Edinburgh - Dark History
5
Edinburgh - Dark History
By All-Star Guides
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About
Ah, Edinburgh! They don't call it "The Jekyll & Hyde City" for nothing. During the day, a respectable figure, with its astonishing architecture and wondrous history. But when the sun sets, it tells an entirely different story...
Hear all about the darker history of Edinburgh: murderers, thieves, cannibals, hangings and decapitations, witches, the Plague and streams of human waste. Learn about the most notorious citizens of Edinburgh and how ghost stories are born.
This is not a ghost tour: we don't need costumes or people jumping from behind the corners, Edinburgh's Dark History itself is enough to make your skin crawl. And oh, how we love to share it with our visitors...
Lowest price guaranteeReserve now & pay laterFree cancellation
Ages 0-120, max of 30 per group
Duration: 2h
Start time: Check availability
Mobile ticket
Live guide: English
More
- In-Person guide
- Start:
- West Parliament Square, W Parliament Sq, Parliament Sqr, Edinburgh EH1 1RF, UKFind us across the square in Front of St. Giles Cathedral. Search for the white umbrella with the logo of All-Star Guides.
End:- Canongate Kirk, 153 Canongate, Edinburgh EH8 8BN, UK
- Wheelchair accessible
- Stroller accessible
- Service animals allowed
- Near public transportation
- Transportation is wheelchair accessible
- Surfaces are wheelchair accessible
If you have questions about accessibility, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 246096P2- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Most travelers can participate
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 30 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: 246096P2
From
$19.94
per adult
Select date and travelers
Similar experiences
Itinerary
- W Parliament Sq, Parliament Sqr, Edinburgh EH1 1RF, UKFind us across the square in Front of St. Giles Cathedral. Search for the white umbrella with the logo of All-Star Guides.
- Pass byOld Town
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- 153 Canongate, Edinburgh EH8 8BN, UK
About the operator
Don’t take it from us – here’s what people have to say about this operator:
- O708SFjudym0 contributionsEdinburgh Castle TourThe castle was very interesting, and Kieran did a great job of sharing its history. After exploring the castle, we strolled down the Royal Mile to see Hollyroodhouse Palace.Written October 11, 2024
- Passenger572175893290 contributionsguided tour of Edinburgh castle.our guide was Ciaran and there were about 20 in our group. He did really well to give the group enough information without overload and with good humour. Great effort Ciaran!Written October 10, 2024
- TnTravelerSteve0 contributionsEdinburgh Castle Tour with JamesOur guide, James, was FANTASTIC! He was most knowledgeable about the Castle and British history as well. He was funny, entertaining and very interesting to listen to. I strongly recommend this tour, especially if James is the guide!Written October 8, 2024
- JenniferA2430 contributionsEdinburgh Castle TourGuides can’t do anything internally at the Castle, only the grounds which I felt I could do on my own. Talked about battles which was interesting, but really wanted more history about the Castle.Written October 7, 2024
- Richard J0 contributionsCastle in EdinburghIf you have any interest in castles of the world, this one is worth seeing. It was the site of the most sieges in history as described by James our tour guide. He provided expert facts and perspective on the castle's history and fighting methods of the past. The views of the city are amazing. But, be prepared for steep rocky paths that can be tricky if wet. Worth the time.Written October 7, 2024
- 635laniy0 contributionsWonderful experienceExcellent tour with an incredible guide, Callum. He made our tour amazing filled with facts and laughs among the way. Highly recommend!Written October 6, 2024
- MexItalian0 contributionsIt's all about the guideOr guide, David, was excellent. He was so knowledgeable. He was articulate and had a lovely sense of humor. He shared history and a few personal stories that just enriched the presentation. And he moved at a reasonable pace and made sure we were all with him.Written October 5, 2024
- L3372OClisac0 contributionsCosgrovesWas an amazing tour Roberts knowledge was second to none... and very entertaining guy.. 10/10 tour and guide highly recommended definitely ask for Robert!!!Written October 4, 2024
- 648marlar0 contributionsEngaging and educational!James was a wonderful historian and guide! He was engaging and incredibly knowledgeable. The tour flew by! If you book the 12 pm tour you will be there for the 1 pm cannon!Written October 2, 2024
- F148YJanao0 contributionsBest tour in EdinburghViews were amazing, but the best part was the guide James. We had so much fun and history was easily described! Would definitely come back and recommend people.Written October 1, 2024
- amberdsmith40 contributionsCallum was the best!We had such a great time. Callum was great. Humorous, and very informative. I love to hear stories about history, and he did just that. I would definitely recommend AllStar tours. Request Callum, you won’t regret it😁Written September 29, 2024
- Cheryl M0 contributionsEdinburgh Castle with admissionCalem was wonderful! He was enthusiastic, knew tons of history about Scottish history, and was very funny. He made learning enjoyable!Written September 29, 2024
- SAHaze0 contributionsThe castle with everythingLoved the history and the stories as told by the enigmatic Callum, actor extraordinaire. His enthusiasm and energy made the tour.Written September 29, 2024
- MG0490 contributionsFun trip back in timeGuide was knowledgeable and made it fun and interesting. We were there for the 1:00 cannon firing. Beautiful place with view clear across to the sea.Written September 25, 2024
- 736lynneg0 contributionsEdinborough Castle prime location and a very knowledgeable tour guide perfect combinationJames was very cordial and a dedicated history buff. He kept everyone engaged during the tour. I would highly recommendWritten September 24, 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
301 reviews
Excellent
291
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9
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1
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Charlotte Rogan
4 contributions
Jun 2021
Great tour and would definitely recommend! I was the only one on my tour, and Edgar made me feel really comfortable the whole way through. He let me know that it would just be us two and confirmed that I still wanted to go ahead. I very much enjoyed the tour and it was full of information about the dark history of Edinburgh. We chatted about what I was interested in and Edgar showed me bits of the city and I wouldn't have thought to visit and was very knowledgeable. I would definitely recommend the tour to anyone who wants to hear about the darker side of Edinburgh's history.
