Viator Rating : 5 (750 reviews)
Dyvarcity Score : 5.6/10 (Solid Experience)
Edinburgh
Edinburgh's Dark History: A Ghost Tour of Mysteries and Legends
105
Overview
Edinburgh Ghost Tour explores the city's dark history, from Black Death alleys to Burke and Hare's murders. Visit Old Calton Cemetery and Canongate Kirkyard. Learn about witch burnings and Scottish faeries. Perfect for history buffs seeking eerie tales and historical insights. This walking tour offers a blend of history and paranormal. 
Experience DNA Fingerprint
Scores are shown on a scale of 1 to 10, 1 = lowest score, 10 = highest score.
What People Love
Guide Quality (9 - Exceptional) : Engaging and memorable
Guide Reliability (9 - Dependable) : On time with strong follow-through
What to Watch Out For
Safety (6 - Cautious) : Mostly okay but required alertness
Logistics (7 - Friction) : Issues but experience continued
Mobility (5 - Moderate) : Some effort required
Pacing (7 - Uneven) : Inconsistent or mixed pacing
Instagram Factor (7 - Scenic) : Some good photo moments
Highlights
Uncover Edinburgh's Darkest Secrets: Delve into the eerie tales of Edinburgh's past, exploring hidden alleys and haunted cemeteries.
Expert Storytelling: Engage with captivating stories of murderers, witches, and supernatural beings, brought to life by knowledgeable guides.
Historical Exploration: Walk through historic sites like Old Calton Cemetery and Canongate Kirkyard, uncovering layers of Edinburgh's rich history.
Mythical Insights: Discover the myths and legends surrounding Edinburgh, including tales of Scottish faeries and mythical sites.
Sentiment Analysis
Entertaining tour guides
-
Detailed historical stories
-
Unique perspective on Edinburgh's past
-
Well-paced walking route
Weather can impact the experience
-
Some stories might be too intense for sensitive individuals
Review Summary
People usually say this tour delivers exceptional historical storytelling with knowledgeable guides who bring Edinburgh's dark past to life, particularly praising the detailed accounts of Burke and Hare, witch trials, and cemetery visits.[2][4] Travelers frequently highlight the atmospheric nighttime setting and the guide's ability to mix historical facts with engaging narratives as major strengths. Common positive mentions include the tour's affordability, intimate group sizes, and the professional expertise of costumed guides who stay in character. Some visitors note that physical fitness matters due to cobblestone streets and cemetery terrain, while others appreciate the spooky atmosphere despite occasional skepticism about supernatural claims. A few reviewers mention wanting more time at certain locations like graveyards, but overall satisfaction remains high with consistent five-star ratings across multiple platforms.
This page is synthesized and developed by Dyvarcity Team
More like this
Edinburgh
£26
Edinburgh's Hilarious History: Mountebank Comedy Walking Tour
5.0
(1800 reviews)
Duration: 120
minutes
The Mountebank Comedy Walk of Edinburgh offers a unique and sidesplitting tour of Edinburgh. This isn't just any walking tour; it's the only one in the city led by an award-winning, professional stand-up comedian.
Get ready to explore Edinburgh's famous Royal Mile, Mercat Cross, and the spooky Greyfriars Kirkyard, with lots of laughter. The guide, Daniel Downie, an Edinburgh-based stand-up comic and Scottish history student, brings the funny as the group wanders past St. Giles' Cathedral, the Writers' Museum, and takes in the Edinburgh Castle Panorama. With his trusty dog sidekick, Brahan, Daniel will make sure the group is laughing while learning.
What's included? A hilarious guide! What's not included? Gratuities. This tour is all about the hysterical and ridiculous side of Scotland's history, people, language, and even the weather! Prepare to laugh a lot while learning a little.
Edinburgh
£14
Edinburgh Harry Potter Locations Tour: Guided Magic!
4.9
(4210 reviews)
Duration: 120
minutes
Original Harry Potter Locations Tour in Edinburgh takes people on a fun walk around Edinburgh. This tour is perfect for Harry Potter fans of all ages.
Walk where the actors walked and see the places that gave ideas to the movies and books. Your guide knows everything about Harry Potter and will test your knowledge with games and trivia. You might even win a prize!
See Edinburgh Castle and other famous spots that helped create the magical world of Harry Potter. This tour includes a professional guide to show the way. It does not include tips, food, drinks, or hotel transportation.
Edinburgh
£16
Edinburgh Dark History Tour: Royal Mile's Gruesome Tales
5.0
(806 reviews)
Duration: 120
minutes
Edinburgh - Dark History: Discover the chilling secrets lurking beneath Edinburgh's charming facade. This walking tour explores the city's grim past, revealing tales of murderers, cannibals, and witches that shaped its identity. Forget staged scares; Edinburgh's true history is terrifying enough.
Explore iconic landmarks like the Royal Mile, where executions once took place at the Old Tollbooth Site. Venture into the eerie Greyfriars Kirkyard, a burial site steeped in ghostly legends, and marvel at the historic St. Giles' Cathedral. A local guide will lead guests through narrow closes and hidden corners, sharing dark stories and historical insights that bring Edinburgh's sinister past to life.
This in-person guided experience includes visits to the Royal Mile, Old Tollbooth Site, Greyfriars Kirkyard, St. Giles' Cathedral, and a 16th-century Edinburgh corner. This experience excludes food, drinks, and personal expenses. Guests should expect a moderate walking pace, suitable for most fitness levels. This tour offers a haunting exploration of Edinburgh's darkest chapters.
Edinburgh
£15
Edinburgh: Potter & Horrible Histories Tour
5.0
(202 reviews)
Duration: 120
minutes
The Harry Potter and Horrible Histories Walking Tour in Edinburgh offers a unique blend of magic, history, and Scottish culture. This walking tour takes participants through the streets of Edinburgh, exploring the city's dark history and the inspiration behind the Harry Potter series. It's designed for those who love stories, history, and a touch of the fantastical.
Expect to walk in the footsteps of J.K. Rowling, visit the former execution site at Grassmarket, and explore the eerie Greyfriars Kirkyard, a place filled with fascinating tales. See the Flodden Wall and Edinburgh Castle. The tour also includes a stop at The Elephant House & Spoon Cafe, famous for its connection to Rowling. And if participants dare, the tour concludes with a taste of Scottish delicacies like haggis and a deep-fried Mars bar.
This engaging experience includes expert guidance and a chance to learn about Edinburgh's history in a fun, interactive way. The tour includes 'other' benefits, ensuring a complete experience. Note that personal snacks are excluded. Get ready to laugh and learn on this unforgettable Edinburgh adventure.
Edinburgh
£85
Edinburgh's Royal & Rogue History: Private Walking Tour
5.0
(229 reviews)
Duration: 120
minutes
Private Old Edinburgh Tour: Walk in the Footsteps of Royals and Rogues! Step back in time and explore the hidden stories of Edinburgh's Old Town. This private walking tour takes you through the historic streets where Scottish royalty and infamous rogues once lived. See iconic landmarks like Greyfriars Kirkyard, Candlemaker Row, Grassmarket, the Royal Mile, The Cowgate, and the University of Edinburgh (Old College).
Follow a local guide, who will show you the city's most famous spots. Discover the history of Mary, Queen of Scots, Bonnie Prince Charlie, and Deacon Brodie. Your guide will carry a book of archive images, so you can compare Edinburgh's past with its present-day look. This is a great way to learn about Edinburgh's history.
This private tour includes a local guide. Gratuities are not included. It's a memorable way to see Edinburgh.
Edinburgh
£42
Edinburgh Castle Tour: Tickets, Map & Royal Secrets
5.0
(362 reviews)
Duration: 90
minutes
Edinburgh Castle Highlights Tour with Tickets, Map, and Guide lets visitors explore the famous Edinburgh Castle with a local expert. This walking tour is perfect for history buffs and anyone wanting to learn about Scotland's rich past. The tour guide will lead through the ancient castle grounds. See Hospital Square and the Western Panorama with its amazing views.
Visitors will see the One o'Clock Gun, Mons Meg, and Crown Square. The guide shares true stories about the people who shaped the Castle, including tales of banquets, raids, and royal drama. After the tour, take time to explore the museums and exhibits.
This experience includes a map of Edinburgh Castle, a professional local guide, and an entry ticket. It starts at the Edinburgh Castle Esplanade and goes through the Edinburgh Castle Fortress, Hawkhill, St. Margaret's Chapel, Crown Square & The Royal Palace, and Argyle Battery. Gratuities are not included. With excellent ratings and reviews, this curated tour is a top choice for experiencing Edinburgh Castle.
Nearby Events
Penicuik GB
July 25
7:00 PMHona Costello UK Album Tour Penicuik
Hona Costello - Godfather of Chicago: The UK Album Tour lands in Penicuik, delivering an electrifying showcase of the artist's rising star power. Known for his Spotify-charting albums and singles that blend Chicago grit with UK flair, Hona brings his latest tour to captivate fans with fresh tracks and high-energy performances.
