Edinburgh - Dark History
Overview
Available languages
2 hours
Mobile ticket
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...
Additional Info
Wheelchair accessible
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What To Expect
Old Town
A walking tour down the Royal Mile of Edinburgh, where your guide will share with you the darker history of Edinburgh.
Heart of Midlothian
Former site of the Old Tollbooth, one of Edinburgh's most notorious buildings. Hear about some of the characters once imprisoned and/or executed here, and why it ultimately became recognised by Sir Walter Scott as the Hard of the Midlothian.
What‘s Included
In-Person guide
Options
Edinburgh - Dark History
Reviews
855 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Dark history Edinburgh
jaskarans953,May 10, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00David, was absolutely fantastic — knowledgeable, engaging, and a brilliant storyteller. He explained the dark history of Edinburgh very clearly. Highly recommended this experience.
Edinburgh – Dark History with Robert
katarzyna 711,May 7, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I would highly recommend the “Edinburgh – Dark History” tour, especially with Robert as your guide! 😊 He had extensive knowledge and shared it in such an engaging and captivating way. It was truly a pleasure to listen to him, and I learned so many new and fascinating things about the city’s dark past. You could really see his passion and dedication throughout the tour. I definitely recommend this experience to everyone!
Great guide
hollymM9706CS,May 6, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I did the dark history tour. David was very knowledgeable and engaging, and happy to answer all our questions. I learned loads!
Fascinating
blossomyellow1,May 3, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Excellent tour with fascinating analysis and fun facts, Lydia is a wonderful story teller and shares her brilliant knowledge in a really engaging way. Thankyou
Fun and Interesting Afternoon Walking Tour
Dawn M,May 2, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Our guide was knowledgable, witty, and kind. This is a stand out experience from our time in Edinburgh.
Great experience!
michelkI1332KB,May 1, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Really interesting tour about the history of Edinburgh, factually told as there is no need to exaggerate as the stories are already exciting. Our guide Laura was truly invested in the history of Edinburgh.
So glad we booked this…
Seaside35628330793,Apr 30, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This is a must do tour! It’s not silly, there’s no little fibs. Our guide is a history teacher, and his students are lucky. James made everything fun and interesting. Never a dull moment and worth every penny. And remember, tipping isn’t required, but you’re gonna want to give these guides something extra for all they put into the tour! Enjoy!!! Wish I had booked them for the castle tour as well.
Loved Every Minute of This Tour
lilianagO1872CP,Apr 26, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had an amazing time with our guide James. We learned a lot about the dark past of Edinburgh, and he made it a fun experience despite the heavy history. We learned so much in just a couple of hours and absolutely loved it.
We had a very good tour...
Nora C,Apr 21, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00We had a very good tour with Kieran. He is knowledgeable and was quick to respond to our questions. He kept it entertaining for the full 2 hours.
Fantastic tour with excellent guide
14pasanj,Apr 19, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I liked that there weren't any cheesy ghost stories or jump scares, just pure historical facts about the dark things that actually happened in the city. Since I'm not really into the supernatural stuff, I enjoyed just hearing the real history instead. Jame was our guide (I really hope I got the name right, sorry if I didn't!) and he was great. He knew so much and kept us interested the whole time without it feeling like a lecture. He was very engaging and easy to listen to, which made the walk around the city a lot more meaningful. It was pretty confusing to see other tours nearby with 10 or 20 people in them when our group only had 5. This tour is really high quality, so I don't understand why more people aren't booking it. If you want to learn the actual history of Edinburgh without the fake ghost stuff, you should definitely try this one.
From £16.00
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Operated by All-Star Guides