Explore Edinburgh’s haunting past on the city’s renowned Ghost Bus Tour. Aboard a vintage double-decker, guests embark on a chilling journey through medieval alleyways and iconic landmarks. The captivating guide recounts tales of executions, murders, and supernatural occurrences – from the notorious grave-robbers Burke and Hare to the restless spirits said to haunt locations like Greyfriars Kirk. This immersive experience offers a unique glimpse into Edinburgh’s macabre legacy. Whether you’re a thrill-seeker or history buff, the Ghost Bus Tour promises an unforgettable adventure that just might send a chill down your spine.
Key Points
- The Ghost Bus Tour explores Edinburgh’s haunted history, including tales of executions, murders, and supernatural occurrences at iconic sites like Edinburgh Castle and Greyfriars Kirk.
- The tour takes place on a vintage double-decker Routemaster bus, providing guests with a unique vantage point to discover the city’s macabre legacy.
- The tour guide captivates passengers with chilling anecdotes about Edinburgh’s haunted past, including the notorious grave-robbers Burke and Hare.
- Visitors can discover the grave of Burke and Hare, the infamous serial killers who murdered at least 16 people, within the grounds of Greyfriars Kirk.
- The tour explores various haunted locations, including Greyfriars Kirk, which is home to the Mackenzie Poltergeist, and the Grassmarket, where restless spirits of executed individuals are said to roam.
It's also worth checking out some other tours and experiences nearby.
Exploring Edinburgh’s Haunted History
The Ghost Bus Tour of Edinburgh takes guests on a chilling exploration of the city’s haunted past, delving into tales of executions, murders, and supernatural occurrences that have left an indelible mark on the historic streets.
Aboard a vintage double-decker bus, visitors will discover the dark legacies that haunt iconic sites like Edinburgh Castle, the Royal Mile, Greyfriars Kirk, and the Grassmarket.
From the notorious grave-robbers Burke and Hare to the restless spirits that are said to roam the city, the tour’s entertaining guide regales passengers with spine-tingling anecdotes that bring Edinburgh’s haunted history to life.
Prepare to be captivated by the city’s eerie past as you uncover the sinister secrets that lurk within its shadows.
Ride the Vintage Double-Decker Bus
Guests board a vintage double-decker Routemaster bus to embark on an unforgettable journey through Edinburgh’s haunted streets.
The iconic red bus offers a unique vantage point to explore the city’s dark past.
As the bus winds its way through the medieval alleyways and past iconic landmarks, passengers are treated to chilling tales from an expert guide.
The vintage vehicle adds an authentic touch to the experience, transporting guests back in time to uncover the city’s ghostly secrets.
With the bus’s classic design and the guide’s captivating storytelling, the tour provides an immersive way to discover Edinburgh’s haunted history, leaving participants with a thrilling and memorable experience.
Chilling Anecdotes From the Guide
As the tour progresses, the guide captivates passengers with a repertoire of chilling anecdotes that bring Edinburgh’s haunted past to life. Recounting gruesome tales of executions, murders, and supernatural occurrences, the guide’s vivid storytelling transports your to a bygone era, immersing them in the city’s dark history.
Listeners are enthralled as the guide describes the notorious grave-robbers Burke and Hare, whose victims were sold to medical schools for dissection.
The guide also shares spine-tingling accounts of restless spirits haunting locations along the route, such as Greyfriars Kirk, where the poltergeist of a cruel covenanter is said to roam. With each chilling revelation, the group is drawn deeper into Edinburgh’s macabre legacy.
Discovering Burke and Hare’s Grave
Burke and Hare’s notorious grave lies within the grounds of Greyfriars Kirk, a chilling reminder of the city’s dark past. The infamous duo were serial killers who murdered at least 16 people in the 1820s, selling the bodies to a local anatomy school. Visitors on the ghost bus tour can explore this haunted site, where the spirits of their victims are said to linger.
Victim | Cause of Death |
---|---|
James Wilson | Suffocated |
Mary Paterson | Strangled |
Ann Dougal | Smothered |
The tour guide shares bone-chilling tales of the murders, captivating passengers with the grim history of Edinburgh’s sinister past.
Haunted Locations and Restless Spirits
The ghost bus tour doesn’t just showcase Burke and Hare’s notorious grave – it also takes visitors to other haunted locations throughout Edinburgh, where restless spirits are said to linger.
One chilling stop is Greyfriars Kirk, whose churchyard is home to the Mackenzie Poltergeist, an entity that’s been known to scratch, push, and even attack visitors.
The tour also visits the Grassmarket, a site of many historic executions, where some believe the souls of the condemned continue to roam.
Meeting Details and Transportation
The ghost bus tour departs from the Lawnmarket in Edinburgh and returns to the same starting point. Visitors should arrive 20 minutes before the scheduled departure time. The tour is not wheelchair accessible, but service animals are allowed. Public transportation is available near the meeting location.
The tour is operated using a vintage Routemaster bus, which can accommodate up to 54 travelers. Infants must sit on laps during the journey. The guide provides entertaining anecdotes and chilling facts throughout the tour, offering a unique look into Edinburgh’s dark history.
Meeting Details | Transportation |
---|---|
Location: Lawnmarket, Edinburgh | Vehicle: Vintage Routemaster bus |
Arrival Time: 20 minutes before departure | Capacity: 54 travelers |
Return: Same as meeting point | Infants: Sit on laps |
Accessibility and Additional Information
Unfortunately, the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, though service animals are permitted. Public transportation is available near the meeting location for those who require it.
Infants must sit on laps during the tour, which has a maximum capacity of 54 travelers. While the sights and stories along the way are chilling, the tour itself isn’t recommended for young children who may find the content disturbing.
Guests are advised to arrive 20 minutes before departure time at the Lawnmarket in Edinburgh, as the tour will depart promptly.
Highlights of the Ghost Bus Tour
Guests embark on a chilling journey through Edinburgh’s haunted past aboard a vintage double-decker bus, listening intently as an entertaining guide shares captivating anecdotes and facts about the city’s dark history.
The tour explores iconic sites like Edinburgh Castle, the Royal Mile, Greyfriars Kirk, and the Grassmarket, where the guide delves into tales of executions, murders, and supernatural occurrences.
Visitors are enthralled by the guide’s recounting of Burke and Hare‘s notorious grave-robbing activities, as well as the chilling stories of restless spirits haunting these historic locations.
The Ghost Bus Tour offers a unique and thrilling way to uncover Edinburgh’s shadowy past while immersed in the city’s haunted atmosphere.
Here's a few more nearby tours and experiences we think you'll like.
- Edinburgh Darkside Walking Tour: Mysteries, Murder and Legends
- The Chocolatarium Chocolate Tour Experience in Edinburgh
- Edinburgh Castle Guided Walking Tour in English
- Original Harry Potter Locations Tour in Edinburgh
- Loch Ness and the Scottish Highlands With Lunch From Edinburgh
- Edinburgh Castle: Guided Walking Tour With Entry Ticket
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Take Photos During the Tour?
Guests are generally allowed to take photos during the tour. However, some locations may prohibit photography for privacy or preservation reasons. It’s best to check with the tour guide before taking photos to ensure compliance with any restrictions.
Is There a Dress Code for the Tour?
There is no strict dress code for the tour. Visitors can wear comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing. It’s best to dress in layers as the temperature can vary during the tour.
Do I Need to Bring Any Special Equipment?
No special equipment is needed. Comfortable walking shoes are recommended, as you’ll be exploring haunted locations on foot. Be prepared to listen and engage with the guide’s chilling stories and historical details during the tour.
Can I Leave the Tour Early if I Feel Uncomfortable?
Yes, guests can leave the tour early if they feel uncomfortable. Most tour operators understand that some activities may not be suitable for everyone and allow participants to exit at their discretion without penalty.
Is There an Age Limit for the Tour?
The tour has no age limit, but infants must sit on laps. Children are welcome, though the content may be inappropriate for young or sensitive travelers. Families should use discretion when booking this tour.
Not for you? Here's more of our most recent tour reviews happening neaby
- Private Edinburgh Full Day Tour
- Stone & Story: Rosslyn Chapel & Melrose Abbey Private Day Trip
- Scottish Highland Games Day Tour From Edinburgh
- Edinburgh: Gothic Old Town Exploration Game
- Edinburgh Custom Private Tour With a Local, See the City Unscripted
- A Taste of Scotland Full-Day Private Tour
- Loch Ness Day Tour From Edinburgh or Glasgow
- Edinburgh: Walking Tour / Treasure Hunt (App Led)
- Edinburgh Delicious Donut Adventure by Underground Donut Tour
- Edinburgh: Private Guided Walking Tour
- Edinburgh 3 Hour Walking Tour With an Italian Tour Guide
- From Edinburgh: 8-Day Skye, Orkney & North Coast 500 Tour
- From Edinburgh/Glasgow: 3-Day Isle of Skye & Highland Tour
- Edinburgh: Old Town, a Self-Guided Secret City Game
- Harry Potter Tour in Edinburgh
Recap
The Ghost Bus Tour offers a thrilling exploration of Edinburgh’s dark past. Aboard a vintage double-decker bus, visitors uncover the city’s haunted history, from the grisly tales of grave-robbers to the restless spirits that linger in iconic landmarks.
With a captivating guide, this immersive experience provides a unique glimpse into Edinburgh’s macabre legacy, leaving guests with a newfound appreciation for the city’s haunted heritage.