Witches & Haunted History Walking Tour – Dark secrets of Edinburgh
Follow the footsteps of the accused through Edinburgh’s haunted Old Town.
Step back into one of history’s darkest chapters on this atmospheric walking tour through Edinburgh’s cobbled closes, hidden wynds, and legendary streets. Led by a costumed character guide, you’ll uncover the chilling true stories of Scotland’s accused witches, their lives, their trials, and the injustices they endured as well as some of Edinburgh’s most famous ghost stories. From the spire of St Giles’ Cathedral to the haunted shadows of the Grassmarket, every corner of the Old Town holds a secret. Your tour is included with your Edinburgh City Pass!
Highlights
- Stories Worth Telling – Hear the remarkable tales of real historical figures: Geillis Duncan, Agnes Sampson, the brave Lillias Adie, and the unforgettable Half-Hangit Maggie Dickson, whose extraordinary story still lingers over the Grassmarket today.
- Edinburgh’s Old Town Like You’ve Never Seen It – Wind through atmospheric closes and wynds, pass the Heart of Midlothian, pause at the haunting Witches’ Well, and take in sweeping views of Edinburgh Castle as your costumed guide brings centuries of history vividly to life.
- Thought-Provoking and Entertaining – This isn’t a ghost tour it’s a gripping, respectful exploration of real persecution and real people. Both educational and genuinely captivating, it’s perfect for history lovers, folklore fans, and anyone curious about Edinburgh’s darker past.
Good to know before you arrive
Dress for the weather — this outdoor tour runs year-round, rain or shine!
- Tours run daily at 11am, 1:30pm and 3:30pm, with an additional 5:30pm departure from June to September.
- Times may vary on quieter days always check witches-tour.com for that day’s availability before you set off.
- The tour lasts approximately 1 hour 15 minutes.
- Meet your guide at the corner of Caffè Nero, opposite the Mercat Cross by the statue of Adam Smith — 1 Parliament Square, 192 High Street, Edinburgh, EH1 1RF.
- The tour finishes at the Grassmarket, EH1 2JR.
- Suitable for ages 8 and over due to true historical content. Children must be accompanied by a paying adult.
- The route includes cobblestones, hills, uneven surfaces, and steps, not suitable for guests with mobility impairments or those requiring step-free access.
- Dogs are welcome!
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Features & Facilities
The Edinburgh City Pass saves you money and is easy to use. Each pass is valid for either one, two, or three consecutive calendar days and is simply scanned at each experience to gain entry.
Your pass activates when you enter your first experience during your visit. We always advise customers to start using their pass first thing in the morning as from then on it works on a calendar day basis, not 24-hour period. The Edinburgh City Pass does not include fast track access, and you can use it only once per experience.
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How it works
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