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Discover the Dark Side of Aberdeen in Just 1.5 Hours
The Aberdeen: Private Dark Side Walking Tour offers a compelling look into the city’s sinister past, all within an engaging 1.5-hour experience. Priced at $168 per group (up to 6 guests), this tour is perfect for those interested in uncovering Aberdeen’s mysteries, from public executions to witch trials. The tour departs from outside the Tolbooth Museum, with flexible start times and a local guide leading the way.
This private experience is designed to reveal the city’s hidden stories in an intimate setting. It’s ideal for history buffs, lovers of ghost stories, or anyone curious about Aberdeen’s darker moments. However, note that the tour involves walking and discusses sensitive topics, making it less suitable for children under 12.
You can check availability for your dates here:Key Points
- Private 1.5-hour walking tour exploring Aberdeen’s dark history
- Up to 6 guests per group for a personalized experience
- Local guide shares stories of murders, witches, and executions
- Tour starts outside the Tolbooth Museum with flexible times
- Not included: paid admissions to other sites
- Wheelchair accessible and suitable for most visitors
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Starting at the Tolbooth Museum in Aberdeen
The tour begins outside the Tolbooth Museum, where the guide meets the group wearing a bright orange jacket for easy spotting. This meeting point roots the experience in a historic location that has seen centuries of Aberdeen’s history. From here, the guide leads the group through the streets, sharing stories from the city’s past.
The start location’s significance ties into the tour’s focus on public executions and justice in historic Aberdeen. The flexible timing means you can select a start time that fits your schedule, making this a convenient addition to your day.
Exploring Aberdeen’s Dark Past with a Local Guide
Throughout the 1.5-hour tour, the guide narrates stories of body snatching, kidnappers, and public beheadings. The tour offers insight into Aberdeen’s grim history with the gallows and famous witch trials as key highlights. You’ll hear about the ghost of Marion Hardie and learn about some of the city’s most notorious events.
The guide’s storytelling style is engaging and informative, making complex or gruesome topics accessible and interesting. Since it’s a private tour, questions are encouraged, and the pace is tailored to your group’s interests.
Stops Include the Historic Saltoun Arms and More
The tour features eight sightseeing stops, starting from the Tolbooth Museum and ending back at the Snuggery Bar. Each stop is carefully selected to shed light on Aberdeen’s darker chapters, including places associated with murderers, slavery, and witch trials.
While the specific sites are not listed in detail, the stops collectively reveal Aberdeen’s historic landscape and its shadowy stories. The tour emphasizes walking through the streets, making it an active and immersive experience.
More Great Tours NearbyWhat You Will See: Gallows, Ghosts, and Trial Sites
Among the key sights are the gallows, used in public executions, and sites connected to famous witch trials. The ghost of Marion Hardie is a story woven into the tour, adding a supernatural dimension. The tour also covers killings at the Saltoun Arms and other notable events from Aberdeen’s dark past.
These sights highlight the city’s approach to justice and superstition, offering a vivid picture of how these events shaped Aberdeen’s history. The stories are told in a way that balances factual recounting with engaging storytelling.
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Logistics: Meeting Point, Group Size, and Accessibility
The tour starts outside the Tolbooth, with the guide in a bright orange jacket, making it easy to find. It’s a private group, with a maximum of 6 people, ensuring a personalized experience. The activity is wheelchair accessible, making it suitable for a wider range of visitors.
Since the tour involves walking, comfortable shoes are recommended. The flexible start times allow you to choose a convenient window, and the activity ends back at the Snuggery Bar—a nice spot for refreshments afterward.
The Value of a Private Dark Side Experience
At $168 per group, this tour offers good value for those traveling in a small group seeking an intimate exploration of Aberdeen’s darker stories. No additional paid admissions are included, so budget accordingly if you wish to visit other sites afterward.
The private nature means the guide can tailor the experience to your interests, making each tour unique. Plus, with the option to cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, plans remain flexible.
Who Should Consider This Tour?
This tour is best suited for adults or older children over 12 who are comfortable with potentially sensitive or gruesome stories. It appeals to those fascinated by history, crime, and supernatural tales. Since it’s a walking tour, participants should be prepared for weather and walking conditions.
The informative storytelling and focus on Aberdeen’s dark history make this a memorable experience for history enthusiasts, ghost hunters, or curious travelers eager to see a different side of the city.
The Sum Up: A Fascinating Journey into Aberdeen’s Shadows
The Aberdeen: Private Dark Side Walking Tour offers a thought-provoking and engaging glimpse into the city’s darker moments. With just the right length and a personalized guide, it balances storytelling with historical facts in an accessible way.
While the tour involves some sensitive topics and walking, it provides a unique perspective on Aberdeen’s past that isn’t often covered in traditional sightseeing. It’s an ideal choice for adults or older children interested in crime, witch trials, and supernatural stories, especially when you prefer a private, flexible experience.
This tour stands out for its intimate setting and local insights, ensuring you leave with a new understanding of Aberdeen’s mysterious and sometimes gruesome history.
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Aberdeen: Private Dark Side Walking Tour
“If I could give more stars I would 🙂 Kirsty was a wonderful tour guide! If you enjoy archeology, history and a bit of the spooky/spirit tales defi…”
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this tour suitable for children?
The tour is not recommended for children under 12 due to the nature of the content discussed, which includes topics like executions and witch trials.
What is included in the price?
The price covers a 1.5-hour private walking tour with a local guide. No additional admissions to sites are included.
Where does the tour start and end?
The tour begins outside the Tolbooth Museum and ends back at the Snuggery Bar. The guide will be in a bright orange jacket for easy identification.
Are there any accessibility considerations?
Yes, the tour is wheelchair accessible and suitable for most visitors, though some walking is involved, so comfortable shoes are recommended.
