Edinburgh: Darkside Walking Tour, Murders & Haunted Cemeteries

Summary

Edinburgh’s shadows come alive with legends, witches and uneasy laughter

You’ll walk Edinburgh’s cobbled streets after dark with a local guide who knows every eerie tale—from body-snatchers on the Royal Mile to haunted corners of Calton Hill and chilling cemeteries. Expect laughter mixed with shivers as stories unfold among gravestones and shadowy closes. It’s not just history—it feels personal, unsettling, sometimes funny. That last pint near the Royal Mile hits different after all those ghost stories.

What’s the experience like?

We met right on the Royal Mile, just as the street lamps flickered on and the air felt heavy with that damp Scottish chill. Our guide—Jamie, with this dry wit and a scarf that looked older than me—started us off with a story about body-snatchers so casually I almost missed how gruesome it was. The stones underfoot were slick from earlier rain; I kept glancing at the alleys we passed, half-expecting something to move in the corners. Jamie pointed out a window above a shop where someone once claimed to see a vampire. He grinned when he said it—maybe he didn’t believe it either, but in that moment, I kind of did.

We wound through courtyards that felt too quiet for a city center. At North Bridge, you could hear traffic humming above but down here it was just our group and Jamie’s voice echoing off the old walls. He told us about witch trials on Calton Hill—honestly, I got goosebumps when he described how people would gather to watch. There was this odd smell of wet earth mixed with something sweeter (maybe flowers from someone’s pocket?) as we climbed up for a view of Edinburgh’s skyline. It wasn’t all horror though; Jamie made some joke about modern pagans at Beltane Festival and one woman in our group snorted so loud she startled herself.

The Old Calton Burial Ground was colder than outside—I swear even my breath sounded different there. We paused by David Hume’s mausoleum and Jamie leaned in like he was letting us in on a secret: “Some say he bargained with the devil himself.” Someone behind me muttered “hope he got a good deal.” I still think about those gravestones leaning together like they’re whispering old gossip. We didn’t see any ghosts (unless you count that one stray cat), but honestly, I left feeling like maybe you don’t need to.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Edinburgh dark side walking tour

• Meet guide on Royal Mile
• Walk through dark courtyards and alleys
• Hear stories of executions and witchcraft
• Visit North Bridge
• Climb Calton Hill for city views
• Learn about witch trials and pagan rituals
• Visit Old Calton Burial Ground cemetery
• See David Hume’s mausoleum and hear Burke and Hare tales
• Alternatively visit Canongate Kirkyard cemetery
• Tour ends at local pub near Royal Mile

Top questions

How long does the Edinburgh Darkside Walking Tour last?

The tour lasts about two hours.

Where does the tour start?

You meet your guide on Edinburgh’s Royal Mile in the Old Town.

Does this tour include cemetery visits?

Yes, you’ll visit either Old Calton Burial Ground or Canongate Kirkyard during the tour.

Are there any staged scares or actors?

No, there are no gimmicks or staged scares—just real stories from your guide.

Is this walking tour suitable for wheelchairs?

No, due to narrow stairways and steep hills, it is not recommended for guests in wheelchairs.

Will we hear about witch trials and body-snatchers?

Yes, stories include witch trials on Calton Hill and infamous body-snatchers like Burke and Hare.

Does the tour end at a pub?

The tour finishes near a local pub close to the Royal Mile where you can buy a drink if you want.

Is public transportation nearby?

Yes, there are public transportation options near both start and end points.

What’s included

Your evening includes an entertaining local guide leading you through Edinburgh’s Old Town streets and cemeteries; all storytelling is included but drinks at the final pub are not part of the price—you can grab your own pint or whisky if you like before heading home.