The Cadies & Witchery Tours
BEST FOR
Ages 5-15
ENTRY
from £12
WHERE
Edinburgh
What it’s like
A walking tour through Edinburgh's Old Town closes with tales of ghosts, gore and grisly history, plus an optional trip round Greyfriars Cemetery.
This is a guided walk, not a ride or a show, so the whole thing rests on the guide's storytelling as you're led through the closes and alleyways of the Old Town. The Ghosts & Gore Tour goes out at 7pm and leans into the theatrical, with actors jumping out at the group, which is either the highlight or the bit a nervous seven-year-old could do without. The Greyfriars Cemetery Tour is the quieter, more historical option at 2pm, wandering the actual graveyard rather than just the streets around it.
Both run about 90 minutes, though the site's honest that a small group might finish a touch early and a hold-up could push it longer. Kids are welcome on the Ghosts & Gore Tour from any age, but the Cemetery Tour lists a minimum of 12 for the child price, which tells you something about the mood of that one. Wear proper shoes, the cobbles and closes aren't kind to trainers with worn soles, let alone anything smarter.
Booking ahead is not optional here. There's no turning up on spec and joining a tour, so get it sorted before you set off, especially with only one public showing of each tour a day, Wednesday to Sunday. That midweek gap (nothing Monday or Tuesday) is easy to miss if you're planning a city break around it.
If you're picturing a wheelchair coming along, the Cemetery Tour is a no from the start, and the Ghosts & Gore route can also lose its accessibility during August when the Military Tattoo closes off Castlehill. Dogs can tag along if they're well behaved, though the jumping-out antics on the Ghosts & Gore route aren't kind to a jumpy pet.
Facilities
Need to know
- Best for
- 5 to 15, though the Cemetery Tour suits the older end more
- Wheelchairs
- Ghosts & Gore Tour normally wheelchair-accessible with minor route alteration (contact about July-August dates)
- Dogs
- Allowed if kept under close control
- No tours Monday or Tuesday, just one public showing each of Ghosts & Gore and the Cemetery Tour, Wednesday to Sunday
- Tours run all year except 24 to 26 December
- Wear sturdy shoes, the route covers old cobbled closes and alleyways
- Tours start outside the shop at 84 West Bow on Victoria Street, though August performances can shift the meeting point
Plan your visit
How much does it cost?
£16 for an adult, £12 for a child on either tour. The Cemetery Tour's child price is for ages 12 to 15, while the Ghosts & Gore Tour covers 5 to 15.
Do we need to book?
Yes, and there's no walking on without a booking. With just one public slot a day for each tour, it's not something to leave until you're stood outside the shop.
How long does it take?
About 90 minutes, though the site notes a small group can finish early and delays en route can stretch it out a bit.
Is it suitable for young children?
The site says it's open to all ages and young children are rarely upset by the ghosts jumping out, but they do suggest using your judgement if your child spooks easily.
What time do the tours run?
The Ghosts & Gore Tour sets off at 7pm and the Greyfriars Cemetery Tour at 2pm, Wednesday to Sunday.
Can we bring the dog?
Dogs are welcome if kept under close control, though they warn against bringing one on the Ghosts & Gore Tour since the jump-scares can distress animals.
Is it wheelchair accessible?
The Greyfriars Cemetery Tour isn't accessible at all. The Ghosts & Gore Tour usually is with a small route change, but not on August nights when the Tattoo blocks Castlehill.
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