Edinburgh Witches Old Town Walking Tour & Underground Vault
Overview
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Step into Scotland's rich and mysterious past on this captivating walking tour through Edinburgh's Old Town. Led by an engaging character guide, this experience blends history and storytelling for an unforgettable adventure.
Uncover the stories of Scotland’s accused witches, exploring their lives and the accusations they faced, and the injustices they endured, all while surrounded by the city's eerie charm. You may even learn some facts about much-loved characters from Outlander and Harry Potter!
Adding to the intrigue, the final 15 minutes of the tour will involve an exclusive visit to “The Lost Close” — this recently discovered underground site has been cloaked in mystery since the Great Fire of 1824. The ancient vault, where you will enjoy the remaining tales of the tour, dates back to 1742, offering a window into the past, and providing a fitting end to an immersive exploration of history and enchantment.
Additional Info
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Not recommended for travellers who cannot navigate the cobbles, steep streets and steps of Edinburgh's old town
Not recommended for travellers with push-chairs or infants prams
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What‘s Included
Entrance to the Vaults at The Lost Close
Entertaining Character Guide
Guided Walking Tour
What To Expect
St Giles' Cathedral
Who was St. Giles... find out and more as you learn a bit of Scot's history including Mary Queen of Scots, John Knox... and discover why it's perfectly acceptable to spit on the floor in Parliament Sq.
Royal Mile
Look down the Royal Mile towards East Lothian and hear a tale of the North Berwick Witches.
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Edinburgh Witches Old Town Walking Tour & Underground Vault
Reviews
597 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Juniper our storytelling Guide/ Witch 10/10
Chrysi K,
Oct 14, 2025
- Viator
5.00A wonderful day touring Edinburgh with the lovely Juniper mesmerising story telling informative Witch. Highlighting knowledgable and engaging guide . Blending historical facts with storytelling and humour. Even my husband enjoyed it as well .
Juniper is a witchy delight
Lisa H,
Oct 13, 2025
- Viator
4.00There are about 9 stops on this tour which barely leaves the mile. Most of the tour is at parliament square and round St Giles. Side of St Giles, Back of St Giles, Vault at Barrie’s close. You only really leave the mile twice for two side streets and she never told the story of the major even though we were outside his house at the Quaker house. Juniper is a wonderful, warm and engagingly theatrical host. She certainly got a lot of attention from the busy crowds. I was a little disappointed with the price and while the vault was cool to see, it’s an offshoot of an underground pub and not really at all like the vaults which I had been to the day before. Also it didn’t really relate so much to the witch trials. However I was delighted that she didn’t shy away from the more gory elements of how women were tortured for no reason, other than fear and superstition. I think that’s important. I got the feeling she really cared about the women who’s stories she was telling. I enjoyed this tour, (but it was a little overpriced).
Fun, funny and a call to justice
Ashley W,
Oct 7, 2025
- Viator
5.00We loved loved loved Juniper. It was an amazing chance to learn about the lesser talked about history of Edinburgh and learn how to support long awaited justice for vulnerable populations who were unduly persecuted. Make sure you have your walking shoes!
Entertaining and Lively!
Lytrell B,
Oct 7, 2025
- Viator
5.00This is one of my favorite tours! So much so that I have done it twice. Very entertaining and I love the stories told! I would definitely recommend this tour if you are in Edinburgh!
We had such a great time!...
Emogene S,
Oct 4, 2025
- Viator
5.00We had such a great time! Angelica was our guide and she was so knowledgable and fun! Highly recommend!!!
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