We've all heard the ghost stories about Edinburgh, so here's our list of some of the most hunted parts of the city...
The Vaults
As the city expanded in the 18th Century, the most unlucky Edinburgh dwellers had to resort to seeking refuge in the spaces under the city where it was damp and needless to say, not great for your health. Bodies of these unfortunate people littered the Vaults and it’s even reported that the famous Burke and Hare liked to go digging for corpses there. Voices being heard, children screaming, sightings of moving shadows and unexplainable changes in the atmosphere are all spooky spectacles reported from inside Edinburgh’s Vaults in the past.
Mary Kings Close
One of the many alleyways coming from The Royal Mile, stories of the plague, murder and corruption surround Mary Kings Close and its sinister history. Tales of the supernatural have been coming from the Close for literally hundreds of years and it’s now a popular ghost tour destination for those not so easily frightened…
Calton Hill
Standing at the top of Calton Hill, you get some of the very best views over Edinburgh. Did you know that as well as having a wonderful fireworks display at Hogmanay, the hill plays host to Beltane Fire Festival – a Pagan event which lures the city’s wildest inhabitants to sing and dance around flames? This hill is no stranger to odd goings-on – it is said to be ‘haunted’ by a fairy boy who and others who have a special gift of sight into another world.
Greyfriars Kirkyard
Obviously, there couldn’t be a list of haunted places without mentioning at least one grave yard – that would just be silly. Greyfriars Kirkyard is probably the most famous of Edinburgh’s cemeteries –due to the tale of Greyfriars Bobby. The ghost who is said to terrorise this part of town, however, is not that of the dog – it is said to be George Mackenzie, an executioner of prisoners in the 17th century. Countless sightings and odd goings-on have been reported as well as physical disturbances and attacks!
Edinburgh Castle
Edinburgh is often described as one of the most haunted cities in the world, so it’s no surprise that the castle, which has seen numerous bloody battles, would be one of the most ghostly places in town. Two of the most common reports are of visitors being able to hear bagpipes from the tunnels below – where a lone piper disappeared hundreds of years ago – and the sighting of a little drummer boy (who just happens to be headless).
Even with all our ghosts and unexplained goings-on, Edinburgh is an amazing place to visit – so whether you’re in search of the paranormal, or just fancy a relaxing trip to Scotland’s capital, visit us online for luxury accommodation.
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