
Edinburgh True Crime Audio Tour with A Former Detective
Traveler rating
5.0/5
Based on 4 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Edinburgh True Crime Audio Tour with A Former Detective worth booking?
Edinburgh True Crime Audio Tour with A Former Detective is a 2.5-hour experience in Edinburgh, United Kingdom, from $15 per person. It scores 65 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Solid Choice”, based on a 5/5 rating across 4 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 65 / 100
- Rating
- 5/5 (4)
- Duration
- 2.5 hours
- From
- $15 per person
This self-guided audio tour uncovers Edinburgh's darkest history, narrated by a former Detective Sergeant with 27 years of policing experience. Starting where Cockburn Street meets the Royal Mile, you'll trace centuries of crime and punishment through the Old Town. You'll walk past the feared Calton Jail and Greyfriars Kirkyard, once stalked by grave robbers who supplied Burke and Hare's victims to the city's anatomy schools. In the Grassmarket, where public executions once drew crowds, you'll hear how Half-Hangit Maggie survived her own hanging, and the true story of Deacon Brodie, the respectable tradesman turned burglar who inspired Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde. You'll also learn how the 1977 World's End Murders were solved decades later by DNA evidence, before ending on the Castle Esplanade, once used for witch burnings. This tour is perfect for true crime fans and history buffs. After booking, install the VoiceMap app and enter your ticket code to download and start touring.
What you get
About this experience
This self-guided audio tour uncovers Edinburgh's darkest history, narrated by a former Detective Sergeant with 27 years of policing experience. Starting where Cockburn Street meets the Royal Mile, you'll trace centuries of crime and punishment through the Old Town. You'll walk past the feared Calton Jail and Greyfriars Kirkyard, once stalked by grave robbers who supplied Burke and Hare's victims to the city's anatomy schools. In the Grassmarket, where public executions once drew crowds, you'll hear how Half-Hangit Maggie survived her own hanging, and the true story of Deacon Brodie, the respectable tradesman turned burglar who inspired Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde. You'll also learn how the 1977 World's End Murders were solved decades later by DNA evidence, before ending on the Castle Esplanade, once used for witch burnings. This tour is perfect for true crime fans and history buffs. After booking, install the VoiceMap app and enter your ticket code to download and start touring.
What's included
Included
- Directions to the starting point so that when you're in the right place, the tour will start
- Lifetime access to this tour in English before your booking date and after it
- Offline access to audio, maps, and geodata
- App for Android and iOS
- Flexibility to explore at your own pace with a self-guided GPS tour
Not included
- Smartphone and headphones
- An in-person guide
- Transportation
- Food and drink
- Personal expenses for admission fees not included during the tour
What you'll see and do
On this audio tour, you’ll uncover the city’s shadowy history through real murder cases, infamous criminals, and the evolution of Scottish law enforcement - all guided by a former Detective Sergeant with 27 years of frontline experience.
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Calton Hill
You'll have a chance to view the locations of the once-feared Calton Jail, the Canongate Tolbooth where prisoners awaited their fate, and pass the Heart of Midlothian mosaic, marking the previous entrance to the city’s most notorious prison.
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You'll pass by Tolbooth Tavern and learn how its connected to Edinburgh's history of crime.
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Bakehouse Close
You'll visit Bakehouse Close—featured in Outlander—with views of Arthur’s Seat, linked to a recent murder case.
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St Giles' Cathedral
You'll see St Giles' Cathedral and learn how its connnected to Edinburgh's darker history.
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Scott Monument
You'll pass by the Scott Monument and learn about Scott while you walk.
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You'll learn about the Scottish courts of law and from there, venture into the eerie Greyfriars Kirkyard - once stalked by grave robbers supplying bodies to anatomy schools—and continue to the Grassmarket, where public executions once drew huge crowds.
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The Vennel Viewpoint Edinburgh Castle
The Vennel Viewpoint Edinburgh Castle
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Brodie's Close- Edinburgh
At Brodie's Close, you’ll hear the story of William “Deacon” Brodie - respected tradesman by day, burglar by night - whose double life inspired Robert Louis Stevenson’s Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde.
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Edinburgh Castle
The tour concludes on the Castle Esplanade, a place once used for military executions and witch burnings, offering sweeping views across the city.
