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Offered languages
- German
- English
Step into the shadows of 19th-century Edinburgh, a city split between Enlightenment brilliance and desperate, grinding poverty. On this immersive true-crime journey, you will trace the bloody footsteps of William Burke and William Hare, two men who turned murder into a highly profitable business. Discover how the insatiable demands of the medical establishment created a black market for human corpses, and explore the chilling ethical lines crossed in the name of science. This is not just a story of serial killers; it is a tale of class, complicity, and the forgotten victims of the Old Town.
- A 2.7 km self-guided tour with 6 stops over 94 min
- Ideal for travelers interested in History & Memory and Social Fabric & Everyday Life
- Immersively told in a podcast style by experts and locals
- Matching audio content, AI guide and navigation through the app
What's Included
Meeting and pickup
From Edinburgh Waverley, take local transport toward West Port and walk to 123 West Port, the former entrance area of Tanner's Close.
The tour ends at the Anatomical Museum on Teviot Place. Walk from here to the nearest local transport stop or back toward Waverley station.
Itinerary
-
1
The former site of Log's Lodgings in Tanner's Close, where Burke and Hare's infamous murder spree began in 1827.
10 minutes • Admission ticket free -
2
The seat of the High Court of Justiciary where Burke stood trial and Hare secured his controversial immunity.
10 minutes • Admission ticket free -
3
Brass pavement markers near the north end identify the former gallows at Libberton's Wynd where William Burke was publicly hanged.
10 minutes • Admission ticket free -
4
The former location of Dr. Robert Knox's anatomy school, where the murdered bodies were delivered.
10 minutes • Admission ticket free -
5
A museum housing macabre artifacts from the case, including Burke's death mask and a pocketbook made from his skin.
10 minutes • Admission ticket free -
6
The final resting place of William Burke's articulated skeleton, displayed as a permanent punishment.
10 minutes • Admission ticket free
Additional info
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
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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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