Edinburgh True Crime Audio Tour with A Former Detective

Duration2h 30m - 3h

Free cancellationFull refund up to 24 hours before

Instant confirmationYour booking is confirmed right away

TicketMobile or paper ticket accepted

LanguagesEnglish

Private tourOnly your group will participate

Overview

This self-guided audio tour uncovers Edinburgh's darkest history, narrated by a former Detective Sergeant with 27 years of policing experience.

Starting where Cockburn Street meets the Royal Mile, you'll trace centuries of crime and punishment through the Old Town. You'll walk past the feared Calton Jail and Greyfriars Kirkyard, once stalked by grave robbers who supplied Burke and Hare's victims to the city's anatomy schools.

In the Grassmarket, where public executions once drew crowds, you'll hear how Half-Hangit Maggie survived her own hanging, and the true story of Deacon Brodie, the respectable tradesman turned burglar who inspired Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde. You'll also learn how the 1977 World's End Murders were solved decades later by DNA evidence, before ending on the Castle Esplanade, once used for witch burnings.

This tour is perfect for true crime fans and history buffs.

After booking, install the VoiceMap app and enter your ticket code to download and start touring.

What's included

Directions to the starting point so that when you're in the right place, the tour will start
Lifetime access to this tour in English before your booking date and after it
Offline access to audio, maps, and geodata
App for Android and iOS
Flexibility to explore at your own pace with a self-guided GPS tour

Smartphone and headphones
An in-person guide
Transportation
Food and drink
Personal expenses for admission fees not included during the tour

What to expect

Pass by

On this audio tour, you’ll uncover the city’s shadowy history through real murder cases, infamous criminals, and the evolution of Scottish law enforcement - all guided by a former Detective Sergeant with 27 years of frontline experience.
Calton Hill
Pass by

You'll have a chance to view the locations of the once-feared Calton Jail, the Canongate Tolbooth where prisoners awaited their fate, and pass the Heart of Midlothian mosaic, marking the previous entrance to the city’s most notorious prison.
Pass by

You'll pass by Tolbooth Tavern and learn how its connected to Edinburgh's history of crime.
Bakehouse Close
Pass by

You'll visit Bakehouse Close—featured in Outlander—with views of Arthur’s Seat, linked to a recent murder case.
St Giles' Cathedral
Pass by

You'll see St Giles' Cathedral and learn how its connnected to Edinburgh's darker history.
Scott Monument
Pass by

You'll pass by the Scott Monument and learn about Scott while you walk.
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You'll learn about the Scottish courts of law and from there, venture into the eerie Greyfriars Kirkyard - once stalked by grave robbers supplying bodies to anatomy schools—and continue to the Grassmarket, where public executions once drew huge crowds.
The Vennel Viewpoint Edinburgh Castle
Pass by

The Vennel Viewpoint Edinburgh Castle
Brodie's Close- Edinburgh
Pass by

At Brodie's Close, you’ll hear the story of William “Deacon” Brodie - respected tradesman by day, burglar by night - whose double life inspired Robert Louis Stevenson’s Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde.
Edinburgh Castle
Pass by

The tour concludes on the Castle Esplanade, a place once used for military executions and witch burnings, offering sweeping views across the city.

Meeting and pickup

Meeting point

This tour starts opposite the Tron Kirk Market. Before arrival, please install the mobile app and use the code provided on your confirmation ticket. Detailed starting point instructions are available after downloading.

End point

This self-guided audio tour ends in front of Edinburgh Castle, near the Witches Well.

Additional information

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Cancellation policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Reviews

5.0 (4)

From

$14.99 per person

Check availability & book

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience starts
Instant confirmation
You'll choose your date and travelers and pay on viator.com. Prices vary by date, group size and option.

Operated by VoiceMap Audio Tours · Booked through Viator

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