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Closes & Coffee Tour

Closes & Coffee Tour

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About This Event

Join us for the inaugural Closes & Coffee Tour, a unique exploration of Edinburgh's hidden history taking place on Saturday, 2 January, at The Lost Close. This immersive two-part experience promises a fascinating journey into the city's past. The tour commences at the venerable John's Coffee House & Tavern, a spot steeped in history and once a favoured haunt for luminaries of the Scottish Enlightenment. Here, you'll savour the atmosphere and perhaps imagine the intellectual debates that once filled its rooms. Following this historical interlude, the adventure continues underground as we descend into The Lost Close. This remarkable subterranean space, rediscovered in 2015, offers a captivating glimpse into a forgotten Edinburgh. Delve into the secrets and stories held within these ancient walls, uncovering layers of the city's rich heritage. This exclusive experience is priced at £40 per person.

Uncover a different side of Edinburgh with Closes & Coffee, a unique two-part experience that blends rich history with a perfectly brewed cup. Your journey begins at John’s Coffee House & Tavern, once a lively hub for Enlightenment thinkers including Adam Smith and David Hume. Beneath it lies The Lost Close, a remarkable underground space hidden for nearly two centuries and only rediscovered in 2019. Here, you’ll uncover the story of coffee’s arrival in Edinburgh and its role in shaping ideas that changed the world. Along the way, enjoy a freshly brewed cup from local roaster Common Coffee. Your experience then continues at The Real Mary King’s Close. Descend into the preserved streets beneath the Royal Mile and discover the real stories of Edinburgh’s past residents on a 1-hour guided tour. Due to the nature of these preserved sites, both tours involve multiple steps, uneven surfaces, and low lighting throughout. Unfortunately, step-free access is not available, and the experience is not suitable for wheelchair users. Tours are delivered in English only, and audio guides are not available for this experience. As the tour moves between two locations, guests should be comfortable walking short distances above ground between venues. This experience is suitable for ages 5+years. Tickets, which are priced at £40.00 per person, should be booked in advance on Closes & Coffee Tour.

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Frequently asked questions

Closes & Coffee Tour takes place on Friday, 1 January 2027.

Closes & Coffee Tour is held at The Lost Close in Edinburgh (The Lost Close, 1 Barrie's Close, Edinburgh EH1 1RF).

Tickets for Closes & Coffee Tour are priced at £40.00 per person. Live prices and availability are shown on edinburgh.org.

Tickets for Closes & Coffee Tour can be booked via edinburgh.org using the "Check Tickets & Live Prices" button on this page, which opens the official booking site in a new tab.

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Price

£40.00 per person

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