Edinburgh Ghost Tour 2026

WITCH HUNTS AND DARK STREETS

Explore the heart of Edinburgh's Old Town on this guided Edinburgh Ghost Tour. Walk the streets that have seen centuries of history with a guide dressed in character. As you walk, your guide will share tales of the infamous witch hunts that happened in Scotland. Between the 16th and 18th centuries, more than 4,000 people were accused of witchcraft. Many of these cases happened in Edinburgh. Notably, in 1591, Agnes Sampson, known as the "Wise Wife of Keith", was accused of witchcraft and executed. Her trial was one of the most infamous during the North Berwick witch trials. The guide will share stories of other accused witches. One example is Geillis Duncan, whose confessions were made under pressure. This will give you a real sense of the fear that ruled the city.

LEGENDS AND THE GREAT FIRE

While walking, your guide will talk about ghost sightings and mysterious disappearances. You will also learn about the secret societies that gathered in Old Town. You’ll hear how the Great Fire of 1824 destroyed hundreds of buildings and forced many residents to flee. The tour features many haunted spots. This includes places where people claimed to have seen spirits. You'll hear stories about historical figures who survived the fire or lost their lives in it.

UNDERGROUND VAULTS AND HIDDEN HISTORY

The Edinburgh Ghost Tour ends with a visit to The Lost Close. It is an underground vault that was sealed after the Great Fire of 1824. Discovered in 2019, this basement shows what life was like below the streets. These vaults once held taverns, workshops, and storage rooms. After the fire, they were mostly abandoned and forgotten. Today, they offer a rare glimpse into Edinburgh’s hidden past. The vault dates back to 1742, and while down there, you will see the low ceilings and stone walls. The narrow corridors show where people once worked and hid from the authorities.