City of the Dead Haunted Graveyard Tour

The City of the Dead Haunted Graveyard Tour in Edinburgh offers a spooky yet insightful look into one of the world’s most famously haunted sites—Greyfriars Kirkyard. This 1-hour 20-minute guided walk is designed for those who love ghost stories, history, and a touch of thrill. With a maximum group size of five, the tour promises a personalized, engaging experience that balances historical facts with supernatural tales, all in the evening hours without interfering with your daytime sightseeing plans.

What we particularly appreciate about this tour is how it combines humor and horror seamlessly, making it accessible and entertaining for a variety of travelers. The stories are delivered by passionate local guides, each with their own style, adding a distinctive flavor to every tour. However, one thing to keep in mind is that the tour is aimed at those aged 12 and over, so it’s not ideal for very young children or those seeking a more intense haunted experience.

This tour will resonate best with history buffs, ghost story enthusiasts, and travelers looking for an authentic, small-group adventure that offers a glimpse into Edinburgh’s darker corners. If you’re after a spooky, insightful, and well-reviewed experience that won’t break the bank, this is a solid choice.

Key Points

• Intimate Experience: Small-group tours of no more than five people ensure personalized storytelling.
• Expert Guides: Local guides with passion and personality bring Edinburgh’s haunted sites vividly to life.
• Authentic Haunted Sites: Includes Greyfriars Kirkyard and the Covenanter’s Prison, renowned for their chilling tales.
• Balanced Mix of Humor and Horror: Guides blend storytelling styles, making the tour fun yet spine-tingling.
• Good Value: At around $27.54, the tour offers a unique experience with a rich mix of history and supernatural stories.
• Convenient Timing: Evening hours allow you to enjoy the tour without missing out on daytime sightseeing.

The Itinerary: What to Expect at Each Stop

Starting Point: St Giles’ Cathedral

Your spooky adventure begins outside the historic St Giles’ Cathedral on the Royal Mile, near the “Tree of the Dead.” Here, a local expert guides you through the narrow closes and alleyways that make Edinburgh’s Old Town so atmospheric. This initial walk is a chance to get familiar with the city’s layout and hear some introductory stories, setting a perfect tone for what’s to come.

Greyfriars Kirkyard

The highlight of the tour is the visit to Greyfriars Kirkyard, famously dubbed the world’s most haunted cemetery. Our guides have a knack for balancing historical details with chilling tales. You’ll hear about the Mackenzie Poltergeist, a story that consistently sends shivers down the spines of visitors. Reviewers like Carolee praise Gerry, one of the guides, for his animated storytelling, which makes the spooky tales feel all the more real.

Covenantor’s Prison

The tour concludes inside the Covenantor’s Prison, a locked section of the cemetery dating back to the 16th century. Often considered the world’s first concentration camp, this eerie enclosure offers a closer look at the darker side of Scottish history. The stories and atmosphere here are what make the tour so memorable, with many reviewers noting how Grant, another guide, infuses humor into the horror—an important element that keeps the experience fun rather than frightening.

What Makes This Tour Stand Out

Guided by Passionate Local Experts

The guides are what really make this experience special. Reviewers mention Gerry, Ross, Grant, and others by name, highlighting their enthusiasm and storytelling prowess. Ross’s ability to connect with each person, even in the cold Scottish weather, helps build a friendly, engaging atmosphere. This personalized approach ensures you don’t just listen passively but feel involved in the stories.

A Balance of History, Humor, and Horror

One of the most praised aspects is how guides mix facts with storytelling, humor, and spooky tales. Reviewers like Tom and Leah emphasize that the stories aren’t just scary—they’re educational, making the experience richer and more memorable.

An Authentic Haunted Edinburgh Experience

By focusing on Greyfriars Kirkyard and Covenanter’s Prison, the tour offers an authentic glimpse into Edinburgh’s haunted legends. Many reviewers comment on how the stories resonate with Edinburgh’s reputation as a city full of ghostly tales, making it a perfect addition to your sightseeing.

