Where can you find guided ghost tours in historic Edinburgh?
Touring Edinburgh, the ancient, hauntingly beautiful capital of Scotland, can be a fascinating adventure. However, ghost tours in this city are not just any walks around town. They are riveting journeys into the city’s past, filled with tales of its eerie history, tales of the supernatural, and a chance to explore the underground vaults and hidden corners. As night falls on the city, the thrill of these ghost tours intensifies, and you are likely to be left with spine-chilling stories that will persist in your memory. Below, we uncover the best places where you can book one of these intriguing tours.
1. Edinburgh Ghost Bus Tours
Edinburgh Ghost Bus Tours provide a unique way to explore the city. The vintage Routemaster double-decker bus takes you through the city's most haunted sites, narrating tales of murder, torture, and hangings.
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You will be taken on a journey through time, with a professional guide who will recount the tales of the city’s most notorious figures, some of whom still haunt the town. The atmosphere on the bus is created with the help of eerie sound effects and dramatic storytelling by the guide.
Ghost Bus Tours typically last for about 75 minutes, so it's a relatively short but undeniably gripping way to get to know the city. Tickets are easily bookable online, and tours depart from Waverley Bridge, next to Princes Street Gardens.
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2. Mercat Tours
Mercat Tours offer a range of ghost tours in Edinburgh, including the famous 'Ghostly Underground' tour. This tour will take you down to the city's historic vaults, located beneath the South Bridge.
These underground vaults have a chilling history, with stories of illegal activities, living conditions of the poor, and alleged hauntings. The tour guides at Mercat are known for their captivating storytelling abilities, and they truly bring to life the past of these vaults with their words.
Tours last approximately 1.5 hours and tickets can be booked in advance on the Mercat Tours website. The tours start at Mercat Cross, a historic landmark in the city, situated on the Royal Mile.
3. Free Ghost Tour Edinburgh
If you’re looking for a budget-friendly option, the Free Ghost Tour Edinburgh is your best bet. As the name suggests, these tours operate on a 'pay what you want' basis. This does not mean that the quality of the tour is compromised, as the guides are passionate about the city's history and are eager to share their knowledge.
This walking tour lasts approximately 1.5 hours, taking you through the Old Town, the heart of Edinburgh's historic and cultural life. It covers the most haunted places in the city, including Greyfriar’s Kirkyard and the infamous Mary King's Close.
The Free Ghost Tour starts from the Royal Mile, and although it's free, it's recommended to book in advance on their website to secure your place.
4. City of Edinburgh Tours
City of Edinburgh Tours offer a unique 'Haunted Graveyard Tour' that combines the thrill of a ghost tour with the charm of a walking tour of the city. This tour takes place at night and offers a chilling yet riveting exploration of the city's graveyards, including the famous Greyfriar's Kirkyard, known for its numerous ghost stories.
The tour guides are gifted storytellers who will make you feel as if you are living through the tales they narrate. The tours last approximately 1.5 hours and depart from the Royal Mile. Tickets can be booked on their website.
5. Auld Reekie Tours
Auld Reekie Tours offer an 'Underground and Graveyard Tour,' which is a combination of a walking tour and an exploration of the city's haunted underground vaults. The tours are led by professional guides who will share tales of murder, body-snatching, and the city's most notorious ghosts.
These tours last for approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes and they start from the company's office on the Royal Mile. You can book your tickets online on their website.
Ghost tours in Edinburgh are more than simple sightseeing tours. They are an exciting and captivating way to learn about the city's history, hear chilling tales of its past, and explore its haunted spots. Whether you prefer to tour on a bus, explore underground vaults, or walk around town, there's a ghost tour in Edinburgh that will cater to your interests. So why wait? Book your tickets now and get ready for a thrilling, history-filled adventure.
6. The Cadies & Witchery Tours
For those wanting to experience a ghost tour with a humorous twist, the Cadies & Witchery Tours are an excellent choice. Operating since 1984, these tours offer an entertaining blend of comedy, theatre, and history wrapped in a ghostly theme.
The tour is led by professional actors who bring historical characters and stories to life with flair and humor. You’ll enjoy tales of witches, body-snatchers, and the supernatural as you explore the narrow alleyways and hidden courts of the Old Town. One of the highlights of the tour is the visit to Greyfriar's Kirkyard, where you'll hear about the infamous Mackenzie Poltergeist.
These tours are suitable for all ages, making them a great option for families. The tours last approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes, starting from the West Bow, at the top end of Victoria Street. You can book your tickets online on their website to ensure your place.
7. Black Hart Entertainment
If you're eager to delve deeper into the dark history of Edinburgh, the Black Hart Entertainment’s ‘Ghosts and Ghouls’ tour is worth considering. This tour offers an intense experience, taking you on a journey through the city’s most haunted locations, including the creepy underground vaults.
Your guide will recount chilling tales of the city’s most notorious spirits, murder and mayhem. The highlight of the tour is a visit to the underground vaults, known to be one of the most haunted places in the world. Here, you'll experience a traditional Victorian seance, making it one of the most unique ghost tours in Edinburgh.
These tours start from the Royal Mile and last for approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes. Tickets can be easily booked online from their website.
Conclusion
Edinburgh is a city brimming with historic buildings, narrow alleyways, and underground vaults, each having its own chilling tales to tell. Booking one of these ghost tours is a unique way to explore the city's dark past, connect with history, and hear tales that go beyond the usual tourist narratives. Whether you're a skeptic or a believer in the supernatural, these tours offer an engaging and unforgettable experience. So, grab your tours tickets and embark on a thrilling ghost encounter that will leave you with spine-tingling memories of historic Edinburgh. Whichever ghost tour or walking tour you select, remember, each step in this ancient city unlocks centuries of eerie tales and fascinating history. With such a diverse range of tours available, there's a haunting experience waiting for everyone in Edinburgh.