Stirling Ghostwalk
Stirling Ghostwalk
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About
The Stirling Ghost Walk - now nearing it's twenty-fifth year - is a guided dramatic guided tour of Stirling's historic Old Town, using comedy and drama to recount frightful tales from the history and folklore of the area. Tours run at 8.30pm, Tuesday-to-Saturday in July and August, each year, and at 8pm on Fridays and Saturdays from September-to-June - all tours meeting at the gates of the Old Town Jail / SYHA Hostel in St John Street, Stirling. Private bookings are available throughout the year - and a 10% discount offered to patrons of local hotels, hostels and B&Bs.Visit our website or Facebook for details and updates.
Stirling, Scotland
Awards
Travellers' Choice
2023
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5.0
461 reviews
Excellent
436
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18
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Jacqueline
Bannockburn, UK1 contribution
Dec 2023 • Friends
Really enjoyed ghost walk around medieval grave yard , the hang man very interesting, would definitely recommend.
Written 4 December 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Clare g
Stoke-on-Trent, UK5 contributions
Nov 2023 • Couples
We have been on many ghost walks around the UK but this was up there at the top. We ended up having a 'private' tour due to the others not making it (they should be disappointed with themselves as they definitely missed out!!) David aka Jock was a fantastic guide and we were thoroughly entertained in a stunning environment. Loved hearing all the tales and we will absolutely be back next time we are in Scotland 😍😍
Clare and Tez
Clare and Tez
Written 18 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Many thanks, Clare (and Tez!). We're so glad you enjoyed the Hangman's tales - and the gloriously gothic backdrop of the Holy Rude Kirk-Yards and Old Town. Who could ask for more, especially with a responsive audience... big or small. We hope to see you again! Stay safe.
Written 4 December 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
iammissmcd
Callander, UK38 contributions
Oct 2023 • Friends
Fantastic, entertaining ghost walk around Stirling Old Town with David aka Jock the Hangman. Lots of interaction, humour and information about Scottish and local history. Good value for money and easy to park in Stirling for free in the evening.
Good group size and walk lasted just over 1 hour.
Probably most suited for children aged 12 +
Good group size and walk lasted just over 1 hour.
Probably most suited for children aged 12 +
Written 31 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you, Miss McD. Really glad you enjoyed the show - a great way (we hope) to enjoy the history, folklore, myth and legend of the Old Town in a fun way. And still great value, after 34 years. Hope we'll see you again.
Written 7 November 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Bennett R
Victoria, Australia5 contributions
Oct 2023 • Solo
Quite simply the best ghost tour I've ever been on, and I've been on dozens all over the world.
And it's all because of David Kinnaird, who played our haunted hangman/guide last night.
His absolutely brilliant delivery of the intricately written script was impeccable. Mixing humour with horror, this is an entertaining ghost tour you will not forget. Despite it being cold enough to freeze the powerballs off a polar bear, Dave kept it so entertaining that I didn't even notice I had lost two fingers to frostbite.
The fact it's such a stunning location doesn't hurt either, with the beautiful castle on the hill overlooking the gothic graveyard, but someone really needs to give this guy a gig acting on the stage or TV.
Couldn't recommend this tour more highly. The only bad thing is it's going to make every ghost tour I do in the future look rubbish :(
And it's all because of David Kinnaird, who played our haunted hangman/guide last night.
His absolutely brilliant delivery of the intricately written script was impeccable. Mixing humour with horror, this is an entertaining ghost tour you will not forget. Despite it being cold enough to freeze the powerballs off a polar bear, Dave kept it so entertaining that I didn't even notice I had lost two fingers to frostbite.
The fact it's such a stunning location doesn't hurt either, with the beautiful castle on the hill overlooking the gothic graveyard, but someone really needs to give this guy a gig acting on the stage or TV.
