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‘s Included
In-Person guide
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.
Options
Edinburgh - Dark History
Reviews
784 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Fabulous and informative
M9092HRhilaryc,
Nov 20, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Really fascinating,Kieron was a mine of information and a natural performer. His stories were engaging and brought the history to life. His recommendations were on the money too!
★★★★★ A Fantastic Tour, Despite the Weather!
P6326ILandream,
Nov 17, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I had a wonderful time on this tour, largely thanks to our guide, Robert. He was absolutely amazing—his knowledge was impressive, and he presented information in a way that was both engaging and easy to understand. The tour itself was perfectly structured. It was very informative without being overwhelming, and the way the subjects flowed seamlessly from one to the next made the entire experience feel cohesive and well-choreographed. It was clear a lot of thought went into the planning. My only wish is that the weather had been nicer so I could have fully enjoyed the outdoor portions, but that's hardly the tour's fault! It's a testament to Robert's skill that I still had a great time. I highly recommend this tour!
Great tour
O8171VEkatew,
Nov 16, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Really interesting and well delivered. Both informative and fun, even in the grim weather! Plenty of stops for stories, the time flew by.
Highly Informative Tours in Edinburgh
Carina A,
Nov 12, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We took the Dark History tour yesterday and it was Great! James was an incredible guide. He made the gruesome stories super detailed yet still entertaining and really informative. We enjoyed it so much that we decided to join the Edinburgh Castle tour today, which was already on our list anyway. Laura was fantastic on this tour too, making it just as great. We warmly recommend both if you value engaging and very informative tours.
James was phenomenal. The...
Amanda H,
Nov 12, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00James was phenomenal. The tour was insightful and entertaining highly recommend it to anyone visiting.
Great, unique tour!
Courtney D,
Nov 11, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Learned so much on this tour. Be prepared for lots of walking and weather changes - but that's a given in Scotland. Would definitely recommend!
Brilliant tour - recommend for visitors and residents!
Scenic63456605135,
Nov 10, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Fantastic tour, as an Edinburgh resident I learned so much about our city's past and got to see and hear about some of it's hidden landmarks that I otherwise would not have noticed! Kieran was an excellent tour guide, made everyone feel very welcome and was extremely knowledgeable and engaging throughout. Highly recommend this tour for visitors and residents alike, thank you Kieran!
Great tour, learned a ton!
L9015HFmarinam,
Nov 9, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Highly recommend! James was an excellent tour guide - he gave us a really fascinating insight into different parts of Edinburgh’s history and the darker, more human side of the beautiful and historic old city. You could really tell he has a deep knowledge of the history, but also made it fun and engaging. The night tour option also provided some spooky ambiance!
Glad I booked this tour !!!!
D9101GRalicial,
Nov 9, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Loved, loved, loved the tour! It was really interesting, and James is so good at telling those stories. I was very intrigued and wanted to learn more about the history of Edinburgh after this. Definitely recommend it to everyone who wants some dark stories!
Good narrator
Elke M,
Nov 9, 2025
- Review from Viator
4.00English with accent not easy to understand. The narrator did well. Not physically strenuous.
From £16.00
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Operated by All-Star Guides