City of the Dead: The Double Dead Tour

If you’re looking for a way to see a different side of Edinburgh—one shrouded in shadow, mystery, and ghostly tales—then the City of the Dead: The Double Dead Tour might just be your cup of tea. This walking adventure promises a blend of spooky stories, eerie sights, and exclusive access to some of the city’s most haunted spots. While I haven’t done it myself, the rave reviews, with a near-perfect 5.0 rating from hundreds of travelers, suggest it’s well worth considering.

What really appeals about this tour is how it combines underground vaults and a historic prison, giving a layered look into Edinburgh’s haunted past. Plus, the guides seem to have a knack for balancing humor and horror, making the experience engaging without crossing into campy territory. That said, it’s a walking tour that lasts about 1 hour 45 minutes, so it’s best suited for those comfortable with some light exertion and evening strolls. If you’re into ghost stories, history, or just seeking an atmospheric adventure, this tour could be a memorable highlight of your trip.

One thing to keep in mind is that the tour is conducted in English only and is recommended for travelers aged 12 and up, which makes it less ideal for very young children. Also, since it’s a small group experience—max 5 people—you’ll get a more personal, immersive feeling, but it’s worth booking well in advance, especially since most travelers book about two months ahead.

Key Points

• Two haunted sites: The tour covers both the South Bridge Vaults and Greyfriars Covenanters Prison for a comprehensive spooky experience.
• Expert guides: Knowledgeable guides with a good mix of humor and horror, making the stories come alive.
• Exclusive access: Only available through this tour, giving you a chance to explore areas not open to the general public.
• Great value: Priced around $31.57 per person, reviews indicate this offers a lot of entertainment and insight for the cost.
• Convenient location: Starts at St Giles’ Cathedral and ends in Greyfriars Kirkyard, perfect for continuing your exploration after the tour.
• Highly recommended: Over 96% of reviewers say they would recommend this experience—testament to its quality.

The Itinerary: What You Can Expect

Starting Point: St Giles’ Cathedral

The tour kicks off at St Giles’ Cathedral, a central and recognizable spot in Edinburgh’s Old Town. From here, the guide begins weaving tales that set the tone for what’s to come. The tour lasts about one hour 45 minutes, during which you’ll walk between two of Edinburgh’s most notorious haunted locations.

South Bridge Vaults

The first stop takes you into the South Bridge Vaults, a series of underground chambers with a reputation for being some of the most haunted places on the planet. You’ll walk through these tunnels, exploring their history and hearing chilling stories of paranormal activity. The vaults are famous for their eerie atmosphere, and many reviews highlight how atmospheric and immersive the experience is.

One reviewer mentioned, “The vaults were very atmospheric and the stories were brought to life,” emphasizing the powerful ambiance created by the setting and storytelling. The guide’s role here is crucial, as they combine historical facts with ghostly tales, keeping you engaged and on edge.

Covenanters Prison in Greyfriars Graveyard

Next, the tour moves into Greyfriars Cemetery, home to the Covenanters Prison, a site unique to the City of the Dead tour. This part is particularly popular because of the access granted—most visitors don’t get to see the prison, which adds an exclusive element to the experience.

The guide shares stories of some of the most fascinating paranormal occurrences linked to this area. As one reviewer put it, “Our host was very knowledgeable in the history of the places we visited. He told us about fascinating paranormal occurrences that took place there.” The confined space and historic gravestones add a sense of history mixed with hauntings, making for a memorable visit.

Ending at Greyfriars Kirkyard

The tour concludes back in Greyfriars Kirkyard, where you can continue exploring or head off into Edinburgh’s lively streets. Many find the ending to be a perfect segue to further nightlife or ghostly-themed drinks in nearby pubs.

What Travelers Say: Honest Feedback from Past Participants

The overwhelming majority of reviews highlight how much they enjoyed the knowledgeable guides. Several mention guides like Ben, Ian, and Charlie, praising their storytelling skills and ability to blend humor with horror. One reviewer raved, “Ben made sure everyone was safe and was very engaging,” illustrating how guides prioritize both safety and entertainment.

