Edinburgh: Dark Secrets of the Old Town Halloween Tour

Canongate District, Edinburgh



Enjoy a Halloween Tour and learn more about Edinburgh's dark past. Visit Canongate Kirkyard, learn about the Black Death, and visit sites of 19th-century serial killers on this chilling walking tour.

Edinburgh Dark History Walking Tour

This walking tour in Edinburgh suits those interested in the city’s dark past, including witch hunts, serial killers, and mythical Scottish faeries.

Tour Highlights

  • Stroll down winding alleyways while learning about Edinburgh’s dark history
  • Discover the long history of Halloween in the city
  • Hear stories, myths, and anecdotes from a local guide
  • Learn about Burke and Hare, the 19th-century Westport murderers
  • Explore the history of witch hunts in Edinburgh through the ages

Description

Explore Scotland’s mythical sites and Scottish faeries as you walk around Edinburgh. Pass graveyards, historic houses, and locations where witches and warlocks were executed.

Learn about the 19th-century black market for corpses and the notorious serial killers William Burke and William Hare, who sold bodies for medical dissection. Visit Old Calton Cemetery and Canongate Kirkyard.

Enjoy views across Edinburgh while hearing about the city’s dark chapter involving witch burnings. Discover the number of people executed for witchcraft and the spells and beliefs linked to these events.

Uncover the past as your guide explains how doctors treated patients during the Black Death pandemic in the 1300s. Walk past 17th-century houses and delve into the mystery and mysticism surrounding Edinburgh.

Includes

  • Tour guide

Cancellation Policy

Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

For the best experience, wear comfortable walking shoes and bring a waterproof jacket. Evening tours offer a more atmospheric setting for this tour.

Frequently Asked Questions

It is a walking tour in Edinburgh exploring the city’s dark history, including witch hunts, serial killers, and Scottish faerie myths.
The tour takes place in Edinburgh’s Old Town, focusing on winding alleyways and historic sites.
A local guide with knowledge of Edinburgh’s dark history and folklore leads the tour.
The tour highlights figures like Burke and Hare, known for their 19th-century murders in Edinburgh’s Westport.
The tour is especially popular around Halloween, but you should check the website for current scheduling and availability.
Tour duration varies, so it is best to check the official website for exact times.
Due to mature themes like murder and witch hunts, this tour is generally recommended for adults and older teens.
Yes, the tour includes stories about the long history and traditions of Halloween in Edinburgh.
Advance booking is advised to secure your spot, especially during the Halloween season.
Participants should be able to walk through uneven cobblestone streets and narrow alleys in Edinburgh’s Old Town.

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