Greyfriars Kirkyard offers visitors a unique blend of history, horror, and paranormal investigation.
Key Takeaways:
- The Mackenzie Poltergeist Tour takes place in Greyfriars Kirkyard, home to the Mackenzie Mausoleum, where the restless spirit of Sir George Mackenzie is said to reside.
- The tour is one of the most documented supernatural cases in the world, with visitors reporting a range of paranormal activities.
- City of the Dead Tours, the company behind the Mackenzie Poltergeist Tour, offers a unique way to explore Edinburgh’s haunted history.
- The tour runs year-round, with tickets available for booking online.
- Despite its chilling reputation, the tour is accessible to most visitors, including children, though parental discretion is advised.
- Reviews for the tour are overwhelmingly positive, with many praising the engaging guides and the thrilling experience.
Table of Contents
A Brief Introduction to the Mackenzie Poltergeist Tour
In the heart of Scotland’s historic capital, a chilling experience awaits. The Mackenzie Poltergeist Tour is not for the faint-hearted.
This tour, steeped in history and shrouded in mystery, takes visitors through the eerie Greyfriars Kirkyard, home to the infamous Mackenzie Mausoleum.
This once-in-a-lifetime experience was inspired by Sir George Mackenzie, a former Lord Advocate of Scotland, whose restless spirit is said to haunt the mausoleum and the surrounding graveyard.
Keep exploring: The Deadly Curse of Busby’s Stoop Chair: Fact or Fiction?
The Mackenzie Poltergeist Tour uniquely blends history, folklore, and paranormal investigation. It offers a glimpse into the darker side of Edinburgh’s past and the chance to come face-to-face with one of the world’s most documented poltergeists.
The tour is a must-visit for thrill-seekers, history buffs, and anyone with a curiosity for the supernatural.
Greyfriars Kirkyard Tour: What to Expect
The Greyfriars Kirkyard Tour is more than just a walk through a historic graveyard; it’s a journey into the heart of Edinburgh’s haunted history.
As the sun sets and the shadows lengthen, the tour takes you through the iron gates of the ancient Greyfriars Kirkyard.
With its centuries-old tombstones and eerie silence, the graveyard sets the stage for the chilling tales to come.
The tour begins at the entrance of Greyfriars Kirkyard, easily accessible from the city center.
As you step through the iron gates, you’re transported back in time, walking the same paths that the residents of Edinburgh have walked for centuries.
The whole experience will last approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes, but the memories will last a lifetime.
The tour guide, a master storyteller, weaves a tapestry of history and horror, recounting the tales of the restless spirits said to inhabit the graveyard.
You’ll learn about the history of Greyfriars Kirkyard, the notable figures interred there, and the chilling tales of ghostly sightings and unexplained phenomena.
One of the tour’s highlights is the visit to the Covenanter’s Prison, a locked graveyard section where hundreds of prisoners were held in appalling conditions in the 17th century.
It is here that most encounters with the Mackenzie Poltergeist are reported. As you stand within the prison’s walls, you can almost feel the despair and suffering that once permeated the air.
Another highlight is the Mackenzie Mausoleum, the final resting place of Sir George Mackenzie, the man behind the infamous Mackenzie Poltergeist.
The mausoleum is a grand, yet somber structure, its stone facade weathered by time. As the guide recounts the tale of “Bluidy Mackenzie” and his posthumous reputation as a malevolent spirit, you might feel a chill run down your spine.
The tour is conducted in small groups, allowing for a more intimate and immersive experience.
The number of people per group can vary, but it’s typically around 20. This also allows the guide to cater to the group’s interests and answer any questions you might have.
As for transportation, Greyfriars Kirkyard is located in the heart of Edinburgh, within walking distance of many hotels and landmarks. If you are checked in at a hotel further away, the city’s excellent public transportation system can quickly get you to the graveyard.
The Greyfriars Kirkyard Tour is more than just a ghost tour; it’s a unique way to explore Edinburgh’s history and folklore.
Whether you’re a history buff, a fan of the supernatural, or just looking for a unique experience, this tour is sure to leave a lasting impression.
Paranormal Activities in Edinburgh
Edinburgh’s rich history and ancient architecture provide the perfect backdrop for tales of the supernatural.
The city is known for its high concentration of paranormal activities, with numerous ghost sightings and unexplained phenomena reported over the years.
The Mackenzie Poltergeist Tour is a focal point of these activities.
Visitors have reported various experiences, from sudden drops in temperature and unexplained bruises to feeling a force pushing them or tugging at their clothes. Some have even reported being knocked unconscious.
These incidents have added to the tour’s reputation and have attracted paranormal investigators from around the world.
The Eerie Mackenzie Mausoleum History
The Mackenzie Mausoleum is the final resting place of Sir George Mackenzie, a man whose actions in life led to his posthumous reputation as a malevolent spirit.
As Lord Advocate, Mackenzie was responsible for the persecution of the Covenanters, earning him the nickname “Bluidy Mackenzie.”
The mausoleum is a grand, yet somber structure, its stone facade weathered by time. It is here that the Mackenzie Poltergeist is said to reside.
Recommended read: The Glenluce Devil: The Tale of a Powerful Poltergeist in 17th Century Scotland
The first reported encounter with the poltergeist was in 1998, following a series of incidents involving a homeless man who broke into the mausoleum.
Since then, the number of reported incidents has grown, making the Mackenzie Poltergeist Tour one of the most documented supernatural cases in the world.
Haunted Tours in Scotland: How Do They Compare?
Scotland is a land steeped in history and folklore, with numerous haunted tours offering a glimpse into its ghostly past. From the eerie vaults of Edinburgh to the ancient castles of the Highlands, these tours take visitors through Scotland’s haunted history.
Besides Mackenzie Poltergeist Tour, here are some other fascinating tours you can take.
Mercat Tours: Ghostly Underground Vaults Tour
Discover the eerie side of Edinburgh with Mercat Tours’ Ghostly Underground Vaults Tour. This unique experience will take you through the historic Old Town, where you will learn about the gruesome and chilling tales that took place on the very streets you’ll be walking on.
The tour will then lead you to the atmospheric Blair Street Vaults, home to a variety of ghosts, including the friendly cobbler and the terrifying Mr. Boots.
You’ll also make a stop at the Canongate graveyard, where you’ll hear the haunting stories of some of Edinburgh’s most infamous criminals who still reside there.
Mercat Tours provides headphones for you to listen to the guide to ensure you don’t miss a single spooky detail. Don’t miss out on this unforgettable experience.
Tour details
Dates & times: Daily; morning & afternoon
Duration: 1 hour and 15 minutes
Tour Location: Start point at Mercat Cross, High Street / End point at Hunter Square.
Booking: +44 (0)131 225 5445 / [email protected] / mercattours.com.
Price: £20.00 for adults, £15.00 for children, and £290.00 for private groups (maximum 18 persons).
Auld Reekie Tours: Edinburgh Late Night Underground Vaults Terror Tour
Auld Reekie Tours offers the Edinburgh Late Night Underground Vaults Terror Tour, which takes you down to the South Bridge vaults, where you will see the infamous stone circle vault.
The stone circle is said to hold an evil presence, and if you step inside the circle, you may regret it!
The tour also includes a walk around Edinburgh’s historic Old Town, where you will hear tales of the terrifying Tolbooth Prison that once sat outside St. Giles Cathedral.
Tour details
Dates & times: Daily, 10:00 AM, 10:30 AM, 11:00 AM, 11:30 AM, 12:00 PM, 12:30 PM, 1:00 PM, 1:30 PM, 2:00 PM, 2:30 PM, 3:00 PM, 3:30 PM, 4:00 PM, and 4:30 PM.
Duration: 1 hour and 15 minutes
Tour Location: Start point at 300 Lawnmarket, Edinburgh.
Booking: +44 (0) 131 557 4700 / [email protected] / auldreekietours.com.
Price: £22.00 for adults, £200 for 2 people up to 10 people and then £14 per additional person up to a maximum of 36 people. Children are not allowed on this tour.
The Cadies & Witchery Tours: Ghosts and Gore Walking Tour of Edinburgh
The Ghosts and Gore Walking Tour of Edinburgh by The Cadies & Witchery Tours is a light-hearted tour filled with laughter but still manages to be scary.
You may also like: A Deep Dive into the Ed and Lorraine Warren Occult Museum
Your guide for the evening is Alexander Clapperton, a deceased cemetery director who ruled over the cemeteries of Edinburgh in the 1840s.
You will learn all about the horrors of witchcraft history in Edinburgh and all of the dark histories that lurk within the shadows of the cities ancient closes.
Tour details
Dates & times: Wednesday – Sunday, 7 PM.
Duration: 1 hour and 30 minutes
Tour Location: The start point is the Witchery by the Castle, 352 Castlehill, Edinburgh EH1 2NF.
Booking: +44 (0) 131 225 6745 / [email protected] / wicherytours.com.
Price: £13.00 for adults and £9.00 for children (5-15 yrs).
City of Edinburgh Tours: Edinburgh Evening Underground Ghost Tour
Join one of Edinburgh’s most notorious historical figures on a journey through the city’s Old Town’s darker side.
Learn culinary arts from the infamous Cassandra Bean or delve into the ethical side of surgery with Dr. Knox.
Once you’ve met these intriguing characters, they will guide you around the upper half of the Old Town, circling St Giles Cathedral, and pointing out the locations of the city’s former parliament and notorious jail.
Uncover the harsh realities of life in Edinburgh’s Old Town during the 17th and 18th centuries.
Crossing the George IV Bridge, the tour transitions to the eerie confines of Greyfriars Kirkyard. Within this unsettling, 450-year-old cemetery, you’ll hear tales of its famously faithful dog, terrifying poltergeists, and the infamous body snatchers and serial killers, Burke and Hare.
The final part of the tour takes you underground, into a section of a 17th-century close that was incorporated into the South Bridge during its construction.
Witness the arches of the bridge from the 1700s, remnants of walls and doorways from former houses, and observe the modern pavement through our skylight, with people unknowingly walking above you.
This ancient street has been home to many inhabitants over the centuries, but some have not considered their demise a reason to leave!
Tour details
Dates & times: Daily, 7:45 PM.
Duration: 1 hour and 15 minutes
Booking: cityofedinburghtours.com.
Price: £16 for adults ages 16+, £10 for children ages 5 to 15, and £15 for concessions NHS, students, seniors, etc.
Planning Your Visit: Useful Information
City of the Dead Tours: What You Need to Know
Edinburgh’s City of the Dead Tours is a highly acclaimed tour company that provides captivating and exciting tours. They offer various tours, but the Mackenzie Poltergeist Tour is widely favored.
The tours are led by well-informed guides who skillfully combine history and horror to deliver an unforgettable adventure.
It’s important to note that the tours run regardless of the weather, so make sure to come prepared!
Best Time to Visit the Mackenzie Poltergeist Tour
The Mackenzie Poltergeist Tour runs year-round, with tours taking place every day except for Christmas Day.
Recommended read: Enfield Poltergeist: Paranormal Phenomenon or Clever Hoax?
However, for the best experience, consider visiting during the darker months of the year. The shorter days and longer nights add an extra layer of eeriness to the tour, enhancing the overall experience.
How to Book Tickets for the Tour
Tickets for the Mackenzie Poltergeist Tour can be booked online via the City of the Dead Tours website. It’s recommended to book in advance, especially during the peak tourist season, to ensure availability.
Accessible Tour Options for Different Visitors
The Mackenzie Poltergeist Tour is accessible to most visitors. However, due to the historic nature of Greyfriars Kirkyard, some areas may be challenging for those with mobility issues.
I recommended contacting City of the Dead Tours directly for specific accessibility queries.
City of the Dead Tours Reviews: What Past Visitors Say
Reviews for the Mackenzie Poltergeist Tour are overwhelmingly positive, with many praising the engaging guides, the thrilling experience, and the blend of history and horror.
Some visitors have even reported experiencing unexplained phenomena during the tour, adding to its reputation as one of the most haunted tours in the world.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Mackenzie Poltergeist tour?
The Mackenzie Poltergeist Tour is a guided tour in Edinburgh, Scotland, that takes visitors through the historic Greyfriars Kirkyard and the Mackenzie Mausoleum. The tour is named after the Mackenzie Poltergeist, a reputedly restless spirit that haunts the area.
Where does the Mackenzie Poltergeist tour take place?
The tour takes place in Greyfriars Kirkyard, a historic graveyard in Edinburgh, Scotland.
Who was Sir George Mackenzie and why is he associated with the poltergeist?
Sir George Mackenzie was a 17th-century lawyer serving as Scotland’s Lord Advocate. He is associated with the poltergeist due to his ruthless persecution of the Covenanters, which led to his posthumous reputation as a malevolent spirit.
What paranormal activities are reported during the Mackenzie Poltergeist Tour?
Many tourists have reported a range of paranormal activities, including sudden drops in temperature, feelings of being touched or pushed, unexplained bruises, and even instances of fainting or being knocked unconscious.
How long does the Mackenzie Poltergeist Tour last?
The tour lasts approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes. However, it’s recommended to allow for extra time as the tour can sometimes run longer.
Can children participate in the Mackenzie Poltergeist Tour?
Yes, children can participate in the tour. However, the nature of the stories told and the potential for scary experiences may not be suitable for younger children. Parental discretion is advised.
Is the Mackenzie Poltergeist Tour suitable for people with mobility issues?
While the tour is accessible to most, some areas of Greyfriars Kirkyard may be challenging for those with mobility issues due to its historic nature. It’s recommended to contact City of the Dead Tours directly for specific accessibility queries.
Can I book tickets in advance for the Mackenzie Poltergeist Tour?
Yes, booking tickets in advance for the tour is recommended, especially during the peak tourist season. Tickets can be booked online via the City of the Dead Tours website.
