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Best Ghost tour! - City of Edinburgh Tours

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• Edinburgh    
• Edinburgh - Things to Do    
• City of Edinburgh Tours

Best Ghost tour!

When visiting Edinburgh my friends told me to visit the underground vaults. They told me to go on a mercat tour(I think it was mercat they said) but after talking to the lovely man at this tours ticket office (which was a tardus! big dr who fan) I decided to give this company a go instead. Went on the late night 10:15 tour and it was hands down brilliant! There was a small group of us, 6 people, which definitely added to the creepy atmosphere. Our guide was the lovely Cassandra who took us around the old town telling us true tales of terror! We then ventured into greyfriars graveyard where she told us some horrible but still quite funny stories about the place. Then it was to the vaults! Best part of the tour by far! Cassandra was great through out the whole thing but she shined down there. The vaults weren't as big as I'd been lead to believe but no matter the history of them is fascinating and everyone on the tour was genuinely scared. I wont spoil it by saying what happens in there but it certainly made us all jump about a foot in the air! After the tour was over I was very impressed by our guides well mannered attitude to what must of been 20 minutes at least of questions which she answered all in great detail. She then recommended other places to visit and even walked us to the bar we were trying to find. Couldn't recommend this tour enough, very entertaining, funny, scary and just brilliant staff. If you're looking for a ghost tour that goes above and beyond this is the one! Make sure you get Cassandra!

We did all the attractions in Edinburgh, nothing was as fun as this tour. This was the best of the bests.. James was our ghost tour guide. He is truly AMAZING!! So talented and entertaining. We were just walking down the Royal Mile. When the clock hit 10pm, with the enchanting and creepy sounds of the bells of clocktowers along the Royal Mile, this creepy tour was about to start. Spontaneously there we decided to join this tour and it turned out to be the best thing we ever done at Edinburgh. With this trip, the charming ghost James takes you through the creepiest and bloodiest stories of Edinburgh with his captivating story-telling. You literarily visit a graveyard in the middle of the night, which would make me sheet* my pants normally, as well as an underground vault which you would never ever imagine visiting under normal circumstances. James is absolutely hilarious and such an attentive tour guide. He takes the effort to learn everybody's name and where they are from.. and teases them all along the way. So witty and charming! His story-telling is a one man show that captivates you. Truly astounding! We highly recommend this tour to anybody visiting Edinburgh. We have done so many tours in many countries - bicycle tours, eating tours, drinking tours, night tours etc etc. None can ever beat this!

James was our tour guide and we went on a Monday night at 7.45pm. It was a small group of just 4. James from the very beginning was entertaining! All dressed up as a ghost it really made it feel like more than just an average ghost tour. He gave a very entertaining account of the history of Edinburgh and interacted with all of us, even taking the time to remember and use our name. It was a very tame tour with no extreme "scares" but he did keep us on edge and built up suspense! He is a fun guy and we laughed all the way through the tour but did have our moments where we as skeptics did feel a chill! Fantastic price and James is a real asset to the group. He even took the time out to walk is to a bar we couldn't find. Service that went above and beyond his role. Credit also goes to the guy who we bought the tickets from, he was very pleasant and as it was the first place we went to, he offered us a great list of ideas and places to visit whilst there and have us very good directions. Very good service all round. Thank you.

We had Adam as our guide and he is the best guide ever. Very passionate and made all stories interesting. 3 hrs passed so fast, highly recommended. The tour is much more interesting than expected with lots of stories about Edinburgh which made you understand and love Edinburgh much more.

I didn't spend too much time in Edinburgh and i was looking for something to permit me to visit the famous undergrounds, and I found something really great : City of Edinburgh Tours, I hope you will enjoy it too, I visited undergrounds but I also heard a lot of interesting and curious stories and I know now so much better the history of the city. Really good time !

Myself and my girlfriend took the 10:15 pm tour on Thursday with Joshua as our guide. There were only four people total on our tour so we ended up getting way more than we expected. Joshua took us on a very interesting stroll through Greyfriars, told us some cool stories about the people buried there and even pointed out the graves of some people who ended up as characters in Harry Potter (Thomas Riddell Esq). Then the interesting stuff began... We ended up going down into the vaults and we entered the room adjacent to the entrance chamber at the bottom of the stairs. Once we were in Joshua had us all turn off our lights. Pitch black! He closed the door with a slam and we sat in darkness for about 5 minutes scaring ourselves and telling each other ghost stories. Time came to move to the lower portion... Joshua pulled on the door and said "umm... I can't get the door open..." We all laughed until we realized that he was dead serious. The door was wedged shut and we were stuck in the room. We all freaked for a few minutes until I was able to pry it open. Strange. Scary. We move on... We move to a lower section where a single room lies in the far back off the hall way. We enter and immediately my girlfriend blurts out "there's a little boy in here!" Joshua gets a little weirded out as this is a common expression in this room. I didn't believe it, the two other guys on the tour didn't believe it and my girlfriend is now standing there telling us all that this boy has moved to her side and is holding her hand. She's talking to air with her hand extended out to the side and in disbelief myself and one of the other guys begin to film this little scene. She's asking him questions and tells us he is a blonde boy with a really thick, odd accent that she can't understand and his name is Timmy or Jimmy or Tommy and she couldn't make out what he was saying. This goes on for around ten minutes and we leave kind of laughing it off. Tour ends, we go our way and the other guys go theirs but somehow we run into each other 20 minutes later on princes street and we decide to bust out our phones and watch our footage. My camera just picked up my girlfriend talking to herself but the other guys footage ended up changing everything. He filmed my girlfriend ask "are you ok?" And then a high pitched, child-like voice calmly says "aye, I'm ok." Clear as crystal. It blew our minds! Anyway, to make a long story short this is a very interesting tour, very fun and well worth it. I highly recommend this tour to anybody who is interested in the paranormal or even just fun historical things. Oh, and get Joshua as a guide, he is great!