Written July 4, 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.
Thank you, Charlotte, for booking with us, and for taking the time to write a review!
Yes, this city's past is amazing, and two hours aren't enough to even begin to scratch the surface, which is why any enquiry is always very welcome! Speaking of which, do let me know if you received the email with the information you had requested on the Witchcraft Trials, as it may have landed on your spam box.
Again, if there is anything else I can do to help, don't hesitate to contact!
All the best, and until our paths cross again;
Edgar
Written July 29, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Lou J
1 contribution
Aug 2021 • Family
Did the tour this afternoon: my daughter, age 7, son, age 13, my partner and myself.
Thoroughly enjoyed it. Edgar really knows his Edinburgh history, with particular focus on the more macabre elements!
My daughter did get a little bored but this is no shade on Edgar or the tour; I would say she was just a little too young to understand much of the information. However, she said Edgar was funny!
My son really enjoyed it (possibly the only activity he hasn't complained about in 2 days here!)
My partner and myself enjoyed our interactions with Edgar; he's a very engaging and pleasant fella and I highly recommend this particular tour if you're interested in the morbid history of the city.
Thank you Edgar for a very interesting afternoon!
Thoroughly enjoyed it. Edgar really knows his Edinburgh history, with particular focus on the more macabre elements!
My daughter did get a little bored but this is no shade on Edgar or the tour; I would say she was just a little too young to understand much of the information. However, she said Edgar was funny!
My son really enjoyed it (possibly the only activity he hasn't complained about in 2 days here!)
My partner and myself enjoyed our interactions with Edgar; he's a very engaging and pleasant fella and I highly recommend this particular tour if you're interested in the morbid history of the city.
Thank you Edgar for a very interesting afternoon!
Written August 26, 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.
Hello, Lou! Thank you for booking with us, and for taking the time to leave a review.
Ehe, yeah, poor Ruby... it can be a bit too information-heavy for the young ones. But I (try to) learn from every interaction, and am currently re-designing the tour to make it a bit more accessible for the younger visitors. Without losing any of its edge, of course! And thank your son for me! Tell him to keep watching good movies, and that we'll meet on the battlefield.
Again, if there is anything else I can help you with, don't hesitate to contact!
All the best, and until our paths cross again;
Edgar
Written September 3, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Rhys S
Stockton-on-Tees, UK7 contributions
Nov 2022 • Couples
Brilliant tour. Sarah was very enthusiastic and engaging, highlighting particular facts based on the chat the group had at the beginning. We were frozen by the end (to be expected in November) but the cold didn't dampen Sarah's enthusiastic or make the experience any less enjoyable.
The tour isn't long in terms of distance, but is packed with information. There is definitely a darker side to Edinburgh!
Sarah was also happy to recommend places to eat/drink and other things to do, which we might not have discovered otherwise.
Overall, we would highly recommend!!
The tour isn't long in terms of distance, but is packed with information. There is definitely a darker side to Edinburgh!
Sarah was also happy to recommend places to eat/drink and other things to do, which we might not have discovered otherwise.
Overall, we would highly recommend!!
Written November 28, 2022
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.
Thank you, Rhys, for booking with us, and for taking the time to write a review!
Yeah, this country has a tendency to get a bit chilly, but really happy to hear you had fun with Sarah nevertheless.
If there is anything else I can help you with, don't hesitate to contact. And make sure to find us on social media for more stories!
