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.
per player · one-time · yours forever
An evening of adventure for less than two coffees
Each player races on their own phone.
Full refund until you start playing · 11 stops · 1 hrs · 2.8 km
Staying a few days in Edinburgh? All 6 Edinburgh quests for £34.99 — pays for itself by quest #4. See the City Pass →
Places you will visit
11
It will take you
41-71 mins
You will walk
3680 steps
Total distance
2.8 km
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
Bring your crew
Race to the finish.
Everyone plays on their own phone — race solo, as a couple, or with a crew of any size. First to solve every clue takes the crown.
Adventure
Your pace, no timer
Escape
Beat the clock
Plays offline at your own pace — live group races need a connection.
Final leaderboard
Landmarks & Hidden Gems Included
Edinburgh Castle
Greyfriars Bobby Statue
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!
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.
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
- Horror & Haunts
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
Quests are more fun with friends or family. Each player who wants to play on their own phone needs their own access.
Ratings and Reviews
569 ratings
DrewCrew
Klara
Kristof N
Yori Kayzer
LisaSweeney
Beat the best: Top Edinburgh explorers
I'm a versatile writer and editor with experience in editorial, commercial and creative writing. I have worked on cross-platform campaigns for some of the UK’s top magazines, including Radio Times, BBC Good Food and Lonely Planet.
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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!
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?
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 |
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