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Ghost Tour of Edinburgh - Reviews

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The Ghost Bus Tours

“just what we were looking for”.

We were two families with two grown children between us. We wanted something more than a standard bus tour, and the ghost tour fit the bill perfectly! Packed with lots of creepy historical facts, presented with boundless energy by the “conductor”. It was extremely entertaining and informative. Highly recommended!

“Terrifyingly lively experience!”

I would definitely recommend without hesitation as it is a wonderful trip to go on if you want to tour historic London landmarks with intellectual facts merged with an abundance of high spirits…(Pun intended) Best for families and friends with 2 or more people to be able to get the full interactive experience. If you want a tour of London that you will never forget then get yourself some tickets now and get yourself on that bus!

“Hilarious, scary and a great night out!”

You step aboard a vintage funeral bus, before setting off towards Whitehall. A conductor tells you stories of Londons gruesome past as you pass these sights, before being joined by another passenger, no spoilers. The tour lasts an hour and fifteen minutes, although because of traffic ours lasted nearly two hours. You pass theatres, haunted pubs, the tower of london and other haunted historic sights. You also get to visit some sites on foot when the bus stops near them. This tour is hilarious, scary and a great night out, I highly reccomend it.

“You will die from laughing”

 Instead of boring its passengers to death with a ton of ‘serious facts’ and ‘important dates’, the GBT incorporate the death as a part of the sightseeing spectacle. Mass murders, grotesque executions, and unexplained demises provide an unique background for this captivating and wonderfully written comedy show. Delightfully vintage special effects and the state-of-art 1960s Routemaster with its charming noir redo allow travellers to get fully immersed in this almost cinematic experience.

“One of the Best”

Last September I went to London from the 9th to 11th, before going I booked The London Ghost Bus Tour on their website. This has to be one of the best ghost tours I have been on. You meet on Northumberland Avenue outside the Grand hotel facing the Dick Turpin pub. My tour was at 9.15pm on Saturday night. You step aboard a vintage funeral bus, before setting off towards Whitehall. A conductor tells you stories of Londons gruesome past as you pass these sights, before being joined by another passenger, no spoilers. The tour lasts an hour and fifteen minutes, although because of traffic ours lasted nearly two hours. You pass theatres, haunted pubs, the tower of london and other haunted historic sights. You also get to visit some sites on foot when the bus stops near them. This tour is hilarious, scary and a great night out, I highly reccomend it.

“Thrilling and fun!”

We loved it! Two teens (13 and 15 yo) with mothers laughed, screamed and listened incredulously to the stories of our fantastical guide, and her … coworkers? Highly recommended to all lovers of twisted historical anecdotes!

“Fun evening entertainment well organised.”

The conductor who was our entertainer for the evening was fantastic it was like being in a film. The whole evening was fun, informative and eerie.!! For something very different a great nights entertainment.

“Must do”

We hired the ghost bus for our wedding in York on Halloween, and have since been to london and done the actual ghost bus tour. The operatives were amazing and the lady who was our conductor was a great actress and fitted the part amazingly. Best way to learn about londons bloody past.

“Just do it!”

Really awsome tour, loved every single minute and great commentary. One of the highlights of our trip to London and would definately recommend

“Scary Fun!”

Having a spare evening on a quick theatre trip to London with friends, we were looking for something entertaining to do when my friend came across the ghost bus tour. We paid £16 per person, special offer online. We were picked up on a cold, January night for an hour of entertainment. The conductor was hilarious, on a few occasions we were crying with laughter. Very entertaining and informative, don’t want to say too much, find out for yourselves! Thoroughly recommended and even better if you go with a friend who jumps with fright at everything!

T's And C's

Private hire, work with us, connect with us, award-winning comedy actors.

All of our tours are hosted by trained actors. We have been the recipients of a number of prestigious tourism awards including the TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence. We also host a venue at Edinburgh Fringe Festival annually, an internationally renowned hotbed for comedy acts.

Scott Monument

This Victorian-Gothic monument dedicated to Sir Walter Scott stands in Edinburgh’s Princes Street Gardens. At 200 feet, six inches tall, it is the second largest monument in the world dedicated to a writer. The monument is adorned with countless figurative statues, including Scott and his dog.

Calton Hill

The site of the headquarters of the Scottish government, Calton Hill is also home to many other famous landmarks such as Holyrood Palace, the National Monument, the Nelson Monument, the old Royal High School, the Robert Burns Monument, the Political Martyrs’ Monument and the City Observatory.

