Edinburgh - Dark History

5.0(5 reviews)

2 hour(s)

English (United Kingdom)

Edinburgh, United Kingdom

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Guided walking tour along Edinburgh’s historic Royal Mile

Visit the stunning St. Giles Cathedral with its dark tales

See the iconic Heart of Midlothian and learn its significance

Explore the historic Mercat Cross, a hub of medieval justice

Wander through Cannongate Graveyard and hear eerie stories

Discover true stories behind Edinburgh’s darker past, from crime to superstition

Edinburgh Tour Uncovers City’s Dark Historical Underbelly

A new walking experience in Edinburgh is offering visitors a stark look into the city’s grim and often unsettling past. The tour moves away from theatrical ghost storytelling and instead focuses on documented historical events that shaped Edinburgh’s reputation for darkness and intrigue.

As daylight fades, participants are guided through streets and closes once associated with crime, disease, and public punishment. Stories of infamous figures, including murderers, thieves, and alleged witches, are presented within the broader context of the city’s social and political history.

The route explores periods marked by outbreaks of plague, harsh living conditions, and brutal justice systems. These accounts aim to illustrate how everyday life in earlier centuries was shaped by fear, survival, and rapid urban growth in a densely populated medieval city.

Rather than relying on costumes or staged performances, the experience emphasizes historical accuracy and research-based storytelling. The result is a sobering but compelling narrative that highlights the darker realities behind Edinburgh’s evolution into a modern capital.

Edinburgh Tour Uncovers City’s Dark Historical Underbelly

What's Included

In-Person guide

What's Not Included

Food and Drinks
Gratuities

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$ 23.81

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Timeslots: 03:00PM, 06:00PM

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Pickup location

Address will appear once location is loaded.

Timeslots: 03:00PM, 06:00PM

Click "Show Pickups on Map" to open the interactive map and search for your hotel or nearby location.

Click any purple pickup marker to view its connection to your searched location and find the best pickup point.

Activity Provider: All-Star Guides

Customer Reviews

5.0

Excellent

Based on 5 reviews

J W.

November 18, 2025

Had a great tour with Désirée in November. We went on the ‘Underground’ tour. Having done quite a few tours in Edinburgh, I’d say this was the best - the stories were great, the guide was attentive and the parts of the tour within the vaults themselves were exceotional (stuff outside was good too but similar to other tours) AND there was some ‘unexplainable activity!’. Désirée herself was friendly, helpful and attentive and really created a great atmosphere. Also had some good jokes! The tour went over stories I hadn’t heard and there was definitely a few things that happened to us in the vaults themselves - people feeling dizzy, odd sounds, and doors opening by themselves! Would definitely recommend.

Peter S.

November 14, 2025

A great tour of two very creepy and richly historic sites in Edinburgh's old town. We took the Double Dead tour thst included he South Bridge Vaults and the Covenanters Prison. Our tour guide Sarah was so warm and friendly and her performance was the perfect blend of hilarious and spooky. This tour is the only way to get access to the Black Mausoleum inside the locked section of Greyfriars Kirkyard and it's really worth going - especially when you hear the gruesome tales associated with it. Not just the ghost stories, but the bloody history too.

elliot j.

November 07, 2025

ABSOLUTELY AMAZING experience. I seem to be a magnet to these typically tourist-y kind of walking tours, having done quite a few over the years in various cities. This is, by far, the best one I have ever done. By far. Our guide, Sarah, was incredible. I took the Double Dead tour and throughout the 2 hours she perfectly blended history, comedy, and spookiness. 👻 She clearly knew everything inside and out, even adding in lots of her own experiences and wisdom that helped make this a great and thoroughly entertaining tour. I could listen to her talk for hours! She even showed us her favourite tombstone in Greyfriars at the end (and explained the meaning behind the carvings). Did I see any full-bodied apparitions? No. Did I experience uneasy feelings and uneasiness? Yes. Particularly in the south bridge vaults. Having exclusive access to the locked part of Greyfriars should be a reason to book with City of The Dead anyways, but the knowledge and care that the tour was assembled with should also convince you. HIGHLY recommend if you're in Edinburgh. Bonus picture of a face(?) I may have captured in the south bridge vaults. Or it could just be the cobblestones. Who knows.

Day In a City

Explore More Edinburgh - Dark History

Discover the wonders of Edinburgh, United Kingdom with this unforgettable experience. Explore Edinburgh’s spine-chilling past with true stories of murder, witches, and dark deeds—no ghost costumes, just history that haunts. Highlights of your tour include: Guided walking tour along Edinburgh’s historic Royal MileVisit the stunning St. Giles Cathedral with its dark talesSee the iconic Heart of Midlothian and learn its significanceExplore the historic Mercat Cross, a hub of medieval justiceWander through Cannongate Graveyard and hear eerie storiesDiscov. Join a captivating walking tour along Edinburgh’s historic Royal Mile, where your guide will reveal the city’s darker past through its most iconic landmarks. Discover chilling stories and eerie tales at St. Giles Cathedral, stand by the famous Heart of Midlothian, explore the historic Mercat Cross, . This tour includes: In-Person guide. Step into Edinburgh’s shadowy past with a tour that reveals the city’s darkest secrets—no costumes or theatrics needed. By day, Edinburgh dazzles with stunning architecture and rich history, but once night falls, the city’s sinister side comes alive. Discover tales of infamous murderers, ruthless thieves, eerie witches, gruesome executions, and haunting plagues that shaped this mysterious city. Wa. Duration: 2 hours . Book your Edinburgh - Dark History today and create memories that will last a lifetime!