The Royal Mile
Interesting narrow alleyways off the Royal Mile
Closes and wynds are narrow lanes running out south and north off the Royal Mile. This is why, when looking at a map, the Royal Mile resembles a fish bone. Each close has a name, usually associated with the owner of tenements on that close. Some interesting closes on the Royal Mile are:
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- Mary King's Close - The popular and allegedly haunted Royal Mile street underneath the City Chambers.
- Brodie's Close - Named after the father of Deacon Brodie, a respected citizen by day and burglar by night who was eventually hanged at the Tolbooth. Deacon Brodie was also the inspiration for Robert Louis Stevenson's 'Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde'. You can't miss it for the obvious statue of Deacon Brodie.
- Advocate's Close - One of the most interesting closes on the Royal Mile thanks to the view it has over to the Scott Monument and some of Edinburgh's central buildings. It's particularly popular with tourists in the summer and you often have to queue to take a picture looking through it!
- Anchor Close - Narrow and long close leading into Cockburn Street
- Fleshmarket Close - A two-part close connecting the Royal Mile with Market Street, famous for its connection to Deacon Brodie.
- Dunbar Close - The most secluded garden in Edinburgh Old Town. It's easy to overlook but it's particularly interesting due to the garden it leads into. At the back of the garden there is an interesting modern artwork which is particularly relaxing.
- Castle Wynd - A steep climb from the Grassmarket to the top of Castlehill and leading right to the Castle Esplanade. It crosses Johnston Terrace halfway up.
- Semple's Close - A shop called 'The Wee Whisky Shop' can now be found here, previously the Castle Tea Room.
- Jollie's Close - Although not open to the public it's worth a look through the bars as you go up towards Edinburgh Castle
- Makar's Court and Lady Stair's Close - The slabs in this court bear quotes from famous Scottish writers
- White Horse Close - Originally the site of the Palace stables, the close is now a most picturesque group of whitewash houses.
Other streets of interest off the Royal Mile are Niddry Street, South Bridge with its underground vaults, Jeffrey Street, George IV Bridge leading to Greyfriars Kirkyard, Cockburn Street and Hunter Square.
>> Back to Royal Mile guide index
All Edinburgh Royal Mile articles:
Edinburgh Old Town An introduction to historic Edinburgh.
Highlights of the Royal Mile Overview of the most important visitor attractions on the Royal Mile.
Other tourist attractions on the Royal Mile Brief description of other places and things of interest on the Royal Mile.
Wynds and closes of the Royal Mile Description of the most picturesque narrow streets off the Royal Mile.
Royal Mile during Edinburgh Festival Information on the Royal Mile during August's Fringe Festival.
Royal Mile shops and pubs Some particularly attractive shops and pubs on Edinburgh's historic street.
St Giles Cathedral Picture and information on the High Kirk of Edinburgh.
Mary Kings Close The allegedly haunted street beneath the Royal Mile.
Scottish Parliament Pictures and information on the Scottish Parliament in Holyrood.
Photos of the Royal Mile Pictures taken along the Royal Mile.
Attraction Details - Royal Mile, Edinburgh Old Town Practical information on the Old Town and the Royal Mile including the Hub and Tourist Information Centre.
Royal Mile and Old Town on the web Web links and information on the Old Town and its attractions.
Also see:
Ghost walks in the Old Town Tourist information on day and evening ghost tours in Edinburgh's Old Town
Edinburgh attractions and sightseeing All of the best attractions in Edinburgh plus pictures and sightseeing tips.
