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• Some historical content may be of a distressing nature with regards but not exclusively to Torture, Hangings, Death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.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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...
What‘s Included
Professional guide
Gratuities
Options
Underground Walking Tour
Reviews
8,885 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Fascinating
Sarah E,May 21, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00A fascinating tour of the vaults under the streets of Edinburgh. We were given a vivid description of the desperate lives of the people who lived in these squalid conditions, and the crime that was allowed to flourish with barely any policing. There was a spooky element which would either make your spine tingle or at the least provide much entertainment. We were lucky enough to have our tour guide (Charlie) all to ourselves and he was very knowledgeable and engaging.
Great experience with Louisa - concerned about outdated museum “jokes”
janicebG7209AV,May 21, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Louisa was our guide and she was excellent! She knew a lot about the history and was very engaging. Warning to others (unrelated to our guide): It was incredibly scary so it is not for the faint of heart. Also there was this particular device in the museum room that was used as a torture device to silence women. What bothered us about it was the incredibly cringey and outdated “joke” on the info sign that said it was a long missed device. How embarrassing for a company to keep something like that up.
The tour guide, Louisa,...
Christopher K,May 20, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00The tour guide, Louisa, was very informative, knowing about the vaults, informative information and things to make you wonder. Everything is well explained.
Brilliant tour with brilliant guide!
kieranjg2021,May 20, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Brilliant tour , Lisa absolutely class as our guide, as semi locals(from Glesga), we really enjoyed this tour! Spooky but very good history info!
Love the tunnels and great experience
ernestine j,May 20, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Our tour guide Stewart was great and the tour was very informative, we loved it. We would definitely do it again maybe next time the night tour
Great quick tour!
draines2017,May 20, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Darren was funny, knowledgeable, and capable of scaring the crap out of me! Great activity for a quick tour! I learned more both above and below ground than I expected. Definitely recommend, but not if you have a heart condition.
Great fun in dark creepy places
P6218DTrobinb,May 20, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Darren was great! Easy to understand, personable, added a lot of fun to the tour. Open to questions.
Good experience
Q214DWkarenj,May 20, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00Our tour guide Stewart was great. Very knowledgeable. Made the whole experience interesting. Highly recommend this. Good value for money.
Highly recommended
Daydream404976,May 19, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00My family of 3 enjoyed this tour with Louisa as our guide. She made it interesting for all, was very knowledgeable and helpful. Would recommend this tour for anyone interested in the history of the underground vaults of Edinburgh. Auld Reekie Tours is a fantastic company to book and work with when we had a slight issue with our original booking because of a flight delay.
Mesmerizing
DanH85050,May 19, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Excellent tour with Louisa! Very knowledgeable about the vaults and entertaining. Well done!
From £24.00
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Operated by Auld Reekie Tours Ltd