Grassmarket

Directly under Edinburgh Castle is the historic market place of Grassmarket. As well as traditionally being the site for many hotels, hostels and taverns, it was also one of the major sites for public executions. 

The Royal Mile

A succession of streets forming the main thoroughfare of Edinburgh’s Old Town comprise The Royal Mile. From the castle gates at one end to the palace gates at the other, it is almost exactly a mile long. It is made up of Castlehill, the Lawnmarket, the High Street, the Canongate, and Abbey Strand.

Parliament Building

Established in 2004, the Scottish Parliament Building is the heart of Scottish politics. 

Holyrood Park

Holyrood Park is a royal park in central Edinburgh. It has an array of hills, lochs, glens, ridges and basalt cliffs. Arthur’s Seat at the center of Holyrood Park is the highest point in Edinburgh.

St. Giles Cathedral

The principal place of worship of the Church of Scotland in Edinburgh. Built in the 12th century, it was named after St. Giles, the patron saint of Edinburgh. 

Greyfriar’s Church

One of Edinburgh’s oldest surviving buildings, Greyfriar’s Church was established by the Franciscan order of Greyfriars in 1620. The churchyard was at one time used as a prison and is also the site where Greyfriars Bobby guarded his owners grave until death.

Greyfriar’s Bobby

At the corner where Edinburgh’s Candlemaker Row and George IV Bridge meet, a statue of Bobby the Skye Terrier sits. Bobby was renowned for having guarded his owners grave for over 14 years, until Bobby died himself. Loyal beyond the grave.

Edinburgh Castle

Dominating Edinburgh’s skyline from it’s perch upon the Castle Rock, Edinburgh Castle is the iconic sight of Edinburgh. In it’s history of over a thousand years, it has been sieged an astonishing twenty-six times, leading to it being dubbed “one of the most attacked placed in the world”.

St. Cuthbert’s Grave

The site surrounding St. Cuthbert’s Church has been a place of Christian burial for over a thousand years, although today, the oldest surviving headstone is that of Reverend Robert Pont, who died in 1606. It has seen it’s fair share of grave robbery too over the years!

Knavesmire Gallows

One of The Strays of York, Knavesmire is a marshy area in York. It was the usual site for public hangings for a long time, the gallows were originally erected back in 1379. Today it is a recreational area and the host of many of York’s public events.

Terry’s Chocolate Factory

Also known as The Chocolate Works, Terry’s Chocolate Factory was opened in 1926 to produce Terry’s chocolate. It was closed in 2005 when Kraft Foods acquired Terry’s and outsourced production to mainland Europe.

Dick Turpin’s Grave

This notorious highwayman, horse thief, poacher, burglar and killer was executed in Knavesmire, York in 1739 for his many deeds. Turpin ascended to the status of ‘hero’ and ‘legend’, romanticised by subsequent dramatic interpretations of his life. He now lies under York.

Clifford’s Tower

The ruins of York Castle, known as Clifford’s Tower overlook York. Built on the orders of William I, the tower served as a fort until a major explosion in 1684 rendered it uninhabitable. It was then used as a prison until 1929.

Golden Fleece Pub

They claim to be the most haunted public house in York! The Golden Fleece is an inn and public house that dates back to the sixteenth century, facing on to The Shambles.

The Shambles

Originally home to over twenty five butcher’s shops, The (Great Flesh) Shambles name originates from the Anglo-Saxon word ‘Fleshammels’ which means ‘meat shelves’, referring to not only the butcher’s hooks, but also the shelf-like structure of the buildings themselves. Some of The Shambles buildings date back to as far as the fourteenth century. 

Black Swan Pub

This fifteenth century public house and inn is a hotbed of ghostly history. A haunt truly unlike another!

York Minister

The Cathedral and Metropolitical Church of Saint Peter, better known as York Minster, is one of the largest cathedrals in northern Europe. The Minister is the seat of the Archbishop of York and the second highest office of the Church of England.

St Crux Parish Church

Erected in 1888, on the remains of a medieval church of St. Crux, which was shut down and eventually demolished after becoming unsafe, it’s tower leaning dangerously. The remaining parish is now home to the exuberant ornaments retained from the original church.

This four-storey gatehouse sits at the limits of the walls surrounding York city. It was originally a fort capable of being defended on every floor.

St.Mary’s Abbey

These ruins in the York Museum Gardens were once the richest abbey in the north of England. The original church was founded in 1055 and dedicated to St Olaf II of Norway. All that remains today are the north and west walls, the pilgrim’s Hospitium, the west gate, and the King’s Manor.

Holyrood Palace

Opposing Edinburgh Castle at the other end of the Royal Mile. It has served as the principal residence of the Kings and Queens of Scots since the 16th century. A witches ghost is said to haunt the palace.

Tower Bridge

Tower Bridge is a famed suspension bridge linking Tower Hamlets and Southwark across the River Thames. Originally built between 1886 and 1894, the bridge is an iconic symbol of London itself.

The most popular paid tourist attraction in the entire United Kingdom. Erected in 2000, it was originally known as the Millennium Wheel or the Millennium Eye. At the time it was the largest ferris wheel in the world, it is now only the largest ferris wheel in Europe.

