12 Haunted Places to Visit in Edinburgh
The capital city of Scotland, Edinburgh, is globally known for its fascinating architecture, cobbled streets, and rich and interesting history. However, on the other side lies terrific stories about the city–stories about ghosts, strange occurrences, and creepy miniatures. Edinburgh is swarming with ancient graveyards, underground vaults, and ugly history, that’s why it’s considered one of the most haunted cities in the world.
Whether you’re a skeptic or a person who can’t resist a good ghost story, nothing beats a visit to Edinburgh’s haunted hotspots for a spine-tingling experience of the city. In this article, we explore the ghostly stories behind Edinburgh’s famed walls.
The Old Tolbooth
The Old Tolbooth was once a courthouse and prison, as well as home to a grim history of public executions and torture. Though the building is gone, its ghostly legacy remains. Some people have reported that they hear faint cries and screams as if the walls carried the memory of those who were condemned to die there. The stories are alarming enough to make you think twice before walking through this section of the city on your own.
Edinburgh Castle
Edinburgh Castle, which sits on Castle Rock, is famous for its stories of ghosts as much as for the gorgeous views. Many of the bloody battles, sieges, and imprisonments that occurred there over hundreds of years have given rise to a legacy of lingering spirits. The Lone Piper is one of the most popular apparitions; he disappeared in tunnels below the castle and is said to still pipe his bagpipes to this day. People also say they experience cold spots and strange noises in the dungeon.
Greyfriars Kirkyard
The graveyard is famous for its association with the restless spirits of Covenanters who were imprisoned here during the 17th century. George Mackenzie, known as “Bluidy Mackenzie” for his part in persecuting the Covenanters, is the most well-known ghost. Scratches, bruises, and terror are some of the things visitors say they have experienced while visiting his tomb. It is ranked by paranormal investigators as one of the most active sites in the world.
Mary King’s Close
Mary King’s Close lies buried beneath the Royal Mile–a series of underground streets sealed off during a plague outbreak in the 17th century. It is said that the ghost of a young girl whose name was Annie walks the tunnels of these seeking some toys she had lost. Often, people who visit this place claim they leave toys for Annie’s spirit, and others report hearing phantom footsteps or feeling an icy grip in the dimly lit passageways.
Holyrood Palace
This royal residence is still used today and is also a home to ghosts. The most famous is probably the spirit of David Rizzio, a 16th-century court musician who was brutally murdered in the palace. Some visitors say his ghost still lingers on and some have heard phantom footsteps echoing through the halls.
The Witchery by the Castle
Near Edinburgh Castle, you’ll find a lavish restaurant and hotel which comes with a side of hauntings. The site is known to host the spirits of accused witches, which made it a hotspot for witch trials. Its opulent, candle-lit halls have witnessed visitors seeing shadowy figures and feeling sudden chills. Though the food is fantastic, it’s the frightening ambiance that steals the show.
Calton Hill
Calton Hill is also famous for its panoramic views of the city but it has a darker reputation too. The hill is believed to be haunted by ghosts often seen around the old observatory. Visitors report hearing disembodied voices, and shadowy figures at dusk. Calton Hill is a windswept spot with historic ruins and a perfect place for ghostly encounters.
The Banshee Labyrinth
If you’re looking for a ghost with a flair for drama, head to the Banshee Labyrinth. It is one of Edinburgh’s most haunted pubs, where a banshee (a spirit whose wails are said to predict death) is said to haunt. Most patrons leave with a story to tell, but some swear they’ve been through full-blown paranormal activity, from glasses flying off tables to ghostly apparitions in bathroom mirrors.
The Vaults
A network of vaults that once served everything from taverns to illicit activities lies beneath the South Bridge. Over the years, these underground spaces became associated with crime and misery. And today, they’re one of Edinburgh’s most haunted spots. They’ve recorded sudden drops in temperature, faint cries, and even ghostly apparitions. Walking through the dimly-lit passages, it’s easy to imagine the tragedies that played out here.
Canongate Kirkyard
This lesser-known cemetery which is located on the Royal Mile is a quiet place to visit during the day, but becomes frightening when the sun sets. Robert Fergusson, a well-known poet who was buried there, is said to haunt around his tombstone. Visitors have also seen shadowy figures darting between the graves. With the weathered headstones and silence of the kirkyard, it’s the perfect place for a ghost story (or a paranormal experience).
The White Hart Inn
One of the oldest pubs in Edinburgh, The White Hart Inn has a history as dark as its cellar. It is haunted by the spirits of patrons who met a tragic end there. Visitors often hear phantom footsteps or feel an invisible hand brushing against them while enjoying a pint. If you feel brave enough, try visiting the basement.
Arthur’s Seat
Not only is this iconic hill an outstanding hiking destination, it is also shrouded in mystery. Rumors of witchcraft and curses swirled when a group of children found 17 miniature coffins in a cave here in the 1830s. It is believed that the area is haunted by the spirits of those coffins. Hiking Arthur’s Seat is a daytime adventure, but when the shadows grow long, it gets more terrific.
Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.
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