Underground Vaults Walking Tour in Edinburgh Old Town
Overview
Available languages
1 hour
Mobile ticket
Journey along Edinburgh's Royal Mile hearing some of Edinburgh's darker history before visiting the infamous hidden and supposedly haunted vaults beneath the South Bridge in Edinburgh Old Town. Hear tales of how the poor and unfortunate lived in these former slums. Explore these dimly lit vaults by candlelight, once the haunt of criminals, body snatchers and witches alike, said by some to now be occupied by a few of the spirits of these inhabitants long since dead.
Each vault has stories of crime, disease, death and lots more... with which your guide shall enlighten you in all the gory details! You will see a genuine witchcraft temple, recently used by a Wiccan coven and you will enter their former temple. Join us to learn why it is no longer safe for them to practice their craft in that vault.
DARE you step inside the infamous stone circle?
Additional Info
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Children must be accompanied by an adult
not suitable for children under 5 years of age, children under 2 years of age are not allowed on tour.
Entrance/Exit to the vaults is via a 2 foot tall step followed by single flight spiral staircase.
Mezzanine staircases of 5-7 steps inside vaults between levels.
Alcohol/Drugs are strictly forbidden and anyone under the influence of alcohol or drugs will be turned away.
Non-service animals are not allowed.
• Some historical content may be of a distressing nature with regards but not exclusively to Torture, Hangings, Death
The walking pace and terrain may not be suitable for those with any difficulty walking.
We do not have any luggage storage so please make alternate arrangements.
No toilet stops or toilets available during tour.
What To Expect
The infamous vaults hidden under the South Bridge in Edinburgh Old Town fill the nineteen stone arches of this underground architectural wonder. Join our knowledgeable guide to hear why the vaults were built and why they were eventually abandoned... Hear tales of how the homeless and destitute community of Edinburgh sought refuge in these former slums. What was it really like to live in the darkness? Who were the criminals that stalked the vaults and what did they want? Explore the candlelit Niddry's Wynd, forgotten on today's maps, with your costumed guide. The tour commences at the Tron Kirk on the Royal Mile in Edinburgh Old Town. Learn what the town was like in the 1700s, what diseases were feared by the overcrowded population, and what happened to the household waste? You will see a genuine witchcraft temple, recently used by the “Source Coven of the Blue Dragon” and you will enter their former temple. You are advised to listen to the guide carefully BEFORE making a decision to step inside the haunted stone circle! Finally we invite you to experience the eerie atmosphere of the Haunted Vault itself, home to the majority of our many reported sightings... will you be brave enough to enter? Photographs are recommended, you may even discover something ghostly on them! Please do get in touch with us after the tour to share your experiences with us...
Options
Underground Walking Tour
What‘s Included
Professional guide
Haunted vault visit
Live English-speaking guide
Gratuities
Food and drinks
Transportation to/from meeting point
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Reviews
9,077 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Great guide and unique tour
Y7410XOkiranr,Jul 2, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Lisa was a lovely tour guide and discussed some really unique parts of history you just wouldn’t know without doing the tour. She was also super funny and receptive to any questions. We were two early twenties tourists and enjoyed our time throughly but there were older groups and family groups who equally seemed to enjoy the tours. Great tour that is different to the classical and royal history that is common in Edinburgh. While there is some focus on superstitions, it is tied to the history of the vaults so still more enjoyable for me than purely a ghost or haunted tour. Meeting spot was a little difficult to reach due to the presence of the King in Edinburgh but I would imagine during normal periods, it wouldn’t be an issue at all. They gave the option to move tours if so desired due to the inconvenience so no bad mark against the tour company as they should such flexibility. You spent roughly half an hour on the streets and half and hour in the vaults which I think was a good time split for the size of the vaults. Our group size wasn’t too big and for around £25 pounds (which is similar to almost all tourist activities in the city) I think it was worthwhile.
We thoroughly enjoyed...
Alice M,Jul 2, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00We thoroughly enjoyed this tour. Charlie was a great guide, very informative and an excellent story teller.
A Must-Do Experience in Edinburgh!
rhyceh,Jul 1, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I've always been fascinated by haunted history, so I was really looking forward to this tour and it completely exceeded my expectations. Walking through the underground vaults by candlelight gave me goosebumps, and there was something truly special about standing in a place with so much history and hearing the stories where they actually happened. James made the experience unforgettable. You could tell he genuinely loves what he does. He was funny, passionate, and an incredible storyteller who had everyone completely absorbed from the moment we started. He brought the history to life in a way that was both fascinating and genuinely creepy, and I found myself hanging on every word. This wasn't just another tourist attraction it felt like stepping back in time. It's an experience I'll be talking about for a long time, and if you're visiting Edinburgh, I honestly think this tour is a must. Thank you, James, for such a memorable evening. I can't recommend it highly enough!
Interesting and spooky.
maureenbX7305AC,Jul 1, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Excellent experience.James gave us a spooky informative tour,we really enjoyed it.
A humorous yet insightful visit.
bobbybobsin,Jul 1, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00A really well paced and interesting tour. Our guide Jordan was full of little bursts of history of the context building towards why the vaults exist. He pitched the tour with a combination of humour and fact that kept the tour exciting and interesting yet informative. Would definitely recommend to anyone visiting the city.
Good for all family members!
holliboydwhite,Jun 30, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00James was knowledgeable and funny and kind! Great trip. My 17 year old was in a crap mood before it and much better after!
Mid
Brett H,Jun 30, 2026
- Review from Viator
2.00Based on all of the great reviews, we were expecting something completely different. As my 15 year old said, “eh, it was mid”. There wasn’t much to see. The tour guide was nice, but didn’t have much to work with. I would not recommend.
Underground vaults with james
rholyhead,Jun 30, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Brilliant guide James.. very informative and paced the tour well. Bit of a challenge to find the meeting destination as it had no land marks due to building work. Aim for the tourist information pod and loiter outside the red phone box
Underground Vaults
dianazF2755IJ,Jun 30, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Our tour of the underground vaults and tunnels was absolutely incredible, easily one of the highlights of our time here! Our guide, Jordan, made the experience truly special. He was incredibly knowledgeable about the history of the vaults, sharing fascinating stories and insights that brought the past to life. His passion and depth of knowledge kept everyone fully engaged from start to finish. If you are looking for an interesting, immersive, and educational tour, I cannot recommend this enough. Huge thanks to Jordan for a memorable experience!
Underground vault tour
Companion25690611014,Jun 30, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Definitely one of the best tours we have done! James, our tour guide was personable and informative. The vaults come with an interesting piece of Edinburgh history and is a must for travelers
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Operated by Auld Reekie Tours Ltd