Gothic Edinburgh: Stories of Women & Hidden Histories with Tea & Scones
Step into Edinburgh’s darker side on this small-group walking tour with Pola, a writer, artist and storyteller with a love of Gothic literature. Explore hidden histories, tales of women, mystery and superstition, and some of the city’s most atmospheric locations. Along the way, enjoy tea, scones and cakes while discovering the stories and novels that helped shape Edinburgh’s Gothic soul.
Tour Highlights
- Discover Edinburgh’s hidden Gothic side through stories you won’t hear on a typical city tour
- Visit some of the city’s most atmospheric locations, from St Giles’ Cathedral to Greyfriars Kirkyard
- Enjoy tea, scones and cakes while exploring the world of Victorian Gothic fiction
- Hear tales of women, superstition, mystery and forgotten histories
- Experience Edinburgh through the perspective of Pola, a writer and artist inspired by the city’s haunting beauty
Detailed Itinerary:
Meet Pola beneath the dramatic Scott Monument, one of Edinburgh’s most striking landmarks. This is where your journey into the city’s Gothic side begins. As a writer, artist and long-time Edinburgh resident, Pola shares how she first fell in love with the city’s mysterious atmosphere and why its streets, stories and architecture continue to inspire her today.
A short walk brings us to the Scottish National Gallery, where art opens a window into the Gothic imagination. Together, we explore paintings that reveal how women were portrayed during the Victorian era, from romantic heroines to enigmatic figures filled with symbolism and intrigue. Through stories and conversation, Pola brings these artworks to life and shares how they first sparked her fascination with Gothic literature.
From here, we make our way into Edinburgh’s Old Town and step inside St Giles’ Cathedral. Beneath soaring arches and colourful stained glass, discover the beliefs, traditions and stories that shaped life in historic Edinburgh. It’s a chance to pause, look closely and experience one of the city’s most beautiful and atmospheric spaces.
Next, we stop at the welcoming Old Town Cafe-Bistro for tea, scones and cakes. Over refreshments, Pola introduces some of the great Victorian Gothic novels and characters that have captivated readers for generations. Through stories of romance, mystery and scandal, you’ll discover why these tales continue to resonate today.
Refreshed and ready to continue, we head to Greyfriars Kirkyard, one of Edinburgh’s most atmospheric corners. Among weathered gravestones and hidden pathways, Pola shares stories of literature, memory and the city's fascination with the supernatural.
This is also where she shares a personal memory. As an art student, Pola lived nearby overlooking Greyfriars and Edinburgh Castle. On misty autumn evenings, she would sit by candlelight reading The Woman in White by Wilkie Collins while watching the Old Town disappear into the fog. It was here that Edinburgh truly became her Gothic city.
From Greyfriars, we walk into the Grassmarket, a lively square with a fascinating and sometimes dark history. Once the site of public executions and bustling markets, it is a place where fact, folklore and local legend often intertwine. Here, Pola uncovers stories that reveal a different side of Edinburgh’s past.
Looking up, the striking spire of The Hub reminds us how Edinburgh continues to reinvent itself. Once a church and now a centre for arts and culture, it stands as a symbol of the city’s enduring creativity and imagination.
Our walk concludes at the Witches’ Well on the Castle Esplanade. This small but powerful memorial commemorates those accused of witchcraft during one of Scotland’s darkest chapters. Together, we reflect on the stories of the women remembered here and the themes of resilience, fear and forgotten voices that have accompanied us throughout the tour.
Additional Information
Cancellation policy: Cancellations more than 2 days before departure will receive a full refund. Cancellations within this period attract a 100% cancellation fee.
Accessibility: This tour is mostly flat and step-free, but some venues may have narrow entrances or limited space inside.
Dietary restrictions: We can accommodate vegetarians and other dietary restrictions. Please notify us in advance if you have any dietary requests.
Dress code: Wear whatever feels comfortable for the day. We recommend supportive shoes and weather-appropriate layers.
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