The Dark Side of Edinburgh

If you’re visiting Edinburgh and crave something beyond the usual sightseeing routes, the Dark Side of Edinburgh tour offers a spine-tingling journey through the city’s most haunted and infamous spots. For just $27 per person, you get two hours filled with grisly stories, dark history, and a splash of Scottish wit—all guided by local storytellers who know how to keep you entertained and educated.

What immediately appeals to us is how this tour combines authentic historical facts with stories that the tourist brochures don’t tell. We also love the fact that it includes full access to Greyfriars Kirkyard, one of the most haunted cemeteries in the world, and the chance to walk the famous Royal Mile, which once teemed with dark, bloody history. On the flip side, the tour is designed to be lively and immersive, so it might not suit those looking for a quiet, purely educational experience. This is storytelling that mixes history with humor, perfect for travelers who enjoy a good ghost story along with their history lesson.

This tour is especially ideal for those who appreciate authentic local tales, dark historical details, and small group intimacy. If you’re traveling with older children or teenagers who enjoy spooky stories, this will likely keep them interested, as reviews indicate the guides tailor the content to different ages. Overall, if you’re after a memorable, lively walk through Edinburgh’s shadowy past, this tour hits the mark.

Key Points

• Authentic, well-researched stories about Edinburgh’s dark history.
• Small groups for personalized attention and better interaction.
• Access to Greyfriars Kirkyard—one of the world’s most haunted sites.
• Humor and wit from guides to keep the mood lively.
• Includes key sites like the Grassmarket, Royal Mile, and St Giles’ Cathedral.
• Suitable for older children and adults interested in spooky tales.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Exploring Edinburgh’s Dark Side in Detail

Walking through Edinburgh’s Old Town with a guide who’s as much a storyteller as a historian means uncovering layers of history most travelers miss. The tour starts in Grassmarket, a lively square with bars and restaurants, but also a place steeped in bloody history. Your guide will likely point out the castle’s curse carved into the cobblestones—a detail that hints at centuries of superstition and misfortune. As you stand in this historic square, you begin to sense the darker stories lurking beneath the lively surface.

The Greyfriars Kirkyard is next—a place famous for its haunted reputation. We loved the way guides take advantage of the eerie atmosphere here, sharing stories of haunted graveyards and murder. One reviewer praised the guide Caroline as “the sweetest,” adding that the stories kept her interested, especially late at night when the shadows seemed longer.

From the graveyard, the tour proceeds along the Royal Mile, a street filled with history and the echoes of past violence. Here, you’ll hear about grim crimes, witch hunts, and sadistic characters from Edinburgh’s past. Walking through the narrow closes and hidden alleyways, you get a real sense of how brutal life could be in old Edinburgh.

The visit to St Giles’ Cathedral offers a moment of calm, with glimpses of the city’s religious history, but even here, the guides weave in stories of bloodshed and dark secrets. The tour then winds through the Old Town, finishing at Tron Kirk Market, a lively spot that still echoes with the whispers of Edinburgh’s grisliest tales.

What You Can Expect

This isn’t your typical history walk. The focus is on the macabre, the mysterious, and the humorous side of Edinburgh’s past. The guides—like Madam McKinnon and William Burke—are dead, but their stories breathe life into the streets. They use dry Scottish wit to make the tales both fun and chilling, a combination that keeps things lively while respecting the dark subject matter.

The tour’s 2-hour duration makes it manageable even for those with busy schedules or young kids interested in spooky stories. It’s a small group experience, limited to 10 participants, ensuring plenty of questions and personalized storytelling. The walk is accessible—no stairs, but some uneven terrain in the graveyard—and the guides are happy to accommodate.

Authenticity and Humor

Many reviews highlight the historical accuracy of the stories. The guides don’t fabricate details; instead, they present a balanced view of Edinburgh’s bloody past. The humor is dry, Scottish, and well-timed, making the experience both entertaining and educational. One reviewer, Yara, mentioned that late at night is the best time for the tour, adding to the spooky atmosphere.

Practical Details

The tour begins in Grassmarket, directly in front of the Cold Town House Pub, marked by a guide dressed in old-fashioned attire, holding a pink unicorn—hard to miss! The tour ends back at the same spot, making it easy to plan dinner or drinks afterward. You should wear comfortable shoes—the streets are cobbled and uneven—and bring an umbrella or rain gear, as the tour runs rain or shine.

At $27, this experience offers good value—you’re paying for a lively, authentic exploration of Edinburgh’s darker side, led by talented guides with a knack for storytelling. The small group size enhances interaction, making it ideal for those who enjoy asking questions or getting personalized recommendations.

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Who Will Love This Tour?

If you’re interested in mystery, ghosts, and gruesome tales, this tour offers a compelling look into Edinburgh’s shadowy past. It’s perfect for adventure-seeking travelers who want a more colorful and visceral history experience. Families with older children or teenagers who enjoy dark stories and witty guides will find this especially engaging.

This tour isn’t suitable for very young children under 7, but beyond that, it’s a fantastic option for history buffs, ghost story aficionados, and anyone wanting a memorable, slightly spooky evening in Edinburgh.

The Sum Up

The Dark Side of Edinburgh walking tour provides a unique blend of history, humor, and horror. It’s a great way to see the city’s iconic sites while uncovering tales of witches, murders, and ghostly apparitions that traditional tours often gloss over. The small group setting and knowledgeable guides make this experience both engaging and intimate.

For travelers who want more than just pretty streets and historic buildings, this tour offers a bracing glimpse into Edinburgh’s darker corners. It’s perfect for those who appreciate authentic stories told with wit and flair, and who aren’t easily spooked. Whether you’re a history enthusiast or just curious about Edinburgh’s more sinister stories, this tour promises a memorable, lively adventure.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for children?
It’s best for children over 7 years old, as the stories can be quite spooky and graphic for younger kids.

How long does the tour last?
It runs for approximately 2 hours, giving enough time to soak in the stories without feeling rushed.

What is the price?
The tour costs $27 per person, which is a reasonable rate considering the guided storytelling and site access included.

Where does the tour start?
It begins in front of the Cold Town House Pub in Grassmarket, a lively historic square.

Is the tour accessible for people with mobility issues?
The route is designed to be accessible with no stairs, but there’s some uneven terrain and a hill in the graveyard. Guides aim to choose accessible routes.

What should I bring?
Dress comfortably, wear sturdy shoes, and bring rain gear or an umbrella, as it runs rain or shine.

Can I cancel the tour?
Yes, with full refund if canceled at least 24 hours in advance.

Are guides knowledgeable?
Absolutely. The guides are local, talented storytellers known for their wit and accuracy.

What kind of stories will I hear?
You’ll learn about witches, murderers, body snatchers, haunted graveyards, and Edinburgh’s dark, twisted past.

Is the experience family-friendly?
Yes, for older children and teenagers who enjoy spooky stories. It’s not recommended for very young children.

Embark on this journey if you’re ready to explore Edinburgh’s hidden, haunting stories with a good dose of humor. It’s an experience that will leave you both entertained and slightly spooked, with plenty of authentic details and lively storytelling that sticks with you long after you’ve returned home.

You can check availability for your dates here: