If the cobbled streets of Edinburgh could speak, they’d whisper dark secrets — none more chilling than those of Burke and Hare, the infamous murderers who stalked the city in the early 1800s. But now, those whispers have become a game — one you can play. A Trail of Burke & Hare, the first City Trail from award-winning experience creators Escape The Past (visit the Escape Room Edinburgh website), takes the thrill of an escape room and unfolds it across Edinburgh’s historic heart.
This is no ordinary walking tour. It’s a self-guided investigation, a race against time, and a chilling descent into Edinburgh’s shadowy legacy.
A Murder Revisited — and Reinvented
The story begins in the Cowgate. A body has been discovered, eerily reminiscent of the brutal crimes committed by Burke and Hare — two men who murdered 16 people and sold the corpses for medical dissection. But this is no museum piece. The killer is active, leaving behind a satchel and a promise: more deaths will follow unless someone solves the puzzle.
That “someone” is you.
Armed with the satchel — a treasure trove of authentic-looking maps, locked containers, coded messages, and more — you and your team must unravel the clues, discover hidden details in the streets around you, and piece together the killer’s obsession before time runs out. It’s part escape game, part scavenger hunt, part historical thriller.
A Living Museum, One Step at a Time
Unlike traditional escape rooms locked within four walls, A Trail of Burke & Hare transforms the entire city into your game board. Over the course of 4–5 kilometres and roughly two hours, participants explore winding lanes, overlooked landmarks, and real historical sites connected to Edinburgh’s grisly past.
And while the mystery is fictional, the locations and legends are very real. You’ll find yourself looking at the city differently — spotting architectural oddities, hidden signs, and eerie alleyways that thousands walk past every day without noticing. This is immersive tourism at its best: blending fact, fiction, and fun into a hands-on cultural experience.
A Flexible Adventure — Your Pace, Your Path
One of the standout features of this outdoor escape room is its flexibility. Once you’ve booked online, you collect your satchel from a central location in Edinburgh and are free to begin your trail within your allotted window. Fancy pausing for coffee or taking a lunch break mid-game? No problem. The experience is structured, but never rushed.
It’s perfect for:
- Tourists looking for an immersive alternative to traditional sightseeing
- Locals rediscovering their city with fresh eyes
- Families or groups wanting a collaborative adventure that spans generations
- Corporate outings or stag/hen parties looking for something more creative than a bar crawl
Groups can range from 2 to 30 players, making this one of the most scalable experiences of its kind in the city.
Not Just a Game — A Work of Storytelling
What truly elevates A Trail of Burke & Hare is the storytelling. Escape The Past is already known for its award-winning indoor escape rooms, praised for their historical detail and theatrical flair. With this city trail, they’ve taken that same high standard of narrative design and placed it into Edinburgh’s streets.
The puzzles are physical and satisfying to solve. The props are tactile and atmospheric. And the setting? It’s the real Edinburgh — a city where the past still lingers in the air.
Uncover the Secrets — If You Dare
Whether you’re a seasoned escape room player or just someone with a love of history and adventure, A Trail of Burke & Hare offers something entirely different: an eerie, intelligent, and unforgettable way to experience Scotland’s capital.
But be warned: once you’ve started walking in the footsteps of murderers, you may never look at Edinburgh the same way again.
