Edinburgh’s Dark History Royal Mile Walking Tour promises an immersive journey into the city’s sinister past. Departing from the iconic St. Giles Cathedral, this guided experience delves into tales of murder, theft, and the occult that haunt the Old Town and Canongate. Knowledgeable storytellers captivate participants with engaging narratives, shedding light on the notorious figures and historical landmarks that have shaped Edinburgh’s darker legacy. Whether you’re a history buff or simply seeking an intriguing adventure, this wheelchair-accessible tour offers a unique opportunity to uncover the city’s hidden secrets.
Key Points

- The tour explores Edinburgh’s Old Town and Canongate, focusing on historical landmarks and notorious figures associated with murder, theft, and the occult.
- Engaging storytelling by knowledgeable guides provides an immersive experience without theatrical embellishments, highlighting the city’s dark history.
- The tour is wheelchair accessible and caters to various age groups, including children, seniors, and students with discounted rates.
- Participants can expect a 2-hour guided walking tour with high ratings and praise for value for money and engaging storytelling.
- The tour departs from St. Giles Cathedral and offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
Tour Overview

This Edinburgh walking tour offers a captivating exploration of the city’s dark history. Priced at £44 per person, the 2-hour tour guides guests through the Old Town and Canongate, uncovering hidden gems and delving into notorious tales of murder, theft, and the occult.
Led by knowledgeable guides, the tour focuses on historical landmarks and figures without theatrical embellishments. Accessible to wheelchair users, the tour departs from in front of St. Giles Cathedral, across from West Parliament Square.
Participants must be between the ages of 6 and 99, with discounted rates for children, seniors, and students. With an impressive 4.9/5 overall rating, this tour promises an engaging and informative experience.
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Experience Highlights

The guided walking tour takes participants on a captivating journey through Edinburgh’s Old Town and Canongate, unearthing the city’s hidden historic gems.
Guests will explore notorious landmarks and learn about the area’s dark past, from murderers and thieves to cannibals and witches. The tour focuses on the city’s grim history without any theatrics, providing an informative and immersive experience.
Highlights include tales of hangings, the impact of the Plague, and insights into Edinburgh’s most infamous citizens.
Throughout the 2-hour excursion, the knowledgeable guide engages the group with engaging storytelling, offering a unique perspective on the Scottish capital’s rich heritage.
Booking Information

Participants can reserve their spot on the Edinburgh walking tour with no upfront payment required.
The tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, giving customers flexibility. Visitors can check availability for specific starting times to find the best option that fits their schedule.
The tour caters to a range of age groups, including adults, children, infants, seniors, and students with valid ID.
With an overall 4.9/5 rating based on 140 reviews, the walking tour provides excellent value for money and receives positive feedback for its engaging storytelling, knowledgeable guides, and entertaining experiences.
Participant Details
Ranging from young children to elderly adults, the tour caters to a diverse range of participants.
The recommended age groups include adults aged 16 to 60, children aged 6 to 15, and seniors aged 61 to 99. Plus, infants aged 5 and younger are welcome.
The tour also accommodates students of any age, as long as they provide valid identification.
This wide age spectrum ensures that the dark history exploration can be enjoyed by visitors of all generations.
Whether you’re a curious child or a seasoned traveler, the tour offers an engaging and informative experience for everyone.
More Great Thing To Do NearbyCustomer Reviews
According to the available customer reviews, the Edinburgh Walking Tour has received overwhelmingly positive feedback.
With an overall rating of 4.9/5 based on 140 reviews, the tour has consistently impressed participants. Reviewers praised the engaging storytelling and knowledgeable guides, highlighting the tour’s entertaining experiences and valuable recommendations for local attractions.
The value for money was also highly rated, with a 4.9/5 score. The customer reviews suggest the Edinburgh Walking Tour is an excellent way to explore the city’s dark history, with a strong emphasis on informative and enjoyable experiences without unnecessary theatrics.
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Meeting Point and Accessibility

The meeting point for the Edinburgh Walking Tour is conveniently located in front of St. Giles Cathedral, across from West Parliament Square.
Look for the white umbrella with the All-Star Guides logo to find your starting point.
The tour is wheelchair accessible, making it inclusive for all visitors.
Whether you’re exploring the city’s dark history for the first time or seeking a deeper understanding of Edinburgh’s past, this walking tour offers an immersive experience that brings the stories of notorious citizens, historical landmarks, and ghostly tales to life.
With engaging storytelling and knowledgeable guides, the tour provides a captivating look into the city’s hidden jewels.
Duration and Language
The Edinburgh Walking Tour lasts for 2 hours, providing ample time to explore the city’s dark history along the Royal Mile.
During this guided tour, visitors can explore the city’s notorious past, learning about murderers, thieves, cannibals, and the horrors of the Plague.
Conducted in English, the tour offers an immersive experience, allowing participants to uncover the hidden jewels of Edinburgh while listening to engaging storytelling from the knowledgeable guides.
This 2-hour walking tour is an excellent option for those seeking to understand the dark side of the Scottish capital’s history without the theatrics of a traditional ghost tour.
Price Information
The Edinburgh Walking Tour is priced at £44 per person. This cost covers the 2-hour guided walking tour through the Old Town and Canongate districts of the city.
Participants can expect to explore the hidden gems of Edinburgh while learning about its notorious citizens, historical landmarks, and chilling ghost stories. The tour focuses on the dark history of the city without any theatrics, providing an engaging and informative experience.
Booking is easy, as there’s no upfront payment required, and free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance.
With an impressive 4.9/5 overall rating from 140 reviews, this walking tour offers excellent value for money.
Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Maximum Group Size for the Tour?
The tour’s maximum group size isn’t specified, but it’s likely small enough to provide an intimate and personalized experience for participants. The provider recommends checking availability for specific starting times to ensure availability.
Are There Any Age Restrictions for Children?
The tour has age restrictions for children – those aged 6 to 15 are welcome, while infants 5 and younger are not permitted. There are no specific restrictions for adults or seniors.
Can I Bring My Pet on the Tour?
No, pets are not allowed on the tour. The tour is focused on exploring the dark history of Edinburgh’s Old Town and Canongate, and the experience is designed for the comfort and safety of all participants.
Is Photography Allowed During the Tour?
Photography is generally allowed during the tour, but guests are advised to be respectful and avoid disrupting the guide or other participants. Some locations may have restrictions on photography, which the guide will inform the group about.
Are There Any Special Dietary Requirements for the Tour?
There are no special dietary requirements for the tour. The walking tour is focused on exploring Edinburgh’s dark history and does not include any food or drink. Participants can bring their own snacks or beverages if needed.
Recap
The Edinburgh: Dark History Royal Mile Walking Tour offers a captivating 2-hour journey through the city’s sinister past. Participants will uncover tales of notorious figures and historical landmarks, guided by engaging storytellers. This wheelchair-accessible tour is suitable for all ages and provides an immersive experience into Edinburgh’s dark history for just £44 per person.
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