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About this awesome trail
With the most perfect of backdrops, this murder mystery style treasure hunt will guide you on an experience like no other.
Once Upon A Crime In Holyrood – Edinburgh Murder Mystery Trail is a self-guided walking tour that navigates you past some of the best points of interest that Edinburgh has to offer, including:
The route for this Edinburgh treasure hunt is a little hilly and about 4.6km long. Allow 3 hours to appreciate your surroundings and complete the trail at a leisurely pace. There are plenty of refreshment stops and photo opportunities along the way! The immersive story and cryptic puzzles can make this treasure hunt feel more like an outdoor escape room at times.
Note: This trail takes you through Princes Street Gardens, which opens at 7am and has varying closing times throughout the year (~5pm in winter, ~9pm in summer).
This trail focuses on Edinburgh’s New Town and Holyrood areas, while our other Edinburgh trail explores Old Town (see the map above in the product images). Both trails form a loop and collectively make the best way to discover Edinburgh’s must-see landmarks! Ideal for tourists and locals alike. Available for instant download. So, what are you waiting for?!
Edinburgh Old Town trail statistics:
The case synopsis:
A pregnant lady kidnapped… Endangering blackmail published in the news… And a high-profile actress murdered in the Holyrood Hills… A serial killer is methodically implementing a nightmarish plan. But to what end? Never have your wits been so tested as in this, your most chilling case yet. Can you save the abductee and deduce which suspect is the egotistical maniac before it’s too late?!
Trail overview:
Download, print & go!
Our trails are self-guided walking tours, allowing you to sleuth around at your own pace and take as many detours and pit stops as you wish. We’ve investigated all the highlights each location offers, carefully crafting them into each trail. There are plenty of must-see landmarks, selfie opportunities, traditional pubs, and refreshment stops along each route. So, get ready to unlock a whole new world of adventure, as city breaks will never be the same again!
Simply download and print the trail in colour onto A4 paper, and you’re ready to go. No access to a printer? No worries. Alternatively, you can view the PDF trail using any tablet or smartphone device. Make sure to bring along a pen and paper to sketch out occasional clues and note down your answers to complete the finale metapuzzle with a celebratory refreshment. Learn more…
Who is the trail aimed at?
Prepare for a journey filled with hidden gems, fascinating factoids, cryptic puzzles, and intriguing mysteries — perfect for anyone who loves adventure! Our puzzle-filled trails make for a thrilling city break or day out with spouses, friends, colleagues and the whole family. If you enjoy escape rooms, puzzles, scavenger hunts, ghost and historical tours, murder mysteries or board games, you’re in for a killer time. Before you’ve even solved your first Murder Mystery Trail, you’ll be dying to do another!
If you’re looking for a stag party or hen-do treasure hunt, then our Murder Mystery Trails are great entertainment and an ideal ice-breaker. Everyone will get to know each other while solving clues and exploring the local area. Plus, there are plenty of traditional pubs and refreshment stops en route! As our trails are self-guided, you can take as many pitstops and detours as you wish. For larger groups, please purchase an additional copy for every six people. For example, ten people require two purchases of a trail. Here are some tips for larger groups.
Plot a killer day out in Edinburgh
With stunningly preserved architecture, a breathtaking castle sitting upon a dormant volcano, and gruesome tales around every corner, it’s no wonder Edinburgh has become a world-famous travel destination.
The beautiful Princes Street Gardens divide the heart of the city into two halves, Old Town and New Town, each offering a different experience. New Town (which this trail covers) is bursting with a variety of independent shops, characterful pubs, art galleries, and flashy restaurants. The Georgian architecture, regal townhouses, and boutique businesses make it a delightful place for a stroll. To the east is Calton Hill World Heritage site which has the best ‘postcard view’ of the city and is the location of several historic monuments, including the striking National Monument.
Many of Edinburgh’s other sought-after landmarks can be found in Old Town, such as Edinburgh Castle and the Royal Mile. The Grassmarket is one of our favourite areas, and has been the site of murders, riots, and hundreds of public executions throughout its long history. Some of the capital’s oldest and most haunted pubs can be found here, including The White Hart Inn, The Beehive Inn, and The Last Drop to name a few.
With so many historical landmarks in a concentrated area, you truly are spoilt on a wander through the city’s cobbled streets. If you’re searching for fun things to do in Edinburgh, then call off the search! Our “New Town & Holyrood” and “Old Town” Murder Mystery themed treasure hunts capture the essence of the city, leaving you with a clear understanding of what the area has to offer, and a smile on your face. Of all the Edinburgh walking tours available, these imaginative self-guided treasure hunts should be top of your list. They’re a killer day out!
Inspect all of our murder mystery themed trails in Scotland.
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