Edinburgh Old Town Ghost Tour: Journey Through City's Dark Past with Humor and Fright
4.9
553 Ratings
Edinburgh
Embark on Edinburgh's original ghost tour and journey through the dark past of the city's Old Town. Explore cobbled passageways, hear tall tales, and encounter guaranteed ghastly appearances with a humorous twist.
Duration: 1 hour, 30 minutes
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights
  • Cadies & Witchery Tours - Number 84 West Bow, down near the bottom of the not-so-sunny side of picturesque Victoria Street in Edinburgh’s Old Town, is an unassuming address amongst the majesty of this UNESCO World Heritage Site.

In the shop today, you can find a cornucopia (we don’t use the word lightly; we looked it up and everything) of ghoulish and fantastical stationery, drinkware, ornaments, soft furnishings, original artwork and art prints, greeting cards, chess sets, and unique oddities hard to even describe.

In 2015 we also became (possibly) Scotland’s smallest museum, when the shop became host to a calling-card case made from the skin of the notorious 19th-century “body-snatcher” (actually murderer), William Burke. We can’t sell you that (mainly because even the experts on Antiques Roadshow couldn’t give us a valuation of it) but we have produced a rather spiffing souvenir newspaper taken from our own vaults and covering Burke & Hare’s trial in some detail.

What's Included
  • Famous ‘Jumper-ooters’ experience
What's Not Included
  • Gratuities
  • Hotel pickup and drop off
  • Food and drink, unless specified
Additional Information

This is the premier ghost tour of Edinburgh, navigating the lanes of Old Town since 1984.

Alexander Clapperton (deceased), once a cemetery superintendent, is your guide. He mixes lore with levity and facts with fiction, while our creation, the ‘jumper-ooter’, ensures promising spine-chilling encounters.

Discover the stone-paved alleys around the Old Town and absorb chilling stories from the city’s shadowy history during this fun, outdoor 80-minute tour.

Our tours continue in all weather conditions - rain, snow, thunderstorms, and even clear skies. Hence, we advise visitors to dress suitably, and comfortable shoes are recommended.

  • Children must always be accompanied by at least one adult.
Location
The Witchery by the Castle
Castlehill
Meet outside the Witchery Restaurant, 5-10 minutes before the start of the tour.
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
4.9
(553 Ratings)
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Ashleyfr2821af
May 13, 2024
Keeping Edinburgh History Fun - We went into this tour without any expectations and looking for a bit of fun for our final night in Edinburgh. We had an absolute blast on the tour with the two presenters keeping things fun and light-hearted but at the same time giving us a different bit of history we hadn't heard yet. We would absolutely recommend this tour to anyone looking for an alternative tour in the city.
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A9454bbsusanj
May 13, 2024
Balmy May - Was not expecting much from the tour as I am a frequent visitor to Edinburgh. Absolutely loved it,guide was very engaging as were his 'guests'. Saw new parts of Edinburgh that I didn't know existed . Really enjoyed it ,did use tesco vouchers to purchase it but would gladly pay to go on it again.
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Stegeke
May 12, 2024
Great dark stories. - The guides were great, it was easy to understand them even for a foreigner, the acting was on point and the stories were very well thought and in balance with the rhythm of the tour. It's a great way to know the dark but interesting part of the city.
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Allanw460
May 11, 2024
A frightfully funny and informative walk! - The two tour guides/actors were hilarious, and informative! What's not to like? Funny skits, a unique rendering of the macabre underbelly of Edinburgh history.
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William
May 10, 2024
Ghoulish fun along the Royal Mile - This is such an excellent tour of some of Edinburgh's darker sites and its grislier history. The guides are both extremely knowledgeable and entirely entertaining. Go in prepared to learn and laugh -- not nearly as much walking as some tours, and you'll find plenty of quiet spots off the Mile.
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Pepunska
May 6, 2024
A fun witchy time! - I had a great time!! Our duo of guides where funny, knowledgeable and and very nice. I would totally recommend to either groups or solo travellers!!
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756csenger
May 2, 2024
Fun experience - The tour turned out to be quite informative and was so much fun thanks to the guides. We visited a few places in the old town and heard interesting stories!
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Luciennen2015
May 1, 2024
Great experience! You have to do, when you visit Edinburgh - It was again great! So funny and everything you want and need to know about the city. When you want to do something, you remember always, when you think about Edinburgh, this has to be on your list. Also are kid 11 years old, did enjoy it very much. Compliments to the actors!
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298jelenan
Apr 26, 2024
The best experience - It was very interesting tour, a lots of historical information and a lot of laughing. Highly recommend it to everyone 👍
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Bobthecat2014
Apr 26, 2024
The real tour of Edinburgh - Edinburgh is such a beautiful city I have previously stayed and done all the tourist attractions but nothing can compare to the Cadies & Witchery Ghost and Gore tour, who brought to life a dark tragic side of history. On occasion the hairs on the back of my neck stood on end and chills ran down my spine. The hosts are charming, informative and very witty. Crowd participation was encouraged and I was allowed to bring my little dog Tilly whom was warmly welcomed into the mix. I would without hesitation recommend this tour if you are visiting Edinburgh, There's nothing quite like it.
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up to 12 guests
1 Adult
May 2024
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