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• Some historical content may be of a distressing nature with regards but not exclusively to Torture, Hangings, Death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
8,683 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Fun and informative
183trishh,Apr 2, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00James was a great guide; fun and informative. The whole family really enjoyed the tour.
Fun
krystalfranzf,Apr 2, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Great tour. Thanks to Stewart for great stories.
Amazing vaults tour made better by an amazing host
Ptspencerq,Apr 1, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00James was the most amazing host of the tour. You can tell he really enjoys his job and takes great pride in getting everyone enraptured in his tales of the vaults. Thought the tour went were entertained, even if I was accused of being a witch! I would highly recommend for an hour off the beaten track on Edinburgh Admission was £24 and worth every penny.
Too notch tour by Darren today. Do this tour! It’s so cool.
MeghanB165,Apr 1, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Darren was a top notch tour guide for our group we laughed we were entertained even our little had a great time. He was so informative and funny. Thorough and definitely not boring. Would highly recommend this tour to anyone visiting Edinburgh. Thanks Darren! 5 stars
Brilliant time in the vaults
emmacA4056WI,Apr 1, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Went with my teenage children and 2 younger daughters 8 and 10. We had James as our tour guide and he completely made the experience funny, creepy and informative. Was really interesting hearing all the history as well as being spooky but not too much that it scared the kids
Vault tour
T1286XBjoeyt,Apr 1, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00A really good, fun experience Loved our guide, James, he was really enthusiastic and a proper passionate born and bread Edinburgh lad!
Memorable and interesting
Sari C,Apr 1, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Wonderful experience to see and hear grisly stories from the 18th century. Louisa was a great and informative guide!!
James Tour
brunovC4221JW,Apr 1, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Great tour with James. Sublime!
Tour with James
gustavoaJ5940ZR,Apr 1, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Tour was very nice. Our guide, James, was superb and very passionate. Would recommend 10/10, very funny and entertaining activity.
Fun and spooky!
chloebU5581LM,Apr 1, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Awesome tour! Darren was great, very entertaining.
From £24.00
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Operated by Auld Reekie Tours Ltd