City of the Dead: The Double Dead Tour

If you’re drawn to spooky stories, haunting atmospheres, and a dose of Edinburgh’s hidden history, the City of the Dead: The Double Dead Tour promises a memorable experience. This approximately 1 hour 45-minute walk combines visits to two of the city’s most eerie attractions—South Bridge Vaults and Covenanters Prison—offering an authentic glimpse into Edinburgh’s darker past. With a high rating of 5.0 based on over 790 reviews and an average of 54 days in advance booking, this tour is clearly popular among those craving a ghostly adventure.

What stands out most about this tour is the expert guidance. Guides like Ben, Ian, and Charlie are praised for their knowledge, humor, and storytelling ability, making the experience both educational and entertaining. The exclusive access to Covenanters Prison in Greyfriars Graveyard, which isn’t available on other tours, adds a special touch that many visitors appreciate. On the downside, the tour is somewhat fast-paced, which might be a challenge for some older or less mobile guests, especially during the longer vaults visit.

This tour is best suited for adventurous travelers, history buffs, and ghost story enthusiasts who want to combine fright with fascinating facts. It’s also ideal for those staying close to the city center, as the meeting point at St Giles’ Cathedral is very accessible. Keep in mind, the tour is in English only and requires a minimum age of 12, making it more family-friendly but not recommended for very young children.

Key Points

• Authentic Haunted Locations: The tour visits two of Edinburgh’s most notorious sites—the South Bridge Vaults and Covenanters Prison—offering a rare insider look.
• Expert Guides: Guides are praised for their storytelling skills, blending humor with historical insight, making the tour engaging and educational.
• Exclusive Access: Only City of the Dead Tours includes access to the Covenanters Prison, providing a unique experience for visitors.
• Balanced Mix of Horror & History: Travelers love the combination of spooky tales and factual background, making it suitable for a broad audience.
• Great Value for Money: With many reviewers highlighting the interesting stories and atmospheric locations, the $31.57 price feels reasonable.
• Convenient Meeting Point: Starting at St Giles’ Cathedral and ending at Greyfriars Cemetery means you can easily continue exploring Edinburgh afterward.

A Deep Dive into the Dark Side of Edinburgh

This tour offers more than just a walk through haunted sites; it’s a curated experience that reveals the layered history and chilling legends that have built Edinburgh’s reputation as one of Europe’s most haunted cities. With a small group size (max 5 travelers), you get plenty of interaction with your guide, making the experience intimate and personable.

The Itinerary: What You Can Expect

Start at St Giles’ Cathedral: The tour begins here, a central and easily accessible location, setting the stage for a night of ghostly tales. From the moment you meet your guide, you’re encouraged to feel comfortable asking questions and engaging with the stories ahead.

South Bridge Vaults: The first stop takes you into the most haunted underground vaults of Edinburgh. These vaults are steeped in history, and guides often share details about their grim past, including stories of murder, poverty, and supernatural activity. Guests love the atmosphere here, describing it as “very atmospheric” and “creepy”. One reviewer, Deborah, pointed out that the vaults had a “great inside knowledge” from the guide, making it an immersive experience.

Covenanters Prison: The highlight for many is the exclusive access to the Covenanters Prison within Greyfriars Graveyard. This site is notoriously haunted, with stories of torture, religious conflict, and paranormal phenomena. Reviewers like Lucy and Jade praised their guides—Ben and Ian—for their entertaining, knowledgeable, and witty storytelling. One shared that their guide made the experience enjoyable and memorable, blending humor with spine-tingling tales.

Walking between sites: The tour moves briskly but smoothly, with some reviewers noting that the pace can be “a little rushed” for those who prefer a slower exploration. However, the short walking distance between stops and the history-packed narration make this manageable even for most guests.

End at Greyfriars Cemetery: The tour concludes here, but guests often find themselves eager to linger in the graveyard or explore nearby attractions. Its atmospheric setting makes for an excellent backdrop to conclude the night.

Inside Knowledge and Unique Insights

Many reviewers mention that guides like Ian, Ben, and Charlie bring stories to life with their engaging personalities and local expertise. For example, Pirjo appreciated how their guide “added humor” to the spooky tales, making it more than just a haunted walk. This balance of serious history and lively storytelling is what we love about this tour.

Plus, the exclusive access to the Covenanters Prison is a major plus. Visitors are often surprised to learn the stories of religious conflict and persecution that occurred there, which you typically wouldn’t see on standard city tours.

The Value for Money

At just $31.57, this tour offers great value considering the expert guidance, access to restricted sites, and the atmosphere you’ll experience. The small group size means plenty of opportunity for questions and personalized storytelling.

Practical Aspects

The meeting point at St Giles’ Cathedral is convenient, right in Edinburgh’s historic Royal Mile area, with nearby public transport options. The tour runs at 8:00pm, making it perfect for those who want to combine sightseeing during the day with a spooky adventure at night. Remember, children need to be at least 12 years old, and the tour is conducted in English.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is ideal for history enthusiasts, ghost hunters, and adventure seekers who enjoy stories that blend history and paranormal tales. It’s also perfect for families with older children looking for a spooky but educational activity. If you’re after a small, personalized experience with expert guides who know how to entertain and educate, this tour ticks all the boxes.

On the other hand, if you prefer more leisurely exploration or have mobility issues, the fast pace might be less suitable. The tour’s focus on dark, atmospheric sites means it’s not for those looking for a light-hearted or cheesy ghost tour.

Final Thoughts

The City of the Dead: The Double Dead Tour delivers a well-rounded, entertaining, and authentic look into Edinburgh’s haunted corners. The knowledgeable guides, especially those who mix humor with horror, elevate the experience beyond mere ghost stories. The exclusive access to Covenanters Prison makes this tour truly unique, adding depth to the spooky tales.

The combination of atmospheric locations, engaging storytelling, and value for money makes it a top choice for anyone eager to explore the darker, mysterious side of Edinburgh. Whether you’re a local history buff or a thrill-seeker, this tour offers a compelling, fun, and slightly chilling evening.

FAQ

Is transportation included in the tour?
No, transportation to and from the attractions is not included, but the meeting point at St Giles’ Cathedral is centrally located and easy to reach by public transit.

What is the minimum age for this tour?
Participants must be at least 12 years old to take part, making it suitable for teenagers and adults.

How long is the tour?
The tour lasts approximately 1 hour 45 minutes, walking between sites and listening to stories.

Is this tour suitable for families?
Yes, especially for families with older children who enjoy spooky stories and history. Younger children may find it too intense or too fast-paced.

Do I need to book in advance?
Yes, the tour is highly popular and is usually booked around 54 days in advance. Booking ahead guarantees your spot.

What if the weather is bad?
The experience requires good weather. If canceled due to bad weather, you’ll be offered an alternative date or a full refund.

To sum it up, if you’re seeking an adventure that combines history, humor, and haunted atmospheres in the heart of Edinburgh, the City of the Dead: The Double Dead Tour is a fantastic choice. The small group size, expert guides, and exclusive access ensure a memorable night that’s both spooky and insightful—perfect for those who love to learn while they’re scared.