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Home > Scotland > Things to do in Lothian Scotland > The Edinburgh Dungeon

The Edinburgh Dungeon

Located right in the heart of the city near Waverley Station, this is a spine-tingling journey through Scotland’s darkest and goriest history. You can find it on East Market Street, Edinburgh, postcode EH1 1DE.

What to Expect and Enjoy
This is an immersive “walk-through” experience. Rather than reading signs, you are led from room to room by professional actors in full costume who tell stories about Edinburgh’s notorious past.

  • The Shows: You’ll meet characters like the “Body Snatchers” Burke and Hare, and the cannibal Sawney Bean. The actors are great at being funny and scary at the same time, often picking people from the crowd to join in the fun.
  • The Rides: There is usually a “Drop Dead” ride at the end which mimics a hangman’s drop, and a boat ride through the murky caves of Galloway.
  • The Atmosphere: It’s dark, foggy, and smells a bit strange (on purpose!), which really adds to the feeling that you’ve travelled back in time.

Best For and Time Spent
This is a huge hit with teens and families who like a bit of a fright. It is generally not recommended for very young children (under 8) or those who are easily scared, as it is quite loud and dark.

  • Duration: The tour usually takes about 70 to 80 minutes.

Helpful Tips for Your Visit

  • Booking: This is one of those places where you must book in advance. It’s very popular, and they use timed entry slots.
  • Parking: There is no parking on-site. The nearest large car park is at New Street, but it can be quite expensive. Taking the train or bus into the city centre is a much better bet.
  • Savings: Look out for “combination tickets” if you also plan to visit the Sea Life Centre or other Merlin-owned attractions elsewhere in the UK. They also offer Blue Light discounts for emergency workers.

More Places Nearby

Almond Valley Heritage Centre Arthur’s Seat Blackness Castle Camera Obscura & World of Illusions Dalkeith Country Park Dalmeny House Dirleton Castle and Gardens Dynamic Earth East Links Family Park Edinburgh Butterfly & Insect World Edinburgh Castle Edinburgh Ghost Tours Edinburgh International Climbing Arena (EICA) Edinburgh Zoo Five Sisters Zoo Fountain Park Foxlake Adventures Glenkinchie Distillery Hopetoun House House of the Binns Inveresk Lodge Garden Jupiter Artland Linlithgow Palace Lost Shore Surf Resort Malleny Garden Midlothian Snowsports Centre Murrayfield Stadium Tour Musselburgh Racecourse National Museum of Flight National Museum of Scotland Newhailes House North Berwick Harbour Rosslyn Chapel Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh Scottish National Gallery Scottish National Portrait Gallery Scottish Parliament Visitor Centre Tantallon Castle The Palace of Holyroodhouse The Royal Mile The Royal Yacht Britannia The Scottish Seabird Centre
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