Edinburgh: Dark Secrets of the Old Town Halloween Tour

Edinburgh: Dark Secrets of the Old Town Halloween Tour — A Deep Dive

If you’re considering a ghostly, history-rich stroll through Edinburgh’s winding streets this Halloween, you’re in good company. This Dark Secrets of the Old Town tour promises to peel back the layers of Edinburgh’s shadowy past, blending chilling tales with fascinating history. While we haven’t personally joined the tour, reviews and descriptions suggest it’s a solid option for those who enjoy a mix of history, myth, and a touch of the macabre.

What stands out? First, the tour’s focus on Edinburgh’s dark legends and historical crimes makes it more than just a haunted walk. Second, the local guides’ storytelling skills, often praised as dedicated and engaging, bring the stories to life. One potential caveat is that it’s not suitable for wheelchair users—something to keep in mind if mobility is a concern.

This experience is well-suited for history buffs, fans of spooky stories, or anyone who wants a different take on Edinburgh’s old town during Halloween. It’s great for curious travelers who enjoy a good story, even if the notion of dark history isn’t your usual vibe.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Key Points:

• Focus on Edinburgh’s darker past, including witch hunts, graveyards, and infamous serial killers.
• 2-hour walking tour with a live guide, offering a mix of history and stories.
• Visit notable sites like Canongate Kirkyard and Old Calton Cemetery.
• Learn about the Black Death and historical medical practices related to the plague.
• Engaging storytelling with anecdotes, myths, and humorous details.
• Affordable price point at $24 per person, offering good value for a themed experience.
• Not wheelchair accessible, so check mobility needs before booking.
• Flexible cancellation policy—cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

A Closer Look at the Dark Secrets Tour

This tour offers a window into Edinburgh’s darker chapters, blending history and legend. Starting in front of Advocates Close, opposite St. Giles Cathedral, the meeting point is easy to find, marked by a black umbrella with a yellow logo. From there, the two-hour journey takes you through winding alleyways and historic sites, each with a story that’s likely to send a shiver down your spine.

What to Expect from the Tour

We love the way this tour balances history with storytelling. Your guide will take you past graveyards, aged houses, and sites associated with the witch hunts—highlighting the grim reality of Edinburgh’s past when witches and warlocks were often burned at the stake. Learn about the witch hunts and the spells and beliefs that fueled such brutal practices, giving you context for these dark episodes.

One of the most fascinating parts is hearing about William Burke and William Hare, the notorious serial killers of the 19th century. These two men sold bodies for anatomical dissection, creating a black market for corpses that shocked Edinburgh. The fact that such stories are woven into the walking route makes it clear that this tour isn’t just spooky storytelling but also a reflection on the city’s complex history.

Visiting Historic Sites

The tour visits Old Calton Cemetery and Canongate Kirkyard, both packed with stories and historical figures. The graveyard scenes add a visual element that enhances the eerie atmosphere, especially as your guide shares stories about people accused of witchcraft, or the doctors who dealt with the Black Death during the 1300s.

More Great Tours Nearby

What You’ll Glean from the Stories

The anecdotes shared by the guide are often humorous as well as chilling. For example, one review mentioned how the guide was very dedicated, making the experience both fun and informative. You might find yourself laughing at some of the humorous tidbits while being genuinely intrigued by the dark history, such as the number of people burned for witchcraft or the medical practices of the past.

The Experience and Its Value

The tour costs $24—arguably a reasonable price considering the detailed stories and the historic sites visited. It’s not just a walk; it’s a curated experience that offers insight into Edinburgh’s shadowy episodes across the ages. You’re not only learning about the town’s ghosts but also about its longer history with death, disease, and superstition.

Audience Fit

While the tour isn’t suitable for wheelchair users, it’s perfect for those who enjoy a story-rich exploration of history. The stories about witches, plague doctors, and serial killers appeal to travelers who like their history served with a side of spooky fun. It’s also a good choice for Halloween, especially if you want to combine history with a sense of seasonal thrill.

Practical Details: Making the Most of Your Experience

• Duration: 2 hours, which allows enough time for storytelling without feeling rushed.
• Languages: Available in English, German, Italian, and Spanish—so if you speak any of these, you might catch some extra nuances.
• Availability: Check ahead for start times; tours run regularly but can vary.
• Meeting Point: Clear instructions are provided, making it easy to find the starting spot.
• Cancellation: Free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance offers flexibility if your plans change.

Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?

If you’re into historic tales, ghost stories, or Halloween-themed activities, this tour offers a well-rounded mix of all three. It’s a value-for-money experience that combines engaging storytelling with meaningful visits to historic sites. While it’s not overly spooky—more atmospheric and insightful—there’s enough dark history to satisfy fans of Edinburgh’s more sinister stories.

However, if you’re after a more immersive haunted experience, you might want to explore some of Edinburgh’s underground ghost tours or haunted vaults, which tend to focus more on the supernatural. This walk, in contrast, leans more toward history and legend, with some humor thrown in.

For travelers who enjoy learning about a city’s darker past and don’t mind walking through historic streets at night, this is a solid choice. Just remember, it’s not wheelchair accessible, so plan accordingly if mobility is a concern.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for children?
Since the tour covers dark historical topics like witch hunts and serial killers, it might be more appropriate for older children or teenagers. The experience is atmospheric but not explicitly designed for kids.

How long is the tour?
It lasts about 2 hours, which is enough time to explore several historic sites and hear plenty of stories without it feeling too lengthy.

What languages is the tour offered in?
The tour is available in English, German, Italian, and Spanish, making it accessible for a diverse group of travelers.

Where do I meet the guide?
The meeting point is in front of Advocates Close, 361 High Street, opposite St. Giles Cathedral. Look for the black umbrella with a yellow logo.

Can I cancel the tour if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel for a full refund if you do so up to 24 hours before the scheduled start.

Is this a spooky or scary tour?
It’s more atmospheric and story-driven rather than frightening. Expect chilling stories, but not jump-scares or haunted house-style scares.

Is the tour suitable for people with mobility issues?
No, it isn’t wheelchair accessible, so check your mobility needs before booking.

What’s the price?
At $24 per person, it’s quite affordable compared to other themed experiences, offering good value for a comprehensive story walk.

Will I see actual haunted sites?
You’ll visit historic graveyards and sites associated with dark history, but the focus is on stories and legends rather than supernatural encounters.

If you’re ready to explore Edinburgh’s shadows and secrets in a way that’s both fun and educational, this tour is likely to be a highlight of your trip. It provides a compelling look at the city’s darker side without being overly frightening, perfect for those curious about history mixed with a touch of seasonal fun.

You can check availability for your dates here: