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• Some historical content may be of a distressing nature with regards but not exclusively to Torture, Hangings, Death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
9,058 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Not what we expected
Tracey S,Jun 24, 2026
- Review from Viator
1.00It was over priced and it wasn’t really clear when booking that this was some sort of supernatural experience. The tour guide was a hyperactive idiot who barely drew breath. He stated he welcomed questions but didn’t stop talking long enough for anyone to ask one. The torture equipment room was filthy, although I’m not sure if it was meant to be. Very disappointing
Our tour guide James was...
Robyn L,Jun 24, 2026
- Review from Viator
4.00Our tour guide James was amazing. Very enthusiastic and got everyone involved, really made the tour. The vaults were really cool and interesting to see.
Excellent tour
alanbB3835ON,Jun 24, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Very informative and interesting tour. The guide Jordan was excellent.
James was awesome
Suzanne W,Jun 24, 2026
- Review from Viator
4.00As an experience, it was OK. James our tour guide couldn't be faulted . Didn't see all areas under the city
Creepy fun experience for family
Annie N,Jun 23, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00James was our tour guide for the underground vault and he was very entertaining. Our family enjoyed the tour and learning about some of the supernatural stories.
Very insightful trip...
Viktor E,Jun 23, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Very insightful trip about the underground vaults of Edinburgh. Louisa made our experience fun and slightly spooky. She was super engaging and answered any extra questions we had. Had a lovely time, would definitely recommend!
Interesting but a bit pricey
E7681BOjulieb,Jun 23, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
3.00Interesting but a little pricey. Guide was very knowledgeable and obviously a proud Scot.
The worst tour guide
Family4Tripper,Jun 22, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
1.00The woman guide was dreadful. She insisted that we all stand exactly where she told us to, with no regard for why I did not want to stand next to a very smelly man. She also consistently left behind an older gentleman who couldn't keep up the blistering pace. She also seemed to think she was an actor because she kept trying to be spooky and dramatic even though I specifically did not book the haunted tour. At the end, she had a punchline to a bad joke (asking us to leave a review) and dragged it on for far too long while we all stood there knowing where this was going and being ready to get away from her. I truly regretted doing the tour and would not recommend this company.
Darren was a good...
Dean B,Jun 22, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Darren was a good storyteller. Very interesting experience walking through the underground vaults so I recommend going if you are interested!
Great tour
mb918,Jun 22, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The Vault tour was very good. Stewart our guide was informative and gave us little antidotes about the vaults. Thank you for a great tour.
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Operated by Auld Reekie Tours Ltd