Couldn't recommend this tour more highly. The only bad thing is it's going to make every ghost tour I do in the future look rubbish :(
Written 31 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you, sir. High praise indeed. David (or Jock) has a passion for the history and folklore of the area (the whole of scotland, in fact - you should try his podcast, Spooks & Bogles), and that always comes across in his tours. The gloriously Gothic backdrop of the Old Town, and the Auld Kirkyard doesn't hurt, either. Thanks, again.
Written 7 November 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
deb30856
Vancouver, Canada16 contributions
Sep 2023 • Friends
Very entertaining and informative. Highly recommend this tour. The group I was with were asked to participate in the presentation which added extra amusement to the event.
Written 6 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We're always eager to involve the audience in the Stirling GhostWalk, Deb. Really glad that you enjoyed the show.
Written 15 October 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
LinziB
Larbert, UK3 contributions
Sep 2023 • Friends
Brilliant fun. We were a group of 7 (3 adults and 4 kids). Just the right level of spookiness for our group...adults were more jumpy than the kids!! Great story telling....who knows how much was true!
Written 3 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you, LB - The Happy Hangman tries to make his tales as accessible and entertaining as possible for audiences of all ages. Thanks for taking time to post a review.
Written 15 October 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Carol
Adelaide, Australia62 contributions
Jul 2023 • Couples
We visited the 'Stirling Old Town Jail' first (see separate review) and then immediately booked the evening 'Ghost Tour' for that same day, as David said he would be taking that tour too.
Our guide 'David Kinnaird' was absolutely amazing and gave such a truly wonderful performance of all the characters he portrays, who in turn, each have a story to tell.
David is a master of his craft, his storytelling, acting ability and sheer banter and comedy, made both tours highly enjoyable and captivating, he draws you in and you literally 'hang on his every word' as the story unfolds.
An absolutely brilliant experience from start to finish, thank you David for your history telling... we learnt a lot about both Stirling jail and the surrounding graveyard and some of its occupants.
We thoroughly enjoyed every moment of your storytelling and the way you involve people to participate in both these tours.
We absolutely 100% highly recommend this tour and look forward to taking another tour, next time we venture back overseas to Stirling Scotland.
Our guide 'David Kinnaird' was absolutely amazing and gave such a truly wonderful performance of all the characters he portrays, who in turn, each have a story to tell.
David is a master of his craft, his storytelling, acting ability and sheer banter and comedy, made both tours highly enjoyable and captivating, he draws you in and you literally 'hang on his every word' as the story unfolds.
An absolutely brilliant experience from start to finish, thank you David for your history telling... we learnt a lot about both Stirling jail and the surrounding graveyard and some of its occupants.
We thoroughly enjoyed every moment of your storytelling and the way you involve people to participate in both these tours.
We absolutely 100% highly recommend this tour and look forward to taking another tour, next time we venture back overseas to Stirling Scotland.
Written 23 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you, David has a great passion for the history and folklore of Scotland - Stirling, particularly - and is always happy when audiences at the Old Town Jail and on his Stirling GhostWalks share his enthusiasm. If you enjoy that mix of fact and folklore you should try his podcast, Spooks & Bogles
Written 15 October 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Joobacca
Norfolk, England, United Kingdom23 contributions
Sep 2023 • Solo
Why is this ghostwalk so great? There's the location - the beautiful and atmospheric graveyard. There's the content - compelling stories of local characters, with plenty of Stirling and Scottish history sneaked in. There's the humour - Jock Rankin is very funny for a hangman. And there's the performance - David's experience, knowledge and passion shine through the dusk as brightly as his lantern. His podcast, Spooks and Bogles, is just as entertaining and informative - worth checking out!
Written 13 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you, Joobacca. It's always great when my audiences share my delight in the folklore and history of Stirling's Old Town - and many of the strange little sites often often otherwise missed by visitors. And I'm really glad you are enjoying the podcast. Hope to see you again.
Written 18 September 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Chris L
4 contributions
Sep 2023 • Couples
David was a fantastic host and made the 90 minutes fly by. I would highly recommend this to anyone visiting Stirling in the future. Great fun at a great price.
