Edinburgh Ghost Tour: Mysteries, Legends and Murders

Thinking of adding a touch of the eerie and mysterious to your Edinburgh trip? This guided walking ghost tour promises to reveal the city’s darker stories, legends, and unsettling past. From tales of serial killers to haunted graveyards, it’s an experience that offers more than just spooky stories—it’s an immersive peek into Edinburgh’s shadowy corners.

What we love about this tour? First, the expert guides who bring history to life with their storytelling skill and local knowledge. Second, the stunning views and hidden alleyways along the Royal Mile that you might miss on your own. That said, a potential drawback is that it’s more of a historical storytelling experience with some ghostly tales, rather than a purely haunting adventure. If you’re seeking full-on haunted house chills or nighttime underground explorations, this might not hit all those marks. But if you enjoy a good story and a walk through history with a spooky twist, this tour is likely to suit you well.

This tour is especially suitable for those interested in Edinburgh’s intriguing past, lovers of storytelling, or anyone who appreciates a blend of history and legends delivered by passionate guides. It’s also a great way to see the city’s highlights while learning about its darker episodes.

Key Points

• Highly Rated: With a 5.0 out of 5 from over 560 reviews, most travelers find this tour engaging and worth the price.
• Affordable: At roughly $25, it offers solid value, especially considering the detailed storytelling and scenic stops.
• Knowledgeable Guides: Guides like Gavin, Ross, and others are praised for their friendly, informative, and engaging delivery.
• Rich Stories & Landmarks: From 17th-century alleyways to graveyard secrets, the tour highlights Edinburgh’s best dark tales.
• Walking Tour: Expect a walk of about 1 hour 45 minutes, covering key historic sites along the Royal Mile and graveyards.
• Family Friendly? While not explicitly targeted at children, many reviews mention engaging guides that can keep younger participants interested, like a 9-year-old.

An In-Depth Look at the Edinburgh Ghost Tour

What’s Included & What’s Not?

For $24.71, you get a guided walking experience with a knowledgeable guide, exploring Edinburgh’s darker stories. There’s no extra charge for admission to sites like the cemeteries, but food and drink aren’t included. The tour’s mobile ticket makes it flexible and convenient, and its moderate duration of around 1 hour 45 minutes is perfect for an evening activity.

Meeting Point & Ending Location

You’ll start at 351 High Street, right in the heart of Edinburgh’s historic Old Town, and finish up on the Canongate, also along the Royal Mile. Being centrally located means you can easily continue your night exploring or head back to your accommodation without fuss.

The Itinerary Breakdown

Royal Mile: The tour kicks off here, where your guide will lead you through the narrow alleys that once housed Edinburgh’s residents in the 17th century. This area is packed with stories of old buildings, dark deeds, and local legends. As one reviewer noted, the guide will take you to parts of the city you might not find on your own, adding a sense of discovery and intimacy to the experience.

Corpses & the Black Market: One of the highlights is learning about the 19th-century black market for corpses and the infamous William Burke and William Hare, who were serial killers and grave robbers. This grim but fascinating story offers a stark look at Edinburgh’s history of body snatching, providing context to the morbid curiosity that has surrounded the city for centuries.

Old Calton Cemetery & Canongate Kirkyard: These historic graveyards are packed with stories of those long gone, including tales of witches, ghosts, and the city’s dark past. Some reviews mention how guides weave stories with humor and a touch of horror, making the history both informative and entertaining. The cemeteries themselves are atmospheric places, especially at dusk, where you can feel the echoes of Edinburgh’s past.

The Guides & Their Stories

Reviews frequently mention how guides like Gavin, Ross, Tommy, and Valencia excel at storytelling. They don’t just recite facts; they weave stories with humor, suspense, and local color. One reviewer described a guide as “the warm hug of a story,” emphasizing how engaging and personable they can be. The ability of guides to balance history with spooky tales is crucial, making the experience more vivid and memorable.

The Atmosphere & Experience

While this isn’t a “haunted house” tour, the atmosphere of walking through historic graveyards and dark alleyways at night amplifies the spooky vibe. Some reviews mention that the stories are about murders, witches, and skeletons waking up in graves—classic dark tales that evoke genuine chills.

Group Size & Tour Dynamics

The tour is designed for small groups, capped at about 35 travelers, fostering a cozy and interactive atmosphere. Guides are praised for their patience and ability to answer questions, making it accessible for those who love learning and storytelling in equal measure.

The Value for Money

Considering the price (~$25), the length of the tour, and the quality of storytelling, it’s a worthwhile experience. Travelers have noted that guides go beyond the usual history, providing anecdotes and legends that bring the city to life. Some reviewers, however, mention that it’s more of a history lesson with some ghost stories, rather than a full-on haunted experience—so keep expectations in check if you’re looking for something more terrifying.

Practical Tips

• Arrive on time at the meeting point to avoid missing the start.
• Dress comfortably and warmly, especially in colder months or evenings.
• Bring your curiosity—the guides are eager to share their knowledge and stories.
• Plan to walk for around 1 hour 45 minutes, so wear comfortable shoes.
• No food or drinks included, but there are plenty of cafes nearby to grab a snack before or after.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is ideal for history buffs, fans of legends, or those simply curious about Edinburgh’s darker stories. It’s especially enjoyable if you appreciate storytelling combined with sightseeing. It’s not a full-on ghost hunt, but an atmospheric walk through the city’s shadowy past that’s accessible for most people. If you’re traveling with kids, some guides keep younger audiences engaged, but this tour is generally more suited for adults and teens.

Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?

For the price, this ghost tour offers a compelling mix of history, legends, and atmospheric walking through Edinburgh’s historic streets. The highly praised guides make a big difference, turning what could be a simple walk into a memorable storytelling experience. The cemeteries and alleyways provide genuine ambiance, especially if you enjoy a good ghost story or a walk through dark history.

If you’re interested in Edinburgh’s mysterious side, love engaging guides, and want a way to see the city after dark, this tour hits the spot. It’s not the scariest, most haunted experience out there, but it’s a solid, well-reviewed introduction to the tales that give Edinburgh its dark charm.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for children? Many reviews mention that guides can engage younger participants, such as a 9-year-old, but the content is more aimed at adults interested in the darker stories and history. It’s best suited for teens and older.

How long does the tour last? Expect about 1 hour 45 minutes of walking and storytelling, covering key sights along the Royal Mile and graveyards.

Do I need to prepare or bring anything? Comfortable shoes and warm clothing are advisable. Since food and drinks aren’t included, consider grabbing a snack before or after the tour.

What happens if the weather is bad? The tour is weather-dependent. If canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Can I cancel if I change my mind? Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Cancellations within 24 hours aren’t refunded.

Is the tour accessible for all? Most travelers can participate, and the tour is designed to be inclusive, but walking and standing are involved.

Where does the tour start and end? It begins at 351 High Street and concludes in the Canongate area along the Royal Mile.

Are the stories scary? The stories are more atmospheric and legend-based, with some horror elements, but it’s not a full haunted house experience. It’s more about the spooky atmosphere and intriguing stories.

All in all, this Edinburgh Ghost Tour offers a captivating way to explore the city’s darker tales, led by guides passionate about storytelling. Whether you’re a history enthusiast or just looking for a unique night out, it’s an experience worth considering.