Explore Aberdeen’s Dark Side: A Chilling Guided History Walk
Difficulty
easy
Duration
1.5 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for most fitness levels; minimal physical exertion beyond walking
Overview
Step into Aberdeen’s shadowy past with a 1.5-hour private guided tour revealing chilling tales of murderers, witch trials, and hauntings. Discover the city’s dark side through stories you won’t find in ordinary tours.
Private Aberdeen Dark Side Tour
1.5 Hours • All Ages • Local Guide • Dark History!
Select participants and date
Adventure Photos
About This Adventure
Uncover Aberdeen's chilling past on a 1.5-hour Dark Side tour, guided by a local expert. Walk through the city's history of murderers, witch trials, and public executions. Experience the haunting tales of the ghost of Marion Hardien and more, revealing the shocking truths hidden in Aberdeen's shadows.
About
Come and explore the dark side of Aberdeen with a local guide! Walk in the footsteps of murderers, slave owners and witches on this Dark Side tour of Aberdeen. This 1.5 hour walking tour will bring our dark past into light as you discover the truth behind Aberdeen's dark history.
From body snatching, to kidnappers and public executions, the truth of Aberdeen's dark history will shock you on this unique walking tour of Aberdeen.
Tour highlights:
- Public beheadings and executions
- The ghost of Marion Hardie
- Famous witch trials
- Aberdeen's gallows
- The killings at the Saltoun Arms ...& much more!
Price: £95 for a group of up to 4 then only £15pp!
Duration: 1.5 hours
Start time & location: choose your start time in the booking form. This tour starts outside The Wig, Castle St - this meeting point cannot be changed.
Adventure Tips
Wear comfortable shoes
The tour involves walking on cobblestones and uneven surfaces—sturdy footwear is essential.
Dress for the weather
Aberdeen’s coastal climate can be brisk and rainy; waterproof layers are recommended.
Bring a flashlight if dusk
If enjoying the tour in twilight hours, a small flashlight can enhance safety and atmosphere.
Ask questions
The local guide welcomes curiosity—feel free to inquire about the stories and history behind the scenes.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Seabirds along the coast
- Urban foxes occasionally spotted in quieter streets
History
Aberdeen’s dark history is marked by witch trials in the 16th and 17th centuries and public executions held in the city square during the 18th century.
Conservation
The tour promotes respect for Aberdeen’s historic sites by encouraging low-impact visitor behavior and supporting local preservation efforts.
Select participants and date
Adventure Hotspots in Aberdeen
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Comfortable walking shoes
Essential for navigating the city’s cobblestone streets safely.
Weatherproof jacket
Prepares you for sudden coastal rain and wind common in Aberdeen.
all specific
Camera or smartphone
Capture the striking city architecture and atmospheric corners you’ll visit.
Small flashlight (for evening tours)
Enhances visibility during dusk or evening walk segments.
fall;winter specific