Ghosts of Edinburgh: A Bloody Past Walking Tour & Escape Game
🔒 Instant Access: Book now and start immediately. No need to wait for a guide.
⏱️ Total Flexibility: Start, pause, and resume whenever you want.
🧩 Gamified Discovery: Solve 12 location-based puzzles to unlock hidden stories and secret spots.
📍 Starting Point: The Mound, 25 Hanover St, Edinburgh EH2 2PR, UK
🛡️ Free Cancellation: Cancel up to 24 hours before your planned start for a full refund.
🌐 Available In: 🇬🇧 English
Places you will visit
12
It will take you
46-76 mins
You will walk
3680 steps
Total distance
2.8 km
Route you will explore
Starting point The Mound
25 Hanover St, Edinburgh EH2 2PR, UKFinish point West Bow
100 W Bow, Edinburgh EH1 2HH, UKAbout this quest
Step into the dark and twisted history of Edinburgh with this thrilling walking tour and escape game. Explore the city’s most haunted places, from sites of public executions to hidden corners filled with chilling tales.
Uncover the bloody stories of the Great Scottish Witch Hunts, the infamous Burke and Hare murders, and Edinburgh’s most notorious ghosts, including the Wizard of West Bow, the Grey Lady, and George Mackenzie.
In this macabre adventure, you take on the role of a mysterious staff with a human head, once wielded by Major Thomas Weir, Edinburgh’s infamous wizard. The major has gone missing, and it’s up to you to track him down and confront those who aided him in his quest for redemption.
Perfect for ghost story enthusiasts, thrill-seekers, and history buffs, this self-guided tour lets you explore Edinburgh’s haunted past while solving riddles and uncovering the city’s darkest secrets.
What to Expect
This self-guided walking tour in Edinburgh combines exploration, storytelling, and puzzle-solving into one unique experience. As you navigate through the city, you will discover 12 carefully selected locations, each revealing a piece of the story.
The entire quest takes approximately 3660 minutes to complete and covers 2.8km on foot. You will move at your own pace, with the freedom to pause whenever you want to take photos, grab a coffee, or simply soak in the atmosphere.
Each location features a challenge or puzzle that unlocks the next chapter of your story. These challenges are designed to be fun and engaging while teaching you about the history, culture, and hidden gems of Edinburgh.
No tour guide needed – your smartphone becomes your guide. The Questo app provides directions, shares stories, and presents challenges along the way.
Highlights
Visit the most haunted places in town
Discover Edinburgh’s dark and bloody past, from the Great Scottish Witch Hunts to the Burke and Hare murders
Learn about the haunting stories of the Wizard of West Bow, the Grey Lady, George Mackenzie and more
Explore the many sites where public executions were held
Visit the hall containing a book made of William Burke’s flesh
The mission: Your story in Edinburgh
Not only are wizards never late, their staffs are highly punctual instruments of darkness. With this in mind, you'd better get a move on!
Landmarks & Hidden Gems Included
Edinburgh Castle
Greyfriars Bobby Statue
- Best at night
- Don’t enter the places, not part of the experience
- Use the phone flashlight for clues if needed
Tips & Recommendations
Wear Comfortable Shoes
You will be walking throughout the city, so comfortable footwear is essential for enjoying the experience.
Charge Your Phone
Make sure your smartphone is fully charged. The quest runs through the Questo app, and you will be using it throughout.
Check the Weather
This is an outdoor activity. Bring an umbrella or sunscreen depending on the forecast.
Bring a Camera
You will discover photogenic locations and hidden gems perfect for capturing memories.
Stay Hydrated
Bring water, especially during warmer months or longer quests.
Play with Friends
While you can play solo, quests are more fun with friends or family. One ticket works for a group.
Important Information
Duration
Approximately 3660 minutes
Distance
2.8km walking
Group Size
Unlimited
Difficulty
Easy to Moderate
Accessibility
Not wheelchair accessible (stairs and uneven surfaces)
Cancellation Policy
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before your scheduled start time
Need to Know Before Booking
- •You will need the Questo app on your smartphone (iOS or Android)
- •Each ticket can be used by a group (share one device or play separately)
- •Internet connection required to download the quest initially
- •Once downloaded, you can play offline if needed
Ratings and Reviews
555 ratings
Beat the best: Top Edinburgh explorers
Compare Questo vs. Guided Walking Tours
| Feature | Regular Guided Tours | Questo |
|---|---|---|
| Flexibility | Fixed schedules & no pausing | Start, pause, and resume anytime |
| Privacy | Crowds of up to 30 strangers | Private experience for your group only |
| Pricing | $30-$40 per person | Affordable per-group pricing |
| Availability | Requires advance booking | Instant access 24/7/365 |
| Experience | Passive listening to a guide | Active gamification; you solve the mystery |
Have an unlock code?
Frequently asked questions
What’s the challenge in this haunted walk?
You play as a ghostly staff (yes, with a human head) once wielded by Major Thomas Weir. He’s gone missing, and it’s up to you to solve riddles, face dark legends, and track down those who helped him in his fall.
Will I see spooky places I won’t find in regular tours?
Definitely. Public execution sites, alleys whispered to be haunted, stories of Burke & Hare, Wizard of West Bow, the Grey Lady, George Mackenzie—all these bits of scary history pop up in corners most people pass by without noticing.
Is this something I could do on a date night?
For sure. Imagine starting at dusk, walking through atmospheric old streets of Edinburgh, solving creepy clues together… it blends romance + mystery in a way that dinner alone doesn’t.
Is it too scary for teenagers or sensitive folks?
It has creepy stories and ghost vibes, but it’s not horror movie level. If you’re okay with dark legends and whispers, you’ll be fine. Might feel intense in certain parts, though.
Will I need a flashlight or special gear?
A phone with flashlight helps in dim streets. Good walking shoes are key. Other than that, nothing fancy—just be ready to walk and stare into shadows!
