The Dark Side of Edinburgh

If you’re intrigued by the darker stories lurking behind Edinburgh’s picturesque streets, this Dark Side of Edinburgh tour might just be your cup of tea. While I haven’t personally taken this exact tour, I’ve read plenty of detailed reviews and gathered enough info to give you a comprehensive picture of what to expect. For those curious about the city’s hidden, grisly past — from haunted graveyards to tales of witches, murders, and body snatchers — this experience seems to tick all the right boxes.

What really draws us in are the knowledgeable guides and the engaging storytelling, which combines historical facts with a humorous twist, making the macabre stories more enjoyable and less intimidating. Also, the small group size promises a more intimate experience, perfect for asking questions and really soaking in the stories. However, a possible consideration is the two-hour duration in potentially dark and uneven terrain, so comfortable shoes and a sense of adventure are a must.

This tour is best suited for those who love a bit of spooky history, enjoy being entertained with a dark sense of humor, and aren’t afraid of the darker side of the past. Travelers seeking a lively, immersive experience that goes beyond the typical sightseeing walk should definitely consider this.

Key Points

• Highly rated at 4.9/5 from 19 reviews, showing consistent satisfaction
• Engaging guides with humor and historical accuracy
• Haunted locations and gruesome stories that reveal Edinburgh’s darker history
• Small groups limit to 10 participants, ensuring a personal experience
• Two-hour experience packed with stops at major historic sites
• Cost-effective at just $27 per person, offering great value for a unique experience

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Deep Dive Into the Experience

An Overview of What You’ll Encounter

The Dark Side of Edinburgh tour is designed for those who want a more visceral look at the city’s past. Unlike typical history walks, this tour exposes the grim, twisted stories that the mainstream city tours tend to gloss over. It’s not for the faint-hearted but perfect for those who enjoy dark humor, spine-chilling tales, and a touch of the supernatural.

The Itinerary Breakdown

The tour kicks off at the lively Grassmarket, an area historically associated with public executions and crimes. You’ll meet your guide at the Cold Town House Pub, dressed in old-fashioned attire and holding a pink unicorn — a fun little detail that hints at the whimsical storytelling style. From there, your guide will lead you through the narrow streets and dark alleys that whisper stories of Edinburgh’s more sinister past.

Next, you’ll explore the Grassmarket Square, where the guide will point out the curse carved into the cobblestones—a detail that adds a tangible layer to the city’s spooky aura. Moving on, you’ll visit the Greyfriars Kirkyard, one of the world’s most haunted graveyards. Here, you can expect a photo stop, and your guide will likely share tales of ghostly encounters and the graveyard’s notorious history.

Walking along the Royal Mile, you’ll learn about the area’s dark past, once “runnin’ dark with blood,” as they say. The guide will highlight landmarks like St Giles Cathedral, the Tron Kirk, and the Old Tollbooth Prison, painting a picture of what Edinburgh was like during its most brutal days. The tour ends at Tron Kirk Market, where you can reflect on what you’ve learned and perhaps grab a bite or a drink.

What Makes This Tour Unique?

What sets this experience apart is the blend of humor and horror. The guides, Madam McKinnon or William Burke (both fictional ghosts from the past, according to the story), deliver their tales with dry Scottish wit that keeps the mood lively despite the dark subject matter. As one reviewer said, “they crack your sides with laughter while chilling you to your core.”

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The Atmosphere and Engagement

Expect to walk through darkened closes, cross cobblestone streets that whisper centuries of secrets, and even knock on Bloody Mackenzie’s door if you dare. The tour promises to transport you back in time, revealing the truth about witches, cannibals, and sadistic characters who once roamed Edinburgh’s streets.

Accessibility and Practicalities

The tour is wheelchair accessible, with only slight terrain challenges like hills or rocky areas in the graveyard. It’s a small group, with a maximum of 10 participants, making it easier to ask questions and get personalized recommendations. The cost is $27 per person, which feels quite reasonable given the quality and uniqueness of the experience.

The Guide’s Role

Reviews consistently praise the guides’ knowledge, humor, and storytelling ability. One reviewer mentioned, “our guide Kieran was good,” emphasizing how vital a good guide is to the experience. Their ability to balance facts with humor makes the tour both educational and entertaining.

The Price and Value

At just $27, this tour offers a cost-effective way to experience Edinburgh’s darker side. The journey includes access to haunted sites and stories that are typically left out of mainstream tours. Considering the small group format and high ratings, this represents strong value for a two-hour, immersive storytelling session.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is well-suited for adults and older teens who enjoy a mix of history, ghost stories, and dark humor. It’s perfect for history buffs looking for a different perspective or travelers after something more entertaining and atmospheric than a standard walking tour. If you’re after spooky scenes, morbid tales, or a good laugh amid ghostly legends, you’ll probably find this tour captivating.

It’s not ideal for children under 7, given the dark themes and potentially spooky locations. But if you’re traveling with older kids or teens with a taste for the macabre, they may be interested too.

Final Thoughts

The Dark Side of Edinburgh tour offers a fascinating glimpse into the city’s more sinister past, presented with humor, authenticity, and a sense of adventure. The knowledgeable guides, small group setting, and engaging storytelling make it a standout experience for those curious about Edinburgh’s darker stories. While it’s not a typical sightseeing stroll, it’s a compelling and fun way to see the city through a different lens.

If you value stories that are both chilling and amusing, and don’t mind a bit of darkness, this tour will deliver. Its balance of history, humor, and haunting sites makes it a memorable choice for anyone looking to add a little thrill to their Edinburgh visit.

FAQs

Is this tour suitable for children?
This tour is not recommended for children under 7 years old due to its dark themes and spooky locations.

How long does the tour last?
The experience lasts approximately 2 hours, with a series of stops around the Old Town area.

What’s included in the price?
Your ticket covers the guided storytelling tour, access to Greyfriars Kirkyard, and the small group experience.

Is the tour accessible for wheelchair users?
Yes, it is wheelchair accessible, though there may be slight terrain challenges in some areas like the graveyard.

Where does the tour start and end?
It begins at the Cold Town House Pub in Grassmarket and finishes back at Tron Kirk Market.

Can I cancel my booking?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

What should I wear?
Wear comfortable shoes, and bring an umbrella or rain gear, as the tour takes place rain or shine.

How many people are in each group?
The tour is small, limited to 10 participants, ensuring a more personal experience.

To sum it up, if you enjoy dark history, engaging guides, and a touch of spooky fun, the Dark Side of Edinburgh is a tour worth considering. It offers a unique perspective on the city’s past, woven with humor and authentic storytelling, making it a memorable part of your Edinburgh adventure.

You can check availability for your dates here: