Best Edinburgh ghost tours: Top underground and haunted walking tours to do in 2024

Best Edinburgh ghost tours: Top underground and haunted walking tours to do in 2024

As someone who’s been through countless ghost tours and spa experiences, I can confidently say that this Edinburgh Dark History Tour is a must-do for any adventure-seeking family! The private tour allows you to customize content, duration, and routes according to your family’s interests, making it an unforgettable experience.


In September, with its long, cool evenings and refreshing breezes, there’s hardly a more fitting season for a ghostly adventure.

Among numerous UK cities that offer ghost tours, Edinburgh stands out as the most renowned. Known affectionately as the “Jekyll and Hyde City,” Edinburgh boasts some of the world’s most haunted locations. With landmarks steeped in centuries-old history, it’s no wonder these sites have borne witness to a fair share of dark events throughout the years.

Located within the historic district lies Greyfriars Kirkyard, a place that bore witness to numerous instances of religious persecution during the 17th century. Meanwhile, Edinburgh’s Royal Mile carries a history spanning more than four centuries.

One could say that among the eeriest locations might be the Edinburgh Vaults. As the city expanded during the 18th century, many residents were compelled to find shelter in these underground vaults. It’s not hard to imagine that living below ground took a toll on one’s health, and as people started to pass away, infamous figures like Burke and Hare would appear to claim their bodies.

Venture at your own risk to these eerie spots in Edinburgh, as there’s a chance you might encounter spectral beings that roam these areas. Stories abound of strange noises, cries of children, shifting shades, rapid changes in temperature, and other mysterious occurrences.

We’ve put together guides to the best London walking tours, top London experience gifts and UK Harry Potter tours, too.

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Jump to:

  • Best Edinburgh ghost tours at a glance
  • Best Edinburgh ghost tours to visit in 2024
  • Best way to travel to Edinburgh
  • Best places to stay in Edinburgh

Best Edinburgh ghost tours at a glance:

  • Edinburgh – Dark History, from £15
  • The World Famous Underground Ghost Tour, from £17
  • Tour of Terror, from £18
  • Private Edinburgh Dark History Tour – Auld Reekie After Hours, from £18.75
  • Extreme Paranormal Underground Ghost Tour in Edinburgh, from £20
  • The Edinburgh Dungeon, £25 £20.50 (save £4.50 or 18%)
  • Edinburgh Darkside Walking Tour: Mysteries, Murder and Legends, from £20.67
  • Ghost Bus Tour of Edinburgh, from £21
  • Hidden and Haunted Edinburgh Tour for Two, £41
  • Ghostly Edinburgh Underground Vault Tour for Two, £41

Best Edinburgh ghost tours to visit in 2024

The Edinburgh Dungeon

Best Edinburgh ghost tours: Top underground and haunted walking tours to do in 2024

These tours might be too intense for those with delicate sensitivities, but if you’ve persevered up to now, it suggests you don’t easily scare at eerie occurrences. For an authentically chilling night out, we warmly invite you to join us…

Before embarking on our ghost tour, it’s essential to bring up The Edinburgh Dungeon. This attraction offers a unique blend of live performers and special effects in various spine-tingling locations including The Torture Chamber, The Courtroom, The Anatomy Theatre, and the Drop Dead ride. Needless to say, this is not an experience for those with delicate constitutions.

Edinburgh – Dark History

Best Edinburgh ghost tours: Top underground and haunted walking tours to do in 2024

On this tour, there are no tales spun out of myth or folklore; instead, it’s rooted in Edinburgh’s dark past. You won’t encounter any ghostly yarns about mysterious occurrences, nor will you find actors lurking in eerie garb behind buildings. Instead, prepare to hear chilling accounts of murderers, thieves, cannibals, beheadings, witches, and the horrors of the plague – all part of Edinburgh’s grim history.

For more spine-tingling activities, take a look at the best murder mystery experiences.

Tour of Terror

Best Edinburgh ghost tours: Top underground and haunted walking tours to do in 2024

What makes you think that fear is exclusive to Halloween? Instead, consider embarking on our Tour of Terror, which delves into the grimy 18th-century slums, narrow alleys (wynds), and underground chambers (vaults) of Edinburgh. This 75-minute journey includes a visit to a cemetery, where you’ll be regaled with a mix of historical anecdotes, eerie legends, folklore, and enigmas.

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Ghostly Edinburgh Underground Vault Tour for Two

Best Edinburgh ghost tours: Top underground and haunted walking tours to do in 2024

Beneath the picturesque charm of Edinburgh’s ancient town lies a troubled and dismal past. As you traverse the old town and Royal Mile, a veteran guide on ghostly tales will regale you with stories of restless spirits, rampant lawlessness, and appalling living conditions. After uncovering the eerie occurrences above ground, you’ll venture into the infamous haunted vaults beneath Blair Street.

