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...).

If you're visiting Scotland this October, you may be thinking to yourself, What should I do in Edinburgh on Halloween?

Edinburgh is considered to be one of the most haunted places in the U.K. And All Hallows’ Eve is a special day, with so many things to do to celebrate, from traditional to unorthodox.

It's often said 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. 

23-31 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. 

23-31 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.

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 Friday, Saturday & Sunday. 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. 

21–31 October. Learn more here.

 

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.

23-31 October.

 

7. Gladstone’s Land Lectures

Interested in something equally spooky and educational? Join Gladstone’s Land for Gory Chronicles: Unearthing Old Town's Dark Justice Secrets. 

Throughout the year, you can join Gladstone's Land for events, lectures and themed tours of the impressive 17th-century property. 

Events happen throughout the year. Learn more here.

 

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. Learn more here.

 

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 join them for everything from crafting workshops and history lectures to themed tours and murder myster parties.

Castle open every day. Learn more about events here.

 

10. Craigmillar Castle

Another castle to visit outside of the city centre? This one may be largely ruins, but its rabbit warren of rooms and staircases and impressive countryside views are the perfect Halloween treat.

And if you're visiting with kids, look out for their Halloween days for a bit of Craig-thriller fun. 

Open daily. Learn more here. 

 

11. Camera Obscura 

What’s more Halloween-y than the Severed Head exhibit Camera Obscura: World of Illusions? (Don’t worry, no heads are harmed at this attraction!)

Look out for their Halloween Hunt! Spend a frightfully fun day at the attractions and discover ghoulish creatures hidden amongst their exhibits.

Open daily. Learn more here.

 

12. Autumn Events at Edinburgh Zoo 

From Autumn Explorers to adult Creep Calm spider workshops, the zoo always has something of interest on (and let's not forget about their new pygmy hippo, Pipes!).

They even ocassionally put on adults-only event that let you get up close to the zoo’s collection of bones and meet a serpentine friend or two. 

Events run year-round. Learn more here.

 

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. Learn more here.

 

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.