The tallest building in the United Kingdom and the European Union. It was completed in July of 2012 and is the residence of many restaurants, bars and even a hotel.

Tower of London

“What hasn’t taken place here?” might be a better question. The Tower of London has variably served as an armoury, a treasury, a menagerie, the home of the Royal Mint, a public record office and the home of the Crown Jewels of England. It was originally built in 1078 by William the Conqueror, following the Norman conquest of England. It was originally resented and held as a symbol of oppression.

St. Paul Catherdral

Situated at the highest point in London, Ludgate Hill, St’ Paul’s Cathedral is the second largest church in the UK and one of London’s most recognisable sights. It was originally constructed in 1697 by Sir Christopher Wren as part of the rebuilding project following the Great Fire of London. The cathedral is dedicated to St. Paul the Apostle.

Downing Street

Built by Sir George Downing in 1680, Downing Street is the heart of British politics. The Prime Minister and Chancellor of the Exchequer both reside on the street. The street is understandably inaccessible to the public, but can be viewed from Whitehall.

Buckingham Palace

Our royal family’s primary residence. Originally erected as a large townhouse for the use of the Duke of Buckingham, the townhouse was acquired in 1761 by King George III and quickly transformed into a palace fit for a king.

Westminster Abbey

A titan feat of Gothic architecture, built in 960, with many additions over the years. Since the coronation of William the Conqueror in 1066, all coronations of British monarchs have taken place right here.

Trafalger Square

The home of political demonstrations, contemporary art and of course Nelson’s Column. Trafalgar Square was named as such to commemorate the Battle of Trafalgar. The site was once known as Charing Cross and was the original site of the King’s Mews.

Classic Routemaster Bus

Our large fleet of vehicles is comprised entirely of 1960’s Routemaster double-deckers. These gorgeous vintage buses are a wonderful reminder of London’s rich transport history. Lovingly restored in our signature ‘midnight-black’ livery, finished with antique lampshades and plush red velvet curtains.

High Class Customer Care

We are proud of our consistently outstanding reputation for customer service. Whether you are booking online, booking over the phone or booking on the street from one of our sales representatives, you will truly be in good hands prior to boarding with us. Our trained actors are then primed to entertain you for the duration. Try one of our Private Hires for a real touch of the exclusive VIP experience.

Edinburgh Ghost Tour

Location & Hours

Edinburgh EH1 1

United Kingdom

Old Town, Royal Mile

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Overall rating

Hes was the best! Loved this tour! Got to see the dark history of Edinburgh beneath the streets. If you love dark history; this is your tour. Finish it off with a bit is Scotch!

We really enjoyed our tour. I am not a superstitious type of person but yeah something is happening down there in those underground caverns and old jail cells. It was creepy. Great history lessons. We had a spooktacular time.

I was extremely excited to go on this tour, and show a friend who was visiting just how creepy Edinburghcan be! However, if you're looking for a frightening experience, I wouldn't get my hopes up on this one. Although we spent a considerable amount of time in a cemetry, trekked down questionable staircases under the city on a guided tour that started at midnight, I don't remember a time when I was close to being terrified. That being said, it was a fantastic experience, as quite a few sites were squeezed into the programme! Our guide was extremely competent, and I have to say he was a very talented storyteller. I wish I knew his name so I could mention it here! Our group was also quite sizeable, which may have reduced the fright-factor considerably. It was also quite amusing to see the Spanish language tour, which was taking place almost simultaneously to ours. Looking through my pictures from that night, it seems I was quite fascinated by headstones. My best memories ofcourse were of waiting for complete silence and sneaking up on my friends! I would definitely recommend you do that, specifically in the cemetry!

I loved this tour. I can recommend as a unique view of Edinburgh. Songs along with stories. It works. Video link: http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=eUgAl1Z8AkE

1 other review that is not currently recommended

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DESTINATION SCOTLAND: EDINBURGH EDITION

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Free Ghost Tour

Discover the dark side of Old Edinburgh

Secure your space now.

The original Edinburgh Free Ghost Tour

• Every night
• 154 High Street (Royal Mile)

No card info required

Free Ghost Tour of Edinburgh

Edinburgh's dark side included body snatching, public executions, gruesome jails and tortures. Come to the FREE Ghost Tour and hear ghostly tales and sinister stories that will transport you back to the terrifying past of old Edinburgh as we walk spooky shadows and haunted alleyways.

Ghost, Murder and Tortures' Tour!

"Funny, Engaging, Educational, Interactive, Welcoming HIGHLY RECOMMENDED! Roisin had so much energy and did the job above what might have been expected."

TripAdvisor (Apr. 21)

Spooky and faszinating!

"You don't believe in ghosts? Nevertheless, you won't dare to deny their existence after this tour! Interesting, horrible, and faszinating stories all over Edinburgh's Old Town!"

TripAdvisor (Dec. 20)

Superb Ghost Tour

"An engaging story-teller with plenty of tales of the macabre from this wonderful city. You will learn about the history of the city as well as its darker side. The tour concluded in the cemetery at Greyfriars Kirkyard. An atmospheric and chilling way to end the evening."

