Explore These 9 Haunted Places in Edinburgh, If You Dare!

Edinburgh, the capital city of Scotland in the UK, happens to be among the most haunted cities in the world. As twilight descends upon this ancient city, it transforms into a world of shadows and enigma. The cobbled streets across the city get shrouded in a strange eeriness, where flickering lanterns seem to struggle against the darkness of the night. Every stone, staircase, and corner whispers of the past stories of terror, sorrow, and mystery, and eeriness lingers in the air. Here, roam the spirits and specters of those who do not belong to this world. Here, unexplained phenomena will leave you with a spine-tingling sensation that will stay etched in your head for quite some time, or maybe longer. And if you find yourself drawn to the haunted places in Edinburgh, know that they are ugly, unsettling, and unforgettable. So, hold your breath and get ready to discover the haunting souls of Edinburgh or maybe encounter one!

9 Most Haunted Places in Edinburgh to Experience the Supernatural Up Close

Owing to a long history dating back to the early Middle Ages, Edinburgh is steeped in countless tales of ghostly sightings and paranormal activity. From ancient castles and underground vaults to eerie graveyards and hotels, there are so many haunted places in Edinburgh that hold the power to scare you to death. Each of these places offers a unique glimpse into the history and culture of the city while unveiling its dark side.

Well, if you are keen on discovering Edinburgh’s ghost stories, scroll down to check the list of the most haunted locations in the city.

• Edinburgh Castle
• The South Bridge Vaults
• The Banshee Labyrinth
• Mary King’s Close
• The West Bow
• Greyfriars Kirkyard
• The Edinburgh Dungeon
• Dalhousie Castle Hotel
• The Mitre Bar

1. Edinburgh Castle

Shrouded in an unmatched eerie enigma of the gruesome past, Edinburgh Castle is haunted. Set atop the massive Castle Rock, Edinburgh Castle has been a significant part of Scotland's rich history, power, conflict, and national pride for over 920 years. And it is no wonder that the castle is a hotbed for the paranormal and one of the most haunted places in the world. It's cold gray granite walls hide countless stories and several ghostly apparitions, that can make their appearance before you at any time. There's a mysterious noblewoman, commonly known as the Grey Lady, who wanders the castle. She is believed to be among the 300 women burnt alive at the castle upon being accused of witchcraft. A lone bagpiper, who was sent down into the castle's tunnels many years back only to never return, can be heard playing his music in the streets. Many have also heard the sound of a drum being played by a headless drummer boy. It's certainly not for the faint-hearted!

Location: Castlehill, Edinburgh EH1 2NG, United Kingdom

Visit Hours: 9:30 AM to 6 PM (Last Entry at 5 PM)

Entry Fee: £3.50 (17 QAR) Per Person

Haunted By: The Grey Lady, The Lone Piper, Headless Drummer, Black Hound, French Prisoners

Nearby Attractions:

• Camera Obscura & World of Illusions
• National Museum of Scotland
• Palace of Holyroodhouse
• Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh
• Scott Monument

Nearby Hotels:

• Wilde Aparthotels Edinburgh (Grassmarket)
• Apex Grassmarket Hotel
• Kick Ass Grassmarket
• DoubleTree by Hilton Edinburgh City Centre
• hub by Premier Inn Edinburgh City Centre (Rose Street) Hotel

Nearby Restaurants:

• Petit Paris
• Bistro du Vin Edinburgh
• Cannonball Restaurant & Bar
• Makars Mash Bar
• Bistronomy 176

2. The South Bridge Vaults

Dating back to the late 18th century, the South Bridge Vaults is a network of chambers and tunnels beneath the South Bridge in Edinburgh. However, they were later abandoned due to common flooding inside, becoming a dwelling for homeless criminals. Today, they attract tourists from across the world, not only history enthusiasts but also ghost hunters. Yes, you read that right! The site is one of the most haunted places in Edinburgh, where the restless spirits of those who suffered and died here remain even today. The most famous apparition spotted here is that of the Watcher, described as a tall, dark man, who follows the sightseers through Edinburgh's haunted vaults. People have felt his presence while walking through, with many also experiencing his breath on their necks. The other apparitions usually seen in the vaults include a veiled woman, a young boy, a shoemaker, and an aristocrat.

Location: 30 South Bridge, Edinburgh EH1 1LL, United Kingdom

Visit Hours: 10 AM to 5 PM (Opens at 3 PM on Monday)

Entry Fee: £10 (47 QAR) Per Person

Haunted By: The Aristocrat, The Happy Shoemaker, The Veiled Woman, Little Jack, The Watcher

Nearby Attractions:

• Edinburgh Castle
• National Museum of Scotland
• Royal Mile
• Blair Street Underground Vault
• The Real Mary King's Close

Nearby Hotels:

• hub by Premier Inn Edinburgh Royal Mile hotel
• St Christopher's Inn Edinburgh Old Town
• The Inn On The Mile
• Premier Inn Edinburgh City Centre Royal Mile Hotel
• St Christopher's Inn Edinburgh Original

Nearby Restaurants:

• Fogg's Restaurant Edinburgh
• Bistro du Vin Edinburgh
• The Piper's Rest
• Noodle 'n' Rice
• Whiski Bar & Restaurant

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3. Banshee Labyrinth

Situated in the heart of Old Town, Banshee Labyrinth claims to be the most haunted pub in Scotland, where there are more spirits than the living! A mythological Irish fairy-like spirit, known as the Banshee, is often spotted by the visitors at the pub, screaming loudly to herald her death. But she is not the only one at Labyrinth. Among the many others haunting the pub is the ghost of a 17th-century wealthy tyrant named Lord Nicol Edwards, who had a strong faith in witchcraft and tortured women at his residence. The drinks fly off the tables and smash into the walls, which if experienced, will not let you sleep for endless nights. So, once you step into Banshee Labyrinth, one of the most haunted places in Edinburgh, Scotland, be prepared for spooky occurrences and otherworldly sightings anytime, at any corner!

Location: 29-35 Niddry St, Edinburgh EH1 1LG, United Kingdom

Visit Hours: 5 PM to 3 AM

Entry Fee: N/A

Haunted By: Lord Nicol Edwards, the Banshee

Nearby Attractions:

• Gilbert the Phone Box
• The Underground Vaults
• Royal Mile
• Mercat Cross
• John Knox House

Nearby Hotels:

• House of Gods Hotel
• The Inn on the Mile
• The Scotsman Hotel
• Motel One Edinburgh-Royal
• Radisson Collection Hotel

Nearby Restaurants:

• Civerinos Hunter Square
• Bistronomy 176
• Cannonball Restaurant & Bar
• Noodle 'n' Rice
• Fogg's Restaurant Edinburgh

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4. Mary King’s Close  

Since the 17th century, Mary King’s Close has held the reputation of being among the top haunted places in the UK. It is said to be haunted by the unsettled spirit of a 9-year-old girl named Annie, who met an early death during the Great Plague in 1645. She resides in one particular room, where the visitors can barely enter. Once, a Japanese medium named Aiko Gibo reached out to Annie, and when the little girl appeared, she sat crying in one corner of the room. Annie tugged into Gibo's coat and shared that she felt lonely there, especially without her doll. To make the little girl feel better, she left a tartan Barbie doll for her. Since then, visitors have continued to leave dolls and gifts for little Annie.

Many have claimed to feel Annie’s presence in the Close even when she is not visibly around. She seems to grab the hands of visitors, only to find no one there when looking around. The spirit of Andrew Chesney, the last resident of the Close who was forced to leave the place in 1902, is seen wandering through the alleys with a worried look on his face. A woman dressed in black also frequents this place, who people believe to be Mary King herself. And, of course, there is a ghostly dog and sometimes a cat running across the room, only to vanish into the air!

Location: 2 Warriston's Cl, Edinburgh EH1 1PG, United Kingdom

Visit Hours: 9:30 AM to 7 PM (9 AM to 9 PM on Friday & Saturday)

Entry Fee: £22.50 (105 QAR) Per Person

Haunted By: Annie, Andrew Chesney

Nearby Attractions:

• The Royal Mile
• St. Giles' Cathedral
• St Andrew Square
• Palace of Holyroodhouse
• Princes Street Gardens

Nearby Hotels:

• Hilton Edinburgh Carlton
• Premier Inn Edinburgh City Centre (Princes Street) Hotel
• hub by Premier Inn Edinburgh City Centre (Rose Street) Hotel
• Apex Grassmarket Hotel
• ibis Edinburgh Centre South Bridge - Royal Mile

Nearby Restaurants:

• Fahrenheit Restaurant & Bar
• Makars Mash Bar
• Bistronomy 176
• The Boozy Cow
• First Coast Restaurant

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5. The West Bow  

Set on a bustling street in Old Town, the West Bow house hides a dark past that's beyond your imagination. It was the residence of a Scottish soldier named Major Thomas Weir in the 17th century, who happened to be a prominent figure in the city until one day he made creepy and awful confessions at the age of 70. Apart from accepting incestuous relationships with his sisters and stepdaughter, Weir also confessed his family's involvement in satanic acts, sorcery, and witchcraft. Even after the Weirs were sentenced to death as they chose to die as beasts over seeking God's forgiveness, no one dared to enter the West Bow house. The gloomy atmosphere enveloping the property ever since has made it among the popular haunted places in Edinburgh. People have reported experiencing strange lights, noises, and a feeling of unease at Weir's former dwelling. Many have suffered nightmares merely listening to this heinous story.

Location: Old Town district, Edinburgh EH1 2HH, United Kingdom

Visit Hours: 24/7

Haunted By: Major Thomas Weir & His Sister

Nearby Attractions:

• The Vennel Viewpoint Edinburgh Castle
• The Writers' Museum
• St Giles' Cathedral
• The Red Door Gallery
• The Scotch Whisky Experience

Nearby Hotels:

• Premier Inn Edinburgh Central (Lauriston Place) Hotel
• Apex City of Edinburgh Hotel
• Premier Inn Edinburgh Park (Airport) Hotel
• Premier Inn Edinburgh City Centre (Princes Street) Hotel
• Travelodge Edinburgh Park

Nearby Restaurants:

• Bistronomy 176
• The Outsider Restaurant
• The Boozy Cow
• Bistro du Vin Edinburgh
• Makars Mash Bar

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6. Greyfriars Kirkyard

Like every other graveyard, Greyfriars Kirkyard has been the resting place of many deceased since the late 16th century and of course, one of the most popular scary places in the world. The grounds of Greyfriars Kirkyard are mainly haunted by the notorious spirit of George Mackenzie, persecuted in the Covenanters’ Prison nearby. He has been awakened ever since 1999 by a loud thumping sound of a homeless man falling on the floor, who had crashed into his tomb to seek shelter. Visitors have had terrifying experiences at the Greyfriars Kirkyard over the years. While some have reported scratches and bruises on their bodies, many have claimed to have been attacked by his spirit when they stepped into his territory.

Location: Greyfriars Place, Edinburgh EH1 2QQ, United Kingdom

Visit Hours: 24/7

Haunted By: George Mackenzie

Nearby Attractions:

• National Museum of Scotland
• The Scotch Whisky Experience
• The Witches Well
• Camera Obscura & World of Illusions
• Museum on the Mound

Nearby Hotels:

• Virgin Hotels Edinburgh
• No.1 Apartments - George IV Bridge
• Edinburgh
• Kick Ass Greyfriars
• Hotel du Vin Edinburgh
• Stay Central Hotel

Nearby Restaurants:

• Merchants Restaurant
• Vittoria on the Bridge
• Bistronomy 176
• The Cellar Door
• Divino Enoteca Italian Restaurant & Wine Bar

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7. The Edinburgh Dungeon

If you are seeking to journey through Edinburgh's darkest history, there's no better place than the Edinburgh Dungeon. It is where you discover gruesome tales of murder, torture, and witchcraft through interactive shows and rides. But the place offers more than just a historic excursion. Witnessing centuries of grisly acts and deaths, Edinburgh Dungeon is one of the many haunted places in Edinburgh where you will feel surrounded by long-departed souls. The grounds of Old Craig House at the dungeon are haunted by the vengeful spirit of the Green Lady, who met a brutal end at the castle. Upon being betrayed in love, she was stuffed into the chimney by a servant, suffocating her to death. After many decades, she roams around donning a green dress, with her footsteps being heard from afar. But she is not the only one there. There are many other spirits, such as Agnes Finnie, the city's baddest witch, and Sawney Bean, who have made Edinburgh Dungeon their permanent home!

