s Close, one of the UK’s most highly rated historical experiences on TripAdvisor, is once again inviting brave visitors to descend beneath the cobbles of Edinburgh’s Old Town. Hidden below the Royal Mile, the Close offers an atmospheric journey into the lives — and deaths — of the people who once called it home.

Back for 2025 are two of the Close’s most popular Halloween tours: the Lantern Led Tours and True Crime Tours. Both promise spine-tingling stories and immersive history — but for those looking to elevate their evening even further, there’s a delicious twist in store.

Delve Into Edinburgh’s Dark Past

Those who dare to take the True Crime Tour will explore Edinburgh’s murky criminal underbelly, where social pressures, poverty, and paranoia gave rise to a chilling wave of crime — including the infamous witch trials. From addiction to eviction, the tour offers an unflinching look at the lives of the city’s past residents, and the brutal justice (or lack thereof) they faced.

Prefer something more atmospheric? The Lantern Led Tours guide visitors through the Close by the soft flicker of lantern light. In near-total darkness, stories unfold of the everyday — and not-so-everyday — people who once roamed these forgotten streets, including one notorious 17th-century figure who left a trail of fear in their wake.

New for 2025: A Spirited Evening at Amber Restaurant

For the first time, guests on select Lantern Led Tours can add on a post-tour dining experience at Amber Restaurant, located just steps away on the Royal Mile.

Running from 11 to 31 October, A Spirited Evening at Amber is a seasonal tasting menu designed to complement the eerie atmosphere of your tour. Diners will enjoy seven thoughtfully crafted dishes served across three courses, with dessert paired with a specially chosen dram of whisky. The evening concludes with tea or coffee to help settle your nerves — or your appetite.

Menu highlights include:

Blue Murder cheese and roast beetroot tart
Seared saddle of venison with pumpkin purée
Apricot and ginger pudding with toffee sauce

With limited seating and high demand, advance booking is highly recommended.

A Collaboration Rooted in Edinburgh

Paul Nixon, General Manager at The Real Mary King’s Close, shared his excitement:

“Halloween is one of our busiest times of year, and we’re delighted to be bringing back the ever-popular Lantern Led and True Crime Tours for 2025. This year, we’re particularly excited to partner with Amber Restaurant, allowing visitors to continue their evening just steps away with exceptional Scottish food and drink.”

Wendy Neave, Head of Events at Amber Restaurant, echoed the sentiment:

“Partnering with The Real Mary King’s Close this Halloween is a fantastic opportunity. It allows us to bring together immersive history and exceptional food, and we can’t wait to welcome guests for a memorable evening in the heart of Edinburgh.”

Whether you’re a local looking to rediscover Edinburgh’s hidden history or a visitor in search of an unforgettable Halloween experience, The Real Mary King’s Close and Amber Restaurant are serving up the perfect mix of chills and thrills this October.