Edinburgh Ghosts & Gore Walking Tour

Old Town, Edinburgh, Edinburgh



See Edinburgh's darker side with Alexander Clapperton, leading you through the courtyards and closes of the old town. Entertaining you with tales of witchcraft, punishments, executions and invasions.

Edinburgh Ghost Tour with a 19th Century Cemetery Director

This guided walking tour in Edinburgh's Old Town suits families and anyone interested in history and ghost stories.

Description

Your guide is the fictional Alexander Clapperton, a former Edinburgh Cemetery Director from the 1840s. He leads a light-hearted walk through Edinburgh's dark past, sharing stories of torture, plague, witchcraft, and invasion as you explore the atmospheric closes and courtyards of the Old Town.

Along the way, Mr Clapperton introduces historical Edinburgh characters summoned from the past, adding humour and occasional frights to the experience.

Meeting and End Points

  • Meeting point: Outside The Witchery by the Castle restaurant, 352 Castlehill, Edinburgh EH1 2NF
  • Note: On some days in July and August, due to concerts and the Military Tattoo at Edinburgh Castle, the meeting point moves to the tour operator's shop. Confirm when booking.
  • End point: Lawnmarket, Edinburgh EH1

Includes

  • Qualified ghostly tour guide
  • Famous 'Jumper-ooters'

Excludes

  • Hotel pickup and drop off
  • Gratuities

Important Information

  • Arrive 5 minutes before the scheduled departure time
  • Wear appropriate footwear as the tour covers cobblestoned streets
  • The tour runs rain or shine
  • This tour is not wheelchair accessible in August and requires climbing some stairs

Cancellation Policy

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

For the best experience, book in advance and check meeting point details if visiting in July or August. Bring comfortable shoes and dress for changeable weather conditions.

Frequently Asked Questions

It is a guided walking tour through Edinburgh's Old Town, featuring stories of the city's dark history, led by a fictional 19th-century cemetery director named Alexander Clapperton.
The tour is led by a guide portraying Alexander Clapperton, a fictional former cemetery director from 1840s Edinburgh.
The tour explores the closes and courtyards of Edinburgh's Old Town, known for its atmospheric and historic setting.
Yes, the tour is designed to be light-hearted and suitable for families as well as anyone interested in history and ghost stories.
Tour duration may vary; please check the website for current schedule and timing details.
The guide shares tales of torture, plague, witchcraft, invasion, and other elements of Edinburgh's dark past.
Since it is a walking tour in Edinburgh's Old Town, appropriate clothing for weather conditions is recommended; check the provider’s policy for cancellations due to weather.
Advance booking is recommended to secure a place, especially during peak tourist seasons in Edinburgh.
The tour involves walking through narrow closes and cobbled streets, so accessibility may be limited; please check with the tour provider for specific accommodations.
Evening tours often create a spookier atmosphere, but check the website for available times and choose what suits you best.

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