Edinburgh: Dark Secrets of the Old Town Ghost Walking Tour

Old Town, Edinburgh, Edinburgh



Explore Edinburgh's dark past as you visit Canongate Kirkyard, learn about the Black Death, and visit the sites of 19th-century serial killers on this chilling guided walking tour.

Edinburgh Dark History Walking Tour

This walking tour in central Edinburgh explores the city’s dark history, suited for history enthusiasts and curious visitors.

Description

Walk through Edinburgh’s winding alleyways and visit significant sites linked to witches, warlocks, and infamous criminals. Learn about Scotland’s infamous Burke and Hare, who sold corpses for anatomy lectures in the 19th century. The tour includes stops at Old Calton Cemetery and Canongate Kirkyard, Scotland’s most haunted graveyards.

Hear about the trials and executions of witches and warlocks, and discover what beliefs led to these events. Your guide will explain the impact of the Black Death pandemic in the 1300s and discuss the doctors who treated it.

Along the way, pass historic 17th-century houses and hear stories, myths, and anecdotes that reveal Edinburgh’s mysterious past while enjoying views across the city.

Highlights

  • Stroll down winding alleyways in central Edinburgh
  • Learn about Burke and Hare, known as the Westport Murderers
  • Discover Scotland’s witch and warlock trials
  • Visit Scotland’s most haunted graveyard, Old Calton Cemetery
  • Hear stories, myths, and anecdotes from a local guide

Includes

  • Tour guide
  • Walking tour

Booking Information

Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Wear comfortable shoes and dress for the weather. The best time to visit is during daylight hours for visibility and safety.

Frequently Asked Questions

It is a guided walking tour through Edinburgh’s Old Town that explores the city’s dark history, including stories of witches, criminals, and haunted locations.
The tour takes place throughout Edinburgh’s Old Town, including stops at Old Calton Cemetery and Canongate Kirkyard.
Burke and Hare were 19th-century criminals in Edinburgh known for selling corpses for anatomical study.
Evening times are popular to enhance the spooky atmosphere, but check the website for current tour schedules.
The tour typically lasts around 1.5 to 2 hours, covering multiple historic sites in Old Town Edinburgh.
The tour is best suited for older children and adults due to its mature and dark historical content.
Yes, the tour can be booked online through various platforms; check the official website for availability.
No special equipment is required as the tour is guided and takes place mostly on public streets and graveyards.
Yes, comfortable walking shoes are recommended due to the cobbled streets and uneven terrain in Edinburgh’s Old Town.
The tour shares stories about witches, warlocks, criminals, and haunted graveyards in Edinburgh’s history.

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