Edinburgh’s Dark History Walk with Walk the Old Town
Difficulty
easy
Duration
1 hour
Fitness Level
Suitable for most fitness levels as it involves mostly walking on paved surfaces at a modest pace.
Overview
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.
Crime and Punishment
Edinburgh's most terrifying and sinister crime histories • All ages • 1 hour
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About This Adventure
Embark on a chilling journey through Edinburgh's dark history, exploring gruesome tales of murder, torture, and execution. Discover infamous criminals and the brutal punishments of the past as you visit sites of public flogging and the ruins of a notorious building. This tour promises madness, murder, and mayhem for the brave.
A sojourn into the darker side of History, we take the visitor on a gruesome journey revealing some of Edinburgh's most terrifying and sinister crime histories. Contains graphic descriptions of murder, torture and excecution.
Duration
1 Hour
About
On this tour you will learn about the darker side of the law and hear about the barbaric forms of punishment for those desperate enough to commit a crime. See the place of public flogging and torture, walk the ruins of the most hated building in Scottish History. You will also hear about famous and notorious criminals and crimes that shook the nation. Madness, Murder and Mayhem awaits, not for the fainthearted!
*Please note, due to the graphic content of this tour children may attend at the discretion of their parents
Adventure Tips
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.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Urban foxes often seen near the edges of Old Town at dusk
- Occasional flock of urban pigeons in public squares surrounding tour sites
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.
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Adventure Hotspots in Edinburgh
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
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 specific
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.