TripAdvisor (Oct. 20)

"What a brilliant night it was, my wife jumped out of her skin when something creepy touched on the arm in Greyfriars cemetery near the covenanters prison. Full recommend this tour."

Norfolkmick

TripAdvisor (Sep. 20)

Tour Description

Edinburgh is known as one of the most haunted cities in Europe, with a past of murders, witchcraft and plague. Its wynds and closes have witnessed the two sides of the city: beauty and horror .

Edinburgh's dark side also included body snatching, public executions, gruesome jails and tortures .

Come to the FREE 1.5 hour Ghost Tour and hear ghostly tales and sinister stories that will transport you back to the terrifying past of old Edinburgh as we walk spooky shadows and haunted alleyways.

To ensure the highest quality of our Free Tours, groups of more than 14 people should book a Private Tour .

If you are arranging a booking for a School Group , please book a Private Tour .

This will allow us to give you a more personalized experience. Thanks for your understanding!

Secure your space now for the Free Ghost Tour!

Showing up is fine in most cases. However, you will have priority with a booking if tours reach their capacity.

Meeting Point

The FREE Ghost Tour starts on The Royal Mile just in front of a bar called Copper Still (154 High Street).

Look for the yellow umbrellas!

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Fri & Sat @ 8pm

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13 Best Ghost & Haunted Tours in Edinburgh in 2023 (local approved!)

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Perhaps you know that Edinburgh is the capital of Scotland?

Or that the original settlers in Scotland made a home on The Royal Mile?

But did you know that Edinburgh is one of the most haunted places in all of the UK? 

From ghosts to vampires and from witches to demons, the people of this city have long been tormented by a bloody and difficult past.

⏳ Don’t have time to read the whole list?

The best haunted Edinburgh tour is this World Famous Underground Ghost tour .

Click here to check prices and availability.

On these tours, you’ll learn about real-life Scots who lived and died in Edinburgh – often brutally. 

If you’re looking for a fun story, pleasant music, and cake – these tours aren’t for you.

But if you’re drawn to the darker side, we recommend booking today, including these Underground ghost tours in Edinburgh, Edinburgh tunnels ghost tour, and ghost walks in Edinburgh.

Ready to discover the best haunted tours Edinburgh has to offer?

Let’s dive in.

Easy Guide: Best Ghost Tours in Edinburgh

1. the world famous underground ghost tour : best ghost tours in edinburgh.

⭐️  RATING:  4.5 out of 5 Stars, 3,400+ reviews | ⏳  TOUR LENGTH:  1 hour 15 minutes | ✔️  BOOK NOW

WHAT’S INCLUDED IN THIS TOUR

• Evening walking tour of Edinburgh’s Old Town
• Guide in costume and character
• Suitable for families
• Visit the eerie Greyfriars Kirkyard

Looking for a fun and spooky activity during your stay in Edinburgh?

Look no further than The World Famous Underground Ghost Tour , a great Edinburgh haunted tour.

There are 400 years of spooky goings on to explore on this epic Edinburgh vaults ghost tour, including underground vaults and alleyways .

As you walk through dark winding lanes and old courtyards, be sure to keep your eyes peeled for ghosts, witches, and demons.

Poltergeists, missing bodies, and a graveyard dog are the topics you’ll discuss as you stroll.

Your quirky tour guide is on hand throughout the event, and they’re easy to spot – they’ll be in a terrifying period costume .

On this tour you’ll visit Greyfriars Kirkyard – said to be the most haunted graveyard in the world.

Standing amongst the dead you’ll hear scary tales of Edinburgh’s dark past. 

Bring a camera with you if you wish.

Just be careful that you don’t startle a ghost!

2. Haunted Vaults Walking Tour in Edinburgh

⭐️  RATING:  5 out of 5 Stars, 1,150+ reviews | ⏳  TOUR LENGTH:  1 hour | ✔️  BOOK NOW

• Admission ticket
• Spend time underground in Edinburgh’s historic vaults
• Hear stories of the inmates on this Edinburgh ghost walking tour

The Haunted Vaults Walking Tour in Edinburgh specializes in the city’s vast network of vaults and is one of the best haunted Edinburgh vaults tours.

These cells are steeped in hundreds of years of grizzly history and you’ll hear all about the dark tales and paranormal activity on this tour. 

Warning – this event isn’t for the easily disturbed.

You can expect to hear stories of real-life people who inhabited the vaults and speculate on where they are now.

You’ll also visit a torture exhibition and learn about how the inmates were put to death.

It makes you shiver just thinking about it!

You’ll start this activity on Edinburgh’s Royal Mile , a cobbled street with spooky architecture.

As you approach the vaults, expect to hear stories from Edinburgh’s days gone by.

Your guide is an expert in all things spooky and will take you from vault to vault sharing scary story after scary story. 

3. Edinburgh Darkside Walking Tour: Mysteries, Murder and Legends : Edinburgh horror tour

⭐️  RATING:  5 out of 5 Stars, 2,800+ reviews | ⏳  TOUR LENGTH:  2 hours | ✔️  BOOK NOW

• Stops including North Bridge, Calton Hill, and Canongate Kirk
• Walk the cobblestone streets of Edinburgh’s Old Town
• Learn about witch trials, pagan rituals, and executions
• Professional and knowledgeable tour guide

The Edinburgh Darkside Walking Tour: Mysteries, Murder and Legends will give you the fright of your life.

