Edinburgh: Dark Secrets of the Old Town Ghost Walking Tour

If you’re seeking an intriguing blend of history, myth, and a touch of the macabre, the Edinburgh: Dark Secrets of the Old Town Ghost Walking Tour is a compelling choice. Priced at just $24 per person and lasting around two hours, this guided walk promises to take you into the shadowy corners of Edinburgh’s ancient streets, revealing stories that are often left out of standard sightseeing tours. From notorious serial killers to witchcraft persecutions, the tour covers some of the city’s most gripping and grisly episodes.

What really sets this experience apart is the expert guides—many reviewers praise guides like Melanie, Sonia, and Nick for their engaging storytelling and deep knowledge. Their ability to weave historical facts with vivid storytelling makes the tour not just educational but genuinely entertaining. However, the overall dark tone might not be suitable for very young children or those sensitive to grim stories.

This tour is ideal for history buffs, fans of supernatural tales, or anyone curious about Edinburgh’s darker history. If you want more than just pretty views and wish to uncover the stories behind the city’s haunted reputation, this walk offers plenty of value for its affordable price.

Key Points

• Authentic storytelling makes history come alive, with guides sharing fascinating anecdotes and myths.
• Visit iconic sites like Canongate Kirkyard and Old Calton Cemetery, rich with stories of witches, warlocks, and notable murders.
• Learn about Edinburgh’s infamous serial killers Burke and Hare, and their gruesome role in medical history.
• A well-paced, two-hour walk that balances spooky tales with historical insights.
• Great value for a price of only $24, especially given the engaging guides and interesting stops.
• Suitable for adults and older children interested in macabre stories, but not recommended for very young kids or those easily frightened.

Exploring Edinburgh’s Dark Past: What to Expect

This walking tour begins in the heart of Edinburgh’s Old Town, where winding alleyways and historic stone buildings set the perfect spooky scene. As you stroll, your guide will share stories that often feel like stepping into a gothic novel. The tour covers notable sites such as Canongate Kirkyard, a graveyard renowned for its atmosphere and historical graves, including those associated with Scotland’s witch trials.

Visiting Old Calton Cemetery offers a haunting glimpse into Edinburgh’s past, with tales of those who were buried for crimes like witchcraft. Here, guides highlight the number of people burned for witchcraft and explore the beliefs and fears that fueled these persecutions. Reviewers mention guides like Melanie and Sonia as being particularly lively and knowledgeable, making these often gruesome stories engaging rather than just morbid.

As you walk through the streets, you’ll also learn about the Black Death‘s impact on Edinburgh in the 14th century, along with the efforts of medieval doctors trying to combat the bubonic plague. The tour makes stops at historic houses where residents lived during turbulent times, giving a sense of what life was like in centuries past.

The Dark Tales of Burke and Hare

One of the tour’s highlights is the story of William Burke and William Hare, infamous for their gruesome serial killings in the 19th century. These two men sold bodies to anatomists, fueling a black market for cadavers that shocked Victorian Edinburgh. Guides explain how their crimes led to changes in anatomy laws and shed light on the grim necessity that led to their murders. Reviewers often mention how the guides’ storytelling makes these dark episodes vivid and memorable.

You might find yourself more interested than frightened, as guides like Nick and Tommy often mix humor with horror, making the dark history accessible and fascinating. Several reviews note that the stories are delivered with just the right touch of macabre humor, keeping the mood engaging without crossing into overly scary territory.

Witch Trials and Superstitions

Edinburgh’s history with witch trials is a major theme of the tour. Guides describe the intense fear and superstition that led to the burning of witches and warlocks in centuries gone by. The number of people accused and executed for witchcraft was startling, and guides explain the beliefs and spells that contributed to this hysteria.

Reviews highlight how guides like Catherine and Melanie do a great job explaining the context behind these events, making the stories both educational and chilling. They also note the tour’s ability to balance spooky tales with historical facts, ensuring the experience isn’t purely frightening but insightful.

Views and Atmosphere

While the main focus is on the dark history, the tour also offers stunning views of Edinburgh’s skyline. Walking through the old streets at night adds an extra layer of atmosphere, making the stories feel even more immersive. Several reviewers mention that it’s a very atmospheric walk, especially with the lantern-lit streets and historic graveyards.

Practical Details and Value

The tour operates in both English and German, accommodating international visitors. Group sizes tend to be manageable—reviewers mention they enjoyed the intimacy that small groups bring, making it easier to ask questions and hear the stories clearly.

Start times vary depending on reservation, and the activity ends back at the starting point, keeping logistics simple. The tour is not wheelchair accessible, so travelers with mobility issues might need to consider other options.

The price of $24 is widely regarded as excellent value, especially given the quality of storytelling and the interesting sites visited. Many reviews emphasize that guides like Melanie, Sonia, and Nick are well-informed and passionate, making the experience worth every penny.

The Experience with Guides

Feedback about guides is overwhelmingly positive. Reviewers praise the knowledgeability, enthusiasm, and storytelling skills of guides like Melanie, Sonia, Nick, and Tommy. They often mention how guides tailor their stories to the group’s interests, making the tour both engaging and informative.

Many mention that their guides combined humor with historical facts, making the dark tales more approachable. For example, one reviewer noted how Tommy’s lively storytelling brought Edinburgh’s grim past to life without feeling overly scary—just intriguing.

Final Thoughts: Is This Tour for You?

This ghost walking tour offers a blend of history, legend, and a dash of the eerie, making it perfect for travelers interested in Edinburgh’s darker stories. It’s especially suited for those who enjoy storytelling, history, or ghost stories but prefer a tone that’s engaging rather than frightening.

If you’re looking for value for money, this tour delivers it in spades—just two hours packed with captivating stories, atmospheric sites, and expert guides. It’s a fantastic way to explore Edinburgh’s historical underbelly without the long commitment of some other tours.

However, if you’re traveling with very young children or are easily disturbed by dark themes, this might not be the best fit. The stories do include gruesome details and historical violence, so use your discretion.

This tour offers a fun, spooky, and educational way to experience Edinburgh’s dark side, making it a memorable highlight of any trip.

FAQs

Is this tour suitable for children?
It’s not recommended for very young children, especially under five, due to the dark themes and gruesome stories. Older children and teens interested in history or ghost stories will likely enjoy it.

How long is the tour?
The tour lasts approximately 2 hours, making it a manageable evening activity that covers several interesting sites.

What languages are available?
The tour is conducted in English and German, so check your booking options if you prefer one language over the other.

Where does the tour start and end?
The meeting point varies depending on your booking, and the tour finishes back at the same location, simplifying logistics.

Is the tour accessible for wheelchair users?
No, this walking tour is not suitable for wheelchair users, as it involves navigating uneven historic streets.

How much does the tour cost?
It is priced at $24 per person, which many reviewers find to be excellent value considering the depth of stories and sites covered.

Can I cancel the tour if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, offering flexibility if your plans shift.

What should I wear or bring?
Since it’s an outdoor walk, dress appropriately for the weather, and wear comfortable shoes suitable for cobbled streets and uneven terrain.

To sum it up, this tour offers an authentic and engaging look at Edinburgh’s dark and fascinating past. Whether you’re a history lover, a ghost story enthusiast, or just curious about Edinburgh’s spooky corners, you’ll find plenty of value in this two-hour journey. The guides’ storytelling, combined with atmospheric sites, makes it a memorable experience that’s well worth the modest price. It’s best suited for those wanting an immersive, fun, and slightly spooky adventure through Scotland’s storied streets.