Underground Vaults Walking Tour in Edinburgh Old Town

Overview

Available languages

English

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• Some historical content may be of a distressing nature with regards but not exclusively to Torture, Hangings, Death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.

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

What‘s Included

Professional guide

Gratuities

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

Reviews

4.71

8,278 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

6892

807

306

139

134

Must do
247ingaf,
Nov 20, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Had a tour with Stewart who was very knowledgeable, funny and a great guide. It was raining so we spent less time outside in the old town and more in the vaults. Which was appreciated. The tour was interesting and informative without being an overload of information. Well worth the money and a must when in Edinburgh. The tour lasts an hour.
Very good and...
Dorota 1,
Nov 19, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
Very good and informative. Our guide Jordan was excellent and very much enhanced the experience. Would definitely recommend
This was a great...
Hannah N,
Nov 19, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
This was a great experience if you want to learn about the dark history of the underground vaults. Incredibly interactive and engaging!
Very good experience!!
E5780DSpanagiotisk,
Nov 19, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
The guide was perfect!! I enjoyed it very much!! The communication with the office was perfect!!! The vaults and the story behind them was very interesting!!
Underground vaults with our guide Stewart
Shirley J,
Nov 19, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Stewart led our group into the underground vaults and was very informative and entertaining. We really learnt a lot and saw the darker side of Edinburgh. We had fun and would highly recommend.
Creepy
Ellen H,
Nov 18, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
We really enjoyed our tour, Jordan was fab!!! It was a creepy tour, but really fun, would recommend!
Fascinating to explore...
Newel B,
Nov 17, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
Fascinating to explore the underbelly of Edinburgh and learn the history of a bygone time. Excellent!
James was awesome and...
John D,
Nov 17, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
James was awesome and energetic. The tour is expected and advertised. Yes it is damp and musty so maybe not for everyone, however it’s great for learning about the cities overlooked history and character.
Fantastic!
Janet R,
Nov 17, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
Our tour was fantastic, our tour guide was so knowledgeable and open to questions, he gave us great insite into the history of Edinburgh and the vaults as well as bringing the vaults history right up to modern day! The tour was not rushed and we felt we could look around at our ease, we will definitely recommend this tour to our friends and will revisit next time we are in Edinburgh.
Great tour with James
beccadbolt,
Nov 17, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
James was a great tour guide - you can really tell that he’s passionate about what he does and it made the experience so fun.