Ghosts of Edinburgh: Bloody Past Exploration Game and Tour

Discover Edinburgh’s Haunted Streets with the Ghosts of Edinburgh Tour

For just $6.88 per person, the Ghosts of Edinburgh: Bloody Past Exploration Game and Tour offers a unique way to explore the Scottish capital. This self-guided, game-based experience lasts approximately 1 hour and is designed for groups seeking an active, entertaining way to learn about Edinburgh’s darker history. With full flexibility—you can start anytime, take breaks, and play offline—this tour suits those who prefer pacing their adventure or wish to explore at their own convenience. It’s especially appealing for families and friends looking for an engaging activity that combines sightseeing with puzzle-solving.

While the tour’s lighthearted game format brings the city’s ghostly legends to life, it’s important to note that no physical guide is included, making it ideal for travelers comfortable navigating independently. The low price point and group booking discounts add to its value, though some may find certain clues tricky or encounter minor technical issues, as reflected in reviews. This quirky exploration is perfect for curious explorers who enjoy hands-on, self-paced adventures through Edinburgh’s historic streets.

Key Points

• Self-guided, game-based exploration of Edinburgh’s haunted areas
• Approximate duration: 1 hour with flexible start times
• No internet required—play offline at your own pace
• Visits notable locations such as Greyfriars Kirkyard, Edinburgh Castle, and Mary King’s Close
• Price per person: $6.88 with options for group discounts
• Suitable for families, friends, and groups seeking an active, fun experience

Starting Point: The Mound and Central Edinburgh

The tour begins at The Mound, a central Edinburgh landmark connecting the New and Old Towns. This artificial slope was created in the 18th century by dumping earth excavated from the New Town. The game challenges players to find clues around this historic site to progress further in the story, learning about its construction and significance as part of Edinburgh’s development.

From this starting point, the tour guides you through key sites, making each stop part of an interactive puzzle. The flexibility to start at any time and pause during the game makes it accessible for visitors with variable schedules or those who want to avoid busy times.

Edinburgh Castle: A Fortress with a Ghostly Past

Next, the game takes you up to Edinburgh Castle, a dominant feature of the skyline sitting atop Castle Rock. This fortress has been occupied since at least the Iron Age, and while entrance is not necessary to play, the story connected to this site includes references to its long history. The castle’s intimidating presence and storied past make it a fitting setting for ghost stories and legends, which are woven into the game’s clues.

The castle’s commanding position and ancient origins add a layer of mystery, making it a natural highlight in the tour’s itinerary. Its connection to Edinburgh’s military and royal history enhances the experience, even if players do not enter the site.

Exploring the Origins of St Giles’ and Mary King’s Close

The tour takes players to St Giles’ Cathedral, dating back to around 1130. Originally dedicated to the patron saint of lepers, St Giles’ has served as a religious and community hub for centuries, adding a historical depth to the game’s narrative.

Another notable stop is Mary King’s Close, an underground alleyway beneath the Royal Mile. This historic close gained its name from a 17th-century merchant burgess and is famously associated with ghost stories and tales of plague victims. The clues at this stop reveal stories about Edinburgh’s darker times, including the grim history of public executions in the Grassmarket—a site that dates back to the 1300s.

The game’s puzzles encourage exploration of these atmospheric locations, making each stop both educational and intriguing without requiring physical entry.

Key Landmarks: Greyfriars Bobby Fountain and The Grassmarket

The Greyfriars Bobby Fountain features a life-size statue of the faithful dog Greyfriars Bobby, unveiled in 1873. Located near Greyfriars Kirkyard, the fountain is part of the tour’s storytelling, and players look around for clues tied to the dog’s legendary loyalty and the haunted tales surrounding the cemetery.

The Grassmarket, once a bustling cattle market, has a dark history as a site of public executions. Its centuries-old reputation as a place of justice and punishment adds a chilling dimension to the game’s legends, making it a compelling stop for fans of grisly history.

