Step into Edinburgh’s darkest corners with Walk the Old Town’s Crime and Punishment tour. Discover grisly historical sites and brutal justice tales on this intense one-hour walk through the city’s notorious underbelly.
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
1 hour
Fitness Level
Suitable for most fitness levels as it involves mostly walking on paved surfaces at a modest pace.
Wildlife
History
Edinburgh’s Old Town was the stage for public executions and brutal punishment methods from the 16th through 18th centuries, reflecting harsh penal codes of the time.
Conservation
Walk the Old Town focuses on minimizing impact to historic sites by limiting group sizes and avoiding fragile areas, preserving Edinburgh’s heritage.
Walk the Old Town
Step into Edinburgh’s darkest corners with Walk the Old Town’s Crime and Punishment tour. Discover grisly historical sites and brutal justice tales on this intense one-hour walk through the city’s notorious underbelly.
Walk the Old Town offers guided walking tours focused on Edinburgh's historic Old Town and its rich cultural stories.
The company presents four themed experiences: the Old Town Walking Tour, Rebel! Rebel! Tour, Crime and Punishment, and Magical Edinburgh. The Old Town Walking Tour is a one-hour historical walking tour through streets that inspired tales such as Harry Potter and Outlander; it also highlights figures like the burglar who influenced Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. The Rebel! Rebel! Tour explores Jacobite history and Outlander-related locations along the Royal Mile and is guided by historians in full costume who visit iconic sites featured in the TV series. Crime and Punishment examines Edinburgh's darker past, including accounts of murder, torture, public flogging sites, and the ruins of a notorious building. Magical Edinburgh is designed for families and children, pointing out locations that inspired Harry Potter, real-life wizards, and friendly ghost stories.
Walk the Old Town is featured on The Adventure Collective and operates in Edinburgh, Scotland, concentrating its walks within the Old Town area. Tours combine historical narrative with site visits to well-known streets and landmarks and offer themed choices for visitors interested in literature, television locations, Jacobite history, or family-oriented storytelling. Specific tour formats—such as a one-hour Old Town Walking Tour and historian-led, costumed visits on Rebel! Rebel—help visitors select the experience that best matches their interests.
Tours Offered
4
Four themed walking tours available.
Location
Edinburgh, Scotland
Tours take place in the Old Town.
Family Friendly
Yes
Magical Edinburgh suits children.
Tour Duration
1 hour
Old Town Walking Tour is one hour.
Reserve a spot on a themed walk to explore Edinburgh's Old Town history, Outlander locations, Harry Potter inspirations, or grim crime tales.
Prepare for Graphic Content
The tour includes detailed accounts of murder, torture, and execution—appropriate discretion is advised.
Wear Comfortable Walking Shoes
Edinburgh’s Old Town streets are cobbled and uneven; sturdy footwear enhances comfort during the hour-long walking tour.
Bring a Light Jacket
Weather in Edinburgh can be unpredictable, so dress in layers to stay comfortable outdoors.
Book in Advance
Limited spots are available due to the tour’s popularity—secure your place ahead of time.
Comfortable walking shoes
Provides traction on uneven cobblestones and comfort for an hour of on-foot touring.
Water-resistant jacket
Protects against Edinburgh’s unpredictable rain and wind.
spring|fall|winter
Flashlight or phone torch
Helps illuminate ruins or darker alleyways during dusk or evening tours.
Small backpack
Useful for carrying water, snacks, and extra layers on the walk.