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Edinburgh Darkside Ghost Tour of Mysteries and Murder and Legends

4.8(3,943)Rated 4.8 out of 5 from 3943 reviews2 hFree cancellationBy Sandemans Tours
Edinburgh Darkside Ghost Tour of Mysteries and Murder and Legends

About this activity

Edinburgh sells itself on castles and tartan by day — but its real character was forged in the dark. Staying above ground, this walk through the Old Town uncovers the city's grimmer past: public executions and brutal justice, tales of hardship in the underground vaults, witch trials fuelled by royal obsession, and body snatchers who turned graves into a trade.

What sets it apart is that the ghost stories are anchored in documented history, not invented for a scare. Your licensed local guide separates the hauntings from the harsh reality that created them — from the Canongate Tolbooth's torture cells to Burke and Hare's murders — showing why a city shaped by disease, crime and superstition still unsettles everyone who walks its closes after dark.

What's included

  • ✓Professional guide

Not included

  • ✕Hotel pickup and drop-off
  • ✕Gratuities

Meeting and pickup

  • Your Edinburgh Dark Side Tour starts at 130 High Street, on the corner with Stevenlaw's Close. Looking at Starbucks? Look right, 130 High Street is two doors up the street. If you hit traffic lights, you went the wrong way. Look for the SANDEMANs Tours team with a SANDEMANs red umbrella.

Good to know

  • Service animals allowed
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Our guides have your best interests in mind; while the tour usually includes the sites & stories mentioned and lasts about 2-2.5 hours, your tour may vary depending on what your guide thinks is best for your group.
  • We unfortunately do not advise guests in wheelchairs to join the Dark Side Tour, due to the narrow stairways and steep hills. We apologize for any inconvenience or disappointment caused.
  • Recommended for ages 10 and up. This tour covers murder, witch trials, and body-snatching through storytelling — spooky and atmospheric, but not graphic. Great for older kids and teens who enjoy a scare; parents of younger children may want to ask their guide about content in advance.

Cancellation policy

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

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