Edinburgh: Dark Secrets of the Old Town Ghost Walking Tour

Edinburgh’s haunting past is rife with dark secrets and eerie tales that have captivated visitors for centuries. The "Dark Secrets of the Old Town Ghost Walking Tour" promises to unveil the city’s grim legacy, from notorious serial killers to the tragic victims of witch trials. As participants journey through winding alleyways and atmospheric lanes, they’ll uncover chilling stories that have long been buried. This immersive experience, led by engaging local guides, offers a thrilling glimpse into the shadows that have long cloaked Scotland’s capital. For those seeking to delve deeper into Edinburgh’s macabre history, this tour is a must-explore opportunity.

Key Points

• Explore Edinburgh’s atmospheric alleys and learn about the city’s dark history, including notorious serial killers like Burke and Hare and the grim witch trials.
• Visit haunted cemeteries like Canongate Kirkyard and Old Calton Cemetery, and discover the 19th-century black market for corpses to medical schools.
• Engage with knowledgeable local guides who share chilling stories and anecdotes about Edinburgh’s sinister past.
• Suitable for adults, youth, students, and seniors, but not accessible for wheelchair users due to uneven surfaces.
• Highly rated tour with an overall 4.7/5 score, praised for its engaging and informative experience.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Overview and Details

The "Edinburgh: Dark Secrets of the Old Town Ghost Walking Tour" offers visitors a captivating exploration of the city’s eerie past.

Priced from Kč473 per person, this 2-hour tour is available in English and German.

With free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, it’s an experience you can book now and pay for later.

Brace yourself for an unforgettable journey through winding alleyways, graveyards, and haunting histories.

From the Westport Murderers to the burning of witches, your local guide will unveil the dark secrets that lurk in the shadows of Edinburgh’s Old Town.

This tour is suitable for most ages, though not accessible for wheelchair users.

Tour Highlights

Visitors explore winding alleyways in central Edinburgh, venturing into Canongate Kirkyard and Old Calton Cemetery, Scotland’s most haunted graveyard. Here, they learn about Burke and Hare, the notorious Westport Murderers, who sold corpses for dissection. The tour also delves into the dark history of witch and warlock trials in Scotland, sharing stories, myths, and anecdotes from local guides.

Tour Highlights
Explore winding alleyways in central Edinburgh
Visit Canongate Kirkyard and Old Calton Cemetery, Scotland’s most haunted graveyard
Learn about Burke and Hare, the Westport Murderers

Historical Context

In the 19th century, a dark market for corpses arose in Edinburgh, fueling a series of gruesome murders.

William Burke and William Hare, known as the Westport Murderers, sold bodies to medical schools for dissection, killing at least 16 people. This grim trade shed light on the need for cadavers to advance anatomical knowledge.

The tour also delves into the Black Death pandemic that ravaged Scotland in the 1300s, exploring the beliefs and practices of doctors who treated the deadly disease.

Plus, the tour examines the burning of witches and warlocks, a dark chapter in Scottish history that resulted in numerous victims.

Participant Information

Who’s this Edinburgh ghost walking tour suitable for?

The tour is suitable for a variety of participants, including adults aged 15-64, youth aged 6-14, infants 5 and younger, seniors aged 65-99, and students with valid ID.

However, it’s not suitable for wheelchair users due to the uneven surfaces and winding alleyways of Edinburgh’s Old Town.

Whether you’re a history buff, a thrill-seeker, or simply curious about the city’s dark past, this ghost tour offers an engaging and informative experience.

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Customer Reviews and Ratings

The Edinburgh: Dark Secrets of the Old Town Ghost Walking Tour has earned an impressive overall rating of 4.7 out of 5 based on 471 reviews. Travelers particularly applaud the tour guides, who receive an exceptional 4.9 out of 5 rating. The transportation arrangements are also highly praised, earning a perfect 5 out of 5 score. Reviewers highlight the tours as fun, informative, and engaging, providing excellent value for money.

Metric	Rating
Overall	4.7/5
Guide	4.9/5
Transportation	5/5
Value	4.7/5

Exploring Winding Alleyways

Winding alleyways in central Edinburgh set the stage for the Edinburgh: Dark Secrets of the Old Town Ghost Walking Tour.

Participants explore these atmospheric lanes, seeing the city’s haunting past. Narrow streets lead to hidden courtyards and shadowy corners, where the grim tales of the past come to life.

Guides share chilling stories of murder, witchcraft, and the disturbing trade in corpses that once thrived in these very alleys.

The tour weaves through the Old Town, painting a vivid picture of Edinburgh’s dark history and the supernatural elements that still linger in its historic heart.

Infamous Serial Killers

Among the most notorious serial killers in Edinburgh’s history were William Burke and William Hare.

In the 1820s, the duo preyed on the city’s poor, strangling their victims and selling the bodies to anatomists for dissection. Their grisly crimes shed light on the lucrative black market for corpses at the time, fueled by the need for cadavers in medical schools.

Though hanged for their crimes, Burke and Hare’s horrific legacy lives on, serving as a sobering reminder of the dangers that lurked in the city’s dark alleyways during the 19th century.

Witch and Warlock Trials

Alongside the infamy of Burke and Hare’s serial killings, Edinburgh’s dark history also encompasses the tragic trials and executions of alleged witches and warlocks.

During the height of witch hunts in 16th and 17th century Scotland, hundreds were accused and executed, often on flimsy evidence. Many were subjected to torture and forced confessions before being burned at the stake.

These trials were fueled by widespread fear, superstition, and religious fanaticism. Victims ranged from midwives and healers to the mentally ill and socially marginalized.

The true toll of lives lost remains a haunting legacy that continues to haunt the ancient streets of Edinburgh.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Pet on the Tour?

No, pets are not allowed on the tour. The tour is not suitable for those with pets, as the walking tour’s dark and haunted nature may not be appropriate or comfortable for animals to participate in.

Is There an Option for a Private Tour?

Yes, there is an option for a private tour. Customers can book a private Edinburgh ghost walking tour to have a more personalized experience with a guide for their group.

What Safety Precautions Are in Place?

The tour provider takes safety seriously. They provide high-visibility gear, ensure well-lit routes, and have experienced guides to lead the way. Participants must follow their instructions for a secure and enjoyable experience.

Can I Take Photos During the Tour?

Photos are generally allowed during the tour, though participants should be respectful and avoid interrupting the guide or other guests. Specific restrictions may apply in certain areas for safety or historical preservation reasons.

Is the Tour Wheelchair Accessible?

The tour is not suitable for wheelchair users. According to the participant information, the walking tour is not accessible for those in wheelchairs. Visitors should consider this restriction when deciding if the tour is a good fit.

Recap

The Edinburgh: Dark Secrets of the Old Town Ghost Walking Tour offers a thrilling, immersive experience. Participants will explore the city’s eerie history, from haunted cemeteries to the legacy of notorious figures. With engaging guides, visitors can uncover the dark tales that lurk in the winding alleyways and atmospheric lanes of Scotland’s capital. This tour is a must-do for history enthusiasts and those seeking a chilling adventure.

You can check if your dates are available here: