13 Haunted Things to Do in Edinburgh This Halloween

13 haunted things to do for Halloween? That's right, we’re not superstitious (well, mostly...).  

Edinburgh is considered to be one of the most haunted places in the U.K. And All Hallows’ Eve is a special day.

Tradition has it that Samhuinn, or Halloween, is the time when the veil between the worlds of the living and the dead is thinnest. It allows spirits to rise and visit the living. 

So, grab your rowan crosses and rosemary candles, and prepare yourself for a proper, traditional Scottish autumn. 

We've collated a list of the best haunted Halloween events Edinburgh has to offer. 

 

1. Edinburgh Halloween Vaults Tour

Why not try a haunted tour at the most haunted time of the year? If you dare, venture into the Blair Street Underground Vaults to uncover the sinister side of Halloween. 

Browse our favourite Edinburgh Halloween ghost tours here, from kid-friendly adventures to adult-only ghost walks. 

25-31 October.

 

2. Canongate Graveyard 

Have you ever heard of body snatchers? If you have, you know the dangers of walking a graveyard at night... 

Thanks to Edinburgh’s long history of anatomy studies, the city also has a long history of grave robbing. After all, anatomists needed bodies to dissect. 

You have to wonder, do centuries of disinterred souls still wander the graveyards? 

Take a Halloween ghost tour of Canongate Kirkyard and the Edinburgh Vaults to find out. 

25-31 October.

 

3. Edinburgh Castle 

Learn about the city’s long (and dark) history before searching the castle grounds for ghosts of residents past.  

Who knows what you’ll find in the place that inspired some of Hollywood's darkest plotlines (Red Wedding, we’re looking at you). 

The castle is open every day.  

 

4. Underground Whisky Tour & Tasting 

You might ask yourself: how could a whisky tour be haunted? Well, while the tour itself may not be haunted, this tasting location might be. 

After learning how Scotland’s national drink is made, you’ll head into Edinburgh’s underground vaults for an expert tasting. On 26 and 27 September, you’ll even get to sample a special, 40-year-old blend. 

Be sure to say hello to the ghostly Isabella as you sip on your drams, and if a candle flickers then you know who’s to blame... 

Runs weekly, with special editions on 26 & 27 September. Learn more here. 

 

5. Scottish International Storytelling Festival 

What makes a ghost story? How does a story come to life? 

The Scottish International Storytelling Festival is one of the largest festivals of its kind and is admired world-wide. Gather around their hearth as the seasons change and the nights grow long. 

22 October–1 November.

 

6. Witches: Trial & Truth Halloween Tour 

Sometimes, the truth is darker than fiction. Samhuinn is a time to remember those we've lost. But who remembers the victims of the Scottish Witch Trials? 

Uncover the true accounts of those accused of witchcraft in Edinburgh and light a handcrafted remembrance candle to honour the condemned. Join a Witches: Trial & Truth tour.

25-31 October.

 

7. Gladstone’s Land Lectures

Interested in something equally spooky and educational? Join Gladstone’s Land for a Halloween-themed lecture. 

Choose from Medical Tales—about Edinburgh’s long history of medical advancements—or Gory Chronicles—tales of justice, retribution and macabre history. 

3 & 18 October.

 

8. Samhuinn Fire Festival 

Venture to Calton Hill to experience Samhuinn like the ancient Celts. 

This ticketed event is a staple for Halloween in Edinburgh, mixing mythology with immersive performances and lots of fire. 

The festival, run by the Beltane Fire Society, takes place on 31 October.

 

9. Lauriston Castle  

Take a trip away from the city centre to explore a historical castle while learning the origins and traditions of Halloween in Scotland. 

You can even join them for book discussions on a variety of thrillers. There’s nothing like discussing a murder mystery while gathered around a castle’s hearth. 

Castle open every day.

 

10. Craig-thriller Castle: Halloween Shenanigans 

Listen to scary stories, meet an owl or two and learn about the history of the jack o’lantern. 

Craigmillar Castle, located just a 35-minute bus ride from the centre of Edinburgh, is the perfect place to visit with kids this Halloween season. 

25 & 26 October. 

 

11. Halloween Hunt at Camera Obscura 

Track down five ghoulish creatures hidden amongst Camera Obscura’s World of Illusions.  

And of course, what’s more Halloween-y than their Severed Head exhibit? (Don’t worry, no heads are harmed at this attraction!) 

11 October–2 November.

 

12. Skulls and Snakes Supper at Edinburgh Zoo 

The zoo isn’t just for kids! 

This adults-only event lets you get up close to the zoo’s collection of bones and meet a serpentine friend or two. 

31 October.

 

13. Surgeons’ Hall Museum 

Remember those anatomy studies we mentioned? 

Surgeons’ Hall contains the remarkable collections of anatomists and surgeons, and certainly isn’t for the faint of heart. 

We recommend crossing the street to visit Edinburgh University’s Old College after your visit. After all, medical students have studied there for centuries. 

The Surgeons’ Hall Museum is open every day. 

 

With the way Scotland embraces autumn, you’ll never run out of the Halloween events Edinburgh has to offer. From a trip to the Edinburgh underground vaults to a Halloween graveyard tour, there’s a perfect activity for everyone.