All the best, and until our paths cross again;
Edgar
Written March 28, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Stephen H
1 contribution
Jul 2021 • Family
When we decided we wanted to do a Night Time History walk, I contacted a few tours enquiring about wheelchair access due to my wife being a wheelchair user.
Edgar was the first to reply and very reassuring and supportive. He explained he was happy to adapt the route to ensure that my wife was fully able to enjoy the full experience and would not miss anything.
We later found out that prior to our tour he had gone the full route to check and measure parts to fully ensure it was suitable.
The walk and talk itself was incredible. Edgar tells the factual historical stories of Edinburgh warts and all. Believe me this city has some stories to tell. Rather than using costumes or ghost stories Edgar allows the true horror of history to scare, entertain and educate you.
We had our two girls 11 and 10 years old with us. Whilst some parents may be wary of their kids hearing about gruesome history I didn't find the content to be unsuitable. Edgar was happy to give us the heads up about any subjects that might have made the kids uneasy. At on point he even took my daughter aside and spoke to her 1 on 1 to reassure her.
His personal touch and approach to customer service is incredible. Even after the tour finished he offered his contact details to us all should we have any need for local tips or advice afterwards.
Edgar goes above and beyond the role of a tour guide, he is the type of bloke you could share a beer with and delve into a deep discussion.
Perhaps next time mate, beer is on us!
In conclusion, if you want a pantomime ghost tour then you will be happy with any number of tours. But if you want a fun memorable experience wandering the grim streets of the old town and learning its secrets then this is the tour for you.
We will be back, perhaps in the winter when the dark nights come adding to the atmosphere.
Thank you so much!
Edgar was the first to reply and very reassuring and supportive. He explained he was happy to adapt the route to ensure that my wife was fully able to enjoy the full experience and would not miss anything.
We later found out that prior to our tour he had gone the full route to check and measure parts to fully ensure it was suitable.
The walk and talk itself was incredible. Edgar tells the factual historical stories of Edinburgh warts and all. Believe me this city has some stories to tell. Rather than using costumes or ghost stories Edgar allows the true horror of history to scare, entertain and educate you.
We had our two girls 11 and 10 years old with us. Whilst some parents may be wary of their kids hearing about gruesome history I didn't find the content to be unsuitable. Edgar was happy to give us the heads up about any subjects that might have made the kids uneasy. At on point he even took my daughter aside and spoke to her 1 on 1 to reassure her.
His personal touch and approach to customer service is incredible. Even after the tour finished he offered his contact details to us all should we have any need for local tips or advice afterwards.
Edgar goes above and beyond the role of a tour guide, he is the type of bloke you could share a beer with and delve into a deep discussion.
Perhaps next time mate, beer is on us!
In conclusion, if you want a pantomime ghost tour then you will be happy with any number of tours. But if you want a fun memorable experience wandering the grim streets of the old town and learning its secrets then this is the tour for you.
We will be back, perhaps in the winter when the dark nights come adding to the atmosphere.
Thank you so much!
Written July 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.
Oh, wow, Stephen. It's not often that I see myself in a loss for words, but this is definitely one of those times. And I must confess that it brought a tear to my eye.
In all honesty, it makes me sad. Not what you wrote: of that my heart is full with pride. But it saddens me that these things, which I consider to be basic human decency, are considered to be extraordinary in the society which we are part of. From my side, I shall continue to do what I do, no matter what "they" say.
And know that your words reflect right back at you. Thoroughly enjoyed our brief chats outside the tour context, and looking forward to those pints. We will, however, buy rounds. ;)
All the best for you and your family, and we'll stay in touch. Do let me know when you're next in town but, again, if there is anything else I can help you with, don't hesitate to contact.
All the best, another heartfelt THANK YOU to you and your lovely family, and until our paths cross again;
Edgar
Written August 3, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
debbie f
lancaster20 contributions
Sep 2020 • Friends
Probably the most interesting, informative, enjoyable and amusing 2 hrs we spent in Edinburgh. Small groups to encourage safe distancing, made it more personal
snd opportunity to ask questions.
Edgar is an independent tour guide, he has obviously researched local history extensively, well informed.
I will be recommending All - star to all my friends and will be revisiting soon
snd opportunity to ask questions.
Edgar is an independent tour guide, he has obviously researched local history extensively, well informed.
I will be recommending All - star to all my friends and will be revisiting soon
Written September 3, 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.
Oh, wow, Debbie, you actually managed to make me blush! :) Thank you so much for your kind words. As I told you, this is indeed a labour of love, and it feels good to read that people enjoy themselves and feel safe in our company.
It was my pleasure to share our dark past with you, and thank you for putting up with that spectacular demonstration of Scottish Summer. And, again, if there is anything else we can do for you, don't hesitate to contact.
