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• Some historical content may be of a distressing nature with regards but not exclusively to Torture, Hangings, Death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‘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
8,245 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Good but finding the meeting point was a challenge!
Lisa S,
Nov 13, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00The tour itself was excellent. Tour guide was very knowledgeable and entertaining. The only downside was the meeting point location which was not clear and poorly signed (ie non existent). The local information booth was well aware of the issue and exasperated with inquiries for this tour from people that were lost. There is no signage and the guide does not have any identifiable flags or uniform. When we complained to the tour guide he made us feel we were not that switched on and that ‘98% of tourists found the location no problem’. I’m highly doubtful about this given the local information centre who could guess the name of the tour co when we said we were lost. It clearly happens all the time and could be fixed by some clear markers identified in their confirmation email and/or some simple signage but I don’t think they are interested in making this simple change or feedback!
Great Tour, Well Worth It!
nicksK5308EN,
Nov 13, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We loved our tour of the underground vaults. Our guide Brendan was amazing! He was engaging, funny and charismatic, our group hung on every word. It was the best kind of history lesson you could have. The vaults were oozing with history and even though most of the history was a bit grim, Brendan's delivery and humour made it fascinating. If you're looking for a great way to spend an hour in an amazing city I would definitely recommend doing this tour.
Walking vaults tour
H7070UQkatiem,
Nov 13, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Ally was a great guide! Really descriptive and informative laced with good humour! Good thing to do on a rainy day. Thanks Ally!
November vaults tour
WilliamRae M,
Nov 12, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Very interesting insight into Edinburghs darker history. Louisa was a brilliant guide and was very knowledgeable about the vaults.
Our Guide - Jordan - was excellent and a great story teller. All round excellent!
bob j,
Nov 12, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Excellent wish we had booked a longer tour .........................................................
Do this!
Resort27576715368,
Nov 12, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00James is a brilliant guide — charismatic, witty, and his touch of theatrics only makes the stories come alive. Absolutely loved the tour and would recommend it to anyone visiting Edinburgh
Vaults visit
Tour18493430379,
Nov 11, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Our guide was Stewart. He was very informative and really engaging - telling us many historical stories about the vaults and their inhabitants. I thought the tour would be quite spooky and in parts it was, but overall, learning about the people of those times, made me feel real sadness for them and the conditions they endured.
A good visit with an entertaining guide
felicissima,
Nov 10, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00I found this tour very interesting and entertaining. Amazing to think how people used to live in these vaults. Life must have been so hard. Thank you Elly for guiding us and lighting the way as we went.
We loved it. Facinating...
Stephanie O,
Nov 9, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00We loved it. Facinating history with our tour guide Dom. We were a small group for the tour but it made it better. Be prepared to walk alot of uneven steps and stairs.
Great
Mjhenderson87,
Nov 9, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Had a tour with our guide Jordan. Great knowledge, made the tour fun with jokes and stories. Definitely a must to seethe underground history of Edinburgh
From £24.00
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Operated by Auld Reekie Tours Ltd