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• Some historical content may be of a distressing nature with regards but not exclusively to Torture, Hangings, Death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
8,744 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Great fun & interesting tour
Sue F,Apr 23, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00What a fab, interesting and fun way to see another side of Edinburgh..well worth seeing! Jordan our tour guide was very entertaining & knowledgeable making it both informative and entertaining at the same time! Just something worth noting..the meeting point is opposite the Deacon Brodies Tavern which I wish we had known as it’s not mentioned when you make the booking!
Jordan was top notch in...
Troy S,Apr 23, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Jordan was top notch in his storytelling and was very entertaining and full of facts. Highly recommend Jordan
Great tour with the best guide!
Jennifer S,Apr 22, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00We loved the vault tour, especially our guide James! He was funny, knowledgeable and made the experience that much better!! I would definitely recommend
Insightful and enjoyable
D8599TVtoml,Apr 22, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Jordan was energetic, funny and knowledgeable. Brought the tour to life and made it a highlight of our trip to Edinburgh. Would recommend!
Don't miss this tour!
Tim S,Apr 22, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00We lucked out! There were 3 others scheduled for our tour, but they were no shows. Their loss! My wife and I went solo and our guide Louisa was great. She made the seedy underbelly of life as it existed in Edinburgh come alive. Juxtaposed against the Edinburgh Castle tour we took the day before, I was left feeling grateful to live in modern times. Both tours are not to be missed.
Well organised trip....
David B,Apr 22, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Well organised trip. Guide, Jordan, was excellent, very informative and brought the experience to life. It was an introduction to an unknown side of Edinburgh’s history. Recommended.
Fantastic and eerie
X3223LDadamc,Apr 22, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Hi, Louisa’s mum! 👋 We had a fantastic time with a very knowledgeable and humorous tour guide, Adam, sorry, I mean Louisa! Highly recommend for a spooky and gruesome experience at a great price, P.S we’re both well and NOT cursed.. 👀
Great Tour!
Marina W,Apr 22, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Entertaining, informative and creepy even on the regular day tour! We enjoyed learning more about who and what built Edinburgh.
Louisa was an excellent...
Kathy H,Apr 21, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Louisa was an excellent guide who kept out tour engaged - we had a diverse age range. She relayed relevant stories from that time. Highly recommend this one hour tour that teaches history in an interesting way!
Great tour and Louisa was an excellent guide
J8113PUkathyh,Apr 21, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Louisa was an excellent guide on our underground tour. She was full of enthusiasm and very informative about the events of the time. She kept the tour engaged and we were a very diverse age group. Highly recommend!
From £24.00
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Operated by Auld Reekie Tours Ltd