Monsters, murder, body-snatchers, and vampires – this tour has it all. 

Your expert tour guide will take you to the spots where witch trials were conducted, inviting you to imagine how those chilling final moments must have felt.

You’ll also discuss the pagan rituals and executions that have made Scotland one of the world’s most haunted countries.

The tour is centered around urban myths, local monsters, and chilling stories.

You’ll visit multiple locations on this tour, including North Bridge, Calton Hill , Old Calton Burial Ground, and Canongate Kirk – each offering new stories that the tour company promise aren’t made-up.

Every story is about a real-life person and how they met their grizzly end.

4. Fright Night Tour : Edinburgh night ghost tour

⭐️  RATING:  4.5 out of 5 Stars, 600+ reviews | ⏳  TOUR LENGTH:  1 hour 15 minutes | ✔️  BOOK NOW

• Tour guide in period costume on this Edinburgh scary tour!
• Enjoy the Gothic splendor of Greyfriars Kirkyard
• Real-life stories
• Discover haunted streets

Fright Night Tour is calling on those brave enough to walk the spooky underground passages of Edinburgh.

Across 75 minutes, you’ll explore the slums and vaults of bygone times.

Expect to shiver as you hear twisted tales.

We’re confident that you’ll love this unique tour.

Your guide is dressed from head to toe in a creepy costume of a long-dead Edinburgh resident, which really adds to the fear factor.

The character they’re playing was a real-life person and you’ll hear spooky stories about their life as you venture through graveyards, tunnels, and vaults.

If your idea of a great night is hearing tales of murder, ghosts, and shadowy worlds, then this is the tour for you.

The evening tour is suitable for families – assuming that they’re brave enough to follow your tour guide through the cobbled lanes of this Scottish city.

5. Extreme Paranormal Underground Ghost Tour in Edinburgh : scariest ghost tour Edinburgh

⭐️  RATING:  4.5 out of 5 Stars, 550+ reviews | ⏳  TOUR LENGTH:  1 hour 20 minutes | ✔️  BOOK NOW

• Spooky atmosphere
• Bloodcurdling accounts from Edinburgh’s history
• Costumed guide
• Tour of South Bridge vaults

Scream if you want to go faster!

The Extreme Paranormal Underground Ghost Tour in Edinburgh is a one-and-a-half-hour treat that’ll shock and scare you.

You can expect to visit haunted graveyards , narrow side streets, and underground vaults that hold the secrets of the city’s dark history.

This tour is described as not appropriate for children, which means you can expect big jumps and spine-chilling stories.

Your costumed tour guide will describe tales of torture and murder.

It really is the stuff of nightmares!

The Extreme Paranormal Underground Ghost Tour starts late at night, making it the best tour for those hoping to see ghosts and other horrifying creatures.

Fans of small group tours, rejoice.

This event is limited to 15 people , meaning you’ll be part of a more intimate walking tour of Edinburgh’s bloody past.

6. Ghost Bus Tour of Edinburgh : the best ghostbus tour Edinburgh

⭐️  RATING:  4.5 out of 5 Stars, 1,700+ reviews | ⏳  TOUR LENGTH:  1 hour 15 minutes | ✔️  BOOK NOW

• Transport by Routemaster bus on this Edinburgh ghost bus tour
• Professional guide
• Discover ghastly goings on from the city’s history
• Visit Edinburgh Castle and The Royal Mile

The Ghost Bus Tour of Edinburgh offers tourists a unique way to journey through the city.

Atop a vintage double-decker bus , you’ll look down upon terrifying sites such as Grassmarket, the Royal Mile, and Greyfriars Kirk.

This is also one of the only tours to include Edinburgh Castle – one of the city’s most famous landmarks.

Expect to hear stories of knights in shining armor. 

Being on a bus tour, you’ll also have the opportunity to see some of the city’s other most iconic attractions including the beautiful Palance of Holyrood House. 

You’ll be shocked by tales of misdeeds, sinister characters, and famous executions from a professional guide who is a master of storytelling. 

At the end of the tour, you’ll be dropped off in Edinburgh Old Town .

That’s convenient because believe us when we say – you’ll need a large beer to calm your nerves after this event.

7. Small Group Tour incl. Underground Vaults & Free Drink in Megget’s Cellar

⭐️  RATING:  4.5 out of 5 Stars, 350+ reviews | ⏳  TOUR LENGTH:  2 hours | ✔️  BOOK NOW

• Award-winning local storytellers
• Small group experience
• Exclusive access to Blair Street underground vaults
• Try a Scotch whisky

If you’re looking for a haunted tour with a little extra, consider booking onto this Small Group Tour incl. Underground Vaults & Free Drink in Megget’s Cellar .

You’ll be guided between Edinburgh’s darkest locations by an award-winning storyteller who will bring the stories of the dead to life on one of the best ghost tours in Edinburgh.

You can expect gruesome stories of witchcraft, restless spirits, and shadowy characters.

