Edinburgh: Dark History Walking Tour & Royal Mile Stories

Summary

Edinburgh’s secrets echo along the Royal Mile at dusk

You’ll walk Edinburgh’s Royal Mile with a local guide who brings dark history to life — from execution sites at St. Giles’ Cathedral to secret graves near The Canongate. Expect stories of murderers, plague, and strange traditions that linger in these ancient stones. You’ll leave seeing Edinburgh’s shadows differently.

What’s the experience like?

We started off weaving through the Royal Mile, shoes clapping on old stone, following our guide — I think her name was Isla — who carried this battered notebook full of scribbled facts and weird little jokes. She had a way of pausing right before the really grisly bits, letting you feel the weight of the silence. The air smelled faintly damp, like moss and old paper. I kept glancing up at those crooked tenements, thinking about what (or who) might’ve been tossed from a window centuries ago. It’s not a ghost tour, but honestly, you don’t need jump scares when you’re hearing about real hangings where people now just queue for coffee.

We stopped by what looked like an ordinary car park, but Isla pointed out it used to be something else entirely — apparently, one of Scotland’s most controversial figures is buried there. She told us about Sir Walter Scott and the Old Tollbooth; I’d never heard of “the Heart of Midlothian” before, but suddenly it made sense why people spit on that spot (she demonstrated — not gonna lie, I laughed). The stories got darker as we went: executions inside St. Giles’ Cathedral (never would’ve guessed), plague pits under our feet, and this wild tradition involving chamber pots that I’m still trying to un-hear.

Somewhere near John Knox House, Isla slowed down so we could see how the 16th-century architecture twists into itself — she called it “authentic,” which made me wonder what counts as real in a city built on bones and secrets. By the time we reached The Canongate graveyard, dusk was settling in. There was this odd hush among our group while she talked about body snatchers and cannibals; even the traffic seemed to fade out for a minute. Someone asked if she believed in ghosts — she just grinned and said Edinburgh doesn’t need them to be haunted.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Edinburgh's dark history

• Walk down the Royal Mile
• Visit Old Tollbooth site
• See burial place at St. Giles’ Cathedral
• Learn about execution site at St. Giles Cathedral
• Hear about Black Plague and sanitation
• Explore 16th century architecture at John Knox House
• Wander graves and hear ghost stories at The Canongate

Top questions

Is this Edinburgh dark history tour suitable for kids?

The tour is suitable for all ages and fitness levels; infants can ride in strollers.

Does the tour include inside visits to St. Giles’ Cathedral?

The tour discusses St. Giles’ Cathedral and its history but does not specify entry inside.

How long is the walking route on this Edinburgh dark history tour?

The walking route follows the Royal Mile with several stops including John Knox House and The Canongate.

Is the Edinburgh dark history walking tour wheelchair accessible?

Yes, all areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible; service animals are allowed too.

Will there be ghost stories or actors jumping out?

No costumes or actors; only true historical stories are shared by your guide.

Does this tour include hotel pickup?

No hotel pickup is included; you meet your guide at the starting point on the Royal Mile.

What’s included

Your evening includes an in-person local guide leading you through Edinburgh’s Royal Mile, past historic sites like John Knox House and St. Giles’ Cathedral — all fully accessible for wheelchairs or strollers, with plenty of stories you probably won’t forget anytime soon.