Educational Stops: New College and the Scottish National Gallery

The tour includes visits to New College, founded in the 1840s as the theological college of the Free Church of Scotland, and the Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art, which opened in the 1960s and later moved to its current buildings in 1984 and 1999. While primarily educational, these locations are woven into the storylines, providing context about Edinburgh’s architectural and cultural evolution.

Old College, part of the University of Edinburgh, also features on the route. Originally designed by Robert Adam in the 18th century, it now houses university administration and art galleries, making it a cultural highlight amid the ghostly tales.

Logistics: Meeting Point, Play Style, and Group Size

The tour starts at The Mound in central Edinburgh and ends at 100 W Bow. It is a private activity, meaning only your group participates, and can accommodate groups larger than 15 by making multiple bookings. The experience is played offline, so no internet connection is needed, which is convenient for travelers on the go.

Travelers appreciate the full flexibility—they can set their start time, pause as needed, and resume later—making it suitable for busy or unpredictable schedules. The activity is designed for most people and includes service animals, with access near public transportation.

How the Clues and Puzzles Work

Participants follow a downloaded game on their mobile devices, searching for answers at each location to unlock the next part of the story. The clues are set around historical sites, and some have been noted as quite tricky, requiring careful observation and puzzle-solving skills.

The game’s design allows players to visit landmarks like Greyfriars Kirkyard, Mary King’s Close, and The Grassmarket at their own pace, making it engaging for those who enjoy a challenge. While some reviews mention loading issues or difficulty deciphering clues, the overall experience remains positive, especially for fans of interactive storytelling.

Accessibility and Practical Tips

Since the experience is offline and involves walking between stops, it’s best suited for those who are comfortable navigating Edinburgh’s historic streets. The route covers diverse locations with varying terrain, but no specific physical requirements are listed. Travelers are encouraged to wear comfortable shoes and carry a mobile device with sufficient battery life.

The tour operates every day from 12:00 AM to 11:59 PM, providing ample flexibility for scheduling. There are no entrance fees for the landmarks involved, as the game relies on clues and external storytelling.

Comparing to Similar Edinburgh Tours

This game-based tour offers a different experience from traditional guided walks or museum visits. It’s especially appealing for visitors who prefer self-guided exploration with a narrative twist. The low price and self-paced format make it a cost-effective option that complements other sightseeing activities like castle tours or underground walks.

Unlike fully guided tours, this experience relies on the participant’s engagement and puzzle-solving abilities. It’s suitable for those who enjoy a combination of history, mystery, and interactive adventures.

Final Thoughts on the Bloody Past Exploration Game

The Ghosts of Edinburgh tour combines history, legend, and interactive fun into a compact package. Its main strengths lie in its affordability, flexibility, and the opportunity to explore some of Edinburgh’s most atmospheric sites at your own pace. It shines as a family-friendly activity and a group adventure, especially for those interested in Edinburgh’s haunted legends and dark stories.

However, it’s not designed for those seeking a guided experience or detailed historical commentary from a live guide. Some clues may challenge even seasoned puzzle-solvers, and technical hiccups have been reported. Still, for a cost-effective, offline, self-guided activity, this tour offers a memorable way to experience Edinburgh’s bloody past.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, it is designed as an active and entertaining experience for families and groups of friends, making it suitable for most ages.

Do I need an internet connection to play?
No, the tour is played offline after you download the game, so no internet is required during the activity.

Can I start the tour any time?
Yes, the experience offers full flexibility with any start time and allows you to pause and resume at your convenience.

Are entrance fees to landmarks included?
No, you do not need to pay for entrance to sites like Edinburgh Castle or others; the game’s clues guide you around external landmarks.

What if I encounter technical issues?
While most find the game easy to use, some reviews mention loading problems. Contact support through the provided email if you experience difficulties.

Is this experience accessible with service animals?
Yes, service animals are allowed during the activity.

What’s the duration of the tour?
The tour takes approximately 1 hour, but you can adjust your start time and take breaks as desired.

How many stops does the tour include?
It covers sites like The Mound, Edinburgh Castle, St Giles’ Cathedral, Mary King’s Close, Greyfriars Bobby Fountain, The Grassmarket, New College, and the Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art.