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Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Edinburgh
This tour starts opposite the Tron Kirk Market. Before arrival, please install the mobile app and use the code provided on your confirmation ticket. Detailed starting point instructions are available after downloading.
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
This self-guided audio tour ends in front of Edinburgh Castle, near the Witches Well.
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 15 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- VoiceMap Audio Tours
Know before you go
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Photos






What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 4 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
Knowledge and storytelling
4 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
The guide
2 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Photo opportunities
1 mentionThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
Traveler reviews
4 verified traveler reviews for Edinburgh True Crime Audio Tour with A Former Detective. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Highly recommend
Highly recommend this tour. So interesting to hear about old and new crimes that were brought to life from such a knowledgeable and engaging guide. The tour itself flowed so well and takes you to beautiful areas of Edinburgh. I saw parts that l've never been before. Would recommend this fantastic tour for both locals and tourists.
via Tripadvisor
Fascinating True Crime Tour
If you’re looking for a fascinating glimpse into Edinburgh’s darker past, this tour is an absolute must\. It expertly explores some of the city’s most infamous murders, from centuries\-old crimes to more recent cases, all brought to life by a guide with an exceptional knowledge of the subject\. What really sets this tour apart is the guide himself\. His years of policing experience add a unique authenticity, and he effortlessly weaves in captivating anecdotes and fascinating police insights that you simply won’t hear anywhere else\. Informative, entertaining and thought\-provoking from start to finish, this was one of the highlights of our visit to Edinburgh\. Highly recommended\.
via Tripadvisor
Very educational tour!
Amazing tour! As a visitor to Edinburgh, I loved exploring parts of the city I would never have found myself. The retired detective narrator was excellent. His personal stories made everything feel real and kept me hooked. The memory and observation challenges were a fun touch, and the mix of old and modern crime stories was fascinating. Edinburgh is such a beautiful city too, so I ended up taking loads of great photos along the route. Highly recommend if you enjoy true crime and want to see a different side of Edinburgh.
via Tripadvisor
Great tour in a beautiful city
Really enjoyed our tour, easy to navigate and download. Loads of interesting facts about this beautiful city. Very informative especially relating to first hand experiences from an ex police officer.
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 2.5 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
- 1
- Verdict
- Solid Choice
Who runs this experience
Operated by VoiceMap Audio Tours, who run 703 experiences we rank across 222 cities, with an average Outty Ranking of 54.8.
See everything VoiceMap Audio Tours runsWhy this scores 65
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Edinburgh True Crime Audio Tour with A Former Detective: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Edinburgh.
How much does Edinburgh True Crime Audio Tour with A Former Detective cost?
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Prices start at $15 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 True Crime Audio Tour with A Former Detective take?
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Plan for about 2.5 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 True Crime Audio Tour with A Former Detective worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 65 out of 100, which we label "Solid Choice". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 4 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 True Crime Audio Tour with A Former Detective?
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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 True Crime Audio Tour with A Former Detective suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 2.5-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Edinburgh True Crime Audio Tour with A Former Detective?
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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 2.5-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Edinburgh True Crime Audio Tour with A Former Detective 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 True Crime Audio Tour with A Former Detective?
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Included: Directions to the starting point so that when you're in the right place, the tour will sta; Lifetime access to this tour in English before your booking date and after it; Offline access to audio, maps, and geodata; App for Android and iOS; and Flexibility to explore at your own pace with a self-guided GPS tour. Not included: Smartphone and headphones; An in-person guide; Transportation; and Food and drink. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Where is the meeting point for Edinburgh True Crime Audio Tour with A Former Detective?
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This tour starts opposite the Tron Kirk Market. Before arrival, please install the mobile app and use the code provided on your confirmation ticket. Detailed starting point instructions are available after downloading. Hotel pickup is not included, so plan your own transport and arrive 15 minutes early.
What languages is Edinburgh True Crime Audio Tour with A Former Detective 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 Edinburgh True Crime Audio Tour with A Former Detective?
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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.
What happens to Edinburgh True Crime Audio Tour with A Former Detective 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 True Crime Audio Tour with A Former Detective?
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Across 4 reviews averaging 5.0 out of 5, recurring themes include knowledge and storytelling, the guide, photo opportunities. Reviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
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