Overview
See Edinburgh’s shady side. The gruesome and the glorious. The ghostly and the ghastly. This 2-hour tour is a wickedly entertaining walk on the wild and dark side of the Scottish capital.
Explore the spots where murders, monsters and mayhem have become things of legend, and visit Old Calton Burial Ground or Canongate Kirkyard, two of Edinburgh’s most chilling cemeteries. Throughout the tour, hear real-life tales of witches, body-snatchers, vampires, cannibals and more from your entertaining guide.
- Recommended by 98% of travelers
- Badge of Excellence
- Free cancellation up to 24 hours before
- Mobile ticket
What's included
Professional guide
Hotel pickup and drop-off
Meeting and pickup
Travelers meet at the meeting point.
Meeting point
The 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 point
This activity ends back at the meeting point.
Good to know
Please be at your meeting point 15 minutes before departure.
What to expect
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Royal Mile
10 min
Meet your guide on Edinburgh’s Royal Mile, the main thoroughfare of the Old Town, and then set off on foot to begin your walking tour of the city’s shade side. Edinburgh is crawling with odd activity, and there are tales of murderers, vampires, monsters and even cannibals that locals nervously recall to each other.
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North Bridge
30 min
Follow your guide through dark courtyards and eerie alleys, and hear spine-chilling stories of executions, murders, torture, ghosts and witchcraft. Then, make for the North Bridge, with its own formidable history, before climbing Calton Hill.
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Calton Hill
30 min
Feel the hair on the back of your neck stand on end as your guide tells real-life tales of gore and gruesomeness, including stories about the witch trials that once took place here. Discover how the site is still used today for pagan rituals such as the Edinburgh Beltane Fire Festival, and drink in 360-degree views of the city’s skyline.
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Old Calton Burial Ground
30 min
Then, continue to the Old Calton Burial Ground, one of Edinburgh’s chilling cemeteries. See the imposing mausoleum that marks the final resting place of David Hume, who is said to have made a deal with the devil, and perhaps hear of the infamous body snatchers Burke and Hare.
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Canongate Kirk
30 min
Alternatively, visit the Canongate Kirkyard cemetery, which dates back to the 17th century. Rest assured, there is no staged gimmickry, monster masks or made-up stories on this tour.
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Edinburgh Old Town
30 min
After roughly two hours, your tour concludes at a local pub near the Royal Mile, where you can purchase a pint of beer or a dram of whisky to help cool your nerves after this entertaining and intriguing tour (own expense).
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the start time.
Times are local to the experience (Europe/London).
Additional Information
- 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.
- Mobile or paper ticket accepted
- Up to 9 travelers per booking
- Each booking must include at least one adult.
FAQs about Edinburgh Darkside Walking Tour: Mysteries, Murder and Legends
Can I cancel Edinburgh Darkside Walking Tour: Mysteries, Murder and Legends for free?
Yes. For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the start time.
How long does it take?
It takes about 2 hours.
Where does it start?
The 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.
What's included?
- Professional guide
What's not included?
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
Which places does it visit?
It visits Royal Mile, North Bridge, Calton Hill, Old Calton Burial Ground, Canongate Kirk, Edinburgh Old Town.
Which languages is it offered in?
It is offered in German, English, Spanish.
Is it suitable for children?
Children must be accompanied by an adult.
Operated by Sandemans Tours
