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• Some historical content may be of a distressing nature with regards but not exclusively to Torture, Hangings, Death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
8,719 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Fantastic experience
crmcookie,Apr 17, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Great experience with a fab guide. Jordan was brilliant
Spooky Vaults
Claire C,Apr 17, 2026
- Review from Viator
4.00Gave a spooky insight to the underground vaults in Edinburgh you're not aware of when walking through the streets. Our tour guide James did an excellent job of regaling us with spooky stories of times gone by and the people who lived and frequented the vaults. My husband and I were the only ones on the tour which made it more spooky.
Scotland Trip
JaMel7277,Apr 17, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00This was an interesting tour. It took us into the vaults below the city. There is some interesting information about the vaults. The tour was about an hour and is worth the time to go.
Great tour with interesting information
U5545JImikes,Apr 16, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00A great tour. Very interesting and informative. Would recommend. Ally was a great guide.
A must tour when in Edinburgh
christN745WE,Apr 16, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Great tour, Alley the tour guide was engaging, informative and very easy to follow. Perfect amount of time in an hour. Extremely fascinating experience
The Hanna’s from. USA
Amanda H,Apr 16, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00We really enjoyed the tour. Our tour guide Jordan was very good. He was very knowledgeable and new the history well.
Interesting tour with a great guide.
Scott D,Apr 15, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Louisa was a fantastic guide. The tour was enjoyable with Louisa really bringing it to life.
Appropriately Spooky
ATraveller363,Apr 15, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00I'd heard about the real ' Old Edinburgh ' so decided I had to see some of it myself by booking a tour of some of the Underground Vaults with Auld Reekie Tours. Louise our tour guide kept the suspense, mystery and tales of those who found themselves living here coming. A good way to spend an hour.
Spooky , for the fantoms belivers! Interesting
IchbinMutty,Apr 14, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Intresting and spooky. Lovely
Great tour!
Jayme H,Apr 14, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00This was a great tour! Stewart did a great job! It was informative and worthwhile. I enjoyed hearing the history of the vaults and Scotland.
From £24.00
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Operated by Auld Reekie Tours Ltd