Private Tour
Escape Old Edinburgh with a Thrilling Outdoor Puzzle Trail
Overview
2 hours
Mobile ticket
Step into Edinburgh's delightfully dark past with 'A Trail of Burke & Hare', an outdoor escape room experience that plunges you into the sinister legacy of the city’s most notorious murderers.
Traversing the old town's cobbled streets, you'll visit real locations from the Burke & Hare tale, uncovering clues and secrets hidden in plain sight. You'll follow genuine historical maps and solve physical escape room puzzles as you race against time to prevent another murder.
This thrilling 2-hour adventure invites teams of 2 to 30 to engage in a unique blend of storytelling and interactive problem-solving, all while enjoying a scenic walk through Edinburgh’s macabre past.
Additional Info
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
Wheelchair accessible
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
The trail should be suitable for well behaved pets (dogs must be kept on a lead)
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What To Expect
Our city trails are like outdoor escape rooms! A cross between a scavenger hunt, a treasure hunt, and a self-guided walking tour. Expertly researched and crafted, we combine technology with real locks, props and puzzles to deliver a fun, engaging experience that shines a light on Edinburgh’s dark past. 1. Gather your team at our central Edinburgh location to collect your satchel & learn about the trail ahead. You'll be advised of the latest time the satchel must be returned. 2. Follow the map to discover real locations from the story, solving escape room style puzzles en route. Allow about 2 hours and expect to cover about 4-5km. Feel free to stop for coffee or grab lunch en-route. 3. Solve the puzzles to complete the story. You'll need items from the satchel, information from the urban environment and a mobile phone with internet access. Return the satchel and claim your prize! Escape The Past are located at BF01, 25 Nicolson Square, just a 5 minute walk from the Royal Mile. The activity lasts approximately 2 hours and covers around 5km.
What‘s Included
A private booking for 'A Trail of Burke & Hare'
Options
A Trail of Burke & Hare
Reviews
30 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Puzzle-Solving Meets Sightseeing
Vacation00967796644,,Feb 9, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had a great time! Despite all of us being familiar with Edinburgh, it was interesting to see some bits we hadn't explored and learning a little of the history. Our host was great and really helped to set the mood. The tour took just less than 2 hours which was perfect, the puzzles wern't difficult to work out so it would be great for younger family members. Lots of walking and hills though could be challenging for young ones and those with mobility issues. The props were excellent and really helped with the atmosphere. We went on a sunday afternoon in February and mostly it wasn't busy but still the tourist hotspots were a little crowded. We really enjoyed our experience and would happily recommend it.
Brilliant experience
834catherinem,,Jan 12, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We really enjoyed the Burke and Hare outdoor escape room. It’s themed on the story of Burke and Hare, and takes you on a walking route through the old town, solving puzzles as you go. There is a real box with padlocks on it, and to succeed you have to solve the puzzles to get the numbers to open the padlocks. It was not too difficult, and was really good fun, with lots of interesting facts about Burke and Hare along the way. It took us about 2.5 hours, but we did stop along the way for drinks 😁
Burke & Hare brilliant fun 🎉
JWinGuildford,,Dec 29, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00An excellent way to explore parts of Edinburgh we wouldn’t normally while using the brain cells along the way! Fab fun :-)
Fun Challenge
happy2try,,Nov 30, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Really enjoyed this fun, clever game. We learned a few things and visited places we hadn’t been to before. Would highly recommend.
Great fun
Lizlawr,,Nov 17, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Great way to explore the old town. We really enjoyed the puzzles and the history. Well designed and just the right length for an afternoon walk .
Fun, excitement and top support – highly recommended!
334piao,,Nov 3, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We participated in the Outdoor Escape Game and are absolutely thrilled! It was an exciting, creative and super entertaining experience. We had an incredible time and can really recommend it to anyone. Special praise goes to our gamemaster Edmund: He introduced us to the game with a lot of enthusiasm and passion, explained everything excellently and created a great atmosphere. Thanks for this unforgettable adventure!
Amazing, will go again
942kirstyd,,Oct 30, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We went as a way to explore some of the Old Town and had an amazing experience! Beth was a great host and gave a really engaging performance! Would definitely recommend and will be back to do the others soon!
Brilliant, would come back for more!
meganlP8995DS,,Oct 30, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Really amazing experience! Beth was incredible! Thanks so much, would love to come back and do the inside rooms! Such a fun way to view the city!
Lots of fun - even in the rain!
KrisLamb1988,,Oct 13, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I did the outdoor activity with 3 friends and we had a blast! Everything from the introduction of the game to the clues and ending were all fab! Beth was great and was so good in character - highly recommended!
Escapists Enjoying Edinburgh
andrewhV6545UA,,Oct 10, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Done many indoor escape rooms, this was our first outdoor escape room and second outdoor puzzle solving adventure. Had a great time and absolutely love the use of hidden local history bits as clues. Great adventure and highly recommend!
Related Experiences
Operated by Escape The Past