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The Edinburgh Darkside Walking Tour takes visitors on a captivating journey through the city’s haunted history. Led by professional storytellers, the 2-hour experience unveils chilling tales of witchcraft, body-snatching, and ghostly sightings at iconic landmarks like the Royal Mile and Old Calton Burial Ground. With a maximum of 20 travelers, the tour ensures an intimate experience, immersing guests in Edinburgh’s dark past and revealing the eerie charm of its historic landmarks. What secrets lie buried within the city’s winding streets?
Key Points
- Immersive 2-hour tour exploring Edinburgh’s haunted history and legends, with over 3,600 positive reviews highlighting its engaging experience.
- Visits eerie sites like the Old Calton Burial Ground and Canongate Kirkyard, guided by professional guides with hotel pickup and drop-off.
- Explores the iconic Royal Mile, delving into the city’s dark past of witchcraft trials and public executions.
- Uncovers the haunting history of North Bridge, including tales of body-snatchers Burke and Hare and unsolved disappearances.
- Investigates the strategic and supernatural significance of Calton Hill, a site for witch trials and pagan rituals.
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Tour Overview and Highlights
The Edinburgh Darkside Walking Tour is a popular 2-hour exploration of the city’s haunted history, mysteries, and legends.
With over 3,600 positive reviews, this immersive tour invites visitors to uncover Edinburgh’s sinister past, from witch trials and pagan rituals to infamous executions.
Guests will visit sites like the Old Calton Burial Ground and Canongate Kirkyard, learning about body-snatching and notorious figures.
Led by professional guides, the tour includes hotel pickup/drop-off and panoramic views from Calton Hill.
Capped at 20 travelers, this atmospheric adventure offers an engaging look at Edinburgh’s darkest secrets.
Tour Itinerary and Stops
The tour begins on the iconic Royal Mile, where visitors spend around 10 minutes exploring the historic heart of Edinburgh. Next, the group moves to the North Bridge, spending 30 minutes learning about its haunted past.
| Stop | Duration | Admission |
|---|---|---|
| Royal Mile | 10 minutes | Free |
| North Bridge | 30 minutes | Free |
| Calton Hill | 30 minutes | Free |
| Old Calton Burial Ground | 30 minutes | Free |
| Canongate Kirk | 30 minutes | Free |
The tour then ascends Calton Hill, where participants enjoy the site’s dark history, including the pagan rituals and witch trials that once took place there. The journey concludes with visits to the Old Calton Burial Ground and Canongate Kirk, each with its own haunting tales.
The Royal Mile
Visitors begin the Edinburgh Darkside Walking Tour on the iconic Royal Mile, the historic heart of Scotland’s capital city.
This venerable street stretches from Edinburgh Castle to the Palace of Holyroodhouse, linking the city’s most significant sites. The tour spends around 10 minutes here, setting the stage for Edinburgh’s darker past.
Guides share tales of witchcraft trials, public executions, and other grim events that unfolded along this storied thoroughfare. Participants learn about the Royal Mile’s enduring atmosphere of mystery and intrigue before moving on to the next stop on the walking tour.
North Bridge
From the Royal Mile, the tour leads participants to the North Bridge, a striking viaduct spanning the deep ravine of the Nor’ Loch.
Constructed in the 18th century, the bridge offers panoramic views of the Old Town. Guides share tales of the notorious body-snatchers Burke and Hare, who dumped their victims’ remains into the ravine below.
Visitors learn about the superstitions and urban legends surrounding the bridge, including ghostly sightings and unsolved disappearances.
Standing on the bridge, the group gains a deeper understanding of Edinburgh’s dark past, setting the stage for the exploration of Calton Hill and its haunting history.
