Edinburgh Ghosts & Gore Walking Tour

If you’re visiting Edinburgh and craving a different kind of history lesson—one filled with ghostly tales, creepy characters, and a good dose of humor—the Edinburgh Ghosts & Gore Walking Tour might just be your perfect pick. This tour promises to walk you through the old town’s shadows, blending spooky stories with lightheartedness, all led by a guide who’s as entertaining as he is knowledgeable.

What we really love about this experience is how it manages to be informative yet fun at the same time. The fact that you’ll be accompanied by Alexander Clapperton, a guide who’s humorously brought back from the dead, instantly sets it apart from more serious or dull tours. Plus, the price—around $22 per person—feels like a fair deal for the 1.5-hour journey packed with stories, laughs, and a few surprises. One potential drawback? The tour is physically on foot, so comfortable shoes are a must, and in August, it’s not wheelchair accessible, which could be a consideration if you have mobility concerns.

This tour seems well-suited for anyone interested in Edinburgh’s darker stories but doesn’t want to sit through a dry history lecture. Families, groups of friends, or solo travelers who enjoy a mix of history, humor, and a touch of the spooky will likely find themselves thoroughly entertained.

Key Points

• Engaging Guided Experience: Led by a deceased cemetery director, making it uniquely humorous and memorable.
• Affordable Price: At $22, it offers excellent value considering the length and quality of storytelling.
• Family-Friendly Atmosphere: Fun for all ages, blending laughs with creepy tales.
• Rich Content: Stories of witchcraft, executions, invasions, and more, all delivered with a lively touch.
• Accessible for Wheelchairs: In most months, but note August limitations.
• Flexible Booking: Cancel up to 24 hours in advance with a full refund, adding peace of mind.

You can check availability for your dates here:

What Makes This Tour Stand Out?

We loved the playful way this tour combines Edinburgh’s spooky stories with humor. Most ghost tours tend to be straight-laced and a bit serious, but this one keeps it light while still serving up plenty of chilling and gory details. The guide, Alexander Clapperton, played by a very talented actor, is a highlight. His witty narration and engaging personality turn what could be a standard walk into a theatrical experience.

The tour’s cost of around $22 per person is quite reasonable, especially considering the high praise it gets in reviews. Many have called it “excellent value,” noting that the stories are both interesting and entertaining. What’s more, the tour includes a free book full of more tales, which is a nice bonus for those wanting to dig deeper into Edinburgh’s dark history.

What to Expect During the Tour

The tour kicks off outside The Witchery by the Castle, right near Edinburgh Castle, a perfect starting point for those exploring the Royal Mile. Depending on the time of year and events—like the Edinburgh Military Tattoo—the meeting point can shift to a shop at 84 West Bow, so check your booking details. The walk itself lasts about an hour and a half, taking you through the atmospheric closes and courtyards of the old town, which are perfect settings for ghost stories.

Your guide — the charming and very funny Alexander Clapperton, who claims to be a “deceased cemetery director” from the 1840s — will introduce you to Edinburgh’s sinister characters and tales of witchcraft, punishments, invasions, and more. The stories are told in a way that balances history and humor, ensuring everyone stays engaged.

The route ends at Lawnmarket, where you can continue exploring or grab a bite nearby. The tour operates rain or shine, so come prepared with appropriate footwear and an umbrella if necessary. The cobbled streets add to the authentic, creepy feel, but also mean comfortable shoes are a must.

The Experience of the Guides and Atmosphere

One aspect consistently praised in reviews is the guides’ knowledge and humor. As one reviewer put it, Sir Clapperton was “absolutely hilarious,” making the stories memorable and enjoyable. Multiple reviews mention the guides’ ability to mix “gruesome history” with comedy—an art that keeps the atmosphere fun rather than frightful.

The storytelling style is engaging enough for teenagers and children, with plenty of quirky characters and gory details that keep the tour lively. Several reviews highlight how it appeals to all ages, making it a great family outing if you’re up for some spooky tales that aren’t too intense.

Accessibility and Practicalities

The tour is wheelchair accessible in most months, but from August onward, it’s not suitable for those with mobility issues due to stairs and uneven cobbles. For those planning around the Military Tattoo or music concerts in July, the meeting point shifts to accommodate the busy event schedule.

The tour is walked entirely on foot, so wear comfy shoes. It’s rain or shine, so prepare accordingly. As pets aren’t allowed—except for assistance dogs—you won’t have to worry about furry friends joining the spooky fun.

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Is It Worth the Price?

Considering the entertainment value, the engaging storytelling, and the chance to learn about Edinburgh’s darker past in a relaxed setting, the price feels pretty fair. Many reviewers mention the “great value” for money, and some even comment that it’s better than other ghost tours they’ve been on before. Plus, the inclusion of a free book makes it even more worthwhile.

Who Will Enjoy This Tour?

This experience is ideal for those who like history with a humorous twist, or for anyone looking for a more relaxed, fun way to explore Edinburgh’s darker stories. It’s family-friendly, so teenagers and older kids will get a kick out of it, especially if they enjoy ghost stories or creepy tales. If you’re after a chilling, serious ghost hunt, this might not be your best bet, but if you want an engaging, entertaining walk with some spooky flair, it’s a fantastic choice.

The Edinburgh Ghosts & Gore Walking Tour offers a lively mix of history, humor, and some spooky surprises. The guides are consistently praised for their knowledge and comedic timing, making this tour not just educational but genuinely fun. The route takes you through the atmospheric old town, with plenty of opportunities to snap photos and soak in the dark, haunting corners of the city.

The affordable price, combined with the entertaining storytelling and the bonus of a free book, makes this a compelling option for travelers wanting a memorable experience without breaking the bank. It’s particularly well-suited for families, groups of friends, or anyone who appreciates a blend of history and humor wrapped in a ghostly package.

If you’re visiting Edinburgh and looking for something different from the typical sightseeing tour—something that mixes history, fun, and a little fright—this walk fits the bill. Just remember to wear comfortable shoes, check the meeting point beforehand, and prepare for a good time. It’s a tour that’s been highly rated and loved by many, and it’s easy to see why.

Is the tour suitable for children?
Yes, many reviews mention that it’s fun for all ages, especially those who are interested in spooky stories and humorous guides. However, keep in mind the stories include some gory details and the atmosphere is spooky, so use your judgment for younger children.

How long does the tour last?
It lasts approximately 1.5 hours, covering a walk through Edinburgh’s closes and courtyards.

What is the starting point?
The usual meeting point is outside The Witchery by the Castle on Castlehill, near Edinburgh Castle. During July and August, it may be at 84 West Bow due to events like the Military Tattoo.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, offering flexibility for travelers.

Is the tour wheelchair accessible?
In most months, yes. However, during August, it is not wheelchair accessible due to stairs and cobbles.

Does the tour operate rain or shine?
Yes, the tour takes place regardless of weather, so come prepared for rain or shine.

Are pets allowed?
Only assistance dogs are permitted on the tour.

What should I wear?
Comfortable shoes are a must because you’ll be walking on cobblestones. Dress appropriately for the weather.

Is there a guide or audio tour?
The tour features a live guide, specifically the entertaining guide, Alexander Clapperton.

What’s included in the tour?
A qualified ghostly guide and the unique ‘Jumper-ooters’ (a fun souvenir), plus the free book with more stories.

In the end, if you love stories that mix dark history with a bit of comedy and enjoy exploring the atmospheric streets of Edinburgh, this tour is worth considering. It’s a fun, well-reviewed experience that captures the city’s spooky side without taking itself too seriously.

You can check availability for your dates here: