Aberdeen After Dark: A Halloween Walk Through Gallows, Witch Trials and Ghosts

ABERDEEN CASTLE FIELD GUIDE

Aberdeen After Dark: A Halloween Walk Through Gallows, Witch Trials and Ghosts

A 1.5‑hour, after‑dark walking event that traces Aberdeen’s most chilling episodes — public executions, witch trials and the ghost of Marion Hardie — essential reading before you book limited Halloween tickets.

Aberdeen After Dark: A Halloween Walk Through Gallows, Witch Trials and Ghosts.

Duration
Contact operator
Location
Aberdeen
Operator
Walking Tours in the UK
Category
Castle
Robert Eric Crews
Founder & Editor, The Adventure Collective
Published Verified

This is a Halloween‑only walking tour of Aberdeen that brings the city’s darker chapters into the open: murderers, slave owners, body‑snatchers, kidnappers and the sites of public executions. In a compact 1.5‑hour route you’ll hear the stories behind famous witch trials and the ghost of Marion Hardie, a spine‑chilling synopsis of the city’s grim past.

Highlights

Outing Highlights

Public beheadings and executions
THE HISTORY

Public beheadings and executions

The tour foregrounds Aberdeen’s history of public executions and the city’s gallows—stories told on the streets where they unfolded, unflinching and documentary in tone.

The ghost of Marion Hardie
THE GHOSTS

The ghost of Marion Hardie

One of the named highlights is the ghost of Marion Hardie; the special Halloween route includes the tale and sightings connected to her story.

Witch trials and violent episodes
THE TRIALS

Witch trials and violent episodes

Expect accounts of Aberdeen’s famous witch trials, the killings at the Saltoun Arms and other violent episodes—material presented as part of the Halloween program.

What the day feels like

What the tour feels like

This after‑dark walking event condenses Aberdeen’s darkest stories into a brisk 1.5‑hour route. Presented as a Halloween special, the tour leads guests through streets and stopping points where murder, public execution and witchcraft trials once played out, delivered with a tone meant to thrill and unsettle.

Public beheadings and executions

THE HISTORY

Public beheadings and executions

The tour foregrounds Aberdeen’s history of public executions and the city’s gallows—stories told on the streets where they unfolded, unflinching and documentary in tone.

The ghost of Marion Hardie

THE GHOSTS

The ghost of Marion Hardie

One of the named highlights is the ghost of Marion Hardie; the special Halloween route includes the tale and sightings connected to her story.

Witch trials and violent episodes

THE TRIALS

Witch trials and violent episodes

Expect accounts of Aberdeen’s famous witch trials, the killings at the Saltoun Arms and other violent episodes—material presented as part of the Halloween program.

Suitability

Who it's for

Who this tour suits—and who should reconsider.

1
History BuffsWell suited: the tour focuses on documented episodes of Aberdeen’s criminal and social history and presents them on the streets where they occurred.
2
Horror & Halloween FansWell suited: this is presented as a spine‑chilling Halloween event designed to thrill and terrify audiences.
3
Families with ChildrenNot suitable: the operator specifies the tour is only suitable for people aged 18 and over.
4
Accessibility‑conscious TravelersCaution advised: the event is an after‑dark walking tour and has an explicit age restriction; check with the operator about any mobility or accessibility considerations before booking.

Practical planner

Details to review before reserving

Dates & Schedule

Special Halloween event running 30 Oct–2 Nov 2025 with departures at 18:30 and 20:30 on those dates.

Duration & Price

The tour runs for 1.5 hours and is priced at £15 per person.

Meeting point

Meet outside The Wig on Castle Street before departure.

Booking & Eligibility

This is a ticketed, limited‑capacity Halloween special—book early. The tour is only suitable for participants aged 18 and over.

Booking Notice

Review cancellation policies before reserving.

Frequently asked questions

Planning Your Outing

How long is the tour?

The tour lasts 1.5 hours.

Where do we meet?

The meeting point is outside The Wig on Castle Street.

When does the Halloween event run?

The special event runs from 30 October to 2 November 2025 with departures at 6:30pm and 8:30pm.

How much does the tour cost?

The price is £15 per person.

Who can attend?

The tour is only suitable for people aged 18 and over.