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Ghost Bus Tour of Edinburgh

Best Edinburgh ghost tours: Top underground and haunted walking tours to do in 2024

If you’re seeking an eerie experience under the cover of darkness, let me clarify – what you might mistake for a ghostly encounter could just be a speed bump. But fear not, for I’ve got the perfect recommendation to satisfy your craving for the supernatural!

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Edinburgh Darkside Walking Tour: Mysteries, Murder and Legends

Best Edinburgh ghost tours: Top underground and haunted walking tours to do in 2024

Have you considered yourself well-versed in Edinburgh’s grim past? You might need to reconsider that. This walking tour will reveal tales of witch trials, ancient rituals, and executions, and it will take you to the locations where these chilling events occurred. The nighttime tour also leads you to either the renowned Old Calton Burial Ground or the Canongate Kirkyard cemetery.

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Hidden and Haunted Edinburgh Tour for Two

Best Edinburgh ghost tours: Top underground and haunted walking tours to do in 2024

Step into the chilling realm of the macabre and the macabre-curious alike, as I guide you through a gripping tale of terror – courtesy of Virgin Experience Days. If your spirit isn’t easily shaken, then perhaps you’ve come seeking the thrill that only haunted tours can offer!

This haunted tour for two is a unique experience to spend with your loved one. For more date night activities, check out the best London date ideas and most romantic UK filming locations.

The World Famous Underground Ghost Tour

Best Edinburgh ghost tours: Top underground and haunted walking tours to do in 2024

On this renowned ghost tour, an experienced guide will lead you through Greyfriars Kirkyard, the ancient town, and even beneath the streets into hidden vaults and wynds. The goal is to unearth tales of ghostly happenings. At several spooky spots along the way, there’s a chance to witness or hear strange, otherworldly activity.

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Extreme Paranormal Underground Ghost Tour in Edinburgh

Best Edinburgh ghost tours: Top underground and haunted walking tours to do in 2024

This 90-minute walking tour, departing at 9:15 pm with a group size limit of 15 people, is ideal for enthusiasts of the paranormal. The experience will be heightened and vivid as you’ll encounter chilling tales about torture, murder, and body snatching. You’ll also explore the underground vaults. While some tours can accommodate families, this one is intended for mature audiences due to its dark themes.

After an exhausting ghost hunt, it’s likely you’ll need some relaxation time. We have London’s top-notch spa experiences ready for you.

Private Edinburgh Dark History Tour – Auld Reekie After Hours

Best Edinburgh ghost tours: Top underground and haunted walking tours to do in 2024

Should you have a particular topic of interest regarding Edinburgh, this personalized tour is just right for you. Each tour can be tailored to your preferences in terms of content, length, and route, ensuring the guide caters specifically to the eerie aspects of Edinburgh’s history that pique your curiosity the most.

Best way to travel to Edinburgh

Regardless of whether you’re heading to Edinburgh from London, Manchester, Newcastle, or another UK town, you’d likely prefer your journey to the Scottish capital to be easy and hassle-free (with minimal transfers). To help make your trip smoother, we’ve prepared a guide on how to get to Edinburgh. If you’re thinking of spending a night or two in this historic city, we’ve also selected some ideal places to stay.

What is the easiest way to get to Edinburgh?

For reaching Edinburgh from cities nearby like Liverpool, Glasgow, or Newcastle, the most convenient mode of transport would be by train.

As someone who’s been there, I can personally suggest that for a memorable ghost tour experience in Edinburgh, you should aim to arrive at Edinburgh Waverley, located right in the city center. This station will serve as your gateway to the heart of the city and the supernatural adventures that await!

The TransPennine Express connects northern locations like Manchester, Preston, Leeds, York and Newcastle to Edinburgh, with the LNER also providing services from Newcastle, York, Leeds and Aberdeen. If you’re travelling from somewhere else in Scotland, Scotrail is your best bet as it operates a full schedule of trains throughout Scotland. For more southern cities, such as Birmingham and Coventry, Virgin Rail will get you to Edinburgh.

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What is the best way to get from London to Edinburgh?

There is, of course, an LNER train service from London to Edinburgh which takes approximately five hours. But if you’d prefer to do something a little more special, why not opt for a trip on the Caledonian Sleeper? The Caledonian Sleeper is an overnight service which operates between Euston and Edinburgh, so you can go to sleep in London and wake up in Edinburgh!

Best places to stay in Edinburgh

If you’re journeying from London (or any other distant location) to Edinburgh, chances are you might prefer to stretch the trip over several days.

As a thrifty traveler, I can’t get enough of Wowcher! It’s an absolute gem for scoring the best bargains and deals on top-notch Edinburgh accommodations, ranging from four to five star hotels. And here’s the cherry on top – many of these deals come with extra treats like afternoon tea, a glass of Prosecco, and luxurious chocolates (a definite upgrade from the usual single pillow chocolate!). Check out some of my favorite picks below:

  • Mercure Edinburgh stay for Two with breakfast and wine for £233 £139 (save £94 or 40%) at Wowcher

If you found this helpful, don’t forget to check out some other guides we have, such as top-rated London theater performances.

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2024-09-18 15:08