List of closes on the Royal Mile

The Old Town in Edinburgh consisted originally of the city's main street, now known as the Royal Mile, and the small alleyways and courtyards that led off it to the north and south.

These were usually named after a memorable occupant of one of the apartments reached by the common entrance, or a trade plied by one or more residents.

As a result of Edinburgh coming under frequent attack during conflicts in Scotland, the city experienced a high level of urban density, with closes tending to be narrow and surrounded by tall buildings on both sides, giving them a canyon-like appearance and atmosphere.

Castlehill forms the western end of the Royal Mile, running from the Castle Esplanade to the junction of Johnston Terrace.

South North The Lawnmarket is the section between Johnstone Terrace and George IV Bridge/Bank Street.

Part of a model showing the layout of closes off the Royal Mile
Anchor Close
Semple's Close off Castlehill
Fisher's Close off the Lawnmarket
Borthwick's Close off the High Street
The surface of Marlin's Wynd, one of the suppressed closes of the Royal Mile. It was concealed when built over and rediscovered after excavation in 1974
Head of Advocates Close in the High Street
Anchor Close in twilight.
Trunk's Close off the High Street
Bakehouse Close off the Canongate
White Horse Close off the Canongate, named after the inn from which the Edinburgh-London stagecoach departed. The spacious courtyard allowed the coach to turn.
Princes Street
Princes Street