Edinburgh: The Dark Side of Edinburgh Tour

Edinburgh’s dark history comes alive during the captivating "Dark Side of Edinburgh Tour." Exploring the city’s haunted Grassmarket, Greyfriars Kirkyard, and historic Royal Mile, participants embark on a two-hour journey guided by a storyteller in period attire. Blending humor with historically accurate narratives, the tour immerses visitors in Edinburgh’s sinister past, from grisly executions to notorious criminals. As the guide’s chilling tales unfold, one can’t help but wonder what other unsettling secrets this ancient city might hold.

Key Points

• This 2-hour guided tour explores Edinburgh’s sinister past, including haunting tales, gruesome executions, and supernatural occurrences across historic locations like Grassmarket and Greyfriars Kirkyard.
• Priced at $25.11 per person, the tour is wheelchair accessible and offers a free cancellation policy up to 24 hours in advance.
• Highlights include a photo stop at St. Giles Cathedral and a guided exploration of the Royal Mile, known for its dark history and chilling legends.
• The live guide, dressed in period attire, enhances the immersive experience through historically accurate storytelling mixed with humor, fostering engagement and appreciation for Edinburgh’s haunting legacy.
• With a maximum group size of 10 participants, the tour provides an intimate and personalized experience, allowing for questions and recommendations from the knowledgeable guide.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Overview and Pricing

The Edinburgh: The Dark Side of Edinburgh Tour offers participants a unique opportunity to explore the city’s sinister past, with prices starting from $25.11 per person.

This 2-hour guided tour is limited to 10 participants and is conducted in English. The tour is wheelchair accessible, and travelers can take advantage of the free cancellation policy up to 24 hours in advance.

For added convenience, a reserve now and pay later option is available.

Whether you’re a history buff or seeking an immersive paranormal experience, this tour promises to captivate with its blend of chilling tales and historical accuracy.

Itinerary and Highlights

Starting at the Grassmarket, the tour takes participants on a journey through Edinburgh’s dark history. Visitors will discover the Castles curse carved into the cobblestones, venture into the infamously haunted Greyfriars Kirkyard, and explore the historic Royal Mile. A photo stop and guided tour of St. Giles Cathedral provide a glimpse into the city’s past. The tour culminates with a walk through the picturesque Edinburgh Old Town before concluding at the Tron Kirk Market. Throughout the experience, the guide regales guests with chilling tales of witches, cannibals, and historical crimes.

Itinerary Highlights
Grassmarket
Greyfriars Kirkyard
Royal Mile
St. Giles Cathedral
Edinburgh Old Town

Guided Tour Experience

Dressed in period attire, the live tour guide leads participants on an engaging exploration of Edinburgh’s haunted sites and dark history.

With an emphasis on historically accurate stories blended with humor, the guide captivates the group’s attention. Participants have the opportunity to ask questions and receive personalized recommendations, enhancing their understanding of the city’s grim past.

The tour’s smaller group size allows for a more intimate experience, enabling participants to fully enjoy the chilling tales of witches, cannibals, and historical crimes.

Through this guided experience, visitors gain a deeper appreciation for Edinburgh’s haunting legacy.

Important Information for Participants

Participants meet at the Cold Town House Pub in Grassmarket, the tour’s designated starting point.

Attendees should come prepared with comfortable shoes and weather-appropriate attire, as the tour runs rain or shine. The route includes slightly hilly and rocky terrain, particularly in the Greyfriars Kirkyard.

However, the tour prioritizes mobility-accessible paths to ensure all guests can fully participate.

• Comfortable shoes recommended
• Umbrella and rain gear advised
• Slight hill and rocky terrain in graveyard
• Mobility-accessible routes prioritized

The tour provides an immersive experience exploring Edinburgh’s dark history, so participants should be ready to be captivated by the chilling tales and haunting atmosphere.

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Customer Reviews and Feedback

The Edinburgh Dark Side Tour has garnered overwhelmingly positive customer reviews, with an impressive 4.9/5 rating based on 15 reviews.

