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• Some historical content may be of a distressing nature with regards but not exclusively to Torture, Hangings, Death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
8,545 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
A cold damp night exploring Edinburghs past
D4203MLjeffb,,Feb 20, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00A very cold and damp dark night in February we went on this walking tour with John as a guide , we all meet at the old police box there was loads of other operators doing different walks all around us , anyway we started the tour John himself was very good at telling us stories about old Edinburgh he was quite knowledgeable and entertaining at the same time , we went under ground just off the Royal mile and around different alleys ending up where black friars Bobby and is dog are buried explaining all about the body snatchers and doctors and surgeons who brought the bodies in all a good evening, There were some who did not speak English and some like myself who stood at the back who could not ear sometimes with traffic and noisy Edinburgh, perhaps as some of other groups had head phones and some speaker mikes could help Jeff & Anita
Great time. Spooky, informative and fun.
842finnd,,Feb 20, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Really interesting place to visit if you have an hour spare. And James our guide was absolutely class. Funny and informative. Cheers mate.
Not to be missed
820traciet,,Feb 20, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This was a great tour, we learnt so much about the vaults and what life was like for those poor souls who ended up living in the vaults. Charlie was an incredible guide and host, he made the tour interesting and fun, a gifted orator. Highly recommend this tour and Charlie.
A must do tour when In Edinburgh
elizabethrZ6712CU,,Feb 20, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00If you haven’t much time then choose this tour - you won’t be disappointed. Alex who took our tour is certainly very passionate about her job. She was both fun & informative throughout, engaging all ages. We were a small group of 8 varying in ages. Prior to entering the underground vaults a lot of context was given as to the surrounding areas and why the location was chosen. Alex’s knowledge of Edinburgh is overflowing which she offers enthusiastically. An excellent tour Aude Reeke Tours have put together thank you, worth every penny with so much crammed into 1 hour. ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
Vaults tour
abi11x,,Feb 19, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We loved this experience. Packed with loads of Historical facts and stories of Edinburgh back in the day. Really interesting to listen to. Vaults were amazing and really interesting to see. The experience was very informative and interactive. Tour guide Alex was excellent, so friendly knowledgeable and charismatic. Great way to learn about Edinburgh’s history at such a reasonable price. Suitable and fun for all ages definitely recommend.
Vault experience Thursday 19th Feb
Fiona C,,Feb 19, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Alex was very informative and we loved the tour. The visit may be a little overwhelming for children or those easily scared. You need good knees and hips to climb the stairs
Worthwhile visit definitely recommend
jcmbousfield,,Feb 19, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Very knowledgeable guide shame the tour wasnt longer and went deeper into the underground vaults
Nick was very welcoming,...
hollie B,,Feb 19, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Nick was very welcoming, knowledgeable and funny. If you like spooky times and dark history, this is for you!
Not the best
nicolaeS7718JX,,Feb 18, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
3.00Our tour guide Jordan was lovely and very friendly. But sadly I thought the vaults weren't for children, we only went half way around and had to leave as my children were to scared. I thought it was a lot of money for what it is and to pay same price for a child as you do an adult is daylight robbery! So that tour that we only stayed for 30 mins for cost me £72! Definitely wouldnt recommend children seeing them unless they like to get scared!
Underground Edinburgh
924annar,,Feb 18, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The tour was really good. Jordan made it good fun but we also learnt a lot about Edinburgh's past.
From £24.00
Want a private experience? Upgrade to a private tour
Related Experiences
Operated by Auld Reekie Tours Ltd