Edinburgh: Crime and Punishment Walking Tour

Edinburgh’s dark history comes alive on the "Crime and Punishment Walking Tour." Visitors embark on a 1.5-hour journey, led by a knowledgeable guide in period costume, exploring the city’s sinister past. From the Writers Museum to Greyfriars Kirkyard, participants uncover chilling tales of crime, poverty, and the grim realities of the Industrial Revolution. This engaging tour, suitable for all ages, promises an unforgettable experience. With the option to cancel up to 24 hours in advance, it’s the perfect way to explore Edinburgh’s shadowy secrets. What horrors await those brave enough to join the tour?

Key Points

• This guided walking tour explores Edinburgh’s dark history, including tales of heroes, villains, witches, and pirates during the Industrial Revolution.
• The tour contrasts the affluence of New Town with the poverty and social issues of Old Town, including crime and punitive measures.
• Led by a costumed guide, the 1.5-hour tour visits key landmarks like the Writers Museum, St Giles Cathedral, and Greyfriars Kirkyard.
• Participants can expect captivating storytelling and an immersive experience in the city’s chilling past, with highlights such as murder and mob hysteria.
• The tour is suitable for adults aged 18-99 and children 17 and younger, with participants advised to bring appropriate clothing and an umbrella.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Overview and Pricing

The Edinburgh: Crime and Punishment Walking Tour offers visitors a unique opportunity to explore the city’s dark history.

Priced at £18.00 per person, this 1.5-hour guided tour takes participants on a journey through iconic landmarks, including the Writers Museum, St Giles Cathedral, and Greyfriars Kirkyard.

Led by a costumed guide, the tour delves into tales of heroes, villains, witches, and pirates, providing a glimpse into Edinburgh’s evolution during the Industrial Revolution.

Guests can reserve their spot and pay later, with the added convenience of free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.

The tour is suitable for adults and children, though not recommended for those with low fitness levels.

Experience Highlights

Guided walking tours with a costumed guide take visitors on a captivating journey through Edinburgh’s iconic landmarks, including the Writers Museum, St Giles Cathedral, and the Greyfriars Kirkyard.

Along the way, guests uncover the city’s dark history, learning tales of heroes, villains, witches, and pirates. The tour explores notable sites such as Parliament Square, Johnston Terrace, Lawnmarket, Victoria Street, and Grassmarket, providing insight into Edinburgh’s evolution during the Industrial Revolution.

The experience highlights the stark contrast between the affluent New Town and the impoverished Old Town, as well as the grim realities of crime, poverty, and harsh punitive measures of the time.

• Journey through Edinburgh’s chilling past
• Discover haunting stories of murder and mob hysteria
• Explore the city’s evolution from prosperity to poverty

Historical Context

During the Industrial Revolution, Edinburgh underwent a transformation that highlighted the stark contrast between the affluent New Town and the impoverished Old Town.

As the city grew wealthier, crime, poverty, and harsh punitive measures became more prevalent. Visitors will learn about the grim realities of this era, including tales of murder, grave-robbing, and mob hysteria.

The tour explores how these social issues shaped Edinburgh’s evolution, providing a glimpse into the city’s darker past. Through chilling stories, you will gain a deeper understanding of the punitive measures used to address societal problems during a tumultuous period of Edinburgh’s history.

Tour Logistics

Participants of the Edinburgh Walking Tour will meet at the main entrance of St Giles Cathedral, where a costumed guide carrying an umbrella will lead the group.

The tour is suitable for adults aged 18-99 and children 17 and younger, but not for individuals with low fitness levels.

The experience includes:

1. Exploring iconic landmarks like the Writers Museum, St Giles Cathedral, and Greyfriars Kirkyard.

2. Hearing chilling tales of murder, grave-robbing, and mob hysteria during Edinburgh’s dark history.

3. Contrasting the affluence of the New Town with the poverty of the Old Town during the Industrial Revolution.

Visitors are advised to bring appropriate clothing and an umbrella, as the tour continues rain or shine.