All the best, and until our paths cross again;
Edgar
Written September 3, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Jane V
Todmorden, UK1 contribution
Aug 2021 • Family
Edgar gave us well over 2 hours of entertaining stories about the local area and its history and inhabitants. We loved his charisma and cheeky sense of fun, but also his amazing knowledge. Although the subject matter was gory and dark at times, it was delivered with sensitivity and humour suitable for us and our teenage daughters. An all-round wonderful customer experience.
We really like your ethos and inclusivity Edgar, good luck with your business, I'm sure it'll go from strength to strength! 😊
We really like your ethos and inclusivity Edgar, good luck with your business, I'm sure it'll go from strength to strength! 😊
Written August 7, 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.
Thank you, Jane, for booking with us, for taking the time to write a review, and for your kind words.
It was an absolute pleasure to show you and your lovely family around. And yes, we honestly do believe that these tours are for everyone, and that the access to information shouldn’t be conditioned by the thickness of your wallet. And a loud, exuberant person tends to attract people’s attention, so thank you for being so understanding of the people who joined us at the back for that couple of stories. Stay awesome.
Again, if there is anything else I can help you with (like sending you the recipe to deep-fried Mars bars), don’t hesitate to contact!
All the best, another thank you from my side, and until our paths cross again;
Edgar
Written August 9, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Jenna G
Huddersfield, UK33 contributions
Really enjoyed our tour with Edgar. He was a very knowledgeable and entertaining host for the evening. Also a genuinely nice guy who gave us good advice on what else to do in Edinburgh to make the most of our trip. Would definitely recommend this tour as it has a lot of information about things you would normally overlook in the city and this information is delivered in an entertaining way. Anyone coming to Edinburgh needs to see Edgar and book this tour
Written March 17, 2022
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.
Thank you, Jenna, for booking with us, and for taking the time to write a review!
The pleasure was all mine! And, again, keep my contact, and make sure to get in touch next time you're in town. :)
If there is anything else I can help you with, don't hesitate to contact. And make sure to find us on social media for more stories!
All the best, and until our paths cross again;
Edgar
Written April 17, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Craig
1 contribution
Jul 2021
A well presented tour filled with humor and lots of factual content. Edgar lead our small group round Edinburgh. My youngest daughter enjoyed the tour and developed a good rapport with our guide. He was careful to check with the group when sharing scaring content for my daughter. He was mindful of covid impacts and created a fantastic tour packed with fact and his own thoughts and contents which he signposted during the tour. Once the tour had concluded he continued to offer assistance on other interesting tours dependent on the groups interest and additional information that might prove useful. Walking back he provided factual content on his way back to the center even after the tour had finished. Well worth the money.
Written August 6, 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.
Thank you, Craig, for booking with us, for taking the time to write a review, and for deciding to copy it from Nicola! I must confess you got me, and it serves me right for asking for a review each. Thanks for making me laugh. :)
And, as stated on my reply to Nicola, it was my absolute pleasure! Again, if there is anything else I can assist you with, don't hesitate to contact.
All the best for you and your family, and until our paths cross again;
Edgar
Written August 7, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Shanny
Australia17 contributions
Jul 2021 • Friends
My friend and I very much enjoyed this tour. It was exactly what we were looking for in the real dark history of Edinburgh, without the ghost stories. Edgar was entertaining and very knowledgeable, and went overtime telling us about Edinburgh’s history and historical figures. It didn’t feel rushed or scripted, and we certainly weren’t bored. Will be recommending this tour to friends and family visiting Edinburgh. Thanks Edgar!
Written July 4, 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.
Thank you, Shannon, for booking with us, and for taking the time to write a review!
Well, it was my absolute pleasure to show you around, so thank YOU for being so nice! Make sure to extend my regards to Hailey.
And thanks for the recommendation; as stated before, all help is more than welcome. Make sure to write us on social media, and we'll send you a discount code that you can pass your friends.
In the meantime, all the best, and until our paths cross again;
Edgar
Written July 29, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Kristina
United Kingdom1 contribution
Jul 2022 • Friends
Wonderful experience in the heart of Edinburgh. Edgar knows his stuff and is obviously very passionate about the city. He tailored his tour to the group and invested in involving us all, whilst educating us on some of the history of Edinburgh. From dark history, to quirky little facts, to pointing out areas of interest whilst passing, he was open and engaging and gave what you would want from a tour of the city!
Written July 31, 2022
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.
Thank you, Kristina, for booking with us, and for taking the time to write a review!
So happy to hear you had fun with us! If there is anything else I can help you with, don't hesitate to contact. And make sure to find us on social media for more stories!
All the best, and until our paths cross again;
Edgar
Written March 28, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Hi, I would like to know if it will still be running at the end of October, say Wednesday 27th and what time would the tour start please??
Written September 1, 2021
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