Famous for it’s historic castle, medieval Old Town and rich cultural heritage, Edinburgh is a seasonal treatNicola Croal TV and showbiz reporter and Laura Mckenna Audience Writer
09:40, 18 Oct 2025
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Members of the Beltane Fire Society perform along the Royal Mile on Halloween(Image: Getty )
With spooky season in full swing, fans of all things paranormal might be interested to know that Edinburgh has been crowned as the top Scottish city in the UK where people are most likely to encounter a ghost. With 107 unique spectral sightings and supernatural reports in the Scottish capital, according to The Paranormal Database, it’s a very real risk that something will go bump in then night.
Marianne Sparks, travel expert and owner of European Waterways, has shed light on why Edinburgh clinched the top spot, while also suggesting other destinations for a hair-raising Scottish road trip. She stated: “Edinburgh is an iconic haunt for paranormal enthusiasts, offering a vibrant history packed full of ghostly legends and spooky locations. The city’s medieval streets, dark alleyways and ancient buildings create the perfect backdrop for a spine-tingling adventure.”
In fact, Edinburgh Castle has long been regarded as one of the most haunted places in the UK, the castle is said to be home to restless spirits: a headless drummer, long-lost prisoners, even the faint wail of a piper who disappeared beneath its tunnels centuries ago. Whether people believe in such tales or not, it’s hard not to feel the weight of the past as they wander its stone corridors with the wind whispering through the battlements.
Marianne continued: “One of the most haunted locations in Edinburgh is the Edinburgh Castle. In recent years, visitors have reported frequent sightings of ghostly figures, including a phantom piper and the spirits of prisoners once imprisoned in the Castle dungeons.”
“Another must-see is the Real Mary King’s Close, a network of underground streets buried beneath the Royal Mile. These shadowy passageways are said to be haunted by plague victims, with tales of mysterious shadows and disembodied voices. The Greyfriars Kirkyard is also a hotspot for ghost hunters. Greyfriars is said to be the final resting place of George Mackenzie, whose tomb is said to be cursed. Visitors have reported strange sensations and even physical attacks when near his grave.”
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The spacious Georgian property is situated in the elegant historic New Town Conservation Area, within walking distance of George Street, Multrees Walk, Princess Street and Edinburgh Castle
To celebrate the season, the Beltane Fire Society hosts a large-scale Halloween event along the Royal Mile featuring fire displays, processions and theatrical performances. It attracts hundreds of participants and spectators each year, celebrating the city’s goulish past in a dramatic, outdoor setting.
But it’s not all thrills and spooky spills in the ancient Scottish city. As the weather cools, the city comes alive with the glow of golden leaves, the scent of wood smoke from open fires and the comforting bustle of cafés filling with people seeking warmth and sharing stories.
Edinburgh Castle(Image: Getty Images)
Pubs like The Queens Arms and Sheep’s Heid Inn offer fireside warmth and rustic charm, while Kay’s Bar, The Bow Bar, and The Halfway House serve snug, old-Edinburgh character with excellent ales. Coffee lovers can escape the chill at The Milkman, Artisan Roast, Union Brew Lab, Lowdown Coffee, or enjoy bookish, warm-lit afternoons at Books N’ Cups and Argyle Place Café.
Edinburgh is also an amazing place to spend Christmas and the New Year. The Edinburgh Christmas Market and nearby Winter Wonderland fill Princes Street Gardens with festive treats, ice skating, fairground rides, and lights, while The Royal Mile offers seasonal performances and cosy pubs. For New Year, Hogmanay lights up the city with street parties, torchlight processions and fireworks over the castle.
Warm up with a cosy drink in the Queens Arms in Frederick Street(Image: Queens Arms)
For visitors seeking a place to stay, Edinburgh offers plenty of options. The city is famed for its charming architecture, from elegant Georgian and Victorian townhouses to historic tenements nestled along winding cobbled streets.
At the heart of the city lies the Ingle Apartment. Located amongst an attractive original Georgian crescent on the fringe of the New Town, guests have said it offers “superb accommodation.”
Then there is The Albany, a spacious apartment in an imposing Georgian house, within walking distance of the city centre’s fashionable George Street and the beautiful Royal Botanic Garden. Spacious enough to sleep up to four guests, it also features terrace with enclosed balcony.
Stay in the Housekeeper’s Rooms set within Oxenfoord Castle (Image: Sykes Cottages)
For guests with deep pockets a stay at the historic Balmoral Hotel offers upscale luxury in an iconic historical building. Prices aren’t cheap, but the hotel with 4 AA Rosette dining, French-Scottish bistro fare and award-winning afternoon tea is a symbol of the city.
For festive fans who would rather stay just outside the city, the Housekeeper’s Rooms offer opulent dwellings 12 miles from Edinburgh. Uniquely located within Oxenfoord Castle, the apartment lies in the pretty village of Pathhead in Midlothian.
Edinburgh Castle sits high above the historic streets and alleys(Image: Getty)
For adventurers on a budget, deal site Wowcher is offering an overnight stay at the Sheraton Four Points Hotel for £89. The deal includes one nights accommodation on selected dates and the price is based on two people sharing
Visitors to the city who took a journey into the deep, dark past of the city have shared their experiences on Tripadvisor. One said: “Edinburgh Castle truly is a wonderful experience. To be able to walk amongst it’s hallowed walls despite them being hundreds of years old is a magnificent thing to do. With a history that dates back to the earliest centuries you can feel the ghosts of the past as you move through it.”
Another added: “Fabulous history beautiful buildings and a real holiday atmosphere. People very friendly. In the Princes Park a great little kiosk for coffee and snacks. Lots of interesting street theatre, watch out where you buy souvenirs some shops do 3 for 2. Edinburgh castle £18 per person. Do the free ghost tour it is really good.”
Sadly not everyone was quite so impressed, with one visitor noting: “The day we visited was midweek and it was still very crowded with long queues. The queues moved quickly but only because you really didn’t have time to look at anything inside as you were just moved along.”
With more than 55,000 reviews, many guests enjoyed their visit. Another added: “This is the place to grasp the importance of Edinburgh in Scottish history. The line to see the Crown Jewels looks long but it moves quickly. The view over the city inlines the importance of the position of the castle. Take your time, and see each of the areas.”