Charlotte in Greyfriars Churchyard
© Walk The Old Town
Greyfriars Churchyard
Crime and Punishment Tour
A 1 hr Historical walking tour through Edinburgh's criminal past
In 1826, Edinburgh earned the epithet "The Athens of the North" for its pivotal role in nurturing exceptional talent and pioneering advancements in science, technology, and heavy industry. As the 19th century witnessed an unprecedented industrial and economic surge, Edinburgh emerged as a haven for multitudes of refugees fleeing the ravages of the Industrial Revolution. Consequently, the city became a juxtaposition of affluence and destitution, with the New Town housing the nouveau rich and the Old Town devolving into an inner-city slum plagued by poverty and crime.
This guided tour illuminates the stark contrast between the haves and have-nots during this transformative period. Participants will delve into the chilling chronicles of murder, mayhem, grave-robbing, vagrancy, and the punitive measures imposed upon those driven to lawlessness by desperation. The narrative unfolds with bloodcurdling accounts of conmen turned killers, gibbeted pirates, witch burnings, decapitated political dissidents, regicide, fires, mob hysteria, and the grim fate of those hung, drawn, and quartered. The tour also leads to the site of an open-air prison nestled in the heart of the Old Town. This experience is not tailored for the faint-hearted but promises to enthrall those seeking a spine-tingling encounter with Edinburgh's dark and tumultuous past.
From £18 per adult
Departure days
- Monday
- Tuesday
- Wednesday
- Thursday
- Friday
- Saturday
- Sunday
January — December
Contact details
High Street
Edinburgh
City of Edinburgh
Scotland
EH1 1RE
Key facilities
- Level Access
- Pets Welcome
Tour information
Tour company information
Walk The Old Town
1 Hour Historical walking tours of Edinburgh's Old Town. We offer a uniquely different take on the usual walking tour. Our splendidly attired guides offers a visual feast amidst the spectacular backdrop of Britain's most picturesque city. Our guides will transport you to Scotland's golden age and regale the visitor with engaging stories of Edinburgh. We have just won an award in Excellence in Service in Scotland given by Travel and Hospitality awards www.thawards.com of which we are very proud so you can be assured you get the best value for money.
Opening times
Wednesdays to Sundays: 10am until 4pm.
We run 4 walking tours a day and these starts at the following times:
10am, 12pm, 2pm and 4pm
Other tours from this company
Old Town Walking Tour
Departs: Edinburgh - City Centre, Edinburgh
A 1hr history tour of Edinburgh's Old Town showcasing world famous local landmar...
Key facilities
- Level Access
- Pets Welcome
Magical Edinburgh
Departs: Edinburgh - City Centre
Our award winning 1hr Historical Walking tour in through Edinburgh's Old Town.
Key facilities
- Level Access
- Pets Welcome
Rebel! Rebel! Tour
Departs: Edinburgh - City Centre
A 1hr Historical Walking tour about Scotland's Golden age.
Key facilities
- Level Access
- Pets Welcome
The content of many of our web listings is provided by third party operators and not VisitScotland. VisitScotland accepts no responsibility for (1) any error or misrepresentation contained in third party listings, and (2) the contents of any external links within web listings ((1) and (2) together hereinafter referred to as the "Content"). VisitScotland excludes all liability for loss or damage caused by any reliance placed on the Content. The Content is provided for your information only and is not endorsed by VisitScotland.
Share On