Edinburghs Dark and Hidden History Walking Tour ☠️

Edinburgh’s dark and hidden history is a captivating tale waiting to be uncovered. Join a knowledgeable guide on a 110-minute walking tour that delves into the city’s eerie past, from haunting tales of criminals and witches to the chilling realities of public executions. Explore iconic landmarks like Greyfriars Graveyard and the Royal Mile, where ghosts and shadowy figures are said to linger. With a limit of 10 participants, this intimate tour promises an unforgettable adventure through Edinburgh’s shadowy streets.

Key Points

• Explore Edinburgh’s grim history through a 110-minute walking tour covering key sites like Greyfriars Graveyard, Grassmarket, and the Royal Mile.
• Learn about the Covenanters’ Prison, where religious rebels were held and tortured, and encounter the "Mackenzie Poltergeist" in the eerie Greyfriars Graveyard.
• Discover the Grassmarket’s dark past as a site of public executions, including hanging, drawing, and quartering, and hear tales of ghostly apparitions.
• Uncover the secrets of the Royal Mile, from public executions to ghostly presences, with a captivating exploration of Edinburgh’s dark and hidden history.
• The tour is suitable for adults and children over 12, with a focus on engaging stories and anecdotes from a knowledgeable guide in an intimate group setting.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Highlights

The walking tour covers several key highlights, including Greyfriars Graveyard, where visitors can learn about the infamous Covenanters’ Prison and its dark history.

From there, the tour moves to the Grassmarket, a former site of public executions, and Edinburgh Castle, which looms over the city.

Along the Royal Mile, guests discover hidden closes and vaults, learning about the city’s criminals, witches, and ghosts.

Throughout the 110-minute journey, the knowledgeable guide weaves engaging stories and anecdotes, painting a vivid picture of Edinburgh’s blood-soaked past.

Greyfriars Graveyard and Covenanters’ Prison

Greyfriars Graveyard stands as a haunting testament to Edinburgh’s dark past. This ancient cemetery is the site of the Covenanters’ Prison, where religious rebels were once held captive and tortured.

Visitors can explore the eerie grounds, adorned with crumbling tombstones and tales of restless spirits. The tour guide recounts the grim history of the prison, where hundreds of Covenanters perished from disease and mistreatment.

Guests may even encounter the infamous "Mackenzie Poltergeist," a vengeful spectre said to haunt the graveyard. The stop at Greyfriars offers a chilling glimpse into Edinburgh’s grisly past, setting the stage for the tour’s exploration of the city’s darkest secrets.

The Grim Grassmarket

From the haunting Greyfriars Graveyard, the tour then leads participants to the Grassmarket, a grim and notorious square with a dark past.

Here, visitors learn about:

• The public executions that once took place, where criminals were hanged, drawn, and quartered.

• The shadowy history of the Covenanters, religious dissenters who were imprisoned and executed on this site.

• Legendary tales of ghostly apparitions, including the spirit of a young girl who roams the area.

• The historic buildings that line the Grassmarket, reflecting its violent and turbulent history.

• The narrow, winding closes that hide secrets of Edinburgh’s past.

Walking the Royal Mile

After exploring the grim Grassmarket, the tour takes visitors up the historic Royal Mile, the heart of Edinburgh’s Old Town. Along this famous street, the guide shares tales of the city’s notorious past, from public executions to the haunting presence of ghosts. Visitors learn about:

| Highlights | Details |

| — | — |

| Edinburgh Castle | The imposing fortress looming over the city |

| St. Giles’ Cathedral | The iconic church with a dark history |

| Mary King’s Close | A preserved 17th-century underground street |

| Debtors’ Prison | Where unfortunate souls were once confined |

The Royal Mile’s winding closes and vaults hold many secrets, waiting to be discovered on this captivating tour of Edinburgh’s dark and hidden history.

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Uncovering Edinburgh Castle’s Dark Past

As the tour winds its way up the historic Royal Mile, the group approaches the impressive silhouette of Edinburgh Castle, a fortress that has borne witness to many dark and unsettling events throughout the city’s turbulent past.

The guide recounts:

The grisly public executions that took place within the castle walls, where prisoners were hanged, beheaded, and even boiled alive.

• The grisly public executions that took place within the castle walls, where prisoners were hanged, beheaded, and even boiled alive.

• The haunting tales of tortured prisoners echoing through the dimly lit dungeons.

• The mysterious disappearance of the young princes, whose fate remains a subject of enduring speculation and macabre legend.

• The chilling history of the castle’s use as a base for the witch trials.

• The ghostly apparitions that are said to haunt the ancient ramparts, a testament to the castle’s sordid and blood-soaked past.

Exploring the Eerie Closes and Vaults

The tour then leads participants down the narrow, winding closes that thread through the Old Town, where they’ll discover the eerie underground vaults that once housed Edinburgh’s most destitute and criminal inhabitants.

These dark, damp spaces were used as storage, living quarters, and even secret meeting places for outlaws. Guides share tales of the vaults’ haunting past, from the spirits that are said to linger, to the grisly murders that took place within their walls.

Visitors can almost feel the weight of history pressing in as they explore these forgotten corners of the city.

Ghosts, Witches, and Public Executions

Edinburgh’s dark history comes alive as the tour delves into the city’s haunting tales of ghosts, witches, and public executions.

The guide regales visitors with chilling accounts:

• The Covenanter’s Prison, where religious rebels were held captive and executed.

• Greyfriars Graveyard, rumored to be haunted by the spirit of a poltergeist known as Mackenzie’s Ghost.

• Witch trials and the execution of accused witches at the Grassmarket, a notorious site of public hangings.

• Ghostly sightings in the eerie underground vaults, once home to the city’s most destitute and criminal elements.

• Gruesome stories of Edinburgh’s bloody past, from murders to political intrigue.

Practical Information and Accessibility

One key aspect of this tour is its practical details and accessibility. The 110-minute walking tour is limited to 10 participants, allowing for a more intimate experience.

The starting location is the National Museum of Scotland, and the tour covers various historic sites like Greyfriars Graveyard and Edinburgh Castle.

The tour begins at the National Museum of Scotland, exploring historic sites like Greyfriars Graveyard and Edinburgh Castle.

While the terrain can be uneven, comfortable shoes are recommended. The tour is suitable for adults and children over 12, though some topics may not be appropriate for younger audiences.

Cancellation is free up to 24 hours in advance, and a "reserve now, pay later" option is available for booking flexibility.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Tour Suitable for People With Mobility Issues?

The tour may not be suitable for people with mobility issues, as the itinerary involves uneven ground, and it’s not recommended for wheelchair users or those with heart problems, according to the customer feedback provided.

Can the Tour Be Customized for Private Groups?

The tour provider offers customized private group tours, allowing for more flexibility and accommodation of special needs. Groups can request modifications to the itinerary and pace to suit their preferences.

Are There Any Discounts Available for Students or Seniors?

Yes, the tour operator offers discounts for students and seniors. They provide up to 15% off the regular ticket price, bringing the cost down to as low as $24.26 per person.

Can the Tour Be Conducted in Other Languages Besides English?

The tour is available in English, with written guides in French, Spanish, and Italian. Visitors can check availability for starting times and language options when booking the tour.

Are There Any Safety Precautions in Place During the Tour?

The tour offers safety precautions, including limiting group size to 10 participants and recommending comfortable shoes for the uneven walking surfaces. Participants with heart problems or in wheelchairs are advised the tour may not be suitable for them.

The Sum Up

Explore Edinburgh’s dark and haunting past on this captivating 110-minute walking tour. Led by a knowledgeable guide, explore chilling tales of criminals, witches, and restless spirits as you visit eerie sites like Greyfriars Graveyard and the Royal Mile. With limited group size, this intimate tour reveals the grim history of public executions and ghostly apparitions, promising an unforgettable adventure through the city’s shadowy streets.

You can check availability for your dates here: