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
Single Mission
Just looking for a single adventure?
Edinburgh City Pass
The complete Edinburgh adventure.
Annual Pass
Play any quest in 1000+ cities for the price of a dinner for two.
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.
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
Good to know before you play
- 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 at least 60% 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.
Ratings and Reviews
556 ratings
Beat the best: Top Edinburgh explorers
You might be interested in these quests
The Edinburgh Enigma: A Gothic Tale of Crime
4.2 km | Avg. time: 3600 min
From EUR: €12.99
Romantic Edinburgh: True Love Escape Game
3.9 km | Avg. time: 4500 min
From EUR: €12.99
Murder Mystery: Solve the case in Edinburgh
2.3 km | Avg. time: 0 min
From EUR: €12.99
Edinburgh: City of Wizards Walking Tour & Escape Game
2.7 km | Avg. time: 3720 min
From EUR: €12.99
Compare Questo vs. Guided Walking Tours
Flexibility
Regular Guided Tours
Fixed schedules & no pausing
Questo
Start, pause, and resume anytime
Privacy
Regular Guided Tours
Crowds of up to 30 strangers
Questo
Private experience for your group only
Pricing
Regular Guided Tours
$30-$40 per person
Questo
Affordable per-group pricing
Availability
Regular Guided Tours
Requires advance booking
Questo
Instant access 24/7/365
Experience
Regular Guided Tours
Passive listening to a guide
Questo
Active gamification; you solve the mystery
| 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 |
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!
