Want to feel the chill coming up from your spine on a hot summer day? If you have a keen interest in unsettled ghosts, old cellars, and scary stories, then Edinburgh is an excellent destination. With its picturesque natural landscapes and historic castles, the city’s long history has made it a hotbed of ghost stories. As a result, Edinburgh ghost tours have become a popular experience, offering thrill-seekers an irreplaceable experience.
There have been some pretty dark times in Edinburgh’s 900+ year-long history, which has included executions, plagues, battles, and murders. These gruesome marks remain in the shadows, waiting for you to discover them on your adventure.
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Top Places For Edinburgh Ghost Tour
What Is a Ghost Tour In Edinburgh?
A ghost tour of Edinburgh represents a trip to Edinburgh’s famous haunted locations with a small group of people gathered at nightfall. The tour guides, usually dressed in robes or ancient costumes, introduce you to the stories of these places, blending elements of witchcraft, torture, and betrayal.
This may also include traveling underground and exploring the hidden layers of the city. In the underground chambers, darkness and humidity will surround you, allowing you to feel the different air and learn about untold stories. It’s also a way to get to know and explore Edinburgh from a different perspective.
History Behind It
Edinburgh has a rich history, but many parts of it are also very dark, providing the backdrop for its ghostly tales. In the 17th century, over 400 years ago, the Black Death broke out in Edinburgh, and hundreds of people were abandoned and eventually lost their lives. And in the 16th and 17th centuries, Edinburgh had a massive wave of witch hunts, which led to countless innocent women being branded as witches and executed. In the 19th century, the notorious Burke and Hare murdered the city’s underprivileged, adding to a chilling history of ghost tours.
Top Places For Edinburgh Ghost Tour
Edinburgh’s different lanes, historic buildings, and cemeteries all carry stories. And when you’re looking for the best ghost tour in Edinburgh, you’ll find that many of the stories are centered in a few key locations:
Royal Mile
The Royal Mile itself is a pillar of Edinburgh’s history, and it connects several famous attractions. But it has also witnessed centuries of drama, intrigue and tragedy. None is more famous than Mary King’s Close under the street, the very spot that was severely affected by the Black Death in the 17th century.
At that time, hundreds of people gathered here to live, and as the situation got worse. To prevent the spread of the disease, the government chose to seal the entrance of the alleyway, leaving the patients inside to survive on their own. It was not until 2003 that the area was opened to tourists.
Things To Do
You can visit the 17th-century lanes in the Royal Mile, and then come to Mary King’s Close to see the towering living conditions. And there’s a special room for the little girl Annie’s gifts, which are a special presence in the dark, dreary space underground.
Escape from the underground and head to the bar named after the famous Deacon Brodie to relax. He was a respected town councillor by day but a thief by night, and was eventually sentenced to hang.
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Greyfriars Kirkyard
The cemetery is Gothic in architecture, and it is known as the most haunted cemetery in the world. Built in the late 16th century, this ancient graveyard is the final resting place of many famous Scots, but it is also known for its intense paranormal activity, most notably in connection with the Mackenzie Poltergeist. This lawyer, named George Mackenzie, took pleasure in torturing and killing prisoners, and this all took place at Greyfriars Kirkyard. To this day, many people feel a sense of unease when visiting.
Things To Do
Participating in the Greyfriars Kirk ghost tour will lead you through rows of weathered headstones that tell the stories of famous people and people buried here. If you’re brave enough, visit the Black Mausoleum of Sir George Mackenzie, where many people have claimed to have encountered supernatural events.
While the cemetery has a reputation for being haunted, there is a heart-warming side to the site, as it is the resting place of loyal Greyfriars Bobby, who is known for guarding his owner’s grave for 14 years.
Edinburgh Castle
Edinburgh Castle, perched on ancient volcanic rock, is an important symbol of Scotland, and there is no shortage of ghost-related stories in the castle. One of the most well-known stories is that of the headless drummer boy. It is said that when the castle is in crisis, there will be intense drumming inside the castle, and sometimes you can still see the headless drummer beating the drum.
Then there is the Lone Piper, whose story is intertwined with the famous underground tunnels that are said to extend from the castle under the Royal Mile. A piper was sent to explore these tunnels, playing his bagpipes to guide those above. His music suddenly stopped in the middle of his journey, and he was never seen again. It is said that from time to time, the sound of bagpipes can still be heard coming from underground.