Written 3 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
It's a sure sign that the audience are enjoying the tour, when The Hangman is inclined to stretch-out a 75 minute tour to 90 minutes. If our guests are enjoying themselves, that's a sure sign he is, too - it's also why he's still telling these tales after more than thirty years! Hope we'll see you on the Stirling GhostWalk again, sometime
Written 18 September 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Nik W
2 contributions
Sep 2023 • Family
The Stirling ghost walk was absolutely fantastic. The old town is the perfect backdrop.
I’ve been on many of these types of tours across the world, and David Kinnaird is the most entertaining and engaging guide to date. His love for the subject matter shines through.
I was so happy with the experience, I purchased his book “Haunted Stirling” from the old town jail.
I’ve been on many of these types of tours across the world, and David Kinnaird is the most entertaining and engaging guide to date. His love for the subject matter shines through.
I was so happy with the experience, I purchased his book “Haunted Stirling” from the old town jail.
Written 3 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you so much. David has a passion for the history, myth and folklore of the Old Town, and that spills out into the Stirling GhostWalk, the Old Town Jail, Spooks & Bogles podcast, and his many books and legends - and he's always very happy when audiences share even a little of his enthusiasm. Stay safe!
Written 18 September 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Paula F
11 contributions
Hi! Are there any tours available on Wednesday during October is my only chance to see it, we are staying just one night in Stirling..
David K
Stirling, Scotland, United Kingdom3 contributions
Hello, Paula. We have no public tours scheduled for Wednesdays in October - except for Halloween week, when we have 8pm and 9.30pm shows Monday-to-Thursday.(so there will be performances on Weds 30)
ashley4182
Santa Barbara, CA54 contributions
availability for tonight ?
David K
Stirling, Scotland, United Kingdom3 contributions
Hello there. Yup. Just show up at the Old Town Jail gate from 7.45pm. On those occasions where scheduled shows are sold-out or at full capacity we will post details at least a week in advance on our main website and our Facebook and Twitter feeds.
Yes plz how much is it
David K
Stirling, Scotland, United Kingdom3 contributions
£6 for adults, £4 for Kids, Students or Seniors
Blancadvm
8 contributions
Is there a tour in Spanish? Do you also have to go to the gates of the prison? Must book in advance?
David K
Stirling, Scotland, United Kingdom3 contributions
There's no tour in Spanish, I'm afraid. A simplified English transcript is available (if requested in advance), but the GhostWalk is dramatic storytelling, and the performance only in English/Scots.
The scheduled performances all commence at the gates of the Old Town Jail. For private group-bookings at other times, different starting-locations are possible, by arrangement.
For private group-bookings advance booking (via our e-mail) is required. For scheduled public performances it's fine just to buy tickets on the nght (15 minutes before the show starts, at the old Town Jail gate). If a scheduled show is fully booked (rare outside of the summer season, or at Halloween) then that information will be posted on our website, Facebook and twitter pages.
Allison F
Helensburgh, UK34 contributions
Where does it start from? What times? Do you have to book in advance?
David K
Stirling, Scotland, United Kingdom3 contributions
We start at the gates of the Old Town Jail, St John Street, Stirling (next to the SYHA Youth Hostel), at 8pm on Fridays and Saturdays - tickets available from 7.45pm. Booking in advance is usually unnecessary - except for our Hallowe'en Week performances, which always sell-out well in advance. Other details and FAQs can be found on our website
Jake H
Stirling, UK
Hello, I was enquiring about a possible interview with a member of staff? The interview will be used as a human interest story for a Halloween show. It will be shown on Forth Valley Colleges new TV channel. I will be attending the ghost walk in the next couple of week so it would be great to hear back from you!
Thanks,
Jacob Hamilton
Contact: 07810342450
David K
Stirling, Scotland, United Kingdom3 contributions
Hello, Jacob - I think I've already responded to your e-mails. TripAdvisor takes a day or so to flag PMs like this one. Just wantewd you to know I wasn't ignoring the message.