Private Walking Tour of Edinburgh's Haunted History

Highlights

  • Begin your private guided tour at the top of the city, at Edinburgh Castle

  • Hear gruesome tales of hangings and slaughter in Edinburgh’s macabre history

  • Discover ghostly sounds of dragging limbs, children’s cries and beating drums

  • Wander down the Royal Mile - built intentionally on top of the Edinburgh Vaults

  • Learn about Major Weir, a religious zealot who was burned alive after turning to the dark side

  • Learn how Robert Louis Stevenson based Dr Jekyll and My Hyde on Edinburgh’s paranormal activity

  • Hear recent haunted tales - including how more than 30 different phantoms were detected in Edinburgh’s ancient streets in 2019

Summary

Hear tales of terror, explore local legends, and discover the historic scenes of butchery and bloodshed

Tour info

Duration
2 hours 30 minutes
Group Size
10
Pricing (From)
Commentary
English
Meeting Point

CastleHill, Edinburgh, GB

Dropoff location

Why take this tour?

Edinburgh has been abuzz with paranormal activity for several centuries, from bizarre hauntings to unexplained spectral sightings. Edinburgh’s history 11th-18th century is punctuated by murder, barbarism, and bloody battles by tyrannical figures and legions of wrath. On this spooky Edinburgh Ghost Tour, seek out the dearly departed on a spirit-lifting adventure with the city’s afterlife under the shadows of Edinburgh Castle - the ultimate fright-seeing delight

 - Begin your private guided tour at the top of the city, at Edinburgh Castle
 - Hear gruesome tales of hangings and slaughter in Edinburgh’s macabre history 
 - Discover ghostly sounds of dragging limbs, children’s cries and beating drums
 - Wander down the Royal Mile - built intentionally on top of the Edinburgh Vaults
 - Learn about Major Weir, a religious zealot who was burned alive after turning to the dark side
 - Learn how Robert Louis Stevenson based Dr Jekyll and My Hyde on Edinburgh’s paranormal activity
 - Hear recent haunted tales - including how more than 30 different phantoms were detected in Edinburgh’s ancient streets in 2019

Founded by King Malcolm III, who built the castle and watched a small town prosper, Edinburgh guarded against invasion with thick-stone walls, but was a target for onslaught none-the-less. The city was plagued by hellish, squalid conditions due to overcrowding and poor sanitation. Violent crime was rife and punishments swift and harsh with Death by burning at The Castle and the hangman’s gallows at The Grassmarket

Since then, Edinburgh has been flooded with enigmatic, supernatural energy detected city-wide. Ghouls, spirits and ghostly apparitions make regular appearances in the Royal Mile, in the city's graveyards and ambling streets, and the Castle, part of - experts say - a lingering spiritual residue over Edinburgh’s earthly realm

Your fascinating Edinburgh ghost tour is an immersive, eerie experience that delves into the city’s most haunted nooks and crannies. Hear tales of terror, explore local legends, and discover the historic scenes of butchery and bloodshed. Your private guide will lead you on a slow-paced stroll through Edinburgh’s ancient streets in Old Town, where hair-raising hauntings are frequent. Restless spirits have been encountered by gravestones, tombs and underground chambers with shivery ghoulish presences in Greyfriars Kirkyard

Please note, as this is a private tour, your guide will be able to make each story as eerie or as kid-friendly as you request to have the best experience for everyone

What’s included?

  • A haunting, professional tour guide for your own private group

  • Plenty of time to take photos of your favourite places

  • Food and drink, although your guide will be happy to recommend local favourites along the way

  • Cost of transportation on the day. Your guide will accompany you in a taxi or by public transport

  • Gratuities (optional)

Things to know

Before you book

  • This is a walking tour

  • Cost of transportation on the day is not included. Your guide will accompany you in a taxi or by public transport

Before you go

  • Please bring comfortable walking shoes

  • Please bring any medical requirements you need throughout the day

  • Please dress appropriately for the weather

Covid Policy

  • Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
  • Social distancing enforced throughout experience
  • Gear/equipment sanitized between use
  • Transportation vehicles regularly sanitized
  • Guides required to regularly wash hands

Cancellation Policy

    Up to 24 hours before the beginning of the activity: full refund Less than 24 hours before the beginning of the activity or no-show: no refund

About operator:

Travel Curious, based in Shoreditch/London, researches, creates and owns immersive, cultural tours and experiences in cities throughout the world. We provide our tours and experiences as a service to the travel industry and are privileged to name some of the biggest global brands as our partners