Edinburgh Witches & Haunted History Walking Tour

Your Experience

Step into the haunted heart of Edinburgh’s Old Town on this immersive, witch-themed walking tour, where history, legend, and storytelling meet along the city’s cobbled streets, hidden closes, and winding wynds…

Guided by a characterful costumed storyteller, you’ll uncover the chilling and often tragic true stories of Scotland’s accused witches – their lives, their trials, and the injustices they endured. From shadowed alleyways to historic landmarks, the city itself transforms into a stage for the tales that have shaped Edinburgh’s dark past.

Along the way, you’ll pass some of Edinburgh Old Town’s most atmospheric and iconic sights; the soaring spire of St Giles’ Cathedral, the legendary Heart of Midlothian, the literary whispers of the Writers’ Museum, the intriguing Heriot’s School (rumoured inspiration for Harry Potter!), and sweeping views around Edinburgh Castle that have watched over centuries of history. You’ll trace the lost edges of the once Nor Loch, take a moment to pause at the haunting Witches’ Well, and wander the famously crooked Victoria Street. Every corner holds a secret!

As you move through these historic locations, you’ll hear tales of the real people who once lived among us – hear the stories of (Outlanders’) Geillis Duncan, the brave Lillias Adie, the mysterious Warlock of Westbow, the formidable Agnes Sampson, and the unforgettable Maggie Dickson, whose extraordinary life and legacy still haunt Grassmarket today.

And this is where your journey will conclude – down on Grassmarket – a square steeped in hauntings, history, and indeed tragedy. Once the site of public executions, it is forever linked to ‘Half-Hangit Maggie’, and the whispers of many ghost stories still linger...

Both thought provoking and entertaining, this tour shines a respectful light on those accused of witchcraft while bringing Edinburgh’s Old Town vividly to life through gripping storytelling and real historical accounts. Was any of it magic or just fear and misunderstanding? That, my dears, is for you to decide.

Perfect for lovers of history, folklore, and the darker corners of Scotland’s past, this walking tour leaves you seeing Edinburgh’s Old Town through new eyes.

Please note: this is an outdoor walking tour that runs year-round - please dress for the weather, and keep your wits about you!