Edinburgh Ghost Tour:Uncover Haunting Tales and Dark Stories

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Explore Edinburgh's dark and haunted history on this guided walking tour. Uncover chilling tales of notorious criminals, executed witches, and lingering spirits, as you visit places like Niddry Street.

Highlights

  • Expereince your spine tingle as you see the skeleton of William Burke
  • Go for a stroll on Brodie's Close, a narrow alleyway off the Royal Mile
  • See the David Hume statue, where the infamous William Burke was executed
  • Admire Edinburgh Castle, a fortress that has stood for over 1000 years
  • Listen to dark tales and history as you visit Grassmarket and Niddry Street

Description

Step back in time as you discover Edinburgh's macabre past on this guided walking tour. Feel your spine tingle as you stroll thorugh the Royal Mile and Grassmarket and see sights like William Burke's skeleton. Start near the imposing Edinburgh Castle, a fortress that has stood for over a millennium and is rumored to be one of the most haunted places in the city. Learn about the enigmatic piper who vanished in its tunnels, only to play ghostly tunes on stormy nights. Continue to the Calton Hill, where stunning views of the city, hide eerie stories of a 'Watchman' and a 'Headless Drummer.' Stroll along the Royal Mile to explore Brodie's Close, named after the notorious Deacon William Brodie, who led a double life as a respected businessman and a daring thief. View the David Hume Statue, where the infamous William Burke was executed for his heinous crimes in 1829. Discover the morbit tale of Burke and Hare, who sold corpses to medical schools, and the lingering presence of Burke's ghost. Walk through the historic Grassmarket, once a site of public execution. Hear the legend of Maggie Dickson, the woman who miraculously survived her own hanging. Listen to the haunting stories of executed criminals, ghostly pipers, and more who are said to haunt this area. Venture into Greyfriars Kirkyard, a cemetery rich with history and paranormal activity. Explore the tales of Sir George Mackenzie, a notorious persecutor of Covenanters, and the heartwarming story of Greyfriars Bobby, the loyal dog who guarded his owner's grave. Witness mortsafes (metal cages that protected the deceased from body snatchers) and the unsettling legacy of Edinburgh's dark past. Visit the Surgeon's Hall Museum to see William Burke's skeleton, a grim reminder of the city's history. Head to Niddry Street, a place once filled with brothels and taverns and rumored to be haunted by the spirits of women who worked there. Explore the network of underground passages and vaults, where eerie legends persist. Back on the Royal Mile, learn about its narrow closes and the haunting stories of the plague, witch hunts, and the accused witches who still roam the area. Discover the tragic history of witch burnings and the restless spirits that linger here. Near Canongate Kirk, hear the tale of Thomas Weir, the alleged warlock known as the 'Wizard of West Bow.' His ghostly presence is said to haunt this area, alongside other mysterious occurrences. Conclude with a reminder that Edinburgh's dark history and resident spirits add an intriguing layer to the city's rich tapestry. Enjoy a hauntingly good night.

Includes

Licensed guide Walking tour

Important Information

  • This tour takes place rain or shine

Easy cancellation

Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund

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