Participants especially appreciate the exclusive access to the Covenanters Prison and the atmospheric vaults—the real-life settings add tremendously to the scare factor. A reviewer described the experience as “a very entertaining and informative walk through the dark side of Edinburgh,” which captures its essence well.

The tour’s value for money is frequently praised, with many saying they felt they received a lot of entertainment and intriguing stories for just over $30. “The stories and inside knowledge made the price worth it,” one person mentioned.

However, some reviews mention that the tour could be somewhat challenging for older adults or those with mobility issues, as it involves a fair amount of walking and navigating uneven, underground surfaces.

The Experience, Atmosphere, and Learning

What makes this tour stand out is how it truly immerses you in Edinburgh’s haunted sites. The guides’ stories make history come alive, whether it’s recounting ghost sightings, local legends, or the dark past of the vaults and prison. Many reviews highlight the balance of humor and horror, which keeps the atmosphere thrilling without becoming overwhelming.

The small group size (maximum 5 travelers) means you get a more intimate experience, enabling the guide to tailor the storytelling and answer questions in detail. This is something many appreciate, especially when they want to dig deeper into the history or share their own ghostly experiences.

Plus, the timing—starting at 8 p.m.—ensures you’re exploring in the dead of night, adding to the spooky vibe. The central meeting point makes it easy to find and the end location allows for seamless continuation of your Edinburgh adventure.

Pricing and Overall Value

At just over $31.50, this tour offers a lot of bang for your buck. You get to visit two haunted locations, enjoy a guided walk with an expert storyteller, and gain access to areas normally off-limits. Travelers seem to feel the experience is well worth the price, especially given the high praise for guides like Ben, Ian, and Charlie, who seem to elevate the experience with their charisma and knowledge.

Keep in mind, transportation isn’t included, so plan to arrive at the meeting point on your own. The tour’s duration is just enough to be thrilling without feeling drawn out, making it perfect for an evening activity that won’t cut into your other plans.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is especially suited for those who enjoy ghost stories, history, and atmospheric walks. It’s a good fit for curious travelers aged 12 and above, who don’t mind walking through dark, sometimes confined spaces. If you’re after a fun, spooky night out that combines storytelling with history, you’ll likely find this tour highly satisfying.

It’s less ideal if you’re seeking a highly family-friendly activity suitable for young children or if you have mobility concerns, given the walking and uneven surfaces involved.

The Sum Up

The City of the Dead: The Double Dead Tour offers a compelling combination of Edinburgh’s underground vaults and historic prison, delivered by guides who know how to entertain while informing. Its exclusive access, atmospheric settings, and engaging storytelling make it a standout for anyone wanting to explore the city’s darker stories.

For thrill-seekers, history buffs, or those simply looking for a unique evening activity, this tour delivers in spades. Its affordability and consistently glowing reviews make it a solid choice. Just remember to book early, arrive prepared for an atmospheric walk, and enjoy the spooky side of Edinburgh.

If you’re after a memorable, chilling experience that dives into the city’s ghostly legends, this tour is hard to beat.

FAQ

Is transportation to the attractions included?
No, transportation is not included. You’ll need to make your way to the meeting point at St Giles’ Cathedral and then walk to the various sites.

What is the minimum age for participating?
The tour recommends a minimum age of 12, and children must be accompanied by an adult.

How long does the tour last?
The tour runs for approximately 1 hour 45 minutes, giving enough time to explore key sites without feeling rushed.

Where does the tour start and end?
It begins at St Giles’ Cathedral and ends at Greyfriars Kirkyard Cemetery.

Is this tour suitable for people with mobility issues?
While most travelers can participate, keep in mind that it involves walking and navigating underground areas, which could be challenging for some.

Can I cancel if I change my mind?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the tour, with a full refund if canceled in time.

What language is the tour conducted in?
The tour is conducted in English only.

Is the tour recommended if it’s bad weather?
Yes, the experience requires good weather. If canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.