VisitScotland reveals increased interest in Halloween experiences 

Scotland's haunted heritage is casting a powerful spell on visitors, with new findings showing a notable increase in Halloween-related tourism over the past three years. 

VisitScotland has found that visits to and interest in ghost-themed attractions—including historic graveyards, battlefields, and famously haunted castles—have risen significantly since 2022. 

The national tourism and events organisation uncovered that there has been a 39% increase visits to reportedly spooky sites including Stirling Castle, Culloden Visitor Centre and St Andrews Cathedral in October since 2022. 

The new figures, which were provided by The Moffat Centre for Travel and Tourism Business Development, Glasgow Caledonian University, revealed that visitor numbers for 12 attractions* that feature ghost stories or experiences have gone from 267,296 visits to 372,486 in 2024. 

There has also been a substantial increase in online searches during October for Halloween related activities in Scotland - with a 54% rise year-on-year since 2023 for topics like 'ghost' and 'haunted'.  

John Quinn, Head of Data and Insight at VisitScotland, said: “The increase in visits to haunted and historically significant sites during the Autumn months reflects a growing public appetite for immersive, seasonal experiences rooted in Scotland's rich storytelling traditions.  

“Extending the visitor season is a core part of our work to grow the value of the visitor economy and these latest figures show that Halloween is becoming a major moment in our tourism calendar, offering exciting opportunities for attractions and communities alike.” 

Halloween's origins in Scotland trace back to ancient Gaelic traditions and the pagan festival of Samhain. Today, that legacy lives on through immersive visitor experiences that blend history, myth, and the supernatural. 

VisitScotland is encouraging tourism providers to build on this momentum by expanding Halloween-themed offerings and exploring ways to engage visitors beyond the autumn season. 

Dr Rachael Ironside, Associate Professor in events and tourism at Robert Gordon University, said: "My own research has found that these types of experiences are very popular - and often quick to sell out - especially events like ghost walks and ghost hunting experience in local castles. More organisations are also embracing Halloween as a key season to attract new and repeat visitations. 

"Supernatural stories and legends provide a different lens through which visitors can see, understand and experience a place - whether that is a city, historic building or landmark - and therefore, they can provide an engaging, alternative offering for businesses - as well as an economic incentive. Furthermore, the supernatural and Halloween can offer experiences for all ages - from family fun Halloween trails to adult-only overnight ghost hunting events - and as a result it has a broad appeal." 

Kathleen Cronie, founder of Mostly Ghostly tours based in Dumfries and Galloway, said: “We are definitely seeing a rise in interest in Halloween and all things spooky when exploring Scotland. As we approach 31 October, that sense of anticipation and curiosity really begins to build. Our guests — including some who might not usually attend such events — often feel more open to trying something ghostly or otherworldly, drawn by the season's atmosphere of excitement and intrigue.  

“Scotland's dark past — rich with legends, ghostly tales, and mysterious traditions — has an inescapable pull that draws people in.  Here in Dumfries and Galloway there's a remarkable wealth of folklore, from ghosts and fairies to vampires and wraiths, interwoven with a gripping dark history of graverobbing, murder, and smuggling. It's wonderful to see people connecting with the storytelling, heritage, and sense of place that make this region — and Scotland as a whole — such a perfect setting for eerie adventures and unforgettable experiences.” 

In addition to visiting Scotland's spooky attractions this Halloween, check out some activities and tours to get the spine tingling: 

• Lantern-led tours at The Real Mary King's Close, Edinburgh  

(Lantern tours running until Friday, 31 October, suitable for ages 8+; regular tour run year-round)  

Especially for Halloween, The Real Mary King's Close invites visitors to descend down their historic steps with one of The Close's former residents and into darkness. The only light source will be the flicker of your lantern. Discover the lives and deaths of real people who once walked Edinburgh's streets. Along the way, you'll also encounter two notorious figures from the 1600s, whose mere presence struck fear into the hearts of all who saw them…  

Lantern tours run daily to 31 October 2025. For further details and to book tickets go to www.realmarykingsclose.com/event/lantern-led-tours-edinburgh/  

• The Wandering Witches of Culzean, Culzean Castle & Country Park, Ayrshire 

(Event runs daily until Sunday 2 November 1000–1600; suitable for all ages)  

This autumn, join the little witches of Culzean as they soar through the skies and brew magical potions in the woods. But something's missing from their spell—and only human eyes can spot it! Follow the enchanting trail through the country park to help them find the final ingredient before the witching hour begins…  

Trail starts at Home Farm Gift Shop. £2 per person (standard admission fees apply).  

For more information, visit: www.nts.org.uk/visit/places/culzean/highlights/autumn-family-trail  

• Lantern Tours: Mystery and Malice, Stirling Castle 

(One-night-only event on Friday 31 October 2025 from 6pm-9:30pm; suitable for ages 12+, children must be accompanied by an adult)  

This Halloween, Stirling Castle reveals its darker side. Join a ghastly guide for a lantern-lit tour through shadowy corners and chilling tales of mystery, murder and malice. Expect eerie encounters and spine-tingling surprises as history comes hauntingly alive.  

Not for the faint-hearted—loud noises and frights await! After your tour, warm up with devilishly delicious treats at the Unicorn Café, including haunted haggis sausage rolls, mummified muffins, and spiced pumpkin lattes.  

For more information and to book, visit: historicenvironment.scot  

• Halloween at Witch Corner: Spirits of the Forest, Abbotsford, Scottish Borders 

(Abbotsford is open year-round; event runs until 2 November, 1000-1600. Suitable for all ages)  

Meet the creatures who live between worlds at Witch Corner this October and experience the show-stopping folklore sculptures transformed with the sights and sounds of this time of year.  

For more information and to book online, visit: www.scottsabbotsford.com/whats-on/halloween-at-witch-corner   

• Gothic Glasgow Spooky Walking Tour 

(Tours run Wednesday - Sunday, April – December, age 14+)   

Join sinister host, Vincent 'The Man in the Hat' for a must do walking tour 'Gothic Glasgow' revealing the ghostly, strange and creepy history of Glasgow. Discover Dracula's Scottish connections, meet the ghosts of Glasgow, and enter the macabre world of bodysnatching.   

For more information: www.gothicglasgow.com 

Discover more ideas for Halloween hijinks this Halloween and beyond: Haunted Places in Scotland | VisitScotland