Burke and Hare Murder Tour

Walk the actual streets where William Burke and William Hare murdered at least 16 people in 1828 to sell their bodies to medical schools. Edinburgh Horror Tours retraces their crimes location by location, from the closes where victims were lured to the dissecting rooms where bodies were stripped for profit. This tour documents one of history's most disturbing serial killing sprees and the moral panic it sparked across Victorian Britain. Heavy historical content with graphic detail, not recommended for sensitive audiences. Best for true crime enthusiasts. This is a easy activity lasting 1.5 hours. Group size: 2-30. You meet at Grassmarket, near White Hart Inn. Key highlights: Walks exact locations where murders occurred in 1828-1829, Documents 16 confirmed victims and the murder methods used, Explains the anatomical school trade and medical demand for cadavers.

Price: £18

Duration: 1.5 hours

Difficulty: easy

Group size: 2-30

Minimum age: 14+

Best for: true crime enthusiasts

Best time: Year-round. October-November captures the grim atmosphere. Avoid school holidays for more mature crowd discussion.

Meeting point: Grassmarket, near White Hart Inn

Languages: English

Here is how the experience unfolds:

Meeting Gather at White Hart Inn, Grassmarket - Tour guide introduces Burke and Hare's background and the anatomy trade that incentivized murder.

First 20 min Walk through closes where victims were lured - Visit Tanner's Close and other narrow alleyways where victims were deceived and murdered inside tenements.

20-50 min Trace route to the anatomist's dissecting room - Walk to where Dr. Robert Knox received and dissected bodies, discussing the supply-and-demand economics.

50-70 min Visit execution site and trial details - Stand at Grassmarket's gallows location where Burke was hanged in 1829 before 25,000 spectators.

70-90 min Discuss cultural impact and conclusion - Tour concludes with how Burke and Hare changed anatomical law and public perception of grave robbery.

The whole experience takes 1.5 hours. Difficulty: easy. You meet at Grassmarket, near White Hart Inn.

• Walks exact locations where murders occurred in 1828-1829
• Documents 16 confirmed victims and the murder methods used
• Explains the anatomical school trade and medical demand for cadavers
• Discusses the trial that captivated Victorian Britain
• Ends at Grassmarket where Burke was publicly hanged
• Accessibility: Walking tour covers uneven cobblestones and multiple hills. Not wheelchair accessible. Requires moderate fitness. Contains graphic descriptions of violence.

What is included: 1.5-hour guided walking tour, Expert commentary on true crime history, Access to Grassmarket and historic closes.

Not included: Entry to museums or attractions, Food or drinks, Hotel pickup. You will need to arrange these yourself.

What to bring: Comfortable walking shoes (approximately 2 miles covered), Jacket for changeable weather, Prepare for graphic historical descriptions. Having these with you makes the experience smoother.

Best time to go: Year-round. October-November captures the grim atmosphere. Avoid school holidays for more mature crowd discussion..

Tip: Tour includes graphic historical content

Accessibility: Walking tour covers uneven cobblestones and multiple hills. Not wheelchair accessible. Requires moderate fitness. Contains graphic descriptions of violence..

Operator: Edinburgh Horror Tours

After this activity, these are within easy reach:

• Grassmarket (0 min walk)
• Edinburgh Castle (5 min walk)
• National Museum of Scotland (10 min walk)

This activity is run by Edinburgh Horror Tours.

Cancellation policy: Policies vary by booking platform. Typically free cancellation 24 hours before..

Accessibility: Walking tour covers uneven cobblestones and multiple hills. Not wheelchair accessible. Requires moderate fitness. Contains graphic descriptions of violence..

Best time to go: Year-round. October-November captures the grim atmosphere. Avoid school holidays for more mature crowd discussion..

Is this tour suitable for children?

No. The tour contains graphic descriptions of murder methods, suffocation, and dissection. Guides discuss specific victims and violent details candidly. Recommended for ages 14+, preferably 16+. Parents should preview the content before bringing teenagers. The tour prioritizes historical accuracy over sensitivity.

Did Burke and Hare actually murder 16 people?

Yes. Between 1828 and 1829, Burke and Hare murdered at least 16 people, likely more. They were career criminals who discovered they could sell fresh bodies to anatomist Dr. Robert Knox for £7-10 each. Burke was hanged in 1829 and his skeleton remains in the Edinburgh Medical School. Hare turned informant and was released, his fate unknown.

Where can I see actual Burke and Hare artifacts?

Burke's executed skeleton is displayed at Edinburgh Medical School (Anatomy Museum, by appointment). His death mask and plaster cast of his head are in the National Museum of Scotland. Personal items and anatomical specimens are held in university collections. The tour mentions these locations but does not include entry.