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• Some historical content may be of a distressing nature with regards but not exclusively to Torture, Hangings, Death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
8,298 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Our Guide Brendon was...
lucy c,
Nov 28, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Our Guide Brendon was really enthusiastic and knowledgeable, you could really see his passion for the history of Edinburgh. He made the tour fun and interactive whilst showing the beauty of the vaults. Highly recommend!
See the vaults.
treyo854,
Nov 28, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00Or tour guide was excellent. The tour was fun and educational. I put Mary King's Close as a slightly better tour of a similar nature. Experience the vaults while you are in Edinburgh.
Interesting
Michael P,
Nov 28, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00It was interesting learning about some of the history of Scotland and seeing a cool part of underground.
Poor for the price, needs more history than silly stories of modern witches
colinhJ3685FV,
Nov 27, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
2.00Over priced and silly....could be improved. Each room is the same. It ruins the entire vibe when the you're told about the modern uses for the rooms.
Brendan was great
RachelB6034,
Nov 26, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Our tour guide Brendan was brilliant,very entertaining and informative all in one.it ended up being a private tour as the other people booked on didn't arrive.couldnt fault it
South bridge vault tour
J3410PNcassieb,
Nov 25, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Was a great tour. Had Jordan as our tour guide and did a brilliant job. Some great and interesting facts, really do recommend!!!!
Left us wanting to do it again.
glenmI8530YB,
Nov 24, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We booked to do the underground vaults tour today. Jordan was our guide and he was very engaging, using good humour for the morbid stories without going over the top. We had some very interesting history on the surface before going into the vaults. No spoilers in this review of any of the stories topside or bottom side, but it has left me waiting to return to Edinburgh for more history and investigation. The only downside to the 1 hour walking tour of the underground vaults is that it's only an hour. I could have done this tour back to back to back
Great tour guide- Dom was...
Natalie C,
Nov 24, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Great tour guide- Dom was knowledgeable, prompt, and entertaining. Very nice to learn the history of the vaults along with some history of Edinburgh. I liked how Don would wait for everyone in the group to be sure that all could hear his stories.
Good plan, the best Guidance.
alangX5986RD,
Nov 23, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00James.... The cool ! Jajajaja, seriously , thanks James we have one of the best tours into this vaults !. Is a great way to know more about Edinburgh and it's history. Fully recommended.
Fab tour and fab guide!
M5693ZKsophie,
Nov 23, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I’m glad I did see the vaults as it is very interesting such things exist under the streets above. These tours were recommended on tik tok and this particular tour group seemed to be more enthusiastic/ entertaining from the things I’ve seen on tik tok, and that is exactly what we got, James, our guide was so enthusiastic and a nice guy, you could tell he likes his job and so it’s lovely to listen & learn about the vaults from him. We enjoyed the tour!
From £24.00
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Operated by Auld Reekie Tours Ltd