Ghosts of Edinburgh: Bloody Past Exploration Game and Tour
Traveler rating
4.0/5
Based on 28 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Ghosts of Edinburgh: Bloody Past Exploration Game and Tour worth booking?
Ghosts of Edinburgh: Bloody Past Exploration Game and Tour is a 1-hour experience in Edinburgh, United Kingdom, from $6 per person. It scores 57 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Worth a Look”, based on a 4/5 rating across 28 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 57 / 100
- Rating
- 4/5 (28)
- Duration
- 1 hours
- From
- $6 per person
Go on a haunted Edinburgh tour where you will follow clues to discover striking places and local stories. Play the role of a devilish staff on this spine-tingling walking tour, which takes you on a journey through some of the city’s most haunted places, including Greyfriars Kirkyard, the site of the Nor’ Loch and West Bow. Are you ready for a haunted walk around Edinburgh? Discover Edinburgh’s dark and bloody past, from the Great Scottish Witch Hunts to the Burke and Hare murders and learn about the haunting stories of the Wizard of West Bow, the Grey Lady, George Mackenzie and more. Explore the many sites where public executions were held and visit the hall containing a book made of William Burke’s flesh Try a new type of experience, the perfect mix between a tour, an outdoor escape game, and a treasure hunt.
What you get
About this experience
Go on a haunted Edinburgh tour where you will follow clues to discover striking places and local stories. Play the role of a devilish staff on this spine-tingling walking tour, which takes you on a journey through some of the city’s most haunted places, including Greyfriars Kirkyard, the site of the Nor’ Loch and West Bow. Are you ready for a haunted walk around Edinburgh? Discover Edinburgh’s dark and bloody past, from the Great Scottish Witch Hunts to the Burke and Hare murders and learn about the haunting stories of the Wizard of West Bow, the Grey Lady, George Mackenzie and more. Explore the many sites where public executions were held and visit the hall containing a book made of William Burke’s flesh Try a new type of experience, the perfect mix between a tour, an outdoor escape game, and a treasure hunt.
What's included
Included
- Full flexibility: start at any hour, take a break at any time and resume later
- Play offline: you DON'T NEED an internet connection to play this city game
- This experience can be played anytime after booking without rescheduling
- If your group is larger than 15 people, no worries. Just make multiple bookings.
Not included
- A physical tour guide
What you'll see and do
The Mound is an artificial slope in central Edinburgh, Scotland, which connects Edinburgh's New and Old Towns. It was formed by dumping around 1,501,000 cartloads of earth excavated from the foundations of the New Town into Nor Loch which was drained in 1765 and forms today's Princes Street Gardens. Here you will have to look around to find the answer to our challenge to advance to the new location and learn the story of this place.
Pass by without stopping
Edinburgh Castle
Edinburgh Castle is a historic fortress which dominates the skyline of Edinburgh, the capital city of Scotland, from its position on the Castle Rock. Archaeologists have established human occupation of the rock since at least the Iron Age, although the nature of the early settlement is unclear. Here you will have to look around to find the answer to our challenge to advance to the new location and learn the story of this place.
Pass by without stopping
St Giles' Cathedral
The origins of St Giles' date back to about 1130 when a parish church was built to serve Edinburgh during the reign of King David I. The church was originally granted to the Lazarites, and its dedication was to St Giles as the patron saint of lepers (and subsequently of Edinburgh itself). Here you will have to look around to find the answer to our challenge to advance to the new location and learn the story of this place.
Pass by without stopping
The Real Mary King's Close
Mary King's Close is a historic close located under buildings on the Royal Mile, in the historic Old Town area of Edinburgh, Scotland. It took its name from one Mary King, a merchant burgess who resided on the Close in the 17th century. Here you will have to look around to find the answer to our challenge to advance to the new location and learn the story of this place.
Pass by without stopping
The Greyfriars Bobby Fountain in Edinburgh includes a life-size statue of Greyfriars Bobby created by William Brodie in 1872. It was paid for by a local aristocrat, Baroness Burdett-Coutts, and unveiled on 15 November 1873. It stands near the south (main) entrance to Greyfriars Kirkyard. Here you will have to look around to find the answer to our challenge to advance to the new location and learn the story of this place.
Pass by without stopping
Grassmarket
Dating back to the 1300s, The Grassmarket, Edinburgh was populated with cattle fairs and stables when around the 1670s the market became a trading point for goods. This is where it gets a bit macabre and grim, The Grassmarket was also a traditional place of public execution. Here you will have to look around to find the answer to our challenge to advance to the new location and learn the story of this place.
Pass by without stopping
New College was founded as the theological college of the Free Church of Scotland. It opened for classes in Edinburgh's New Town on 1 November 1843 before moving to the Mound soon after. Rev Dr Thomas Chalmers laid the foundation stone for the current building on 3 June 1846*.
Pass by without stopping
National Galleries Scotland: National
The Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art first opened in August 1960 at Inverleith House in Edinburgh's Royal Botanic Garden. It moved to its present site at Modern One on Belford Road in 1984. In March 1999, the National Galleries of Scotland opened Modern Two across the road from Modern One.
Pass by without stopping
Old College is a building of the University of Edinburgh, Scotland. It is located on South Bridge, and presently houses parts of the University's administration, the University of Edinburgh School of Law, and the Talbot Rice Gallery. Originally called the "New College", it was designed by Robert Adam to replace a number of older buildings.
Pass by without stopping
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Edinburgh
The game starts at The Mound. After booking, we'll message you a code and activation link. Activate with your own email, then log in to the Questo app with that email. No message? Open the Questo app, tap "Bought a quest somewhere else?" and enter your booking reference number.
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
Returns to the starting point
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
- Questo
Know before you go
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Photos
Traveler reviews
28 verified traveler reviews for Ghosts of Edinburgh: Bloody Past Exploration Game and Tour. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Did not work
Slow download, confusing instructions, once downloaded, said my code was already used. Not able to go forward. Do not recommend this.
Response from the operator: Hi there, We are very sorry to hear that you encountered confusion during setup and were unable to proceed with your Edinburgh tour. We would love to clarify how our system works to help resolve this. Our unique Viator access codes are fully operational and are designed to be redeemed exactly once to securely unlock the game on your profile. Our system logs show that your code was successfully recognized and used to unlock the quest. The "already used" message only appears if there is an attempt to type the code in a second time or log in from a separate, unauthorized mobile device. Once unlocked, the game remains active on your account and ready to play. Our customer support team is available around the clock to help clear up device syncing or login questions instantly. Please contact us directly with your booking reference details so we can help you log in properly and ensure you get to enjoy your exploration game. Best regards, The Questo Team
via Viator
A fun way to explore Edinburgh. Might need to be a little more tech-savvy than vacay brain will allow.
So the experience of actually doing the puzzles and exploring Edinburgh was so fun, a great time, saw and learned things we wouldn't have otherwise. I recommend. But buying access from Viator was a little confusing for me cause I was in a rush, I think the issue was on my end where I made an account on the Questo app with a different email than my Viator one. I ended up just buying access again directly on the Questo app. The doing: so much fun, 5/5. The getting to the app: 2/5, my vacation brain was struggling to be tech-savvy. But this was a great way to learn about Questo, which I will use in other cities. Not saying a full 0/5 cause there was helpful guidance info online I just didn't have the time for it, but if you can learn my mistakes, this was fun. The only thing I want from Questo would be the ability to go back and read the parts of the story I unlocked by completing the challenges, because, in the fun of the game, I wasn't taking notes and would like to be able to remember the details better later.
Response from the operator: Thanks for the great recommendation, and I'm thrilled to hear you had so much fun exploring Edinburgh and learning things you wouldn't have otherwise! I completely understand how "vacation brain" can make switching between apps tricky, but I'm so glad you'll be using Questo in other cities. I also love your suggestion about being able to re-read unlocked stories later, and I will definitely share this idea with the team. Thanks, Alex – Founder of Questo
via Viator
Fun! Bring extra charger/battery
This was a fun way to get to know more about Edinburgh’s rich & spooky history. The loading and signup process was a bit tedious, but once we got going, it was pretty fun and nice that you can take it at your own pace, exploring other points of interest you find along the way. I highly recommend starting with a fully charged battery and even an extra portable charger, as my iPhone had a bit of difficulty keeping power while playing (was slightly chilly outside and relies on mapping).