Calton Hill
Towering above the city, Calton Hill commands a panoramic vista of Edinburgh’s historic skyline. This elevated vantage point played a vital role in the city’s dark past, as it served as a site for witch trials and pagan rituals. As part of the Edinburgh Darkside Walking Tour, visitors can explore the hill’s grim history, learning about the execution and persecution of alleged witches. The tour also highlights the hill’s modern significance, where neo-pagan groups continue to gather for their rituals. A table outlining the key features of Calton Hill is provided below.
| Feature | Description | Significance |
|---|---|---|
| Viewpoint | Panoramic views of Edinburgh | Offered strategic advantage during witch trials |
| Monuments | Unfinished National Monument | Symbolic of Scotland’s troubled history |
| Rituals | Modern pagan ceremonies | Continuation of the hill’s sacred tradition |
Old Calton Burial Ground
The Old Calton Burial Ground lies adjacent to the sweeping views from Calton Hill, serving as a somber reminder of Edinburgh’s infamous past.
Visitors can explore this historic cemetery and learn about its grim inhabitants, including philosopher David Hume and the notorious bodysnatchers Burke and Hare.
Tales of execution, murder, and haunting abound in this harrowing location.
The tour guide will recount the gripping stories that have made the Old Calton Burial Ground a key stop on the Edinburgh Darkside Walking Tour.
This eerie yet captivating site offers a window into the dark underbelly of the city’s history.
Canongate Kirk
Canongate Kirk stands as a historic landmark along Edinburgh’s famed Royal Mile, its towering steeple a beacon for visitors and locals alike.
This storied church has witnessed centuries of Scottish history, from royal burials to the punishments of accused witches.
The tour’s stop at Canongate allows guests to explore the kirk’s solemn graveyard, where the remains of notable figures like Adam Smith and Deacon Brodie lie.
Guides share tales of the church’s dark past, including the execution of religious dissidents and the mysterious disappearance of a young woman.
Steeped in both reverence and macabre lore, Canongate Kirk offers a glimpse into Edinburgh’s haunted legacy.
What to Expect
What can travelers expect on the Edinburgh Darkside Walking Tour? Guides will lead guests on an evening walk through the city’s shadowed alleys and cobblestoned streets, sharing chilling tales of murder, monsters, and local oddities. Participants will explore historic sites like Calton Hill, which holds sacred significance and has hosted modern pagan rituals. The tour also provides a glimpse into Edinburgh’s grim past, including witch trials, public executions, and the notorious body-snatching duo, Burke and Hare. Guests should prepare for an engaging, informative, and potentially spooky experience.
| Highlights | Duration |
|---|---|
| Guided tour through haunted sites | 2 hours |
| Stories of murder, torture, and hauntings | – |
| Exploration of Calton Hill and its occult history | – |
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Photography Allowed During the Tour?
The tour’s documentation doesn’t specify if photography is allowed. However, it’s generally a good idea to check with the guide before taking photos, as some sites may have restrictions or request that visitors refrain from using cameras during the tour.
Are There Any Restroom Breaks During the 2-Hour Tour?
The tour itinerary does not explicitly mention any scheduled restroom breaks. However, as the tour lasts approximately 2 hours, it’s likely there will be opportunities for participants to use restroom facilities at some of the stop locations along the way.
Can the Tour Accommodate Vegetarian or Gluten-Free Dietary Requirements?
The tour does not include any food or drink options. However, the return to the local pub at the end allows travelers to purchase their own refreshments, which may accommodate vegetarian or gluten-free dietary needs if requested.
How Much Walking Is Involved and What Is the Terrain Like?
The tour involves approximately 1.5 hours of walking on cobblestone streets and uneven terrain. Participants should expect moderate exertion and wear comfortable shoes, as the tour includes several stops with steep hills and steps.
Are There Any Age Restrictions or Minimum Age Requirement for the Tour?
There are no age restrictions or minimum age requirements for the tour. The tour is accessible to most travelers, though it may not be suitable for young children due to the dark historical content.
The Sum Up
The Edinburgh Darkside Walking Tour offers a captivating exploration of the city’s haunted history. Guided by professional storytellers, participants explore chilling tales of witchcraft, body-snatching, and ghostly sightings at iconic sites like the Royal Mile and Calton Hill. With a small group size, the tour provides an intimate experience, immersing guests in Edinburgh’s dark past and revealing the eerie charm of its historic landmarks.
