Greyfriars Kirkyard
Greyfriars Kirkyard’s most famous resident is Bobby, a loyal Skye terrier, said to have sat by his owner Jock Gray’s grave for 14 years. A touching story of devotion and friendship, famous worldwide. However, this graveyard also has a more macabre past. One such story includes Sir George ‘Bloody’ Mackenzie, a 17th century lawyer, infamous for his execution of over 1000 covenanters within an open-air prison within Greyfriars Kirkyard.
Along with the souls of the covenanters, his spirit – now known as the Mackenzie Poltergeist – is said to haunt the Black Mausoleum where he was buried, with reports of visitors being scratched or bruised, and cold spots around the tomb. Today, the Mausoleum is securely closed but beware of getting too close, or you may be left with a souvenir from ‘Bloody’ Mackenzie himself!
Getting here: Hop-off at CitySightseeing Edinburgh Stop 5 or Edinburgh Tour Stop 9
The Edinburgh Dungeon
Immerse yourself in an underground adventure through Edinburgh and Scotland’s darkest history. This 70-minute interactive walkthrough introduces you to the witch trials, Sawney Bean’s cannibal cave, Burke and Hare’s body business and many more gruesome events. You never know who could be lurking around the corner… Ask our ticket sellers or tour drivers for discounted tickets!
Getting here: Hop-off at CitySightseeing Edinburgh Stop 9, Edinburgh Tour Stop 8 or Regal tour Stop 17
The Banshee Labyrinth
Built within the 18th century South Bridge vaults, The Banshee Labyrinth is self-proclaimed as Scotland’s most haunted pub. Its resident ghosts include the pub’s namesake, the Banshee, a wailing female spirit said to have been heard by workmen during the pub’s renovation. Customers have also reported seeing a small girl walk through locked metal grates, and burning figures throughout the premises. You can decide for yourself whether you believe the tales, or if they’re the visions of those who’ve have a few too many drams! With three bars throughout the labyrinth, live music, cabaret and a cinema room dedicated to old horror movies, it’s the perfect location to continue your eerie evening into the late night.
Getting here: Hop-off at CitySightseeing Edinburgh Stop 9, Edinburgh Tour Stop 8 or Regal tour Stop 17
The Real Mary King's Close
Explore the history of the people who lived, worked and died in Mary King’s Close over a period of 400 years. From a busy open-air street in the 1600s, through the spread of the plague in 1645 and right up until the close’s final residents were forced out by compulsory purchase orders in 1902.
Explore Annie’s room, a space dedicated to the spirit of a young girl, said to have
been abandoned during the plague without her favourite doll. Visitors often leave toys as an offering for Annie in this space. Feel free to bring along a gift – as the shrine grows surplus toys are donated to local children’s charities
Getting here: Hop-off at CitySightseeing Edinburgh Stop 9, Edinburgh Tour Stop 8 or Regal Tour Stop 17
St Cuthbert's Kirkyard
One of the oldest continually-used sites of worship in Edinburgh, St Cuthbert’s has an extensive graveyard filled with unique headstones. It’s perfect for a peaceful wander while you explore carvings of angels, skulls, scythes and memento mori designs on the many memorials. Here you can also find the graves of famous mathematician John Napier, 18th century portrait artist Sir Henry Raeburn and the architect of the gothic Scott Monument, George Meikle Kemp amongst many others.
Getting here: Hop-off at CitySightseeing Edinburgh Stop 2 or Edinburgh Tour Stop 11
Frankenstein's
A former 19th Century church, Frankenstein’s features 3 levels of entertainment with a gothic atmosphere. With 3 bars, plenty of pub grub and their very own bierkeller basement, it’s the perfect venue for a spooky evening of food and drink. Keep an eye out for the monster show from 6pm – it’s electrifying!
Getting here: Hop-off at CitySightseeing Edinburgh Stop 6 or Edinburgh Tour Stop 9
CitySightseeing Edinburgh
We may be biased, but undoubtedly the best way to explore the city’s grisly past is with our CitySightseeing Edinburgh tour! Listen as author Terry Deary narrates his Horrible Histories commentary of Edinburgh and find out lots of gruesome details about the city. You can easily hop-off at any of the attractions in this list and then continue your exploration!
Hop on at any of our CitySightseeing stops around the city to start your journey and explore Edinburgh’s Old Town and New Town horrible histories.
However you plan to get into the Halloween spirit, the city has lots to offer in the way of spooky sights and terrifying tales!
Plan your visit now and check out the discounts available with your ticket. Happy Halloween! 🎃
