;)
27 spooktacular things to do in Edinburgh this Halloween
The Scottish capital is always a fantastic place to be, but it’s never more alive than at Halloween
Every year, people flock from all over the world to experience Halloween in Edinburgh, and it’s no surprise when you look more closely at some of the events and adventures on offer. Edinburgh’s rich history and famously distinctive Old Town make it the perfect place to put your tolerance for spine-tingling stories and spooky goings-on to the test.
If you love nothing more than a Halloween fright night, here’s the list you need to make sure you don’t miss out on the hair-raising activities in the Scottish capital this year.
Private Hell at Black Market Barracks
On Market Street you’ll find a new pop-up, introducing you to the horrors seen and felt by the Black Market Barracks patients. You can tour the medical facilities and walk amongst the patients still trapped there. Definitely not for the faint hearted!
Spooky Happenings
Spooky Happenings is a great option of something scary for the whole family, located at the Almond Valley Heritage Centre. There are spooky quests, arts and crafts, games and mysteries to solve.
Condemned
The sell out tour from 2016 is returning to Real Mary King’s Close this year to frighten and delight a new audience in Edinburgh’s gloomy hidden vaults. Condemned takes you on a journey through Scotland’s history and changing attitudes, including looking at the witch trials. Will you be a suspect?
Spooky Pictures
At Lauriston Castle you can attend this creepy family workshop to experience Halloween and create a gothic family photo using spooky decorations to finish it off.
Halloween Magic School
As part of the International Magic Festival, Lauriston Castle is also hosting a magic school for children this Halloween. Budding wizards and witches can learn spells, perform magic and even dress up in full costume complete with a wand. The real trick will be trying to get your little ones out of there at the end of the day.
Boogie Beat Halloween Party
Another great option for kids, especially younger children and toddlers, is the Boogie Beat Halloween Party. There’ll be singing, dancing, fairy tales and nursery rhymes all told with a Halloween twist.
The Pumpkin Run
For a healthier approach to Halloween fun, consider the Pumpkin Run. This is the ultimate 1k to 5k fun run for all the family, and there’ll be a prize for the best Halloween costume on the day. Funds raised from the event will go to help children in Scotland who are suffering from life threatening illnesses.
Carlops Night of Horrors 3
For the third year in a row, the Halloween horror movie night at the Carlops Village Hall is returning. There’ll be six films to choose from, refreshments, BYOB and a prize giveaway of horror movie-themed goodies. Funds raised will also go to the Scottish Association for Mental Health.
Halloween Ceilidh
The Counting House in Edinburgh’s Old Town is hosting a great Halloween Ceilidh for anyone wanting to enjoy a themed dance this October. There is no skill level required, and fancy dress is optional, though there will be a prize for the best costume on the day.
The Linlithgow ExFEARience
At the Linlithgow Palace there’ll be a unique opportunity to see the historical site after dark this Halloween. Victorian Professor Michel and his sidekick Night Watchman Gibby McPherson will lead you through the palace to investigate rumours of ghostly happenings.
The Twilight Séance
Paranormal illusionist Ash Pryce is leading a trip into the netherworld at Lauriston Castle this Halloween, with floating objects, ringing bells and noisy spirits guaranteed.
All Day Halloween Party
At Almond Valley the Saturday before Halloween is hereby known as Spooky Saturday as they play host to an all day Halloween themed party. There’ll be traditional Halloween games like ducky apples, as well as dancing well into the night. Come dressed in your best costume!
Bohemia Magical Mystical Art Craft and Holistic Halloween Fair
Morningside United Church is hosting a unique Halloween fair for anybody looking for something a little different to get them in the spooky spirit. Look out for card readings, Harry Potter wands, themed cakes, toffee apples and holistic stalls.
Ghosts of the Castle
If you want to be really spooked this Halloween, visit Lauriston Castle and allow housekeeper Mrs Glifford to give you a tour while the master is away. But just because he’s not home, it doesn’t mean someone or something else isn’t lurking in the shadows. You’ve been warned!
Halloween at Cockenzie House
Another paranormal investigation is taking place at Cockenzie House to see if there really are any peculiar goings on. Listen out for the piano-playing woman and the knocking on the walls, and if you see the lady in black crawling along the road — run!
Musical Halloween Crafts
There’ll be spooky musical activities abound at St Cecilia’s Hall this Halloween, with events suitable for all the family. You can learn more about the Hall’s fantastic collection of instruments whilst enjoying the event too.
Scottish International Storytelling Festival
For an authentic Scottish Halloween experience visit the Museum of Edinburgh in the Old Town. Here, anybody aged 5 and up can learn a song, a poem and a dance to get them in the Halloween spirit.
Selecting a Ghost
Renowned actor and storyteller Michael Daviot is performing two classic tales of terror at Lauriston Castle, including pieces by Arthur Conan Doyle and Robert Louis Stevenson.
Spooky Lauriston
There’s so much going on at Lauriston Castle this Halloween, and their annual Halloween event is perhaps the most exciting. There will be over three hours of gruesome activities for the family to enjoy, so be sure to come dressed in your best costume.
Spooky Times
Artist Lindsay Hamilton is making an appearance at the Museum of Edinburgh for a scarily enjoyable crafts workshop for the whole family. It’s free, and you’ll learn some of the fascinating stories behind the museum.
The Haunted Hunt
As part of the Edinburgh Horror Festival, there’ll be an incredible Interactive Halloween Adventure taking place for adults and children aged eight and up.
Ghost Train
Usher Hall in Edinburgh West is hosting a classic children’s concert in Ghost Train, which sees friends Owen and Olly go on a spooky adventure on the eerie RSNO express.
Li’l Monsters Halloween Disco
Here’s another great one for the kids, this time hosted by the iconic Hard Rock café in the city centre. This will be the café’s very first Li’l Monsters Disco with great music and ghoulish décor.
The Singular Exploits of Sherlock Holmes
The Singular Exploits of Sherlock Holmes is a fantastically creepy theatre production presented by Don’t Go into The Cellar! Theatre Company. But be sure you’re feeling brave before entering!
Atmosphere: Carry on Screaming
On the day itself, Lauriston Castle will be hosting a very special screening of the 1966 classic film ‘Carry on Screaming’, which guarantees fun, laughs and scares aplenty.
Film Night: Night of the Living Dead
Another classic film on show this Halloween is Night of the Living Dead, hosted by the Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh. Take the opportunity to enjoy one of the most influential horror films of all time at the best time of year.
Halloween Hop
And finally, kids and adults alike will love the Halloween Hop brought to you by Monster Mash Up. Last year it sold out, so be sure to visit The Jam House this year to get in on the action.
You’re never far from the fun with a Quartermile apartment
Conveniently located near the bustling centre of Edinburgh, Quartermile luxury apartments are the perfect blend of luxury and excitement (wizards, ghouls and the undead not included!). Discover your new dream property today by calling 0845 000 2525 and arranging a viewing.