Ghosts of Edinburgh: A Bloody Past Walking Tour & Escape Game

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.

From €11.99
per device
Play anytime, any day

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

Storyline

You're a black staff with a human head. Not just any staff with a human head though—you belong to Major Thomas Weir, the infamous Wizard of West Bow and one of Edinburgh’s most prominent ghosts. In fact, as staffs with human heads go, you're probably the most famous!

The once respectable Major was known for his impassioned sermons before confessing to unspeakable crimes in the 17th century. His ghost haunts the West Bow for all eternity, wielding you with his mighty bloodlust. 

But the major has gone missing, you suspect in search of redemption. You must bring him, and those who might have aided him, to heel.

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!

Places you will visit

12

It will take you

46-76 mins

You will walk

3680 steps

Total distance

2.8 km

Experience's route

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  • Best at night
  • Don’t enter the places, not part of the experience
  • Use the phone flashlight for clues if needed
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Ratings and Reviews

4.73

539 ratings

5 Stars
79%
4 Stars
14%
3 Stars
6%
2 Stars
0%
1 Star
0%
Reviews
Sort by

Reni Marocsai

10 Sep 2025

Chris Jones

30 Aug 2025
We both thoroughly enjoyed this experience. We didn't rush and found the clues reasonably easy, only skipped on one. Great walk around Edinburgh and the facts were very interesting. Would highly recommend to pass an hour or so ... we are in our 60s so took a leisurely stroll 🤣

Rebeca

12 Aug 2025

hbidb

28 Jul 2025

Kelsey MacInnes

20 Jul 2025

How to play Questo?

  • Walk, Solve & Explore the Real World

    Download the Questo app, pick your self-guided adventure, and start exploring. Follow clues, solve puzzles, and unlock hidden stories as you discover new locations—all at your own pace.

  • Visit cities with Walking Tour Quests

    For your next trip, explore by going on a walking tour quest without a guide. Enjoy the flexibility of starting and stopping the experience whenever you want, without the fear of missing out on the best places to visit or the best stories to learn.

  • Make Your Date Unforgettable

    Turn an ordinary date into an adventure for two. Stroll through scenic streets, solve puzzles together, and share memorable moments. Perfect for couples, first dates, or even proposals.

  • Role-play in your city

    Attend a Questo Event, and immerse yourself in your favourite stories. Dress up in a costume for extra fun.

Leaderboard

rileylang@hotmail.com
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GLang
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Jeff Lang
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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!