Private Aberdeen Dark Side Walking Tour

A Walk on the Dark Side of Aberdeen: Our Take on the Private Dark Side Walking Tour

If you’re interested in uncovering a different layer of Aberdeen’s history, this Private Aberdeen Dark Side Walking Tour promises to take you behind the city’s well-known landmarks and into its shadowy corners. While we haven’t personally experienced it, reviews and tour details suggest this is a compelling way to explore the city’s darker stories, from notorious murders to old legends.

What we really like about this tour is how it combines local storytelling with intimate visits to historic sites, making history feel alive and a little spooky. Plus, the fact that it’s private means you get personalized attention—no noisy crowds, just you and your guide exploring at your pace.

One thing to consider is that the tour doesn’t include admission to any specific buildings or sites, so you’re mainly getting stories and outside views. For anyone truly fascinated by eerie history, this might be a perfect fit, especially if you enjoy walking tours that focus on the mysterious and macabre.

If you’re curious about Aberdeen’s secret past and enjoy a good ghost story or historical shocker, this experience should suit you well. It’s especially appealing if you’re traveling with a group that appreciates storytelling and local lore over museum entry fees or more structured tours.

Key Points

• Personalized Experience: The private format ensures a tailored journey through Aberdeen’s darker history.
• Historic Focus: The tour covers a variety of sites with stories about murders, witchcraft, and old legends.
• No Admission Fees: Visitors explore from the outside; no additional entrance costs are required.
• Concise Duration: At 1.5 hours, it’s a manageable walk, ideal for fitting into a day of sightseeing.
• Local Guide: The guide’s storytelling is engaging and informative, making history memorable.
• Weather Dependency: The experience requires good weather, so check the forecast and plan accordingly.

A Detailed Look at the Tour: What to Expect

The tour kicks off at The Wig, outside the Tolbooth Museum, where you’ll meet your guide and get a quick introduction to Aberdeen’s dark tales. The Tolbooth Museum itself, although not included in the ticket price, sets the tone for what’s to come—stories of crime, punishment, and intrigue that once played out within its walls.

Next stop is Castlegate, where you’ll learn why Aberdeen’s castle no longer stands. The guide’s storytelling here likely covers the castle’s fate and its significance in the city’s history, giving you context about Aberdeen’s medieval past. It’s a short 10-minute walk, but one that offers a glimpse into the city’s changing landscape.

Moving along to Commerce Street, you get to walk along what was once some of the bloodiest ground in Aberdeen. Here, the focus shifts to the darker aspects of local history, and you might find the stories involving violence or scandal particularly compelling. This stretch, although brief, helps draw a vivid picture of the city’s past.

Saltoun Arms is next, where the guide tells the chilling story of a murder that took place in what now seems like a cozy pub. It’s a reminder that even today’s friendly establishments can carry tales of violence and mystery, making this stop especially memorable.

In Guestrow, you’ll learn about the town’s deceptively innocent-sounding name and uncover some ghastly history behind it. This juxtaposition of names and stories adds an intriguing layer to the tour, highlighting how history and language can mask darker truths.

Netherkirkgate offers a peek into old Aberdeen, including the underground souterrain—a type of subterranean passage—and how this street has transformed over centuries. These underground elements are often associated with secret dealings and less savory activities, adding a spooky dimension to your walk.

The Kirk of St. Nicholas, the oldest church in Aberdeen, provides a spiritual contrast to the darker stories, but also offers insights into the city’s religious history and perhaps some tales of witch hunts or accusations.

Next, you’ll explore The Green, hearing about Aedie’s House and the forgotten souls linked to it. This part of the tour seems to blend history with local legends, adding a touch of mystery to an otherwise peaceful-looking area.

Finally, outside the Exchange Bar, the tour concludes with the story of Brother Francis, wrapping up the journey into Aberdeen’s shadowed past with a tale that’s both sad and intriguing.

Throughout the tour, your guide will share stories that range from gruesome murders to tales of deception and dark deeds. The reviews praise the guide’s storytelling abilities—one instance from a recent review mentions Kirsty doing a “marvellous job,” making the stories both entertaining and easy to follow.

The tour’s duration of approximately 1.5 hours makes it a perfect quick dive into the city’s darker history without feeling too long or draining. It’s a walk, not a bus or carriage ride, so comfortable shoes are a must.

What’s the Value?

At $171.68 for up to six people, this tour offers a private experience—meaning your group gets undivided attention and the flexibility to ask questions or linger at certain stops. For a personal storytelling experience, this fee isn’t unreasonable, especially when you factor in the personalized touch and the intimate setting.

Since admission to the sites isn’t included, the focus is on the stories rather than inside exploration. That’s ideal for those who enjoy hearing about history and legends without necessarily stepping inside museums or buildings, which can sometimes add to the overall cost.

Who Would Love This Tour?

This dark side walking tour is perfect for history buffs, fans of ghost stories, or those simply curious about Aberdeen’s hidden past. It appeals to travelers who prefer stories and legends over museum exhibits and enjoy exploring cities on foot.

It’s also a good choice if you’re traveling with a group that prefers a private, customizable experience. If you’re interested in seeing a different side of Aberdeen—beyond the usual sightseeing—this tour offers a unique perspective.

While it’s generally suitable for most travelers, those who dislike walking or have mobility issues might find the short distances manageable, as the stops are close together. Keep in mind, the tour runs outdoors, so good weather enhances the experience.

Final Thoughts

In all, this Private Aberdeen Dark Side Walking Tour offers a chance to glimpse the city’s mysterious and sometimes macabre past through engaging storytelling and historic sites. It’s a well-paced, intimate experience that prioritizes local guides’ narratives—adding flavor and color to Aberdeen’s streets and legends.

For anyone with a penchant for spooky tales, an interest in local history, or simply looking for a different way to explore Aberdeen, this tour is a solid choice. The private setting and the friendly guide make it feel personal, making the stories all the more captivating.

It’s especially suited for curious travelers who enjoy a walk-and-talk experience that’s light on admission costs but heavy on storytelling. If you’re after a memorable, slightly eerie adventure that sheds light on Aberdeen’s darker chapters, this tour might just be what you’re looking for.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for children?
The tour mainly involves walking and storytelling about dark and sometimes gruesome history, so it may not be ideal for very young children. It’s best suited for older kids, teens, or adults interested in history and stories of intrigue.

What is included in the price?
The price covers the private guide’s narration and the walking tour itself. It does not include admission to any buildings or sites, as the stops are outside.

How long does the tour last?
The tour is approximately 1 hour 30 minutes long, making it a manageable activity for a single afternoon or evening outing.

Can I cancel if I change my mind?
Yes, the tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before the scheduled start, with a full refund. Cancellations less than 24 hours in advance are not refundable.

Where does the tour start and end?
It begins outside The Wig at Castle Street and concludes outside the Exchange Bar & Kitchen on Exchange Street.

Do I need to book in advance?
Yes, booking ahead is recommended since this is a private experience and spots are limited. Confirmation is received at the time of booking.

All in all, if you’re after a lively, story-driven exploration of Aberdeen’s darker history, this tour delivers. It’s a chance to learn about the city’s hidden tales in a small group setting—an experience that’s both engaging and a little haunting.