I am looking for some information to find the right underground tour in Edinburgh. We are looking for a historical tour rather than a scary tour although I suppose there will be some of both in any tour. I have seen Mercat tours recommended and the Mary Close tour but is there another one that gives us the facts without the extra sensationalism? Also, can anyone tell me if there is a lot of stair climbing or maneuvering that would be a problem for someone with a knee that is just fine on level ground but isn't always trustworthy climbing up or down without a handrail to at least help.
Posted by
New York City, NY, USA
5678 posts
I took the Mercat Tour a number of years ago. It was billed as a scary tour, but in truth the only scary part was when they turned the lights off so you could see what it was like to live in the vaults before electricity. There were, of course, some ghostie stories, but for the most part it was about the history of the vaults.
You might email them and ask them about the back ground of the guides to see what they say.
Pam
Posted by
Centennial, CO, USA
1883 posts
I'd say do not waste your money on the Mary's Close tour. We took it in March, and I was totally UNDERWHELMED. It was corny to say the least. They use "actors" to guide you underground... there isn't a lot of interesting history, and I felt like we were herded like cattle through the rooms.
Mary's Close didn't seem difficult to maneuver through, a few stairs, and then just uneven surfaces in some places.
Do go on Tripadvisor.com and see what else you might find. If you can find nothing that suits you, then Mary's Close it is....you might enjoy it, I thought it a waste of money - as did my daughter (she's 36)
Posted by
New York City, NY, USA
5678 posts
Ah, it sounds like I lucked on to the better tour! Here's a TA link for the tour I took.
PAm
Posted by
New York City, NY, USA
5678 posts
Ah, it sounds like I lucked on to the better tour! Here's a TA link for the tour I took.
PAm