Hona Costello captivates audiences through platforms like Eventbrite and Universe, where his events draw eager crowds. Penicuik serves as a key stop in this intimate UK tour.
Dunfermline GB
July 18
10:00 PMColumbos Soul Band Live in Dunfermline
Columbos Soul Band lights up Dunfermline with their electrifying soul performance, delivering high-energy rhythms and timeless classics that get crowds moving. Known for their tight harmonies and infectious grooves, this band has built a loyal following through sold-out shows across Scotland, blending classic Motown hits with original soul anthems.
Columbos Soul Band stands out for their authentic sound rooted in the golden era of soul, captivating audiences with powerhouse vocals and brass-driven arrangements. Dunfermline's vibrant music scene provides the perfect backdrop for this unforgettable night of live soul music.
Glasgow GB
Jan 03
11:00 AMCeltic Park Tour & Dine Gift Vouchers
Gift Vouchers - Celtic Park Tour & Dine Package offers the ultimate Celtic FC fan experience at the iconic Celtic Park in Glasgow. This exclusive package combines a guided behind-the-scenes tour of the historic stadium with a delicious dining experience, immersing visitors in the legacy of one of Scotland's most storied football clubs.
Celtic Park, affectionately known as Paradise, has been home to Celtic Football Club since 1888 and boasts a capacity of over 60,000 passionate fans. The vouchers provide flexible gifting for tours exploring the pitch, dressing rooms, and trophy room, followed by a curated meal celebrating Scottish cuisine in a setting rich with club history.
Dunfermline GB
July 20
10:00 AM1950s Rock & Roll Show Dunfermline Tickets
The 1950s Rock & Roll Show brings the electrifying sounds of rock 'n' roll's golden era to Dunfermline, delivering high-energy performances of timeless hits from legends like Elvis Presley, Chuck Berry, and Little Richard. This nostalgic tribute captures the raw energy and rebellious spirit that defined a generation, with authentic costumes, choreography, and instrumentation that transport audiences back to the jukebox heyday.
Renowned for its faithful recreation of 1950s icons, the show features powerhouse vocals and blistering guitar riffs that have thrilled fans worldwide on extensive tours. Dunfermline's vibrant venue sets the perfect stage for this retro explosion.
The Arches, Glasgow
Feb 14
7:00 PM65daysofstatic Live at The Arches Glasgow 2029
Experience 65daysofstatic at The Arches, Glasgow on February 14, 2029—an unmissable performance by Sheffield's legendary instrumental post-rock pioneers. The band, formed in 2001, continues to push sonic boundaries with their distinctive blend of glitchy electronics, heavy guitar-driven passages, and progressive instrumentation. Spanning nearly three decades of evolution, 65daysofstatic remain unafraid to challenge artistic conventions, from their critically acclaimed 2004 debut The Fall of Math to their ambitious algorithmic compositions and generative soundscapes.
65daysofstatic's sound has continuously evolved through drum'n'bass, techno, IDM, and their self-proclaimed "dustpunk" aesthetic, culminating in expansive sonic sculptures that feel like collapsing universes or dawning realities. Their innovative "Decomposition Theory"—a method of decomposing infinite algorithmic possibilities rather than composing from scratch—represents the cutting edge of electronic music creation. The Arches, Glasgow's premier underground music venue, provides the perfect atmospheric setting for this immersive audio experience, hosting world-class electronic and alternative performances.
Dunfermline GB
Aug 07
7:00 PMSwift & Styles Tribute Tickets Dunfermline
Swift & Styles Tribute at null in Dunfermline brings a polished tribute night built around the biggest songs from Taylor Swift, Harry Styles and One Direction, with replica-style costumes, backing tracks and lyric-led visuals designed for singalong energy. The show has been promoted as a fan-focused celebration of pop anthems, mixing recognisable hits with a lively, interactive atmosphere.
Swift & Styles is presented as a touring tribute experience rather than an original artist appearance, making it a strong draw for fans who want the sound, style and familiarity of the chart-topping catalogue without the stadium setting. Dunfermline offers an accessible Scottish stop for live entertainment, and null gives the event a local backdrop for an evening of pop nostalgia and crowd-pleasing performance.
The Bucket List Playbook: Top Things to do in Glasgow
Ready for adventure? Dyvarcity is your ultimate guide to the top 100 things to do in Glasgow From must-see attractions like Short Term Availability, Music, Historical Tours & Rock in Glasgow. We've handpicked events & experiences with passion: whether you love activities that move your body, vibrant music, sports, food, or cultural explorations.
View Glasgow Activities