Edinburgh True Crime Audio Tour with A Former Detective

5.0 (4 reviews) 2 h 30 min – 3 hours Free cancellation Private tour

out of 5

4 reviews

5.0

Edinburgh True Crime Audio Tour with A Former Detective — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

Edinburgh True Crime Audio Tour with A Former Detective, photo 2 — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

About this activity

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.

Private and Luxury Private Sightseeing Tours Audio Guides Walking Tours Ghost Tours Crime Tours Short term availability Weather Dependent - Moderate

At a glance

Duration: 2 h 30 min – 3 hours
Confirmation: Instant confirmation
Ticket: Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Group: Your group only
People per booking: 1–15
Audio guide: English
Written guide: English
Operated by: VoiceMap Audio Tours

Ages: Adults (16–99 years)

What is included

Included

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

Not included

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

Itinerary

Stop 1

Passing 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

Passing 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.
Stop 3

Passing by

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

Passing by

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

Passing by

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

Passing by

You'll pass by the Scott Monument and learn about Scott while you walk.
Stop 7

Passing by

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

Passing by

The Vennel Viewpoint Edinburgh Castle
Brodie's Close- Edinburgh

Passing 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

Passing 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 point and pickup

Everyone meets at the meeting point.

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.

Using your ticket

VOICEMAP CODE

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Please check your email at the address you provided when you made this booking. You've been sent an eight character code you'll need to redeem your tour.

This code can be used by every member of your party. If you've booked for three people, for example, three people can download this tour using the same code.

DOWNLOAD INSTRUCTIONS

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Once you've received your code, please follow these steps:

Install the VoiceMap Audio Tours mobile app

Create an account

Select Tour Codes from the menu, then select Enter Codes

Enter your code then select Download Now

PLEASE NOTE

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You can download the tour at any time, before or after your booking date. It's best to download before you set off for the starting point.

This tour follows a set route and includes turn-by-turn directions. It works best if you start it in the right place and follow the directions from one location to the next.

When the download completes, you'll see a screen with a photo of the starting point and directions to it. The red start button will become active when you are at the starting point.

Remember to bring your own headphones, unless you have booked a driving tour.

SUPPORT

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For technical support and other queries, please email [email protected]