Location: 31 Market Place, Edinburgh EH1 1DF, United Kingdom

Visit Hours: 11 AM to 4 PM (10:30 AM to 5 PM on Saturday & Sunday)

Entry Fee: £29 Per Person

Haunted By: The City's Baddest Witch, Green Lady, Agnes Finnie, Sawney Bean

Nearby Attractions:

• Edinburgh Castle
• South Bridge Vaults
• The Real Mary King's Close
• Museum on the Mound
• The Writers' Museum

Nearby Hotels:

• hub by Premier Inn Edinburgh Royal Mile hotel
• Hilton Edinburgh Carlton
• St Christopher's Inn Edinburgh Original
• Premier Inn Edinburgh City Centre (Princes Street) Hotel
• Motel One Edinburgh Royal

Nearby Restaurants:

• Twenty Princes Street
• Brasserie Prince
• Dishoom Edinburgh
• Makars Mash Bar
• The Outsider Restaurant

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8. Dalhousie Castle Hotel

Huddled in a wooded parkland, Dalhousie Castle Hotel and Aqueous Spa is a popular haunted hotel in Edinburgh with a fascinating yet dark history dating back to the 13th century. While the hotel staff offers premium facilities and services, its permanent inhabitants are not as welcoming. As per a legend, the sorrowful spirit of a 16-year-old mistress named Lady Catherine roams in the hotel. Commonly referred to as the Grey Lady, she experienced a suffocating death after being locked in a turret by the jealous wife of one of the Ramsay Lairds. Many have seen her in their rooms, sitting at the end of their beds and sometimes waving from windows. Despite being heartbroken, she joins in wedding celebrations at the hotel dressed in a grey dress with puffed sleeves and little pointed shoes. No one knows it's her until she disappears through locked doors, leaving the guests with sweat and a paused heartbeat for a while!

Location: Bonnyrigg EH19 3JB, United Kingdom

Visit Hours: 24/7

Haunted By: Lady Catherine (the Grey Lady)

Nearby Attractions:

• Edinburgh Castle
• Flodden Wall
• The Scotch Whisky Experience
• Camera Obscura & World of Illusions
• Museum on the Mound

Nearby Hotels:

• The Witchery by the Castle
• Wilde Aparthotels, Edinburgh, Grassmarket
• Apex City of Edinburgh Hotel
• Kick Ass Greyfriars
• Apex Grassmarket Hotel

Nearby Restaurants:

• The Dungeon Restaurant
• The Orangery Restaurant
• Beetroot Bar & Grill
• The Sun Inn
• Luci's Restaurant & Cocktail Bar

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9. The Mitre Bar

Housed in a splendid 19th-century building, The Mitre Pub is one of the most renowned haunted places in Edinburgh. The establishment is haunted by Bishop of St Andrews, one of the many fine tenants who occupied this site. The former building was burnt in 1814 and was replaced with another one with the present-day pub. As per a legend, the bar area has the Bishop’s throne buried underneath, and he has not literally left the place even after death. Many visitors have encountered his ghost walking across the pub. There are claims of an unnamed, music-loving phantom switching songs on the jukebox as if they don't match his taste. Although the traditional golden interiors, outdoor seating area, and food menu will impress you, the unearthly sightings and eeriness will leave you terrified and breathless!

Location: 131-133 High St, Edinburgh EH1 1SG, United Kingdom

Visit Hours: 12 PM to 1 AM (Daily)

Haunted By: Bishop of St Andrews

Nearby Attractions:

• Royal Mile
• The Edinburgh Dungeon
• The Chocolatarium
• South Bridge Vaults
• The Real Mary King's Close

Nearby Hotels:

• Hilton Edinburgh Carlton
• Radisson Blu Hotel, Edinburgh City Centre
• Leonardo Royal Hotel Edinburgh
• Mono Suites Old Town
• ibis Edinburgh Centre South Bridge - Royal Mile

Nearby Restaurants:

• Monteiths
• Scran Bistro
• Whiski Bar & Restaurant
• Bella Italia - Edinburgh Northbridge
• TGI Fridays - Edinburgh Castle Street

The city of Edinburgh has a dark side hidden beneath its architectural splendor and royal history. To visit Edinburgh, book one of our UK tour packages, which includes flights to Edinburgh, daily breakfast, guided tours, and accommodation. And if you plan to visit the haunted places in Edinburgh, be watchful and exercise the safety tips as advised by the guide. Also, don’t forget to indulge in the local culinary and shopping spree moment in Edinburgh, which promises to be as magnificent as the city itself!

Haunted Places in Edinburgh - FAQ’s