As part of this experience, you’ll be granted access to Blair Street’s underground vaults , where you’ll hear about the prisoners who lived there and how they spent their final days.

Your meeting point – Mercat Cross – is a significant location, and you’ll discover what makes this monument so important.

Every member of the tour will be invited to sample a glass of Scotch whisky .

This is the perfect opportunity to make friends, ask questions, and shake off the spooky stories as you sip.

8. Haunted Vaults and Graveyard Walking Tour in Edinburgh

⭐️  RATING:  4.5 out of 5 Stars, 560+ reviews | ⏳  TOUR LENGTH:  1 hour 30 minutes | ✔️  BOOK NOW

• Professional tour guide on one of the best ghost tours in Edinburgh, Scotland
• Night-time experience
• Hear about troubled souls from Edinburgh’s past
• Admission tickets included in price

What happens if you combine the chance to meet new people, go for a walk, and listen to spooky stories?

You get the Haunted Vaults and Graveyard Walking Tour in Edinburgh .

Walking around this famous city during the hours of darkness, you’ll squirm as you hear tales of the undead and explore the vaults on Nidry Street . 

Beggars, prostitutes, witches, and criminals – they’re all part of these breathtaking stories shared by your professional tour guide.

Your expert guide is clued up on the best spots in the city that are guaranteed to give you a fright. 

As part of a large group , you can expect to enjoy some safety in numbers – unless you have any ghosts or ghouls following you.

Remember to stay alert throughout this tour because there might be an opportunity or two to spot creatures of Edinburgh’s underworld.

9. Haunted Edinburgh: “The Bloody Past” Exploration Game

⭐️  RATING:  4.5 out of 5 Stars, 17+ reviews | ⏳  TOUR LENGTH:  1 hour | ✔️  BOOK NOW

• Full flexibility
• Independent tour
• Available 24/7
• Explore Edinburgh’s haunted locations at your own pace

Being part of a walking tour isn’t for everybody.

Perhaps you’d like to explore haunted grounds at your own pace ?

Fortunately, Haunted Edinburgh: “The Bloody Past” Exploration Game was designed with you in mind.

You’ll embark on an independent quest through the city, following clues to find creepy locations.

You’ll be spoken to by a digital tour guide , who will share dark stories and bloodcurdling tales.

“The Bloody Past” Exploration Game is so much more than just a ghost tour. It’s also a history lesson.

You’ll learn about famous historical events like the Great Scottish Witch Hunts and the Burke and Hare murders.

Expect to encounter colorful characters like George Mackenzie and the Grey Lady.

If you’re a little slower on your feet or prefer to keep a distance from others during the pandemic, this is the tour for you. 

10. Private Edinburgh Dark History Tour – Auld Reekie After Hours

⭐️  RATING:  5 out of 5 Stars | ⏳  TOUR LENGTH:  1 hour 30 minutes | ✔️  BOOK NOW

• Personal tour
• Walking experience on the Royal Mile
• Private guide
• Learn about Scottish history’s creepier side

The Private Edinburgh Dark History Tour – Auld Reekie After Hours is a great option for those wanting to take pictures of historic spots.

That’s because it’s a private tour , meaning that it’ll just be your traveling party and your tour guide.

Unlike the other tours listed here, you’ll be the center of your tour guide’s attention and will be able to stop to take pictures without holding up other people.

From plagues to curses, this tour combines historical realities and urban myths to create a spooktacular experience that’s not for the faint of heart.

The tour is called Auld Reekie After Hours, which is the historic name given to the city of Edinburgh.

It translates to Old Smokey and paints a picture of narrow streets and tall buildings – which you’ll see on this once-in-a-lifetime tour.

11. Underground City of the Dead Tour

⭐️  RATING:  4.5 out of 5 Stars, 120+ reviews | ⏳  TOUR LENGTH:  1 hour 20 minutes | ✔️  BOOK NOW

• Local, expert guide
• Go underneath the streets of Edinburgh
• Daytime or nighttime tour
• Learn about Edinburgh’s history of ghosts

There’s plenty of scary stuff going on above ground, but did you know that under the streets of Edinburgh are haunted happenings, ghostly goings on, and creepy characters?

The Underground City of the Dead Tour takes you under the street to explore stone cellars, dark corridors, and crumbling ruins .

You’ll start to sweat as you realize that these creepy locations were under your feet this whole time.

On this 80-minute experience , you’ll find an attentive tour guide who loves sharing stories and answering your burning questions.

There are two tour options to consider: daytime or nighttime.

For those more easily spooked, we recommend the daytime option.

But for those willing to face their demons, the nighttime event adds an extra level of fear.

Those hairs standing up on the back of your neck – we can’t confirm whether that’s just the cold or a ghoulish hand.

12. Scotland’s Dark Secrets Walking Tour

⭐️  RATING:  5 out of 5 Stars, 30+ reviews | ⏳  TOUR LENGTH:  2 hours | ✔️  BOOK NOW

• Comprehensive tour of Edinburgh
• Games and quizzes
• A unique way to see the sights of Edinburgh

Setting off from the William Chambers Monument , you’ll learn about Deacon Broride – a cabinet-maker with a dark secret.

