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.
Adventure brief
Aberdeen After Dark: A Halloween Walk Through Gallows, Witch Trials and Ghosts
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.
Aberdeen, a vibrant city in northeast Scotland, offers more than its granite-clad architecture and bustling harbor—it harbors a chilling legacy waiting to be uncovered on the Dark Side Tour. Scheduled annually for the spooky Halloween weekend, this haunted walking tour delves deep into Aberdeen’s grim past with stories that haunt even the most seasoned local. Spanning 1.5 hours, the tour invites visitors to explore narrow cobblestone alleys and shadowed corners, where tales of witches, murderers, and public executions echo through the centuries.
From the ghostly whispers of Marion Hardien, a spectral figure said to wander near the old city center, to the notorious witch trials that marked Scotland’s dark history, this tour paints a vivid picture of Aberdeen’s unsettling past. The knowledgeable guides share detailed stories with a dramatic flair, ensuring that each stop is both informative and spine-tingling. The historical narrative is not just entertainment; it’s a dive into the social and legal realities of 17th-century Scotland, shedding light on how fear and superstition shaped the lives of Aberdeen’s residents.
What makes this tour stand out in the local outdoor recreation scene is its immersive evening setting amid real historic sites. The combination of eerie history and atmospheric streets after dusk transforms a simple walk into an unforgettable adventure. The tour company, operating in the heart of Aberdeen, enriches the visitor experience with well-researched storytelling and attention to authentic locations, bringing history to life and creating a connection between modern-day travelers and centuries-old events.
For visitors staying in Aberdeen, the city itself is an ideal base with plentiful accommodations and transport links. The tour is perfect for history buffs, Halloween enthusiasts, and anyone eager to explore a different side of Scotland’s granite city beyond the typical tourist paths. Tickets are limited, often selling out quickly due to its popular reputation, so early booking via the provided referral link is recommended.
As you walk these haunted streets, keep your flashlight handy and your senses sharp; you might just catch a glimpse of Aberdeen’s restless spirits. Whether you seek thrills or history, the Dark Side Tour offers a compelling blend of both in a unique urban adventure.
Route Schematic
Route schematic: key stops
Stops and stories align with the tour’s focus on executions, witch trials and hauntings; below are the principal points visited.
Meeting point — outside The Wig, Castle St
Guests gather outside The Wig on Castle Street before the tour departs for the after‑dark route.
The gallows and public execution sites
Narration addresses Aberdeen’s history of public beheadings and executions at locations covered on the walk.
Marion Hardie’s haunt
The tour includes the story of Marion Hardie and the ghost associated with her, recounted at the relevant street locations.
Witch trial locations
Accounts of famous witch trials in Aberdeen are delivered at sites linked to those proceedings.
Saltoun Arms and other violent episodes
The killings at the Saltoun Arms and related violent episodes are discussed as part of the final legs of the route.
This is an after‑dark walking tour lasting 1.5 hours and is only suitable for people aged 18+; participants should expect walking between stops and follow any guidance from the operator on route adjustments or safety.
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.
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 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.
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.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Special Halloween event running 30 Oct–2 Nov 2025 with departures at 18:30 and 20:30 on those dates.
The tour runs for 1.5 hours and is priced at £15 per person.
Meet outside The Wig on Castle Street before departure.
This is a ticketed, limited‑capacity Halloween special—book early. The tour is only suitable for participants aged 18 and over.
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.
How this guide was prepared
This field guide is synthesized using verified supplier specifications, route descriptions, and destination data. Some booking links may generate affiliate revenue for ADV Guides.
- Verified: 2026-09-08T19:50:46.678Z
Some booking links may generate revenue for ADV Guides or The Adventure Collective.
Availability, pricing, schedules and operating details can change.
Trip details and contextual sources were reviewed by ADV Guides Editorial.