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• Some historical content may be of a distressing nature with regards but not exclusively to Torture, Hangings, Death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
8,574 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Fantastic tour, memorable, and fun.
Kinsey G,Mar 7, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Fantastic tour. I took my family on the tour and everyone really enjoyed it. We felt like the vaults tour was one of the better experiences of our trip. Stewart was our guide and was excellent. Quick witted, informative, and happy to answer questions. He was also adamant about safety. I highly recommend and will be booking again in the future.
Stewart Was Awesome!
Erica H,Mar 7, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Stewart was an informative and engaging host. His Lord of the Rings references were fun and easily recognizable for fans of the books/movies. I liked his challenge to enter a totally dark space in the tunnels. Great experience.
This tour slays
Gabrielle b,Mar 7, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00It was a fabulous experience, James was a 10/10 tour guide would recommend to anyone coming to Edinburgh
It was a good time. Very informative, not particularly spooky but an interesting trip nonetheless.
Jeffrey K,Mar 6, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00It was a decent time. Not particularly spooky but informative nonetheless
Do this tour!
Justin W,Mar 6, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Brenden was awesome! He was very entertaining and insightful! The tour was the perfect amount of time.
Cursed twice and loved it
aaronlS8271HM,Mar 5, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00Lisa was a great guide. Even though I was cursed twice by incomprehensible horrors and dark magics, a great time was had and would reccomend.
James the tour guide was fantastic
643ashh,Mar 4, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Fantastic experience made all the better by James the tour guide,it was just myself and my son on the tour so seemed more like a private tour, but James still acted like he was doing a tour to 20 people, professional to the max and made myself and my son feel thoroughly involved and safe. Well done James and thank you 👍🏻
Fantastic tour with history and a bit of fun thrown in
E4769NUAngelheart,Mar 4, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Very interesting tour and the guide James clearly knew his stuff. Caring, courteous and. professional at all times James made the tour a great experience all round.
Great tour full of interesting information
Wendy C,Mar 4, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Very interesting tour but some steps and dimly lit tunnels. Very informative tour guide called James who clearly knew his job well. Caring and helpful but professional and courteous at all times
Enjoyable and Engaging 😊
Sophie N,Mar 4, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The underground vaults tour was one of the best things we did during our trip to Edinburgh. Our tour guide James was very friendly, knowledgeable and charismatic. You can tell he is very passionate about his role and his enthusiasm for Edinburgh’s dark yet intriguing history was infectious. Highly recommend anyone this tour who’s visiting Edinburgh 😊🏴.
From £24.00
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Operated by Auld Reekie Tours Ltd