Response from the operator: Thank you for the great review and for exploring Edinburgh's spooky history with us! I am glad you enjoyed taking the tour at your own pace, and I really appreciate your helpful tip about bringing a portable battery. We hope you will discover another new city with Questo soon!
via Viator
Has tons of potential! Great way to see the city!
This tour took us to places we would have not seen which was the best part of the experience. The plot and clues were fun. My issues were that the gps navigation was not user friendly and the instructions to get started were not clear. One gps point was nearly 100-150 yards off the clue. We wound up skipping it after we timed out. Over all with some better instructions, and navigation tools, and more experience with the tour on our part this could easily be 5 star! It was a lot of walking. But we like that, just beware up hills and down. There was lots of construction on the main shopping street and clue route so that makes it a little challenging too. (Nothing the tour could do about that). May 2025 If you are up for an adventure and like to scavenger/game play, give it a shot!
Response from the operator: Thank you for your thoughtful review! We're glad you enjoyed discovering new parts of Edinburgh and had fun with the story and clues. We appreciate your feedback on navigation and instructions—it helps us improve the experience. Hope to see you on another adventure soon!
via Tripadvisor
Rubbish
Not a good app, you have to get to an appropriate point before unlocking the next part of the tour , one of the points was Edingburgh castle which to unlock you would have to pay to enter, ridiculous.We asked security if we could just pop in to open , ridiculous. Most of perimeter opening points on the game were a long way of the clues making the game ridiculous. Won’t be using this app again
Response from the operator: We're sorry to hear about your experience. Just to clarify, entrance to any paid attractions is not required to play our games. Our experiences are designed to be self-guided and can be played without entering any paid locations. We're here to help, so if you ever encounter difficulties or have questions, please feel free to reach out to us via chat or at care@questoapp.com at any time . We're committed to ensuring a positive experience for all our players.
via Viator
Good to know
- Duration
- 1 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Price range
- $6 to $9
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 10
- Verdict
- Worth a Look
Who runs this experience
Operated by Questo, who run 335 experiences we rank across 154 cities, with an average Outty Ranking of 57.8.
See everything Questo runsWhy this scores 57
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Ghosts of Edinburgh: Bloody Past Exploration Game and Tour: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Edinburgh.
How much does Ghosts of Edinburgh: Bloody Past Exploration Game and Tour cost?
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Prices start at $6 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 Ghosts of Edinburgh: Bloody Past Exploration Game and Tour take?
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Plan for about 1 hour 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 Ghosts of Edinburgh: Bloody Past Exploration Game and Tour worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 57 out of 100, which we label "Worth a Look". That score blends traveler sentiment (4/5 across 28 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 Ghosts of Edinburgh: Bloody Past Exploration Game and 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 Ghosts of Edinburgh: Bloody Past Exploration Game and Tour suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 1-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Ghosts of Edinburgh: Bloody Past Exploration Game and Tour?
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Around 10 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-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Ghosts of Edinburgh: Bloody Past Exploration Game and 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 Ghosts of Edinburgh: Bloody Past Exploration Game and Tour?
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Included: Full flexibility: start at any hour, take a break at any time and resume later; Play offline: you DON'T NEED an internet connection to play this city game; This experience can be played anytime after booking without rescheduling; and If your group is larger than 15 people, no worries. Just make multiple bookings. Not included: A physical tour guide. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Where is the meeting point for Ghosts of Edinburgh: Bloody Past Exploration Game and Tour?
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The game starts at The Mound. After booking, we'll message you a code and activation link. Activate with your own email, then log in to the Questo app with that email. No message? Open the Questo app. Hotel pickup is not included, so plan your own transport and arrive 15 minutes early.
What languages is Ghosts of Edinburgh: Bloody Past Exploration Game and Tour 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 Ghosts of Edinburgh: Bloody Past Exploration Game and 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 Ghosts of Edinburgh: Bloody Past Exploration Game and Tour wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to Ghosts of Edinburgh: Bloody Past Exploration Game and 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.
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