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8 terrifyingly good ways to celebrate Halloween in Edinburgh
October has arrived, and there’s plenty of frightening fun to be had in the Scottish capital
As the days get shorter and darker, the season of all things spooky approaches. Summer is officially behind us, and we’re all starting to wonder how to celebrate the jewel in the crown of autumn: Halloween.
From fancy dress to carving pumpkins, there are plenty of great traditions associated with this time of year, but if you’re looking to do something a little bit special this year then Edinburgh is the place to be.
For one thing, the Scottish capital holds the crown for one of the richest and bloodiest histories in the UK. From violent sieges on Edinburgh Castle to the infamous body snatchers Burke and Hare, there are plenty of fascinating grizzly tales to be discovered in Edinburgh. Not many cities can boast their own underground catacombs!
What’s more, the Edinburgh Horror Festival is returning to the city this year, with more than 30 spectacular and spooky events taking place over just 11 days. These include everything from dark theatre and gory magic to classic movies and scarily good comedy.
The Horror Festival is the fourth annual celebration of its kind. It will be held across the city, including in Lauriston Castle, from 24th October to 3rd November. So to make sure you don’t miss out on anything the Festival has to offer this spooky season, we’re here to take you through some of the harrowing highlights.
Here are 8 terrifyingly good ways to celebrate Halloween in Edinburgh, if you’re feeling brave enough!
The Haunted Hunt
Following a sell-out show last year, the Haunted Hunt is back to scare and entertain your little ones. Designed for children aged eight and over, this interactive show encourages your kids to help Dr Frank McStein track down the monster he has lost in the castle grounds.
The Haunted Hunt is hosted at Lauriston Castle on Saturday 27th and Sunday 28th October, with shows at both 3pm and at 4.30pm. Tickets are priced at around £7.
Join in this fantastic fun-filled fright-fest for the whole family and enjoy a Halloween to remember.
The Lauriston Horror Tour
For older kids and adults more interested in some real-life ghoulish history, the Lauriston Horror Tour is an absolute must. Castle tours at Lauriston Castle are a joyous occasion all year round, but for one weekend this October the Edinburgh Horror Festival is taking over the tours and revealing some of the castle’s chilling secrets.
Come along and see the sights of the castle as you’ve never seen them before. You’ll get to hear the history of the castle as well as ghostly tales from the city, all from a professional tour guide. Expect chilling tales of murder, witch trials and persecutions.
The Lauriston Horror Tour takes place on Saturday 26th October at 1.30pm. Tickets cost £5 and children must be aged 12 or older.
The Twilight Séance
The séance is a traditional part of Halloween. They’ve been part of horror culture ever since the real-life seances of the 19th century, and became famous for their numerous depictions in Hollywood movies.
So why not use this Halloween to experience a spooky séance for yourself? Join illusionist and expert in all things paranormal Ash Pryce as he directs you into the netherworld. You’ll whisper words and join hands as bells ring, objects levitate and the spirits try to make contact.
The Twilight Séance takes place at Lauriston Castle on Friday 26th October at 7.30pm. It is an 18+ only event.
The Banshee Labyrinth Séance
Known as the most haunted pub in all of Scotland, the Banshee Labyrinth is not a place for the fainthearted to spend their Halloween. Among the many spirits which are said to haunt this spot is the banshee herself. The story goes that, while refurbishing the venue, one of the workmen turned to see a spectral woman gliding towards him. When they locked eyes, she let out a terrifying scream.
The Banshee Labyrinth is one of the city’s alternative hidden gems, and now is the perfect time of year to get familiar. There is free entry every evening, and the pub is open until the wee small hours. This Halloween, you can even take part in a séance in the vaults beneath the pub itself — if you’re feeling brave!
Movie Marathons
If your favourite thing about Halloween is re-watching all your most beloved classic horror flicks, then you’re in luck. Venues across the city are hosting plenty of scary movie marathons to get you in the Halloween spirit. One of these venues is The Banshee Labyrinth itself, so if you really feel like being scared you should rock up and enjoy the show.
Whether you prefer classics like Nightmare on Elm Street, Halloween and Psycho, or newer additions to the horror genre like Get Out, IT and The Babadook, there is sure to be a marathon for you. Get comfy and prepare to be scared, all while soaking up the spooky atmosphere.
Rocky Horror Night
The Rocky Horror Show is the classic story of two squeaky clean college kids whose cars break down outside a creepy mansion whilst on their way to meet their former college professor. As they head inside, they meet the charismatic and kooky Dr Frank n Furter.
This truly fabulous show is being performed at the Edinburgh Playhouse from Monday 28th October to Saturday 2nd November, and of course, fancy dress is encouraged! Tickets are available from £13.
But that’s not all. To celebrate the end of the run, many venues are hosting a Rocky Horror Night where there will no doubt be sensational spookiness galore to enjoy.
Fright Club
Get ready for a fright to the death at Scotland’s only alternative drag competition! Get to know some of the capital’s most fabulous and frightening queens as they battle it our to become the first ever Fright Club champion. This is a show that promises to thrill, chill and fulfil.
This camp extravaganza is hosted by drag queen Rayna Destruction, and is sure to offer a night to remember. Drag has become one of the most popular forms of entertainment in recent years, so why not inject a little glitter and sparkle into your All Hallows Eve.
Shows take place on Saturday 26th October at 9pm and Thursday 31st October at 9.30pm.
Stand Up Horror
Stand Up Horror is one of the many spooky highlights taking place at the Banshee Labyrinth this October. This improvised horror show takes place on a Saturday night and is sure to provide both chills and giggles aplenty.
The stage masters build up new stories every night based purely on audience reactions, so you never know what is going to happen!
Shows take place between 9pm and 10pm and are for adults only.
Halloween in Edinburgh might be nightmarishly good fun, but living in Edinburgh is nothing but a dream. Find your perfect property in the Scottish capital by exploring Craighouse: the stunning new development from Qmile Group located in tranquil Morningside. Discover Craighouse for yourself today by clicking here, or get in touch by calling 0131 478 05 31.