Participants consistently praise the tour’s engaging and entertaining guides, who blend historically accurate stories with a touch of humor. Reviewers also highlight the tour’s clear communication, local insights, and smaller group size, which enhances the overall experience.

Numerous customers describe the tour as captivating, memorable, and resonant, with the chilling tales of witches, cannibals, and historical crimes leaving a lasting impression.

The tour’s combination of historically rich content and skilled storytelling has made it a must-do activity for those seeking to explore Edinburgh’s dark past.

Exploring the Grassmarket

Anchoring the beginning of the tour, the Grassmarket emerges as a captivating focal point. This historic marketplace is steeped in a dark past, with a cursed carving on its cobblestones that speaks to a chilling history.

Participants learn about the grisly crimes and executions that once took place here, including the tales of notorious criminals and the dark forces that were believed to haunt the area. The tour guide’s vivid storytelling brings these eerie narratives to life, immersing visitors in Edinburgh’s macabre past.

Key highlights in the Grassmarket include:

• The Castles curse carved into the cobblestones
• Gruesome tales of executions and historical crimes
• Haunting legends of supernatural occurrences
• Atmospheric streets that evoke a sense of the past

Visiting Greyfriars Kirkyard

From the Grassmarket, the tour progresses to Greyfriars Kirkyard, one of the most notoriously haunted graveyards in the world. Visitors will explore the eerie 16th-century cemetery, known for its macabre tales of the supernatural. As the guide recounts the chilling history, participants may feel a chill down their spine.

Greyfriars Kirkyard
Established	1562
Notable Burials	George Mackenzie, the "Bluidy Mackenzie"
Paranormal Activity	Poltergeist activity, ghostly apparitions
Haunted Locations	Covenanter’s Prison, Mackenzie’s Tomb
Visitor Tips	Wear comfortable shoes, bring a camera

The tour delves into the dark past of this iconic Edinburgh landmark, leaving participants with a haunting sense of the city’s grisly history.

Discovering the Royal Mile

Departing the eerie Greyfriars Kirkyard, the tour winds its way towards the iconic Royal Mile, a historic site steeped in Edinburgh’s dark past.

Along this cobblestone street, the guide regales guests with tales of grim executions, gruesome murders, and the city’s unsavory history.

Visitors learn about the:

• Macabre executions that once took place on the Mile
• Notorious criminals and their dastardly deeds
• Superstitions and urban legends surrounding the Mile
• Architectural features that hint at the area’s sinister past

The guide’s captivating storytelling brings these dark moments to life, leaving participants with a deeper understanding of Edinburgh’s complex history and a newfound appreciation for the darker side of this enchanting city.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Dog on the Tour?

The tour doesn’t permit dogs. It’s designed for a small group experience and may not be suitable for pets. Participants are encouraged to bring comfortable shoes and dress appropriately for the weather, but no animals are allowed on the tour.

Is Photography Allowed During the Tour?

Photography is generally allowed during the tour, though participants are advised to be respectful and avoid disrupting the guide’s narration. Cameras and phones can be used to capture the historic sights and atmospheric settings encountered along the way.

Are There Any Age Restrictions for Participants?

The tour has an age restriction – it’s not suitable for children under 7 years old. Older participants can join the tour, but the content may not be appropriate for very young kids.

What Happens if the Tour Is Canceled Due to Weather?

If the tour is canceled due to weather, you will receive a full refund. The company prioritizes safety and provides options to reschedule or get a refund if the tour can’t operate as planned due to inclement conditions.

Can I Book a Private Tour for My Group?

Yes, private tours can be booked for the Dark Side of Edinburgh Tour. Participants can request a private tour for their group, which allows for a more personalized experience and flexibility in scheduling. Additional fees may apply for private tours.

Recap

The "Edinburgh: The Dark Side of Edinburgh Tour" offers a captivating journey through the city’s chilling history. Participants explore the Grassmarket, Greyfriars Kirkyard, and the Royal Mile, guided by a live storyteller in period attire. With engaging tales of executions and notorious criminals, the tour combines humor and historical accuracy, creating an immersive experience that reveals Edinburgh’s sinister past. It’s the perfect choice for those seeking an unforgettable adventure.

You can check if your dates are available here: