Dark Shadows of Edinburgh
Traveler rating
5.0/5
Based on 13 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Dark Shadows of Edinburgh worth booking?
Dark Shadows of Edinburgh is a 1.3-hour experience in Edinburgh, United Kingdom, from $22 per person. It scores 70 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Strongly Recommended”, based on a 5/5 rating across 13 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 70 / 100
- Rating
- 5/5 (13)
- Duration
- 1.3 hours
- From
- $22 per person
Dark Shadows of Edinburgh isn't simply a ghost tour—it's an immersive storytelling experience that reveals the darker side of Scotland's capital through one continuous narrative. Rather than jumping from one unrelated ghost story to the next, every stop, location and character helps uncover how Edinburgh earned its reputation as one of Europe's darkest cities. Walk the atmospheric streets of the Old Town as you encounter infamous criminals, accused witches, sinister legends and chilling true stories. From Plotcock and the Lost Piper to Deacon Brodie, Major Weir, Half-Hangit Maggie and Burke & Hare, each story builds upon the last, creating an unforgettable journey through history, folklore and mystery. With expert guides, immersive storytelling and carefully researched history, Dark Shadows of Edinburgh offers a unique perspective that goes far beyond the traditional ghost tour.
What you get
About this experience
Dark Shadows of Edinburgh isn't simply a ghost tour—it's an immersive storytelling experience that reveals the darker side of Scotland's capital through one continuous narrative. Rather than jumping from one unrelated ghost story to the next, every stop, location and character helps uncover how Edinburgh earned its reputation as one of Europe's darkest cities. Walk the atmospheric streets of the Old Town as you encounter infamous criminals, accused witches, sinister legends and chilling true stories. From Plotcock and the Lost Piper to Deacon Brodie, Major Weir, Half-Hangit Maggie and Burke & Hare, each story builds upon the last, creating an unforgettable journey through history, folklore and mystery. With expert guides, immersive storytelling and carefully researched history, Dark Shadows of Edinburgh offers a unique perspective that goes far beyond the traditional ghost tour.
What's included
Included
- Expert storytellers
What you'll see and do
Mercat Cross
The Mercat Cross was normally a place of trade, but once A dark figure made and eerie prediction
10 minutes here
Brodie's Close- Edinburgh
Hear the story of the man who inspired Jekyll and Hyde.
10 minutes here
Victoria Street
The street famous for inspiring Diagon Alley hold a dark tale
10 minutes here
Grassmarket
Hear of the notorious Grave robbers and the woman who survived the Hagmans noose.
15 minutes here
Greyfriars
The home of one of Edinburg's most notorious Polterguists.
15 minutes here
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Edinburgh
Go to the Tron Kirk on the Royal Mile. Head slightly down toward Hunter Square, and you will see The Pipers ' Rest. We will meet outside this Venue.
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
We will end inside the world famous Greyfriars Kirkyard.
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- en
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 2 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Experience Edinburgh
Know before you go
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Photos
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 13 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
Knowledge and storytelling
10 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
The guide
7 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Traveler reviews
13 verified traveler reviews for Dark Shadows of Edinburgh. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Highly recommend for everyone
I'm a local, I did a weekend evening tour with Agnes. I've been on other ghost tours before and was glad this one covered new things that I hadn't heard before. I guide was very knowledgeable and took time for answering questions and ensuring everyone understood her as English wasn't everyone's first language. I would recommend the tour for locals and tourists. My only feedback is for the meeting point. It is easy to miss as there isn't any signage at all. There's a blue door to the left of piper rest where your guide meets you, it would be good to have a large sign somewhere to it's easier to spot and gives people more confidence they're in the right place.
Response from the operator: Hello. We are so glad you enjoyed your tour, and thank you for your feedback. We will look into having something more visible to make it more obvious.
via Tripadvisor
Very good tour!
Agnes was absolutely amazing. Very nice pace, the stories were interesting and the time was respected. She was a lovely guide
Response from the operator: Hello. We are very glad you enjoyed your tour with Agnes, and that you enjoyed your tour.
via Tripadvisor
Shadowy stories with a charming host.
My costumed guide, “Agnes Finnie,” (who bears a remarkable resemblance to Maggie Dickson) was a delightful host through the shadowy stories of old Edinburgh. Her enthusiasm and professionalism were outstanding, and her knowledge and patience with my many questions adjacent to the tour’s stories was impressive. She is a sweet and fun guide and a great talent for the team at Experience Edinburgh.
Response from the operator: Hello. Thank you so much for joining Agnes on a wee walk. We are so glad you enjoyed your time with us and hope to see you again on one of our other experiences.
via Tripadvisor
Best Spooky Tour!!
Had a great tour with Agnes Finnie! She was really engaging, funny and knowledgeable, and made the stories of Edinburgh’s dark history so interesting. Would definitely recommend this tour!
Response from the operator: Thank you so much for joining us and we are glad you enjoyed your time with Agnes.
via Tripadvisor
A fun ghost tour!
A fun and atmospheric ghost tour through Edinburgh. Agnes was an enthusiastic guide who told the stories in an engaging and entertaining way. Definitely recommended!
Response from the operator: Thank you for joining us for an evening. We are so glad you enjoyed your time with us.
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 1.3 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 5
- Verdict
- Strongly Recommended
Why this scores 70
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Dark Shadows of Edinburgh: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Edinburgh.
How much does Dark Shadows of Edinburgh cost?
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Prices start at $22 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Edinburgh usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Dark Shadows of Edinburgh take?
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Plan for about 1.3 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Edinburgh is not rushed.
Is Dark Shadows of Edinburgh worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 70 out of 100, which we label "Strongly Recommended". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 13 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Edinburgh, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Dark Shadows of Edinburgh?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Dark Shadows of Edinburgh suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 1.3-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Dark Shadows of Edinburgh?
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Around 5 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Edinburgh can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Edinburgh and add a light layer if any part of the 1.3-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Dark Shadows of Edinburgh start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Edinburgh within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Edinburgh?
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On Outty we rank every Edinburgh experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include The Chocolatarium Chocolate Tour Experience in Edinburgh, The Mountebank Comedy Walk of Edinburgh, Edinburgh Old Town: Historical Guided Walking Tour. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Edinburgh?
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Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Edinburgh?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
What is included in Dark Shadows of Edinburgh?
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Included: Expert storytellers. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Where is the meeting point for Dark Shadows of Edinburgh?
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Go to the Tron Kirk on the Royal Mile. Head slightly down toward Hunter Square, and you will see The Pipers ' Rest. We will meet outside this Venue. Hotel pickup is not included, so plan your own transport and arrive 15 minutes early.
What languages is Dark Shadows of Edinburgh offered in?
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It runs in English. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.
Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Dark Shadows of Edinburgh?
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Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.
Is Dark Shadows of Edinburgh wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller; and Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to Dark Shadows of Edinburgh if the weather is bad?
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This experience depends on good weather. If it is canceled because of poor weather, you are offered a different date or a full refund.
What do travelers say about Dark Shadows of Edinburgh?
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Across 13 reviews averaging 5.0 out of 5, recurring themes include knowledge and storytelling, the guide. Reviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
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