Value for Money

At $27.54 per person, the tour is quite affordable considering the personalized experience, expert guides, and the immersive storytelling. Compared to other attractions, this offers a compelling mix of entertainment and insight, especially as it doesn’t require additional entrance fees beyond the initial booking.

The Practical Aspects: Group Size, Timing, and Booking

Small Group Advantage

With no more than five participants, this tour ensures that guides can tailor their storytelling and answer questions. Reviewers appreciate this intimacy, noting that it creates a more relaxed and interactive environment compared to larger bus or walking tours.

Timing and Duration

The tour lasts approximately 1 hour 20 minutes, making it an easy addition to your evening plans. It starts from outside St Giles’ Cathedral, a central location easily accessible via public transportation. The evening timing allows you to enjoy Edinburgh’s atmosphere without it feeling rushed or interfering with daytime sightseeing.

Booking in Advance

Most travelers book this tour around 48 days ahead, indicating its popularity. Planning ahead ensures you secure a spot in this sought-after experience, especially during peak tourist seasons.

What Reviewers Say About Their Experience

Many reviewers rave about their guides. Carolee mentions Gerry as “amazing” and “animated,” while Leah praises Grant for his “extremely entertaining” style. Ross’s ability to make the tour “excellent” even on a rainy Scottish night shows how dedicated guides are to creating memorable experiences regardless of weather.

Some feedback points out that the storytelling style varies with each guide, meaning your experience might have a different personality depending on who conducts your tour. For some, this variability adds charm, but it’s worth noting if you prefer a specific style.

A few less enthusiastic reviews mention that the tour is more about storytelling than intense scares, which actually aligns with the overall tone—more of an eerie walk with fascinating tales rather than a horror attraction.

The Final Word: Who Should Consider This Tour?

This tour is best suited for those with an interest in Edinburgh’s spooky side, history lovers who enjoy ghost stories, and travelers seeking an intimate, guided experience. It’s ideal if you want to explore the city’s dark corners in a relaxed setting, with a knowledgeable guide helping to bring stories to life.

If you’re traveling with older children or teenagers, they’ll likely enjoy the blend of fun and fright, especially given the personal attention from guides. However, very young children might find the stories a bit too spooky, given the recommended minimum age of 12.

For travelers who love storytelling, history, and a bit of a thrill, this tour offers excellent value, memorable tales, and a chance to see Edinburgh from a different perspective—its haunted past.

FAQ

Is transportation included in the tour?
No, transportation to and from the tour’s starting point is not included. It begins outside St Giles’ Cathedral on the Royal Mile, which is easily accessible via public transport.

How long does the tour last?
The entire experience lasts approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes, making it a manageable evening activity.

What is the group size?
The tour is designed for no more than five participants, ensuring an intimate and personalized experience.

What age is this tour suitable for?
The tour is recommended for those aged 12 and over. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

Can I cancel the tour?
Yes, cancellations are free if made at least 24 hours in advance. You can get a full refund if you cancel early enough.

Is this tour available in languages other than English?
No, the tour is conducted exclusively in English.

Is the tour suitable in bad weather?
Yes, but since it’s an outdoor walking experience, poor weather might impact comfort. The tour will be rescheduled or refunded if canceled due to weather.

What makes this tour a good value?
The combination of a small group, expert guides, engaging storytelling, and access to iconic haunted sites makes it a worthwhile investment for fans of the supernatural and history alike.

To sum it up, the City of the Dead Haunted Graveyard Tour in Edinburgh offers an engaging, well-reviewed way to explore the city’s darker side. With knowledgeable guides, a cozy small-group setting, and stories that blend history with a touch of the supernatural, it’s a memorable addition to any Edinburgh itinerary. Whether you’re a history buff, a ghost story lover, or simply after a unique evening experience, this tour delivers a compelling mix of entertainment and insight—all at a reasonable price.