Edinburgh: Guided Tour of the City's Dark History

Overview

Explore the streets of Edinburgh on a 2-hour guided tour dedicated to the most macabre aspects of the Scottish capital. This walk explores the contrast between the city's respectable image and its sinister past. The guide recounts the stories of Edinburgh's most notorious citizens, evoking murderers, thieves, cannibals, and executions by hanging or beheading. The tour also covers periods of plague, witch hunts, and the precarious hygiene conditions of the past. Unlike classic themed tours, this experience focuses on historical facts and authentic narratives rather than staged performances with costumes or jump scares.

Itinerary

1. Vieille ville

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

   · Non-stop passage

2. 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.

   · 10 min

3. 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.

   · 10 min

4. 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.

   · 10 min

5. 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.

   · 40 min

6. John Knox House Museum

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

   · 5 min

7. Canongate Kirk

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

   · 40 min

Meeting and end point

What to know before you go

• Wheelchair accessible
• Prams or pushchairs available for babies and young children
• Assistance animals allowed
• Public transport available nearby
• Accessible transport options for people with reduced mobility
• Fully wheelchair accessible
• Suitable for all physical conditions
• The activity can accommodate a maximum of 30 travellers
• Immediate confirmation upon booking

Travelers

Cancellation policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure date.

Who is it for?

• Travellers interested in macabre history and true crime
• People with reduced mobility
• Families with pushchairs
• English speakers

What makes it different

• Approach based on real history rather than staged ghost performances

Frequently asked questions

Reviews

Product code: 246096P2

Activity offered by All-Star Guides via Viator.