Edinburgh: Dark Secrets of the Old Town Ghost Walking Tour
Overview
Ready for a spooktacular experience in Edinburgh? Join this creepy tour and learn about the city’s dark history! See how people lived in the plague-filled streets in the 17th-century and how they died during the Black Death. You’ll also discover some *less-than-fool-proof* ways that doctors tried to cure the sick, with bird masks at the ready!
Discover a black market of corpses from the 19th century. Learn the intentions of serial killers William Burke and William Hare, uncover the truth behind the burning of witches and warlocks, and step foot in Old Calton Cemetery and Canongate Kirkyard.
You’ll also get some great views across Edinburgh as you learn more about the mythical Scottish faeries.
What's included
FAQ
You’ll take a 2-hour guided walking tour through Edinburgh’s Old Town, hearing spine-tingling stories and real historical context. The route covers plague-era life and death, including what happened during the Black Death, plus how doctors attempted (and often failed) to treat the sick. You’ll also learn about 19th-century events tied to a black market of corpses, the infamous intentions and crimes of serial killers William Burke and William Hare, and the truth behind the burning of alleged witches and warlocks. The tour includes stops in atmospheric burial grounds—Old Calton Cemetery and Canongate Kirkyard—along with myths and legends about Scottish faeries and viewpoints across Edinburgh.
The tour lasts about 2 hours and is primarily a walking experience through the Old Town. There may be short stops for storytelling at key locations and viewpoints. Comfortable walking shoes are recommended, as you’ll be moving along streets and uneven historic areas.
This is a themed ghost tour focused on darker chapters of history, including plague deaths, crimes involving murder, and executions. While the guide will present information as part of a historical storytelling experience, the subject matter may be upsetting or frightening for some travelers. If you or your group prefers lighter content, or if you have concerns about sensitive topics, it’s best to consider that the tour includes disturbing themes. For young children or very sensitive visitors, you may want to check with the operator beforehand.
The tour price is 23.09 EUR. It takes place in Edinburgh, United Kingdom, exploring the Old Town on foot and visiting key sites linked to the city’s darker history, including Old Calton Cemetery and Canongate Kirkyard.
Yes. In addition to the historical and supernatural storytelling, the route includes locations with great views across Edinburgh. As you learn about myths such as Scottish faeries, you’ll also enjoy vantage points that show how the city’s landscape and neighborhoods connect to the legends and events being discussed.
