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Offered languages
- English
- English
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
Meeting and pickup
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.
This self-guided audio tour ends in front of Edinburgh Castle, near the Witches Well.
Itinerary
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(Pass by)
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.
Admission ticket free -
Calton Hill (Pass by)
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.
Admission ticket free -
(Pass by)
You'll pass by Tolbooth Tavern and learn how its connected to Edinburgh's history of crime.
Admission ticket free -
Bakehouse Close (Pass by)
You'll visit Bakehouse Close—featured in Outlander—with views of Arthur’s Seat, linked to a recent murder case.
Admission ticket free -
St Giles' Cathedral (Pass by)
You'll see St Giles' Cathedral and learn how its connnected to Edinburgh's darker history.
Admission ticket free -
Scott Monument (Pass by)
You'll pass by the Scott Monument and learn about Scott while you walk.
Admission ticket free -
Greyfriars Kirkyard Cemetery Edinburgh (Pass by)
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.
Admission ticket free -
The Vennel Viewpoint Edinburgh Castle (Pass by)
The Vennel Viewpoint Edinburgh Castle
Admission ticket free -
Brodie's Close- Edinburgh (Pass by)
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.
Admission ticket free -
Edinburgh Castle (Pass by)
The tour concludes on the Castle Esplanade, a place once used for military executions and witch burnings, offering sweeping views across the city.
Admission ticket free
Additional info
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Tags
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Cancellation Policy
- For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
- If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
- Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
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