Underground Vaults Walking Tour in Edinburgh Old Town

Overview

Available languages

English

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• Some historical content may be of a distressing nature with regards but not exclusively to Torture, Hangings, Death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

4.71

8,336 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

6941

812

308

141

134

Fun time in Edinburgs vaults
Kate S,
Dec 7, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
A nice brief overview of the vault history and lore without getting too campy. There are steep stairs and low lightning.
Absolutely fantastic.
andrewbS2806OU,
Dec 6, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
What an excellent tour, very enjoyable and full of history. An absolute must if you’re on Edinburgh. Dom who was our tour guide was excellent and very knowledgeable. He also spotted the signs of someone in our party being uncomfortable in the small spaces and made sure we felt at ease and put us in the best spots so we could feel at ease. Don’t let the confined spaces put you off as you can leave anytime easily. Which takes the pressure off for anyone not comfortable in confined spaces.
How life used to be. You could only imagine until you see it.
1Rosco1,
Dec 6, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Fantastic tour by Nick Amazing talk about the history and how life used to be in the vaults. Definitely worth seeing and getting to hear all the history.
Very interesting! Had a...
alana d,
Dec 5, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
Very interesting! Had a great time and thank you to our tour guide Jordan for a great experience! Jordan was very welcoming and knowledgeable.
Very enjoyable
Claire H,
Dec 5, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
Very enjoyable. Our tour guide, Nick, was great- we would never have guessed it was his first day as he was very knowledgable and entertaining.
Still happy to learn about history
Maikiua,
Dec 4, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
An interesting visit, very well explained by our guide Michael. The set designs are perfect, and we are immediately immersed in the atmosphere.
Great experience.. Louisa...
CAROL F,
Dec 4, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
Great experience.. Louisa our tour guide was great.. stone circle and u derground vaults are quite creepy
Perfect for Halloween Date
hazelr757,
Dec 4, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
I haven’t seen anyone as enthusiastic about their job as James. Thing is there is not much to see but he made it so entertaining that the time flew by. It was such a fantastic tour and I am happy that my husband and I did this for Halloween! James said, however, that his favorite horror film was The Shining. That was the only let down HAHA.
The must do in Edinburgh
E7601WUsimono,
Dec 3, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Been severeal times to Scotland and Edinburgh but this treasure was also hidden from me. Just bumpt into it yesterday. The must see of the city and his hidden past. I and the people in the group has Ash as the storyteller with such passion about the hidden past and also as tourguide. Thanks for an amazing hour.
Wouldn’t do this one again
Maxine C,
Dec 3, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00
It never ceases to amaze me how many underground secrets Edinburgh has. It was interesting finding out about the dreadful conditions many locals in Edinburgh ‘lived’ in.