Invisible (Edinburgh): Crimes & Punishment Tours (Grassmarket & Royal Mile)

Edinburgh’s Grassmarket and Royal Mile are renowned for their picturesque charm, but the city’s history holds a darker side. "Invisible (Edinburgh): Crimes & Punishment Tours" invites visitors to uncover this gritty underbelly, delving into the grim realities of crimes and punishments that once transpired in these iconic locations. Led by a guide with first-hand experience of homelessness, the small-group walking tour offers a harrowing exploration that promises to deliver an eye-opening and unforgettable glimpse into Edinburgh’s shadier past. From public hangings to notorious murders, this tour uncovers the hidden stories that contrast sharply with the city’s pristine facades.

Key Points

Guided walking tour exploring Edinburgh’s darker history, led by a formerly homeless guide.
Visit sites of public hangings, notorious prisons, and locations linked to infamous crimes and murders.
Uncover the gritty underbelly of the Grassmarket and Royal Mile, learning about Edinburgh’s shadowy past.
Gain unique insider perspectives on the city’s complex and troubled heritage.
Support a social enterprise empowering the homeless community through this tour experience.

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Tour Overview

This small-group walking tour takes visitors on a captivating journey through Edinburgh’s darker past, led by a guide who was once homeless. With a maximum of 15 participants, the tour offers a personalized experience that provides a unique perspective on the city’s overlooked and unsavory history.

Guests will discover the grim realities of crimes and punishments that once transpired in Auld Reekie, from gruesome murders to public hangings. The tour highlights places that most travelers miss, immersing participants in the city’s shadier corners and uncovering its hidden stories.

Whether you’re a local or a visitor, this tour promises an eye-opening and unforgettable exploration of Edinburgh’s gritty underbelly.

Grassmarket’s Haunting History

The Grassmarket in Edinburgh has long been associated with the city’s haunting history, known for its grim tales of crimes and punishments that once unfolded within its cobbled streets.

Visitors on the Crimes & Punishment Tours can expect to uncover:

The site of public hangings, where the condemned were executed in front of large crowds.
The location of the Old Tolbooth, a notorious prison that housed infamous criminals and political prisoners.

Accounts of notorious murders, such as the Burke and Hare case, which shocked the nation.

Eerie tales of ghostly sightings, with the Grassmarket said to be haunted by the restless spirits of those who met their demise there.

The Royal Mile’s Grim Tales

Along With the Grassmarket’s haunting history, the Royal Mile also bears witness to the city’s grim tales of crime and punishment.

Visitors on the Crimes & Punishment Tours can explore the dark legacies that have left indelible marks along this historic thoroughfare. The tour guides share stories of infamous criminals who met their demise at the notorious Tolbooth Prison, which once stood near St Giles’ Cathedral.

Guests can also explore the hidden alleyways where murderers lurked and public executions were carried out. Through these chilling narratives, the tour provides a stark contrast to the Royal Mile’s more picturesque facades, offering a unique and thought-provoking perspective on Edinburgh’s shadowy past.

Unique Insights From a Local Guide

Formerly homeless individuals lead Invisible’s Crimes & Punishment Tours, offering a unique perspective that sets the experience apart from traditional historical walks. These guides have firsthand knowledge of Edinburgh’s underbelly, providing insights that the average visitor would never uncover.

The tour offers:

A personalized experience with small groups of no more than 15 people.
Captivating stories of murders, hangings, and other dark moments in the city’s history.
Visits to overlooked places that most travelers miss, offering a glimpse into Edinburgh’s grim past.
A chance to support a social enterprise that empowers the homeless community.

This immersive tour provides a thought-provoking and unforgettable way to explore the darker side of Auld Reekie.

Overlooked Locations in Edinburgh

Invisible’s Crimes & Punishment Tours take visitors to overlooked locations throughout Edinburgh, offering a glimpse into the city’s grim past.

The tour guides lead participants to places many travelers miss, like hidden alleyways and forgotten corners of the Grassmarket and Royal Mile. Here, they share stories of notorious crimes, public executions, and other macabre events that shaped the city’s history.

Visitors get to see firsthand the sites where these dark dramas unfolded, providing a unique and unsettling perspective on Edinburgh’s past.

From the shadowy wynds to the towering castle, the tour reveals the often-overlooked underbelly of this historic Scottish capital, leaving participants with a deeper understanding of its complex and troubled heritage.

Crimes and Punishments of the Past

Edinburgh’s storied past is rife with tales of grim crimes and severe punishments that once gripped the city, from notorious murders to public executions that shocked the populace.

On the Crimes & Punishment Tours, visitors can uncover the darker side of Auld Reekie and hear bone-chilling stories of the city’s checkered history:

The infamous Burke and Hare, who committed a series of gruesome murders in the 19th century to sell bodies to medical schools.
The public hangings that took place at the Grassmarket, where crowds would gather to witness the grim spectacle.
The grisly murders and executions that left an indelible mark on Edinburgh’s streets and alleyways.
The harsh punishments meted out to criminals, from whippings to transportation to the colonies.

Personalized and Immersive Experience

The Crimes & Punishment Tours offer a personalized and immersive experience, led by a guide who brings a unique perspective as a formerly homeless individual. Visitors can expect a small-group walking tour (maximum 15) that explores overlooked places in Edinburgh, revealing the city’s darker history of murders, hangings, and harsh punishments.

Tour Highlights	Unique Perspective
Discover the darker side of Auld Reekie	Guide’s personal experiences
Hear stories of violent crimes	Insights into overlooked locations
Visit hidden locations	Personalized commentary
Gain a new understanding of Edinburgh’s past	Immersive historical narrative

This specialized tour provides an opportunity to gain a deeper, more authentic understanding of Edinburgh’s grim past through the eyes of someone who has experienced the city’s harsh realities firsthand.

Accessibility and Meeting Details

The tour meeting point is located at 92 Grassmarket, Edinburgh EH1 2JR, and the tour ends at the Scottish Parliament Building, Horse Wynd, Edinburgh EH99 1SP.

The tours start at 3:00 pm and are wheelchair accessible, with accessible surfaces along the route.

Public transportation is available near the meeting point.

The tour includes several key features:

Small-group walking tour with a maximum of 15 participants for a personalized experience.
Guidance from a local, formerly homeless guide who provides a unique perspective.
Exploration of overlooked places in Edinburgh that most visitors miss.
Confirmation of booking received at the time of reservation.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Are Guided Tours Available in Languages Other Than English?

Yes, guided tours are often available in languages other than English. Many tour operators offer tours in popular languages like Spanish, French, German, and Mandarin to accommodate international visitors.

Can I Cancel the Tour if I’m Not Feeling Well on the Day?

Yes, most tour companies allow customers to cancel a tour if they’re not feeling well on the day. Refunds or rescheduling may be offered, depending on the company’s policies. Checking the cancellation policy beforehand is recommended.

Is Photography Allowed During the Tour?

Photography is generally allowed during the tour, but participants should check with the guide beforehand. Some sites or activities may have restrictions on taking photos. The guide can provide guidance on appropriate times and places for photography during the experience.

Can the Tour Accommodate Private Group Bookings?

The tour can accommodate private group bookings. Groups of up to 15 people can be arranged, and the tour provides a personalized experience tailored to the group’s interests.

Are There Any Age Restrictions for Participating in the Tour?

The tour has no age restrictions. Guests of all ages are welcome to join the small-group walking tour, which provides a unique perspective from a formerly homeless guide and explores the darker history of Edinburgh.

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Recap

The ‘Invisible (Edinburgh): Crimes & Punishment Tours’ offers a captivating and eye-opening exploration of Edinburgh’s darker history.

Led by a knowledgeable guide with first-hand experience, the tour delves into the city’s grim realities, uncovering hidden stories and the shadier corners that contrast with its picturesque facades.

This immersive experience provides an unforgettable glimpse into Edinburgh’s gritty underbelly, leaving visitors with a profound understanding of the city’s complex past.