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• Some historical content may be of a distressing nature with regards but not exclusively to Torture, Hangings, Death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
8,230 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Edinburgh Dark side fun
cormacflan,
Nov 6, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00Lisa very funny professional, would recommend . Abit on the pricey side but we enjoyed the tour. Would like more than an hour!
Dull
joannm523,
Nov 5, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
2.00I’m not sure what I should have expected on this tour, but this was very dull at best. I can’t blame the tour guide. He his best to add a few stories and experience. Waste of time and money.
Great tour
davidbZ7313TJ,
Nov 5, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Great tour showing the horrendous living conditions for many of the poor people of Edinburgh in the past centuries. The guid was very good and answered any questions we had, well worth the money.
Great!
Roam16910770040,
Nov 5, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This was a neat experience and Ally was a great tour guide. Very amazing how many underground vaults exist in Edinburgh Old Town.
Excellent storytelling for believers and sceptics alike!
933vickyo,
Nov 4, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00James did excellent storytelling incorporating Scottish mythology, banshees, local history, fused with the paranormal on our witchcraft and ghost tour in the vaults last week, perfect getting in the mood for spooky season! We were clever enough Not to step into the witches stone circle but the option was available for those who were brave enough to try hahaha!
Top !
aymericm286,
Nov 3, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had a Visit with Jordan, It was really cool we had a great moment, learning lot of things and it was well explicated 😁😁
Worth a visit!
Blair S,
Nov 3, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00The vaults were interesting and it was nice to learn more about Edinburgh although I was a little underwhelmed. I would have given it 3 stars but our guide James was outstanding, he put so much enthusiasm into it and it made the whole experience worth while
Great tour, James was...
ANN C,
Nov 3, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Great tour, James was great and so enthusiastic and passionate about the tour. Would highly recommend.
Great guide, interesting stories
Meander33425003093,
Nov 3, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00Really enjoyed this tour, it was a bit shorter than I was expecting, but still very interesting. Tour guide was incredibly knowledgeable. I think it would have been cool to have more time outside as it didn't really feel much of a walking tour, and it was over very quickly.
Great experience
906annamariet,
Nov 2, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Great experience, good local knowledge from James our tour guide who had great enthusiasm which made the experience all the better. Would definitely recommend.
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Operated by Auld Reekie Tours Ltd