Edinburgh Tour History and Murder’s Old Town in Private

Looking to explore Edinburgh’s dark past in an intimate setting? A tour of Edinburgh’s old town in private can be an incredible and unique experience. You’ll learn about the sordid history of Scotland’s capital and visit some of the most notorious places where the most famous Edinburgh murderers went on their hunts.Edinburgh is sometimes referred to as Auld Reekie—Old Smokey—and with good reason. It is one of the oldest cities in Europe, dating back over 6 centuries, and it has a long and sometimes twisted history. Although the city has come a long way since those darker days, much of its checkered past is still very much in evidence.Edinburgh old town is filled with fascinating stories, vivid character and a thrilling past that includes ghost stories, heinous murders and severe punishments which have made a strong impression on this city’s unique character.On this type of tour, you’ll learn about Edinburgh’s dark past and its most famous criminal figures. You will visit buildings and narrow alleyways connected to historic scandals and hidden secrets, casting light on the dark history of Old Town. Local guides will paint Edinburgh’s history in vivid detail, walking the streets that became slaughterhouses past the courtyards where prisoners were held before deportation or hanging.At the same time, you do not just get a glimpse of the sinister side of Edinburgh’s history during such a tour, but also experience moments of calmness within its intricate network of spacious cobbled courtyards, half-hidden gardens and secret passages.

Why Take a Private Tour?

If you want the best overview of and insight into the history of Edinburgh’s old town, you should consider a private tour. Group tours usually rush from one place to another with little information and even less interpretation. With a private tour, you get your own personal tour guide customizing the tour to suit your interests, tell you stories and providing historical commentary. Private tours also have more room for flexibility in terms of timing and itinerary. Depending on what you’re interested in, your private tour guide can help adjust the itinerary slightly in order to further emphasize those parts of the old town’s history. A private tour will not only help you get more out of your time in the city—history-wise—but also give you a deeper understanding and appreciation of Edinburgh’s unique character – its people, politics, art and culture – through its dark past. Instead of brushing through what happened in a matter of minutes, with a private tour, you can hear all the details you are interested in, gain insight into Edinburgh’s most intriguing stories, find out about its crimes, unsolved mysteries and even paranormal tales.

What to Expect?

A typical private tour will trace Edinburgh’s darkest history over a few hours, taking you to places like Greyfriars Kirkyard – famously linked to both Burke & Hare grave-robbing duo as well as Greyfriar’s Bobby; Mary King’s Close – where the Plague killed off several residents, the hidden Lawnmarket Alley – where the first cases of stabbings occurred from 1637 up to 1822; and Calton Hill – incredibly scenic, but unfortunately infamous for its hanging sites. Your guide may also take you to other areas like The Royal Mile or Princes Street as well as other memorials & monuments alongside tales of civil unrest & rebellion in Old Town during 16th and 17th centuries. All along the way, he or she will provide insight into the various events that shaped Edinburgh’s history along with introducing interesting facts from times gone by. You may even be able to explore some unexposed alleys and nooks in the city!

Personal Opinion

Personally, I believe that taking a private tour of Edinburgh’s old town is one of the best ways to experience and appreciate its more intricate personalities and histories. Not only do you enter parts of the city that are off-the-beaten-path but gain a unique understanding of its deep past that only a passionate storyteller can provide. On top of that, you can customize your own tour – depending on your interests – without having to worry about rushing around somebody else’s itinerary or waiting for the rest of the group. The sheer amount history in Old Town is sure to make you walk away feeling mesmerised by the stories of past generations. It’s an adventure that is well worth taking if given the chance! If this has piqued your interest – and why wouldn’t it? – take that opportunity to book a private tour with GetYourGuide here.