Edinburgh: Dark Secrets of the Old Town Ghost Walking Tour

Key Points

• Price: Only $24 per person for a 2-hour guided walking tour in Edinburgh’s Old Town.
• Highlights: Visit Canongate Kirkyard, Old Calton Cemetery, and sites linked to 19th-century murders and witch trials.
• Guides: Experienced local guides like Sonia, Melanie, and Nick share engaging stories, myths, and humorous anecdotes.
• Language: Tours are available in English and German.
• Accessibility: Not suitable for wheelchair users; starts and ends at different or variable meeting points.
• Reviews: Rated 4.7/5 based on 1014 reviews, praised for knowledgeable guides and entertaining storytelling.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Discover Edinburgh’s Dark Side on a 2-Hour Ghost Walk

The Edinburgh: Dark Secrets of the Old Town Ghost Walking Tour offers a compelling look into the city’s shadowy history, all for just $24 per person. This 2-hour guided walk explores the winding alleyways and historic graveyards of Edinburgh’s Old Town, revealing stories of witches burned at the stake, serial killers Burke and Hare, and plague doctors.

Led by passionate guides, including Sonia, Melanie, and Nick, this tour combines historical facts, myths, and humor, making it a lively yet eerie experience. The tour begins at a meeting point that varies depending on the booked option and concludes back at the original location. It’s perfect for those interested in dark history, mysticism, or haunted sites, and is suitable for anyone above five years old.

What Makes This Tour Stand Out in Edinburgh

This walk stands out for its focus on Edinburgh’s gruesome and mysterious past. Highlights include a visit to Canongate Kirkyard, famed for tales of witch and warlock trials, and Old Calton Cemetery, known as Scotland’s most haunted graveyard. The tour also offers insights into 19th-century corpse trade practices involving William Burke and William Hare, who sold bodies for dissection at anatomy lectures.

The guided storytelling is a key strength, with guides sharing stories, myths, and amusing anecdotes that make the dark history engaging and easy to follow. The tour’s price point and length make it an accessible way to experience a different side of Edinburgh, especially for history buffs or those intrigued by ghostly legends.

Visiting Canongate Kirkyard and Old Calton Cemetery

Canongate Kirkyard holds a significant place in Edinburgh’s history, where stories of witches and warlocks who faced burning are told with a mix of respect and intrigue. The Old Calton Cemetery provides a somber yet captivating atmosphere, with tales of hauntings and notorious figures buried there.

Walking through these graveyards, guides recount local myths and gruesome stories from Scotland’s past. The visual contrast between aged tombstones and the lively storytelling creates an immersive experience. This tour makes the history come alive, especially during evening hours when the atmosphere heightens the sense of mystery.

Exploring the Dark Chapters of 17th and 19th-century Edinburgh

The tour offers a look at scenes from the 17th-century, including houses of old residents and locations associated with witch hunts. It also covers Black Death doctors and their efforts during the bubonic plague pandemic of the 1300s, adding medical history to the spooky tales.

A notable focus is on the black market for corpses in the 19th century, which was driven by a high demand for bodies for anatomy studies. Guides explain how William Burke and William Hare contributed to Edinburgh’s dark reputation through their gruesome activities, selling bodies to surgeons for dissection.

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The Guides and Their Engaging Storytelling Style

The guides, including Sonia, Melanie, Nick, and Tommy, are highly praised for their knowledge, humor, and engaging delivery. Multiple reviews highlight how their passion for history and ability to answer questions make the experience both educational and entertaining.

Guides use pictures, stories, and local insights to bring the past to life, often tailoring their narrative to the interests of the group. Their personality and storytelling skills turn a simple walk into an immersive journey through Edinburgh’s shadowed corners.

Practical Details and Tour Logistics

The meeting point varies based on the booking option, and the tour ends back at the starting location. The walk is not suitable for wheelchair users, so travelers with mobility issues should consider this. The tour operates in English and German, making it accessible to a broader audience.

Cancellation policy allows for a full refund if canceled at least 24 hours in advance, offering flexibility for spontaneous plans. With a duration of 2 hours, the tour is a manageable activity that fits well into an evening schedule.

Why This Tour Offers Great Value for Money

At just $24, this guided walk provides a highly rated experience, with over 1,000 reviews averaging 4.7/5. Guests consistently praise the knowledge and humor of the guides and the visceral stories they share. The tour offers an intriguing mix of history, myth, and local legends at an affordable price, making it an excellent choice for history enthusiasts, night owls, or curious visitors.

The small group feel ensures an intimate experience, and the variable start times give some flexibility. Whether you want to learn about Edinburgh’s dark past or simply enjoy a spooky walk with fascinating stories, this tour delivers beyond expectations.

The Sum Up: An Unmissable Night Tour in Edinburgh

The Dark Secrets of the Old Town Ghost Walking Tour offers a compelling way to explore Edinburgh’s lesser-known history in an atmospheric setting. The expert guides, engaging stories, and haunted sites make it a worthwhile outing, especially for those interested in ghost stories, serial killers, and witchcraft.

While it’s not suitable for very young children or wheelchair users, the experience is perfect for adults and older children who enjoy mystery, history, or a little spooky fun. The affordable price combined with high praise from over a thousand reviewers makes this tour a reliable choice for an intriguing evening in Edinburgh.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the tour suitable for children under 5?
No, the tour is not recommended for children under 5 due to the dark and potentially gruesome content.

What languages are available for the tour?
The tour is offered in English and German.

How long does the tour last?
The tour lasts approximately 2 hours.

Where does the tour start?
The meeting point varies depending on the booked option but is provided upon booking.

Is the tour accessible for wheelchair users?
No, this tour is not suitable for wheelchair users.

Can I cancel this booking?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

What are some highlights of the tour?
Highlights include Canongate Kirkyard, Old Calton Cemetery, stories of witch trials, Black Death doctors, and serial killers Burke and Hare.

Is the tour family-friendly?
It is generally suitable for older children and adults, but the content may be too intense for very young children.

What makes this tour different from other Edinburgh ghost tours?
This tour emphasizes historic murders, witch trials, and medical history, with guides adding humor and local insights that keep the experience lively and engaging.

How good are the guides?
Reviews consistently praise the knowledgeable, passionate, and entertaining guides who enhance the experience with storytelling and answers.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby