Ghosts of Edinburgh: A Bloody Past Walking Tour & Escape Game
4.73Player rating· 1,453 plays →
Made for this city by a local creator, with a real-world challenge at every stop.
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Get this quest →The experience
About 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 makes this quest special
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
From people who played this quest
They went outside.
Here’s what stayed with them.
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Your walk, at a glance
Edinburgh
57 The Mound, Edinburgh EH2 2EL, UK
102 W Bow, Edinburgh EH1 2HH, Regatul Unit
Start and finish only. Discover the stops as you play.
Along the way
Landmarks & Hidden Gems Included
From your phone to the streets
Pick it. Open it. Play.
- 01
Choose your access
Check the player and phone options for your group.
- 02
Open the Questo app
Follow your purchase instructions to access the quest.
- 03
Head to the start
Follow the clues and let the adventure unfold.
Choose your way to play
Explore at your own pace.
| Experience | This quest | Guided walking tour |
|---|---|---|
| Experience | Discover places through stories and clues in the app | Hear stories and ask a guide questions |
| Pace | Pause for a photo, a café or a longer look | Usually follows the guide’s schedule |
| Company | Explore with your own people or on your own | Private and shared group tours are available |
| Guidance | Directions and challenges in the Questo app | Live interpretation from a guide |
Features and terms vary by experience. Check the details before booking.
Plan your day
Good to know before you play
- Walking distance
- 2.9 km
- Playing time
- Play at your pace · usually 56 min
- Languages
- EN · FR · DE
- Best at night
- Don’t enter the places, not part of the experience
- Use the phone flashlight for clues if needed
- Horror & Haunts
A little clarity before you go
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!
Is Ghosts of Edinburgh: A Bloody Past Walking Tour & Escape Game self-guided?
Where does Ghosts of Edinburgh: A Bloody Past Walking Tour & Escape Game start and finish?
How many accesses does our group need?
What language is Ghosts of Edinburgh: A Bloody Past Walking Tour & Escape Game available in?
The people behind the adventure
Created by Lidia Molina Whyte .
A route that brings places and playful storytelling together.
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Keep exploring Edinburgh
More adventures in Edinburgh
Edinburgh dark-history context
Documented tragedy, local legends and a fictional haunting
Edinburgh’s dark reputation draws on both documented events and stories retold over generations. Thousands of people were accused during Scotland’s witch trials, with hundreds executed around Castle Hill, while names such as Burke and Hare belong to the city’s real crime history. Ghosts such as the Wizard of West Bow and the Grey Lady are folklore, not verified events. The talking staff and search for Major Weir in this quest form an original fictional thread through those different layers of history and legend. Playable languages: English, French, German.