2 Hours Ghost Tour – English Tour Guide

This experience made our article of 4 Best 2-Hour Tours In Edinburgh (With Reviews & Prices).

Discover Edinburgh’s Haunted Corners with a 2-Hour Ghost Tour

If you like your history with a side of the mysterious, this 2-hour Ghost Tour through Edinburgh’s Old Town offers a fascinating glimpse into the city’s darker past. For just over twenty dollars, you’ll stroll through dimly lit streets, listen to stories of ghosts and murderers, and visit haunting sites like Edinburgh Castle and the Old Calton Burial Ground. Led by a professional guide, this walk promises both spooky tales and a fresh perspective on Edinburgh’s storied history.

We particularly appreciate how the guides bring the city’s ghostly legends to life, often blending humor with chilling anecdotes. The Old Calton Burial Ground is an especially evocative stop, as it’s known for paranormal activity and the resting place of notable Scots like philosopher David Hume. The tour’s duration is around two hours, making it a nice evening activity that balances entertainment and historical insight.

One possible consideration is that some reviews mention the tour can feel a bit long, especially if you’re expecting a focus purely on ghost stories. It’s also a walking tour, so comfortable shoes are a must. The tour is best suited for curious travelers who enjoy stories about haunted history and who don’t mind a bit of a spooky walk after dark — especially those eager to explore Edinburgh’s shadowy corners.

Key Points

• Authentic stories from knowledgeable guides bring Edinburgh’s ghosts vividly to life.
• The Old Calton Burial Ground offers a hauntingly beautiful and historically significant stop.
• The tour’s 2-hour length strikes a balance between spooky storytelling and city sightseeing.
• It’s an affordable experience at around $20.53, offering good value for a guided walk.
• The evening timing enhances the ghostly atmosphere and adds a thrill.
• The tour is suitable for adults and children (with supervision), but not recommended for kids under 5.

A Detailed Look at the 2-Hour Ghost Tour in Edinburgh

The Experience Begins in the Heart of Old Town

Starting at 190 High Street, the tour kicks off in the midst of Edinburgh’s historic Old Town, famous for its narrow alleys, ancient closes, and centuries of stories. As you step into the darkness, the guide—potentially someone like Manuel or Alex, praised in reviews—sets a tone of intrigue. You’ll explore hidden closes and learn tales of ghosts, murders, and torture methods that echo through Edinburgh’s twisted alleyways.

We loved the way guides mix storytelling with historical facts, making these tales feel personal rather than just spooky legends. One reviewer mentioned that their guide Manuel was “amazing,” bringing humor and professionalism that kept the group engaged. The pace allows you to soak in the atmosphere, often with pauses at particularly eerie spots.

Exploring Edinburgh’s Haunted Streets

As you meander through the winding streets, you’ll encounter sites known for their ghostly connections. Edinburgh’s dark history is woven into its architecture and legends, which the guides share in a lively, accessible manner. This part of the tour lasts about 1 hour and 45 minutes, giving ample opportunity to take photos, hear stories, and feel the city’s history come alive at night.

While some visitors, like Suzanne R., felt the tour “felt long” at 2.5 hours, most find the length appropriate for a thorough exploration. The guide’s storytelling style—amusing yet informative—helps prevent the walk from feeling drawn out, especially when the tales are as chilling as those of murder and supernatural encounters.

The Highlight: Old Calton Burial Ground

The second main stop is at the Old Calton Burial Ground, a place where history and hauntings collide. You’ll see the obelisk dedicated to reformers and the graves of notable Scots like David Hume. This cemetery is famous for its paranormal activity, which many visitors find both captivating and a little unsettling.

Guests often comment on the atmosphere here; the high levels of paranormal activity add a tangible sense of mystery. One reviewer mentioned that the guide’s knowledge and humor made the visit particularly enjoyable, even for those initially skeptical about ghost stories. The 15-minute detour from the Old Town’s streets provides a quiet, reflective contrast to the lively city center.

Practical Aspects and What to Expect

This tour is designed for groups of up to 25 travelers, so it remains intimate enough for personal stories to shine but large enough to feel like a shared adventure. The meeting point is conveniently located on High Street, near public transportation, making it easy to access.

At $20.53 per person, the price offers solid value—especially considering the guided insight and the two hours of entertainment. Keep in mind, food and drinks are not included, nor is transportation to or from the start point.

The tour is wheelchair accessible and allows service animals, making it inclusive for those with mobility needs. However, travelers are advised to have a moderate physical fitness level, mainly because of the walking involved. Children are welcome but must be accompanied by an adult; the tour isn’t recommended for kids under 5, perhaps because of the dark setting and possibly long duration.

The Guides: Knowledgeable and Engaging

Reviews consistently praise the guides for their expertise and humor. One reviewer called their guide “very professional and humorous,” which is key when telling ghost stories—balancing spookiness with entertainment. The guides’ familiarity with Edinburgh’s history and the ability to weave ghostly tales into that context is a major highlight.

What the Tour Is Not

While the tour’s focus is on ghost stories and haunted sites, some reviews note that it is more about history than pure “ghost-hunting” entertainment. Suzanne R. pointed out that it “didn’t have much to do with ghosts,” but still appreciated the guide’s knowledge. If you’re expecting a full-on paranormal investigation, this may not exactly meet that expectation, but it excels at creating a spooky atmosphere backed by storytelling.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is ideal for history buffs who enjoy a spooky twist, ghost story enthusiasts, and travelers who want an affordable, guided evening activity. It’s especially suited for those interested in Edinburgh’s darker past and who appreciate a mix of humor and storytelling.

Families with older children might find it engaging, but very young kids may not enjoy the dark, eerie vibe. The tour’s evening timing lends itself well to those looking for a mysterious and atmospheric way to spend an evening in Edinburgh.

Final Thoughts: Is it Worth It?

For the price, this 2-hour ghost walk offers a fun, atmospheric look at Edinburgh’s shadows—perfect for an evening out. The guides’ knowledge and engaging stories make it more than just a walk through dark streets; it’s an opportunity to see parts of Edinburgh that are often overlooked, with a supernatural twist that makes it memorable.

If you enjoy haunted stories, atmospheric settings, and learning about the city’s notorious characters and secret corners, this tour is a good choice. The mix of history and ghost tales makes it a balanced experience, especially if you appreciate a good story told well.

However, if you’re looking for a purely paranormal experience without much historical context, you might find it leaning more toward storytelling than ghost-hunting. Still, most find the balance engaging and the atmosphere compelling.

FAQ

How long is the tour? The tour lasts approximately 2 hours, giving enough time to explore the streets and hear stories without feeling rushed.

Where does the tour start? It begins at 190 High Street, Edinburgh, a central location easily accessible by public transportation.

Is the tour suitable for children? Children can join but must be accompanied by an adult. The tour isn’t recommended for children aged 5 and under, mainly due to the dark, spooky environment and length.

What’s included in the price? You get a professional guide and the guided walking experience. Food, drinks, and transportation are not included.

Can I cancel? Yes, you can cancel free of charge up to 24 hours before the scheduled start for a full refund.

Are there any accessibility considerations? The tour is near public transportation and allows service animals. Moderate physical fitness is recommended due to walking.

Is the tour focused more on history or ghosts? While it covers some historical facts, many reviews mention that it’s more about ghost stories and legends rather than detailed historical accounts.

Is this tour good value for money? At just over $20, it offers an engaging, well-guided walk through Edinburgh’s spooky side, making it a good value for those interested in ghostly tales and city exploration.

To sum it up, this 2-hour Edinburgh Ghost Tour strikes a good balance between storytelling, history, and atmosphere. It’s a wonderful way to see the city after dark, especially if you’re intrigued by the supernatural. The knowledgeable guides and evocative sites make it a memorable experience for anyone with a taste for spooky tales and historic cities.