Edinburgh Ghost Tours

If you want to see the darker side of the city, there are two main “original” ways to do it. Both start in the Old Town near the Royal Mile (EH1 area).

Cadies & Witchery Tours
This is the light-hearted, theatrical choice. It’s led by the “ghost” of Alexander Clapperton (deceased), a Victorian cemetery director.

What to Enjoy: You’ll walk through the narrow “closes” (alleys) and courtyards. It’s a mix of history and comedy, with “jumper-ooters” in costume who pop out to give you a harmless fright. They even have a tiny museum in their shop on Victoria Street (EH1 2HH) where you can see a calling-card case made from the skin of the infamous body-snatcher William Burke!
Best For: Families with children and anyone who wants a “funny-scary” vibe rather than a truly terrifying one.

Auld Reekie Tours
This one is a bit more atmospheric and focuses on the famous Underground Vaults beneath South Bridge.

What to Enjoy: You’ll go deep underground into stone chambers that have been left exactly as they were in the 1700s. It’s damp, dark, and very eerie. They offer different versions, from family-friendly daytime history walks to “Terror Tours” for adults only.
Best For: Those who want to see the physical “hidden city” or who are looking for a genuine late-night chill.

Best For and Time Spent

Duration: Most tours last around 75 to 90 minutes.
Tone: Wear comfortable shoes and bring a jacket; even in summer, the vaults and the evening air can be very chilly.

Helpful Tips

Parking: Avoid driving to the meeting points; these are in the busiest, most pedestrian-heavy parts of the city. Use the bus or tram.
Savings: Booking online in advance is highly recommended as evening slots sell out fast.

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 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 Edinburgh Dungeon The Palace of Holyroodhouse The Royal Mile The Royal Yacht Britannia The Scottish Seabird Centre

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