Edinburgh Darkside Walking Tour: Mysteries, Murder and Legends
5
Edinburgh Darkside Walking Tour: Mysteries, Murder and Legends
By SANDEMANs NEW Europe - Edinburgh
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About
The atmospheric city of Edinburgh is best explored by night, when tales of mystery and murder are at their most frightening. Discover the dark side of Scotland's capital on a historical walking tour that covers Edinburgh’s morbid past. Wind your way through the cobbled streets of Calton Hill, North Bridge, and Canongate cemetery, all of which are inaccessible by coach bus or car, and listen to stories that focus on torture, treason, and death.
Lowest price guaranteeReserve now & pay laterFree cancellation
Ages 0-99, max of 20 per group
Duration: 2h
Start time: Check availability
Mobile ticket
Live guide: German, English, Spanish
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Highlights
- Explore Edinburgh at its most atmospheric on a night tour
- Delve into the dark history of Scotland's capital
- See Edinburgh landmarks illuminated by night
- Visit the Old Calton Burial Ground or Canongate Kirkyard cemetery
- Professional guide
What's not included- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Your evening tour begins at a designated meeting point in Edinburgh Old Town. Greet your guide and receive an introduction to the city’s dark history. Wind your way down the cobbled streets surrounding Calton Hill and North Bridge, beneath which lies the Blair Street Vaults. Discover tales of torture and treason interspersed with stories of pagan festivals and dramatic historical events. Get acquainted with the deceased residents of Canongate cemetery, and discover the truth behind the gruesome exploits of Burke and Hare, the notorious Edinburgh grave robbers. Your tour concludes on the Royal Mile.
- Start:
- Edinburgh EH1 1QS, UKThe tours starts at 130 High Street (The Royal Mile), on the corner with Stevenlaw's Close. Look for the guide with the SANDEMANs red name badge.
End:This activity ends back at the meeting point. - Not wheelchair accessible
- Near public transportation
If you have questions about accessibility, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 6785EDGHOST- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Most travelers can participate
- The independent guides who employ us to market their tours have your best interests in mind; while the tour usually includes the sites & stories mentioned and lasts about 2 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.
- This experience requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 20 travelers
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.
- If you have questions about this tour or need help making your booking, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 6785EDGHOST
From
$26.86
per adult
Select date and travelers
Similar experiences
Itinerary
- Edinburgh EH1 1QS, UKThe tours starts at 130 High Street (The Royal Mile), on the corner with Stevenlaw's Close. Look for the guide with the SANDEMANs red name badge.
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- 5Pass byEdinburgh Old Town
About the operator
Don’t take it from us – here’s what people have to say about this operator:
- katewR7671HN0 contributionsGreat tour and guideGreat tour. Our guide was Niamh who was excellent. She was passionate, engaging and knowledgeable. Couldn’t have been better!Written October 1, 2024
- bmcmahon100 contributionsA must see tour of the CastleAlasdair was a *wonderful* host and guide. He is knowledgeable, witty and entertaining, and brought the castle to life with his stories and observations.Written September 29, 2024
- U3406VFjohng0 contributionsGreat walking tour!Alisdair was excellent! Very informative, answered all question and was truly knowledgeable. Had a lot of interesting facts.Written September 25, 2024
- sailscubasurf0 contributionsGreat tour of Edinburgh's sights and historyNiamh was a wonderful guide and was extremely knowledgeable about Edinburgh and Scottish history. She was very personable and showed us not only the sights, but gave us tips on where to best experience Edinburgh's food and whiskey.Written September 15, 2024
- Q2858PGdianec0 contributionsBehind the Scenes- Edinburgh storiesBrian P was an awesome guide- took us into iff the way places and gave us insights to the city we wouldn’t have got on our own- his backstory and info on Braveheart was really cool to hear- Walking pace was great and even a toilet stop- Highly recommend!!Written September 13, 2024
- Ambassador6047060 contributionsGreat Tour!Great tour! Kevin was very knowledgeable and personable. The tour was fascinating— a great way to hit the ground running in a new city! Kevin knows his Scottish history very well and we had a great experience. Highly recommend!Written September 11, 2024
- keeperofsheep0 contributionsJoe, Great chieftain o the tours'-race!I had an exceptionally good experience on the tour with Joe. His enthusiasm and encyclopaedic knowledge of the city and Scotland , combined with extraordinary anecdotes, surprising facts (John Knox buried in a car park, Deacon Brodie’s double life!), and humorous touch (gardyloo?) are simply contagious. Do take this tour with him and you will learn to love the Auld Reekie!Written September 6, 2024
- bheskamp680 contributionsBUY TICKETS IN ADVANCEBuy tix in advance. We got to Edinburgh and went to see the castle. It was around 930 am when we arrived. We were told that tickets were sold out for the day 😢. Got some pics of the outside but would have loved to see the inside.Written September 6, 2024
- Branka L0 contributionsNot well money spentWe actually got a lot of “ small talk” and “ funny stories” related to the castle, than actual facts and recommendations where to go in, what to look for. I assume the guide, who was well praised, knows what most of people like, but I missed real facts that latter on found in the booklet about the castle. I shall definitely visit the castle again but with the booklet as a guide. Not well money spent.Written September 4, 2024
- TracyG0860 contributions3rd time, still a charm!I just love their Free Walking tour. I’ve taken it every time I’ve come to Edinburgh and it’s always so informative. Brian’s tour on this trip was no exception. Each guide has a slight different route and set of stories, so you get the best tour they can give you. Brian had a wonderful career in writing and literature, so he not only focused on the history but also the rich literary culture that’s found in this city. The tour covers just the heart of old town. I don’t think you go more that .5 mile from the starting point, but you will see so much. They also take you away from the crowds of the Royal Mile into private little alcoves and courtyards that only these guides seem to know about. I highly recommend it as a start to your trip to understand the historical importance of the city and as a great way to gain your bearings in the old city!Written August 28, 2024
- Patricia W0 contributionsCastleWe got lucky and the tours were booked solid for the last couple days that we were here. We decided last minute to try different things we were able to get in. We spent 2 1/2 hours there and enjoyed our visit. It is clean, neat, tidy, and informative.Written August 23, 2024
- hmhtravellerMD0 contributionsSarah - Edinburgh's BEST tour guide and storytellerSarah was our AMAZING tour guide of the old city of Edinburgh on the free walking tour. My 7 year old generally HATES walking tours, and for the first time, he was absolutely enthralled by Sarah's history and storytelling. He hung onto every word and asked relevant questions relating to the history of the city. My children (ages 7, 10 and 13) still say that this the HIGHLIGHT of our 9 day trip to Scotland. I've been on over 100 tours and Sarah was one of the best guides that I have encountered.Written August 21, 2024
- Sightseer134434324900 contributionsDisappointedNever was able to go on this tour. Stood there for a hour and a half and the guide never showed up. When we went to see if there was any tickets available we were told by the person working there that this tour company is horrible!Written August 18, 2024
- billyn8780 contributionsGreat tourOur guide, Allister was outstanding. Very knowledgeable but also funny. Give yourself extra time at the end of the tour to explore Edinburgh castle.Written August 13, 2024
- W4748NLdavidp0 contributionsNeed helpKLM lost my luggage and we had no walking shoes or clothing so could not go. Was so looking forward to go. Could not reschedule and much to my disappointment this company offers no refunds. Shame on you.Written August 12, 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinions of Tripadvisor members and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
5.0
2,474 reviews
Excellent
2,186
Very good
176
Average
49
Poor
31
Terrible
32
Leanne F
Sheffield, UK86 contributions
We have only been on one other night-time walk so far, in London, so I was looking forward to this one. And it didn’t disappoint! Our tour guide, Fiona, was very engaging and enthusiastic. You could tell how much she loved to talk about the city and she was welcoming to all visitors. She was very informative and drew people in with her enthusiasm. We took a couple of walks through spooky graveyards and heard stories of witches, hangings and body snatchers. It also offers some beautiful views of Edinburgh, particularly at night time. We finished early as everyone arrived on time but I was sad for it to end, it was so interesting. Would highly recommend to anyone who wants to know the dark history of Edinburgh. I would recommend taking an umbrella or waterproof coat and sensible walking shoes for the event as Edinburgh has many cobbles and unpredictable weather!
Written October 31, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Troco
County Dublin, Ireland18 contributions
Jan 2020 • Couples
We've done the tour with our guide Edgar! Except for the cold 😅 the tour has been amazing. Edgar was very funny and competent and had his way to entertain the crowd with unpolitically correct jokes about different nationalities (jokes related to the stories he was telling us). I've to say i was surprised of his way to involve everyone (approx 20 people) which I don't think it's easy to do. Lovely tour, very educational, it's nice history and stories with a bit of irony. Italy (as he has been calling me for the whole tour😂) highly recommends this tour!
Written January 22, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Abdi
9 contributions
Feb 2020
...is a way of describing our tour guide (Greg), that came to mind as we wandered some of the darker and more mysterious parts of Edinburgh on a cold and windy night. Greg kept us going with his engaging and quick-witted presentation style, on a night when the wind cut to the bone and the threat of rain was ever present. But hey, what do you expect in February in Edinburgh?
Anyway, the tour itself was informative and very entertaining, and took us to places in Edinburgh we would not have found on our own, and gave us insights into Scottish history and its influence on the wider world which were quite surprising; for example that a Scot was instrumental in founding the US navy. Who knew? Greg knew.
Along the way we heard tales of fairies, inter-dimensional creatures, grave robbing and body snatching (two different things); the unfinished national monument of Scotland, and an observatory built in the middle of a city.
All of these tales, and others, were told with gusto and not a little self-deprecation (on behalf of his nation) by our guide (or the various personalities that dwell within him).
We had a great time and would highly recommend this tour. But wrap up warm and don't mention Nicola Sturgeon...
Anyway, the tour itself was informative and very entertaining, and took us to places in Edinburgh we would not have found on our own, and gave us insights into Scottish history and its influence on the wider world which were quite surprising; for example that a Scot was instrumental in founding the US navy. Who knew? Greg knew.
Along the way we heard tales of fairies, inter-dimensional creatures, grave robbing and body snatching (two different things); the unfinished national monument of Scotland, and an observatory built in the middle of a city.
All of these tales, and others, were told with gusto and not a little self-deprecation (on behalf of his nation) by our guide (or the various personalities that dwell within him).
We had a great time and would highly recommend this tour. But wrap up warm and don't mention Nicola Sturgeon...
Written February 12, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Gemma W
45 contributions
Jan 2020
Did this tour on a very cold, wet and windy evening. Despite that if you dress appropriately for the Scottish weather and have comfortable footwear it is very enjoyable. The guide was entertaining and informative, it's a great way to get a snapshot of some of Edinburgh's darker history and a whistle stop tour of some great parts of the city.
Written January 17, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
DajLeb
London, UK9 contributions
Feb 2020 • Family
Edgar was wonderful. Needless to say, February in Edinburgh can be a wee bit nippy. But Edgar was full of entertaining tales, all told with witty panache and dramatic emphasis. He had us in the palm of his hand and we applauded with our mittened hands at the end. Thank you Edgar for bringing the dark stories so brilliantly to life!
Written February 20, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
whyareyoumoaning
London, UK19 contributions
Wasnt really sure what to expect for the tour and as it was blowing a gale and freezing cold were thinking of swerving it but we are so glad we did not.
From start to finish our guide ‘Canadian Mel’ brought to life the dark history of Edinburgh and all of its secrets and tales. Her enthusiasm and storytelling ability had everyones attention throughout no mean feat especially when it was so cold, thoroughly recommend the tour and Mel she really made the evening.
From start to finish our guide ‘Canadian Mel’ brought to life the dark history of Edinburgh and all of its secrets and tales. Her enthusiasm and storytelling ability had everyones attention throughout no mean feat especially when it was so cold, thoroughly recommend the tour and Mel she really made the evening.
Written February 22, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Travel_BugReading_UK
Reading, UK136 contributions
Aug 2021
Chose this trip because it offered more time for the money than other 'novelty' type walks. Best decision! Angus was just the person for the job: funny, a great storyteller and keen to know a little about his 'guests' so that he could avoid offending anyone with his witty, spontaneous humour [Angus explained that he is also a stand-up comedian]. He need not have worried. His delivery was fluent, knowledgeable and, at times, quite hilarious.
There was a lot to learn and the walk made us realise just how little we know about our cultural history [poets, philosophers] and just how informative a trip to a churchyard can be!
Plenty of opportunities to stop and rest and/or take photos. My only criticism would be that some of these groups are far too large to comfortably hear the commentary consistently, which is a real shame since the walk is packed with really insightful and informative material.
Would definitely do this again - but only if guaranteed either a smaller group size or an audio device.
There was a lot to learn and the walk made us realise just how little we know about our cultural history [poets, philosophers] and just how informative a trip to a churchyard can be!
Plenty of opportunities to stop and rest and/or take photos. My only criticism would be that some of these groups are far too large to comfortably hear the commentary consistently, which is a real shame since the walk is packed with really insightful and informative material.
Would definitely do this again - but only if guaranteed either a smaller group size or an audio device.
Written September 2, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Felicity B
Dartmouth, UK178 contributions
So I arrived 15 mins early and waited patiently for 30 minutes ( 18:45) for the tour guide to turn up which they didnt. I tried calling the number on my ticket and it hung up twice. Another group also booked on the tour phoned a different number and got through to find out the tour company could not get hold of the tour guide and informed the other group to write a complaint.
There is a free tour at 19:00 why bother paying £12 for a tour which the tour guide doesnt turn up?
There is a free tour at 19:00 why bother paying £12 for a tour which the tour guide doesnt turn up?
Written August 5, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Susan H
Tetbury, UK9 contributions
Aug 2020
What an informative, interesting, interactive tour. Our guide, Fiona, is passionate about the history of Edinburgh and that passion comes through in the tour.
This tour brought the whole city alive and gave us a view into the past that we would not have imagined, it brought all the stories alive.
I can absolutely recommend this tour, but can advise that good walking shoes and a rain jacket are needed.
This tour brought the whole city alive and gave us a view into the past that we would not have imagined, it brought all the stories alive.
I can absolutely recommend this tour, but can advise that good walking shoes and a rain jacket are needed.
Written August 25, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
AMT N
London, UK127 contributions
Thanks Angus for a brilliant tour!
Walking around majestic Edinburgh at sunset, visiting old sites such as cemeteries full of famous people, amazing viewpoints of the city and streets where famous TV series were filmed (among many other things) was a great experience in itself.
Add to this Angus’ knowledge and humorous storytelling skills and you’ve got yourself a great evening out.
Get those tickets - you won’t regret it.
Walking around majestic Edinburgh at sunset, visiting old sites such as cemeteries full of famous people, amazing viewpoints of the city and streets where famous TV series were filmed (among many other things) was a great experience in itself.
Add to this Angus’ knowledge and humorous storytelling skills and you’ve got yourself a great evening out.
Get those tickets - you won’t regret it.
Written October 1, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi, is the walk dog friendly?
Written May 22, 2023
Hallo zusammen, wir haben für heute 26.08.2022 eine Tour gebucht aber bisher noch keine Bestätigung erhalten, bezahlt ist sie schon ;). Noch jemand hier mit dem gleichen Problem ?
Written August 26, 2022
Hi,
I thought I reserved 5 tickets for August 10th at 6:30 pm. I cannot find my confirmation email. Is there a way for me to confirm?
Thanks
Written July 31, 2022
I received an email when I booked, but some people just showed up and paid then, or checked their names off a list the guides had. They had multiple guides so when the group was too large, they just split into multiple groups. Hope that helps!
Written August 1, 2022
Hi I have made a ‘book now pay later’ booking in April for today’s tour at 6:30 pm. I am unable to locate my booking nor make the payment. Could you pls advise.
Written June 27, 2022
It says free for children under 13, but if I add one ticket for my child the website asks 8 euro
Written June 3, 2022
So it’s dark and you walk through cemetery’s and hear tells stories of witches, vampires, murders and tortures as part of history. It might not be good for 12 and under, but it depends on what their gaming, movie or old world history is.
Written March 10, 2022
Is this your scary at all or just informative? Love the idea of an informative walking tour but will be bringing a very nervous person with me (so would hate anything jumpy)
Written February 18, 2022
We have two small, well behaved dogs are they allowed on the tour?
Written December 4, 2021
The setup seemed informal, Covid precautions being the exception, and the tour was outside. I can't see why dogs would not be allowed, but you would need to double check with operator. It's an excellent tour, enjoy!
Written December 7, 2021
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