At Greyfriars Kirkyard, hear tales of prisons and plagues.

Moving to Grassmarket , you’ll discover the fishwife who refused to die.

We won’t ruin the rest of the stories – you’ll have to book onto the tour to find out more.

All we can say is that you should expect wizards, phantoms, and graverobbers.

Scotland’s Dark Secrets Walking Tour is headed by a trained guide with an immense knowledge of Edinburgh’s bloody past .

We guarantee they’ll captivate you for the whole two hours of this event. 

To keep younger people engaged, there are fun games and quizzes that you’ll play as you walk between locations.

It’s time to put your knowledge about spooky occurrences to the test.

13. Underground Walking Tour in Edinburgh

⭐️  RATING:  4.5 out of 5 Stars, 3,360+ reviews | ⏳  TOUR LENGTH:  1 hour | ✔️  BOOK NOW

• Hidden underground vaults to explore
• Hear tales of 18th-century Edinburgh
• Explore places not often seen by tourists

So, you’re heading to Edinburgh?

Of course, you could wander the shopping district, dine on haggis in a local restaurant, or visit the Scottish Parliament building.

But instead, why not book onto an event like no other?

The Underground Walking Tour in Edinburgh will show you a side of this famous city that you didn’t know existed.

You’ll meet your passionate tour guide at the Bank of Scotland, which will be your last calm moment for the next hour.

As you stroll through alleyways, expect to find out all about the city’s dark history.

Stories of deadly diseases and witchcraft await those brave enough to start walking.

Speaking of witches, you’ll stumble upon a hidden witchcraft temple on this tour.

Be warned – you may awaken spirits from their slumber.

Hey! Want to use our trusty guides to the best tours in other places across the UK? Check these out!

• 11 Best Tours of the Cotswolds from London in 2023
• 11 Best Tours of the Scottish Highlands from Edinburgh in 2023
• 5 Best London Open Top Bus Tours
• 9 Best Scottish Outlander Tours
• 9 Best Ghost Tours in Oxford
• 5 Best Bath Ghost Tours
• 9 Best Bus Tours in Edinburgh
• 19 Most Unique London Tours
• 9 Best Day Trips to Oxford from London
• 7 Best Stonehenge Day Trips from London
• 7 Best Changing of the Guard Tours in London
• 11 Best Oxford Walking Tours
• 11 Best London Rock ‘n’ Roll Tours
• 11 Best London Museum Tours
• 3 Best Morse Tours in Oxford
• 11 Best London Beatles Tours
• 11 Best Walking Tours in Bath
• 13 Best Harry Potter Tours in Oxford
• 11 Best Jack the Ripper Tours in London
• 9 Best London Literary Tours
• 9 Best Street Art Tours in London
• 13 Best Evening & Night Tours of Edinburgh
• 15 Best London Pub Crawl Tours
• 11 Best London Bus Tours for Families
• 17 Best Harry Potter Tours in London
• 17 Best London Foodie Tours
• 11 Best London Biking Tours
• 11 Best Edinburgh Walking Tours
• 11 Best Private Tours in London
• 11 Best Ghost Tours in London
• 11 Fun Tours of Royal London
• 13 Isle of Skye Tours for a Magical Time
• 13 Mysterious Tours of Loch Ness
• 7 Best James Bond Tours in London
• 7 Best Paris Tours from London
• 7 Best Stratford-upon Avon Tours from London
• 7 Best Tours of Bath from London
• 7 Best Black Cab Tours from London
• 11 Best Downton Abbey Tours in the UK

UK Travel Planning Guide: the FAQs

🏥 Should I buy UK travel insurance?

Absolutely yes. Basic coverage is not expensive, and as a visitor you are NOT covered under the NHS. Compare policies and prices with Travel Insurance Master here , a big name in the travel insurance business, and cross that off your list.

🔌 Do I need travel adapters for the UK?

Yes, you do, otherwise you won’t be able to plug in your electronics/phone/lifelines. I recommend this one , which is all-in-one so you can use it in other countries.

🚗 What do I need to drive in the UK?

The first thing you need to check out if you’re planning on renting a car in the UK is this guide to driving in the UK for visitors – the roads, signs, and driving experience will likely not be what you’re used to and it’s essential to prepare yourself to stay safe and aware.

🛌 What’s the best way to book hotels in the UK?

For UK hotels, Booking is the best site as it offers free cancellation on many properties. If you want an apartment, I always recommend VRBO over AirBnb.

📳 Will my phone work in the UK?

Yes – if you set it up right. Check out my guide on making your foreign phone work in the UK to ensure that you get the type of service you need.

🚿 Can I drink the water in the UK?

Yes, UK water is great and perfectly safe. But drink out of taps in any kitchen or use water fountains. Double check before drinking out of the taps in hotel bathrooms, though, as they may be on a different system.

Heading to London? Want the best tips?

Check out my Ultimate Guide to London for Visitors. Using text, images and video, this guide is packed full of tips, tricks, safety advice, knowledge on how to get around and what to do, and more!

Moving to the UK or already an Expat?

Grab my book which covers moving to the UK, struggles I faced and that you might face too, and uplifting advice to help you along the way! Available in hard copy and on Kindle.

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