Step into the shadows of Edinburgh’s haunted past with the infamous Darkside Walking Tour: Mysteries, Murder, and Legends. This spine-chilling experience offers a unique glimpse into the city’s dark history, where monsters lurk, madness reigns, and legends come to life.
Led by knowledgeable guides, you will be transported back in time as they uncover the secrets of witch trials, pagan rituals, and notorious figures that have left an indelible mark on the city. But be warned, not everything may be as it seems.
As visitors venture into the depths of Edinburgh’s Old Town, they will find themselves captivated by the eerie atmosphere and enthralled by the stories that unfold.
Are you ready to uncover the truth behind the legends?
Good To Know
- The tour offers competitive pricing compared to other tours in Edinburgh.
- Visitors highly recommend the tour and gave it high ratings.
- The tour explores Edinburgh’s haunted history and includes visits to historic burial grounds.
- The tour is led by professional guides who provide engaging commentary and storytelling throughout the tour.
Pricing and Booking

Booking your spot on the Edinburgh Darkside Walking Tour is a breeze with the easy online booking process and the flexibility to modify your reservation if needed. Whether you’re traveling solo or with a group, securing your spot is quick and convenient.
Plus, with the tour’s competitive pricing, you can experience the haunted history of Edinburgh without breaking the bank. Prices start from just CA$35.71, and you’ll be guaranteed the lowest price for the tour. And if you’re traveling with a group, be sure to inquire about group discounts for even more savings.
Rest assured that if your plans change, the cancellation policy allows for modifications to your booking. So don’t miss out on this affordable and unforgettable experience, book your spot on the Edinburgh Darkside Walking Tour today.
Interested in exploring Edinburgh on foot? Other walking tours we've covered
Tour Overview
Set out on a chilling journey through Edinburgh’s haunted history on the gripping Darkside Walking Tour. This tour offers a fascinating exploration of the city’s historical significance, with a focus on its spooky attractions.
Here’s what you can expect:
Monsters, Madness, and Murder: Learn about the dark and mysterious past of Edinburgh as you explore stories of witches, witch trials, pagan rituals, and executions. Discover the secrets and scandals that have shaped the city’s history.
Visit Haunted Cemeteries: Step into the eerie atmosphere of the Old Calton Burial Ground or Canongate Kirkyard cemetery. Hear tales of body-snatching and infamous individuals buried there, adding to the spine-chilling experience.
Engaging Commentary and Storytelling: Follow a professional guide who’ll lead you through the tour, providing captivating commentary and bringing the history to life. You’ll be immersed in the haunted tales and legends of Edinburgh’s past.
Join the Darkside Walking Tour for an unforgettable exploration of Edinburgh’s haunted past and explore its dark secrets.
Inclusions

Included in the Darkside Walking Tour is a professional guide who’ll lead you through the chilling journey, providing engaging commentary and storytelling along the way. This guide isn’t just a knowledgeable expert, but also a captivating storyteller who’ll bring the haunting tales of Edinburgh’s dark history to life.
From the moment the tour begins, you’ll be immersed in the eerie atmosphere of the city’s streets, as your guide shares spine-chilling stories of monsters, madness, and murder.
As you wander through Edinburgh’s Old Town, you’ll have the opportunity to visit either the Old Calton Burial Ground or Canongate Kirkyard cemetery, where you’ll hear about body-snatching and the infamous individuals buried there.
The inclusions of a professional guide and the chance to explore Edinburgh’s haunted past make this tour a must for those seeking a truly unforgettable experience.
Meeting and Pickup

As the clock strikes 6:30 PM, the meeting point at 130 High Street comes alive with anticipation, where eager participants gather for the start of their unforgettable Darkside Walking Tour in Edinburgh. This meeting point is strategically located on The Royal Mile, making it the best meeting point location for the Edinburgh Darkside Walking Tour.
Here are some tips for identifying the SANDEMANs guide at the meeting point:
Look for the guide with the SANDEMANs red name badge. This distinct badge will help you easily spot your guide amidst the crowd.
The tour starts at 130 High Street, so keep an eye out for the guide in this area. They’ll be waiting to greet you and lead you on your haunting adventure.
If you’re unsure, don’t hesitate to approach someone who looks like a guide and ask if they’re from SANDEMANs. They’ll be more than happy to assist you.
Now that you know where to meet and how to identify your guide, get ready to uncover the chilling mysteries, murders, and legends that lie within the dark corners of Edinburgh.
Visitor Experiences and Recommendations

Visitors from all walks of life have raved about their unforgettable experiences on the Darkside Walking Tour in Edinburgh, praising the engaging guides and the captivating stories that brought the city’s haunted history to life.
Calum, Niamh, Gavin, Cameron, and Sabella have received positive feedback as guides, with visitors highly recommending the tour and giving it high ratings. With their engaging storytelling, the guides ensured that visitors felt included, engaged, and had a lot of fun throughout the tour. The tour left a lasting impression on visitors, sparking their interest in related attractions and leaving them with memorable encounters.
However, it’s important to note that Jennifer had a negative experience, feeling that the tour was a waste of time as some places weren’t visited and the stories weren’t interesting or engaging. Plus, Jennifer’s disappointment was further heightened when asked for tips.
Despite this, the majority of visitors have had incredibly positive experiences, making the Darkside Walking Tour a must-visit attraction in Edinburgh.
- From Edinburgh: Day Trip to Bamburgh and Alnwick Castle
- Rosslyn Chapel and Hadrian’s Wall Small Group Day Tour
- From Edinburg: Viking Coast & Alnwick Castle Day Tour
- Edinburgh: the Royal City Tour From London
- Alnwick Castle and Scottish Borders Tour From Edinburgh
- From Edinburgh: Holy Island, Alnwick Castle & Northumbria
Negative Feedback and Concerns

Despite the overwhelmingly positive experiences shared by visitors on the Darkside Walking Tour, there have been a few instances where negative feedback and concerns have been raised.
Unsatisfactory experience: Jennifer, one of the visitors, had a negative experience and felt that the tour was a waste of time. She expressed disappointment in the fact that some places weren’t visited and the stories shared weren’t interesting or engaging. This lack of engagement left her feeling dissatisfied with the overall tour.
Lack of engagement: Jennifer’s experience highlights a concern raised by some visitors regarding the level of engagement on the Darkside Walking Tour. While the majority of visitors felt included, engaged, and had a lot of fun, there have been instances where the tour failed to captivate certain individuals, resulting in a less than satisfactory experience.
Tips request: Another concern raised by Jennifer was being asked for tips during the tour. This added to her disappointment, as she felt that it detracted from the overall experience and made her question the value for money aspect of the tour.
It is important for the organizers of the Darkside Walking Tour to address these concerns and ensure that all visitors have a memorable and engaging experience.
Common Questions

Are Children Allowed on the Edinburgh Darkside Walking Tour?
Children are allowed on the Edinburgh Darkside Walking Tour, but there may be age restrictions due to the dark and sometimes graphic nature of the stories. It is recommended to check with the tour provider for specific guidelines.
Is the Tour Suitable for People With Mobility Issues?
The tour is not suitable for people with mobility issues due to accessibility challenges. However, there are wheelchair-friendly alternatives available in Edinburgh for those who still want to explore the city’s mysteries and legends.
Can I Take Photographs During the Tour?
Yes, visitors are allowed to take photographs during the tour. The guide will provide tips for capturing the eerie atmosphere and will point out the best spots for capturing memorable photographs.
Are Food and Drinks Included in the Tour?
Food and drinks are not included in the tour. However, the tour inclusions consist of a professional guide, hotel pickup and drop-off, engaging commentary, and the opportunity to explore Edinburgh’s Old Town and visit a cemetery.
Is the Tour Suitable for People With a Fear of the Dark or Scary Stories?
The tour is not suitable for people with a fear of darkness or scary legends. The tour explores haunted history, witch trials, and executions, which may be unsettling for those who are easily frightened.
The Sum Up

To sum it up, the Edinburgh Darkside Walking Tour offers a thrilling and immersive experience into the haunted history of the city. With knowledgeable guides, chilling locations, and engaging stories of monsters, madness, and murder, this tour promises an unforgettable adventure.
While there have been some negative experiences reported, the majority of visitors highly recommend this tour for its entertainment value and lasting impression.
So, if you’re ready to uncover the dark secrets and legends that lie within the streets of Edinburgh, don’t miss out on this captivating journey.
More Walking Tours in Edinburgh
- Mary Queen of Scots: Edinburgh Old Town Self-Guided Walking Tour
- Edinburgh 6hr Private Walking Tour with Certified Guide
- Edinburgh’s Dark and Sinister History Walking Tour
- New Town, Circus Lane and Dean Village Walking Tour
- Skip-the-line Edinburgh Castle with Old Town Walking Tour
- Cellar Of Scotland Walking Tour – Scotland’s finest drinks
More Tours in Edinburgh
- New! Taste of Edinburgh: Local Food Tour in Stockbridge
- Bonnie Lochs & Bold Whisky Small Group Tour from Edinburgh
- Mary Queen of Scots: Edinburgh Old Town Self-Guided Walking Tour
- 5 Day Isle of Skye, Glencoe and Loch Ness Tour from Edinburgh
- Edinburgh 6hr Private Walking Tour with Certified Guide
- Edinburgh Royal Mile Alleyway Tour
More Tour Reviews in Edinburgh
- Edinburgh Airport to Edinburgh City Private Luxury Transfer
- New! Taste of Edinburgh: Local Food Tour in Stockbridge
- Edinburgh: Guided Hike to Arthur’s Seat and Calton Hill
- Bonnie Lochs & Bold Whisky Small Group Tour from Edinburgh
- Mary Queen of Scots: Edinburgh Old Town Self-Guided Walking Tour
- 5 Day Isle of Skye, Glencoe and Loch Ness Tour from Edinburgh
Looking for something different? Other Edinburgh activities we've written about
- Edinburgh Airport to Edinburgh City Private Luxury Transfer
- New! Taste of Edinburgh: Local Food Tour in Stockbridge
- Edinburgh: Guided Hike to Arthur’s Seat and Calton Hill
- Bonnie Lochs & Bold Whisky Small Group Tour from Edinburgh
- Mary Queen of Scots: Edinburgh Old Town Self-Guided Walking Tour
- 5 Day Isle of Skye, Glencoe and Loch Ness Tour from Edinburgh
- Edinburgh 6hr Private Walking Tour with Certified Guide
- Edinburgh Royal Mile Alleyway Tour
- Edinburgh Half Day Tour (Private Chauffeur)
- Premium Edinburgh Traditional Food Tour
- Taste & Tour: Edinburgh Food Tour with Drinks
- Edinburgh Castle Without the Crowds Exclusive Pre Opening Tour
