About this tour
A two-hour walking tour through Edinburgh's darkest chapters, tracing the city's 17th-century witch trials and the real people caught in them. You'll navigate the closes and streets that shaped Scottish history and later inspired literary magic, guided by someone in period dress. The route weaves together documented persecution, gothic architecture, and the literary landmarks that transformed Edinburgh's sinister past into cultural legend.
Highlights
- 17th-century witch trial histories and documented victims
- Streets that influenced JK Rowling's creative vision
- Gothic architecture throughout the Old Town
- Haunted locations with verifiable historical significance
- Guide in historical costume providing context
- Accessible throughout—wheelchair-friendly route
What to expect
Expect a historically grounded narrative rather than ghost-hunting theatre. Your guide will walk you through Edinburgh's closes and main streets, pointing out where trials occurred and how the city's reputation for witchcraft developed across generations. You'll see the architectural details that give the Old Town its distinctive character—steep closes, stone facades, and narrow passages. The two hours covers ground at a moderate pace, stopping frequently to discuss specific cases and locations. This is less about supernatural encounters and more about understanding how fear and accusation shaped a city.
Good to know
Fully wheelchair accessible with level surfaces throughout. Nearby public transport gets you to the start. Not suitable if you have significant cardiovascular concerns due to Edinburgh's hilly topography in some areas. Prams and service animals welcome. Wear appropriate footwear for cobblestone streets.
Frequently asked
- How long does Magical Walking Tour in Edinburgh take?
- Magical Walking Tour in Edinburgh runs for approximately 2 hours.
- How much does Magical Walking Tour in Edinburgh cost?
- Prices start from AUD $48 per person. Final pricing varies by date, group size and any add-ons — confirmed at checkout via Viator.
- Where does Magical Walking Tour in Edinburgh run?
- This tour operates around United Kingdom. Specific meeting points and pickup options are listed by the operator at checkout.
- Who runs Magical Walking Tour in Edinburgh?
- The tour is sold and operated by its supplier through Viator. New Forest National Park earns a small commission on bookings made via the link, which keeps this site free for travellers.
- Is the tour confirmed at the listed price?
- The price shown is the operator's "from" price as of our last sync. Final price, currency conversion, group discounts and cancellation policy are confirmed at checkout — always review before paying.
Tour sold and operated by its supplier via Viator. Descriptions on this page are original New Forest National Park summaries, not copied from the operator. Prices and availability are confirmed at checkout.