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
801 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
10/10 - Can’t recommend Robert enough
Explorer61079486970,,Jan 1, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Robert was an extremely knowledgeable and passionate guide, taking us through the Dark Histories of the Royal Mile of Edinburgh. This tour is one that you won’t regret taking as a lover of history, or local culture. I particularly appreciated Robert’s humble and thought-provoking approach, not just reeling off facts but being willing to answer questions at any point, and quizzing us on prior knowledge, ensuring we’d come away from the tour having learned something new and interesting about the City’s past.
Do this tour you won't be disappointed
mikechrislachlan,,Dec 29, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The guide was friendly and really approachable his sense of humour and amity to connect with his audience was second to none. Give James a raise. He clearly loved his topic and his history knowledge is a reflection of his education but his ability to make it enjoyable is not something you can learn. I repeat give him a raise
Best I’ve ever been on
oliverbI8849GH,,Dec 23, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Brilliant. The host was friendly, funny and informative. I learned a lot and had some knowledge I already had added to. The host was also accommodating to differing toilet needs. 5 stars
Fantastic tour!
camilacF5127NX,,Dec 22, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00James was absolutely fantastic. Extremely knowledgeable and with great sense of humor! Definitely an interesting way to discover Edinburgh with much depth while having lots of fun! Great job
Don’t hesitate, just book!
Andrew S,,Dec 21, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Interesting, engaging, entertaining & personable. Great tour from James our guide for the afternoon! Thoroughly recommend this tour!
James Dark History Tour
Odyssey68044735286,,Dec 21, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Can't remember much from the tour, but from what I can remember the tour was wonderful! Full of historical information and humour, James (the tour guide) was a great tour guide and would highly recommend it.
Highly recommended.
Cathy F,,Dec 19, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The dark history tour is really interesting, lots of fascinating facts about life in the past and infamous criminals.. We were fortunate to have a natural performer leading the tour who really brought the past to life. Our last stop was in a graveyard learning about body snatchers, very atmospheric.
So much to discover.
wangy14,,Dec 17, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We booked last minute and was tossing up with other tours. Glad we did this one as it was historically based by our knowledgeable guide James. We discovered the truths of the history from 1400’s to the 1800’s. I would have walked past a close, not knowing what us was all about. Statues, who they were and weird history facts. Great for older kids as they can learn too. Highly recommend.
Great tour!
Louise V,,Dec 15, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00This tour was absolutely incredible! James is an outstanding guide - knowledgeable, engaging, and full of fascinating stories that bring Edinburgh’s dark past to life. His passion for history and great sense of humor made the experience both educational and entertaining. The pacing was perfect, and the atmosphere he created really set the tone for the tour. Highly recommend this to anyone looking for a unique and memorable way to explore the city!
Dark history of Edinburgh
April D,,Dec 14, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00We thoroughly enjoyed our walk around Edinburgh with Kieran who was great, he was very informative about the dark history of Edinburgh and took us to some interesting places, made much more interesting at night. Highly recommend this tour, thank you Kieran 😊
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Operated by All-Star Guides