Things To Do
Note that many of the ghost tours do not go into the castle to explore. You can purchase your ticket to enter the tour. Inside the castle, wax figures show the turnover of Scottish dynasties, as well as the most famous crown jewels. For a scary atmosphere, head to the basement. It’s a grim recreation of the 17th-century prison where prisoners of war were held. When you step out of the basement, head to the souvenir store for a glass of whiskey to put that creepy feeling behind you.
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Grassmarket Square
Nestled beneath Edinburgh Castle and surrounded by historic pubs, today’s Grassmarket Square is a vibrant, lively area. But centuries ago, the square had a truly dark and bloody past. Throughout the 17th and 18th centuries, Grassmarket was the main venue for public executions in Edinburgh. Hundreds of people came to their end on the gallows here, from common criminals to covenant martyrs who died for their religious beliefs.
Things To Do
Head to The Last Drop, where prisoners drank their last drink, and where legend has it that an underground cellar was used to store corpses. Stand on West Bow or face Candlemaker Row to hear tales of witch trials, hangings, and more. There’s also a pub named after Maggie Dickson, who, according to legend, survived her hanging and was eventually released.
South Bridge Vaults
Built in the late 18th century, these vaults, amongst the 19 arches of South Bridge, were originally used for storage and workshops. However, they soon fell into disuse and became a desperate refuge for Edinburgh’s poor, criminals, and indigent. And during this time, William Burke and William Hare, two notorious criminals, sought out and killed the vulnerable here and sold their bodies to medical schools for research. They were eventually arrested and hanged.
Things To Do
The Edinburgh vaults ghost tour will take you on a tour of the Blair Street Underground Vaults, where you’ll walk into a pitch black room and feel the temperature drop. Many visitors claim to have encountered the paranormal. There are different areas to visit, such as the Wine Vaults and the Witch’s Room. At the end of the tour, head to Megget’s Cellar for a glass of whiskey as a relief.
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Mercat Cross
The starting point for many ghost tours is located right next to St Giles’ Cathedral. It was the city’s main point of communication and issuing of various proclamations, but later became a point of execution.
Things To Do
First, take a moment to observe the market cross in the center, gorgeously topped with a royal unicorn. Here you will hear the story of the public execution of the Covenanters, and there are many spiritual legends.
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Ghost Tour Tips
Here are a few key tips to help you make the most of the Edinburgh ghost walk:
- Bring a jacket: As the Edinburgh Ghost Tour starts in the evening and may head underground, it’s a good idea to bring a thin jacket to stay warm.
- Wear comfortable shoes: Edinburgh’s Old Town has cobbled streets and lanes, and with the wet surface underground, shoes that are easy to walk in are a must.
- Note the rules: Some locations, such as The Real Mary King’s Close, prohibit indoor photography. Be sure to ask your guide beforehand if photography is allowed, especially in underground or private areas.
- Consider your physical condition: If you suffer from claustrophobia or don’t like the dark, some of the underground tours (e.g., South Bridge Vault) may be uncomfortable for you.
- Have a drink: Many ghost tours end up near a bar and even include free drinks. Enjoy a glass of whiskey to soothe your nerves after a spooky walk.
- Be aware of age restrictions: some trips are not suitable for children under the age of 12 due to content or setting. If you are traveling with children, please choose the family-friendly option with a lighter story.
FAQ
Is the Edinburgh Ghost Tour scary?
The Ghost tour won’t have jump scares, the focus is more on telling history and legends and won’t be overly scary. But it will depend on what you are afraid of, if you are afraid of dark and enclosed spaces then Mary King’s Close and South Bridge Vaults will be terrifying.
What is the underground ghost walk in Edinburgh?
This represents a tour of the famous Edinburgh Vaults (also known as the South Bridge Vaults or Blair Street Underground Vaults). This site is usually an important part of an Edinburgh ghost tour. This will get you into these eerie, unlit rooms and through cold passages while you listen to your guide tell the story of the place.
What is the difference between the Edinburgh Vaults and Real Mary King’s Close?
The Real Mary King’s Close was built earlier than the Edinburgh Vaults and was used mainly for habitation, allowing traces of life and the history of the Black Death at the time to be seen. The Edinburgh Vaults, on the other hand, were built as storage and were much darker and more damp.
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