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Edinburgh - Dark History

5 (405)
Edinburgh, GB
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Edinburgh - Dark History

5 (405)
Edinburgh, GB
Share
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Experience the darker side of Edinburgh with the "Edinburgh - Dark History" tour. Uncover the secrets and sinister past of this historic city as you stroll through the winding streets and hidden corners. Edinburgh is not just a city of breathtaking architecture and rich history; it also holds tales of murderers, thieves, witches, and the Plague. This is not your average ghost tour - no fancy costumes or jump scares needed. The haunting stories and chilling atmosphere of Edinburgh's Dark History will send shivers down your spine. Join us for a thrilling 2-hour journey as we reveal the most notorious citizens, execution sites, and the city's eerie traditions. Prepare to be captivated by the dark and mysterious side of Edinburgh.

About this experience

  • Free Cancellation For a full refund cancel at least before the start of your booking
  • 2 hours
  • Suitable for 1-15 Participants
  • Private Tour, Small Group Tour
  • Guided Experience
  • Explore the darker history of Edinburgh
  • Learn about murderers, thieves, and witches
  • Discover the notorious citizens of Edinburgh
  • Walk down the Royal Mile and hear about its history
  • Witness the spooky stories behind graves and ghost stories
  • In-Person guide

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More about this experience

Introduction

Welcome to "Edinburgh - Dark History," where you'll discover the haunting secrets lurking within the historic streets of Scotland's capital. Step into the shadowy side of this enchanting city, where fascinating stories of murderers, thieves, cannibals, hangings, witches, and the Plague wait to be unveiled. As night falls, the streets come alive with the eerie whispers of the city's past, and your guide will lead you on a chilling journey through its darkest chapters. Hold on tight as you delve into Edinburgh's murky history, exploring its notorious citizens and uncovering the origins of ghost stories.

What to expect?

During this 2-hour walking tour, brace yourself for a captivating and spine-tingling experience. Your knowledgeable guide will take you on a journey down the Royal Mile, sharing the secrets and mysteries that lie hidden in the shadows. Explore iconic landmarks such as the Heart of Midlothian and St Giles' Cathedral, discovering the stories behind them that will send shivers down your spine. Wander through the atmospheric Canongate Kirk graveyard and learn about the chilling tales of body snatchers and cannibals. With Edinburgh's dark history as your backdrop, expect to be captivated, intrigued, and perhaps even slightly terrified.

Who is this for?

This tour is for anyone with a thirst for history, adventure, and a fascination for the macabre. Whether you're a history buff, a ghost enthusiast, or simply a curious traveler, "Edinburgh - Dark History" welcomes all who dare to uncover the city's chilling past. No matter your age or background, prepare to be spellbound by the tales of Edinburgh's darker side. This tour caters to those seeking an immersive and atmospheric experience, where history comes alive through captivating storytelling.

Why book this?

Embark on this thrilling journey into the heart of Edinburgh's ghastly past and discover the secrets that lie beneath its beautiful facade. Unlike typical ghost tours, "Edinburgh - Dark History" doesn't rely on gimmicks or jump scares. Instead, it embraces the city itself as the ultimate storyteller. Led by an experienced guide with a deep knowledge and passion for Edinburgh's history, this tour offers an authentic and immersive experience that will leave you with a newfound appreciation for the city's darker side. Be prepared to walk away with a chilling collection of stories that few have had the chance to hear.

Good to know

During the 2-hour tour, you'll explore various locations that hold significant historical importance, including the Heart of Midlothian, St Giles' Cathedral, and the Canongate Kirk graveyard. Comfortable walking shoes are recommended, as you'll be covering a fair amount of ground. Remember to dress appropriately for the weather, as the tour takes place rain or shine. Your guide will provide fascinating insights into the city's history and answer any questions you may have along the way. Get ready to uncover Edinburgh's secrets and marvel at the incredible tales that lie within its dark corners.

Reviews

Previous participants have raved about the "Edinburgh - Dark History" tour, praising the expertly crafted storytelling and the immersive experience it offers. Many have described it as a highlight of their visit to Edinburgh, with some even claiming it to be the best historical tour they've ever experienced. Visitors have been thoroughly impressed by the depth of knowledge and passion demonstrated by the guides, who bring the city's history to life through captivating storytelling. Prepare to be captivated, intrigued, and perhaps even slightly terrified as you delve into the shadows of Edinburgh's dark past.

How long before the event do I need to book?

  • You can book at any time before the event

Vouchers accepted in the following formats

  • Mobile

Is an adult required for the booking?

  • At least one adult or senior required per booking

Your Itinerary

Old Town

(Pass by)

A walking tour down the Royal Mile of Edinburgh, where your guide will share with you the darker history of Edinburgh.

Heart of Midlothian

Former site of the Old Tollbooth, one of Edinburgh's most notorious buildings. Hear about some of the characters once imprisoned and/or executed here, and why it ultimately became recognised by Sir Walter Scott as the Hard of the Midlothian.

St Giles' Cathedral

What seems like the car park hides a secret, as well as the burial place of one of the most controversial figures in Scottish history.

Mercat Cross

Another infamous execution site. Hear about the importance of the building in the life of the city, and about a literal killing machine which was once kept inside St. Giles Cathedral.

Royal Mile

Walk down the Royal Mile, where you'll hear about some of Edinburgh's notorious citizens, the Black Plague, and how the city's poor sanitary conditions eventually led to a most peculiar tradition.

John Knox House Museum

Learn about the architecture of 16th century Edinburgh, and witness one of the most "authentic" corners in the city centre.

Canongate Kirk

Wander among graves of old, hearing about body snatchers, cannibals, and learn how ghost stories are born.

Reviews

(405)

5 (405)

catherinemoro121

Very nice and interesting tour in the Centre of Endimbourgh. Thanks to Iona who was able to tell us about the city history in an entertaining and engaging way!

Kate_H

Was in a group of 6 people which made the talk feel very bespoke and far more engaging than wandering around in a hoard.

PATRICIA_H

Our guide, Iona, was amazing. A fabulous story teller, she painted a vivid picture of life throughout the centuries on the darker side of Edinburgh. Iona also had great suggestions for enjoying the city to the fullest on iur visit. 10 stars!

CATHE_MR

Amazing tour to learn about EDIMBOURGH history in an entertaining way. Thanks to Iona who was very interesting and was able to provide a lot of informationabout this nice city!!

Dan_K

Edgar was very entertaining and a great tour guide. We really enjoyed the stories and seeing the sites.

Courtney_C

Iona, our tour guide was fantastic and really engaging. She was super knowledgeable personable. Enjoyed the tour very much and would recommend.

melissa_R

Iona was an engaging, knowledgeable and witty storyteller! I loved every minute of the tour and learned so much about Edinburgh’s history! I have been on many tours in Edinburgh, and this was my favorite!

ashleymc55

This was a great historical tour. It’s not a spooky ghost tour, so if you’re looking for blood, guts and torture, that is a different tour. Edgar, our tour guide, was extremely well studied and passionate about the history of Edinburgh. Bring your scarf and hat, brrrrrr!!!

Kathy_G

This was a very enjoyable and interesting tour. Stayed in the royal mile so easy to manage walking-wise and convenient to find dinner afterwards. Matt was engaging and very professional. He clearly took pride in his research and narrative, and carefully distinguished between fact and fiction (but included both which I appreciated).

A1345AZpauld

The tour was really informative. Lydia was super friendly, so knowledgeable and gave us a great insight into Edinburgh’s dark history. Paul and Tracey (Australia)
Collected by Evendo, Tripadvisor & Viator
2024-05-03 19:56