Edinburgh: Ghost Tour of Old Town, Cemeteries & Murders

Summary

Dark legends, hidden alleys and chilling stories in Edinburgh’s Old Town

You’ll walk twisting alleys by lantern light, hear real stories of plague doctors and body snatchers from your local guide, stand among ancient graves in Edinburgh’s cemeteries, and maybe even laugh nervously at tales of witches or faeries. The city’s dark past feels close—and you’ll probably find yourself glancing over your shoulder more than once.

What’s the experience like?

We slipped off the Royal Mile just as the last bit of daylight was fading — I remember the way the old stones felt cool under my shoes, and how our guide, Jamie, grinned like he knew something we didn’t. He started right away with a story about the Black Death. I could almost smell damp earth and smoke as he described how people tried to fight off the plague with those bird masks (they look even stranger up close, by the way). I’d never thought about what it must’ve sounded like on these streets back then — all that chaos. Jamie made us pause in one alley and just listen for a second. It was quiet except for someone laughing far off, which somehow made it creepier.

We wandered through Old Calton Cemetery after that. The air felt heavier there — maybe it was just my imagination or maybe everyone else felt it too because nobody talked much. Jamie pointed out Burke and Hare’s old haunts (he called them “the worst kind of entrepreneurs”), and I swear I got goosebumps when he told us how bodies used to vanish from fresh graves. There was this moment where he asked if any of us would’ve survived those witch trials. Someone joked that their cooking might get them burned at the stake — we all laughed but then you think about what actually happened here, and it sticks with you.

Canongate Kirkyard looked almost peaceful in the dusk but hearing about Scotland’s faeries and warlocks gave it a weird edge. Jamie said locals still leave little offerings sometimes — I spotted a tiny pile of coins near one headstone, no idea if that was for luck or something else. The tour kept weaving between grim facts and odd bits of folklore; honestly, I didn’t expect to feel so much walking around at night with strangers. Edinburgh ghost tour stories hit different when you’re standing right where they happened.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Edinburgh's dark history

• Learn about 17th century alleys
• Discuss 19th century corpse black market
• Hear about serial killers Burke and Hare
• Visit Old Calton Cemetery
• Visit Canongate Kirkyard

Top questions

How long does the Edinburgh ghost tour last?

The duration isn’t specified, but most walking tours in Edinburgh last 1-2 hours.

Does the tour visit Old Calton Cemetery?

Yes, you’ll visit Old Calton Cemetery as part of the route.

Is this ghost tour suitable for pregnant travelers?

No, it’s not recommended for pregnant travelers.

Are public transportation options nearby?

Yes, there are public transportation options available nearby.

What main sites are included on this Edinburgh ghost tour?

The tour includes Royal Mile alleys, Old Calton Cemetery, and Canongate Kirkyard.

Will there be a local guide during the tour?

Yes, your experience includes a local tour guide throughout.

What’s included

Your evening includes guided storytelling from a local expert as you explore historic alleys along the Royal Mile plus visits to both Old Calton Cemetery and Canongate Kirkyard—no need to arrange transport as public options are close by.