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What to Bring

Recommended items for the Edinburgh Walking Tour include an umbrella, a camera, a jacket, and comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing. The tour covers both indoor and outdoor locations, so being prepared for the Scottish elements is essential. To help guide your packing, consider the following:

Item	Reason
Umbrella	To stay dry during potential rainfall
Camera	To capture the tour’s historic sights and landmarks
Jacket	For protection against wind and cooler temperatures
Comfortable clothing	To ensure ease of movement during the 1.5-hour walking tour
Weather-appropriate attire	To match the changing conditions in Edinburgh’s climate

Bringing these essential items will enhance your overall experience and help you fully learn about the tour’s dark and captivating historical narratives.

Customer Feedback

Customers have overwhelmingly praised the Edinburgh Walking Tour, with an impressive overall rating of 5 out of 5 stars based on 2 reviews.

One reviewer noted that the guide, Charlotte, "had lots of information and a wonderful sense of humor", adding that the tour provided a "highly recommend[ed] personalized experience".

The tour has been lauded for its:

1. Captivating storytelling about Edinburgh’s dark history
2. Knowledgeable and engaging costumed guide
3. Seamless exploration of iconic landmarks

The positive feedback underscores the tour’s ability to immerse guests in the city’s compelling past, delivering a memorable and educational experience.

Meeting Point

The Edinburgh Walking Tour begins at the main entrance of St Giles Cathedral, a striking landmark that serves as the meeting point for participants.

There, a costumed guide carrying an umbrella will greet the group and lead them through the city’s dark history. This location was chosen for its convenience and historical significance, as it stands at the heart of Edinburgh’s Old Town.

From this central point, the tour will wind through the surrounding streets and landmarks, allowing participants to enjoy the city’s past and uncover its tales of crime, punishment, and the human condition.

Suitable Participants

The Edinburgh Walking Tour is suitable for adults aged 18 to 99 and children aged 17 and younger. The tour isn’t recommended for individuals with low fitness levels due to the walking involved.

However, the tour offers a captivating experience for those who are able to participate. Some key highlights include:

1. Discovering Edinburgh’s dark history, from tales of heroes and villains to witches and pirates.

2. Exploring iconic landmarks like the Writers Museum, St Giles Cathedral, and Greyfriars Kirkyard.

3. Contrasting the affluence of the New Town with the poverty of the Old Town during the Industrial Revolution.

The tour provides a unique opportunity to take in the city’s rich and often chilling past.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is There Any Food or Drink Provided on the Tour?

No, the tour does not include any food or drink. Participants are responsible for bringing any snacks or beverages they may want during the 1.5-hour walking tour. The focus is on the historical sights and stories rather than refreshments.

Can I Bring My Pet on the Tour?

No, pets are not allowed on the tour. The tour is designed for adult participants and children aged 17 and younger. Bringing pets would not be suitable for the historical and educational nature of the experience.

Do I Need to Purchase Tickets in Advance?

Tickets don’t need to be purchased in advance. Customers can reserve their spot and pay later to book the tour. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the tour for a full refund.

Is the Tour Wheelchair Accessible?

The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, as it involves walking through historic sites with uneven terrain. However, the company offers alternative arrangements for guests with mobility challenges. It’s best to contact them in advance to discuss accommodation needs.

Can I Join the Tour if I’m Running Late?

Joining the tour late is not recommended, as the guide will have already begun the walking tour. However, the tour operator may allow late arrivals to join if space is available, but this is at their discretion.

Recap

The "Edinburgh: Crime and Punishment Walking Tour" provides a compelling exploration of the city’s dark history. Led by a knowledgeable guide in period costume, the tour immerses participants in chilling tales of crime and punishment, set against the backdrop of Edinburgh’s iconic landmarks. This unique experience offers an unforgettable opportunity to explore the grim realities of the Industrial Revolution and is suitable for all ages.

You can check if your dates are available here: