
Edinburgh's Dark and Sinister History Walking Tour
Traveler rating
5.0/5
Based on 3 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Edinburgh's Dark and Sinister History Walking Tour worth booking?
Edinburgh's Dark and Sinister History Walking Tour is a 1.5-hour experience in Edinburgh, United Kingdom, from $22 per person. It scores 64 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Solid Choice”, based on a 5/5 rating across 3 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 64 / 100
- Rating
- 5/5 (3)
- Duration
- 1.5 hours
- From
- $22 per person
What’s reported to be the most haunted place in Edinburgh? What inspired the story of Dr Jekyll and My Hyde? What happened to witched in medieval Edinburgh? Where is Voldemort buried? All these questions answered and more! Walk with me through the uneasy history of Edinburgh’s dark side. We’ll start at Edinburgh’s most infamous cemetery and then walk the footsteps of criminals, witches, tragedy and maybe even ghosts. You’ll learn about the city’s blood soaked past through locations, anecdotes and stories - and some hidden gems. You’ll be guided through the streets of Edinburgh’s Old Town at a gentle pace to see some amazing locations and be shown pictures on a screen to bring the history to life. You’ll get a specially designed souvenir map, a tour guidebook and the opportunity to win a prize. Wear comfortable shoes for walking and be aware that there are no public toilets on the route. Some topics may be unsuitable for young children.
What you get
About this experience
What’s reported to be the most haunted place in Edinburgh? What inspired the story of Dr Jekyll and My Hyde? What happened to witched in medieval Edinburgh? Where is Voldemort buried? All these questions answered and more! Walk with me through the uneasy history of Edinburgh’s dark side. We’ll start at Edinburgh’s most infamous cemetery and then walk the footsteps of criminals, witches, tragedy and maybe even ghosts. You’ll learn about the city’s blood soaked past through locations, anecdotes and stories - and some hidden gems. You’ll be guided through the streets of Edinburgh’s Old Town at a gentle pace to see some amazing locations and be shown pictures on a screen to bring the history to life. You’ll get a specially designed souvenir map, a tour guidebook and the opportunity to win a prize. Wear comfortable shoes for walking and be aware that there are no public toilets on the route. Some topics may be unsuitable for young children.
What's included
Included
- Leaflets and flyers to all attractions of interest.
- English Speaking and Written Guide
Not included
- Any entrance to attractions we pass
What you'll see and do
Greyfriars Kirk
A hot spot of the darker side of Edinburgh including Greyfriars Bobby, The Covenanters Prison and some Harry Potter points of interest!
Pass by without stopping
Grassmarket
A place where public executions occurred and also some ghostly tales.
Pass by without stopping
Royal Mile
Including Advocates Close, The Castle, Mary Kings Close, Old Fishmarket Close and Paisley Close - all with tales of death and criminality.
Pass by without stopping
Edinburgh Castle
The centre of this historic city, with a lot of bloody history.
Pass by without stopping
Paisley Close
The history of the tragedy of Paisley Close.
Pass by without stopping
John Knox House Museum
See the house once occupied by a key character in the reformation, John Knox.
Pass by without stopping
Flodden Wall
See one of the last remaining parts of the famous Flodden Wall.
Pass by without stopping
See the lowest part of the Old Town where the slums used to be.
Pass by without stopping
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Edinburgh
Go to the main Entrance of the National Museum of Scotland and we will meet outside by the stirs (between the 2 purple 'Entrance' banners). It is on Chambers Street accessibly via South Bridge or George IV Bridge. It is a short walk from the Royal mIle.
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
Go to the main Entrance of the National Museum of Scotland and we will meet outside by the stirs (between the 2 purple 'Entrance' banners). It is on Chambers Street accessibly via South Bridge or George IV Bridge. It is a short walk from the Royal mIle.
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- de, en, it, fr, es
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Fri
- Group size
- Up to 10 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Rob Lucas
Know before you go
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Photos






What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 3 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
2 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Knowledge and storytelling
2 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Photo opportunities
1 mentionThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
Traveler reviews
3 verified traveler reviews for Edinburgh's Dark and Sinister History Walking Tour. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Great experience for history buffs and occult enthusiasts
My partner and I went on this walking tour and were so enamored in the stories and scenery that our guide shared with us. This was truly a great tour and an excellent start to our holiday!
via Viator
Lovely time with our...
Lovely time with our guide. Stories, legends, facts all around the old town of Edinburgh. Very positive expérience
Response from the operator: Thank you, I enjoyed showing you around!
via Viator
Fun evening walking tour!
It was great! Rob was terrific and we saw a lot of interesting things. Definitely got our steps in and felt like we saw a lot of the city.
Response from the operator: Thank you! I'm so pleased you enjoyed it. Have a great rest of your trip.
via Viator
Good to know
- Duration
- 1.5 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Fri
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 1
- Verdict
- Solid Choice
Why this scores 64
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Edinburgh's Dark and Sinister History Walking Tour: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Edinburgh.
How much does Edinburgh's Dark and Sinister History Walking Tour 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 Edinburgh's Dark and Sinister History Walking Tour take?
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Plan for about 1.5 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 Edinburgh's Dark and Sinister History Walking Tour worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 64 out of 100, which we label "Solid Choice". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 3 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 Edinburgh's Dark and Sinister History Walking Tour?
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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 Edinburgh's Dark and Sinister History Walking Tour suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 1.5-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Edinburgh's Dark and Sinister History Walking Tour?
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Around 1 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 1.5-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Edinburgh's Dark and Sinister History Walking Tour 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 Edinburgh's Dark and Sinister History Walking Tour?
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Included: Leaflets and flyers to all attractions of interest; and English Speaking and Written Guide. Not included: Any entrance to attractions we pass. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Where is the meeting point for Edinburgh's Dark and Sinister History Walking Tour?
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Go to the main Entrance of the National Museum of Scotland and we will meet outside by the stirs (between the 2 purple 'Entrance' banners). It is on Chambers Street accessibly via South Bridge or George IV Bridge. Hotel pickup is not included, so plan your own transport and arrive 15 minutes early.
What languages is Edinburgh's Dark and Sinister History Walking Tour offered in?
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It is offered in German, English, Italian, French and Spanish. 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 Edinburgh's Dark and Sinister History Walking Tour?
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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 Edinburgh's Dark and Sinister History Walking Tour wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: Not recommended for pregnant travelers. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to Edinburgh's Dark and Sinister History Walking Tour if the weather is bad?
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It generally runs rain or shine, so dress for the forecast in Edinburgh. Standard cancellation terms apply: free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start.
What do travelers say about Edinburgh's Dark and Sinister History Walking Tour?
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Across 3 reviews averaging 5.0 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, knowledge and storytelling, photo opportunities. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
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