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• Some historical content may be of a distressing nature with regards but not exclusively to Torture, Hangings, Death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
8,459 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Not what we expected....
Louis C,,Jan 22, 2026
- Review from Viator
3.00Not what we expected. Walking through tight places in the dark. The guide was well versed, but we were not impressed.
Wonderful!
243jhen h,,Jan 21, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Stewart was wonderful! He was incredibly knowledgeable about the history of the underground vaults and took time to answer all of our questions. Lovely tour. Thank you, Stewart!
Thoroughly enjoyable walk through Edinburgh's history
Matthew H,,Jan 21, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Thoroughly enjoyable experience, touring part of the Royal Mile and understanding the history behind some of the landmarks that may otherwise go unnoticed. Fascinating step into history with the underground vaults as well.
Super walking spooky tour
John F,,Jan 21, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Amazing walking tour in old town. We learned so much history spooky history with Dom our guide that made the night fun with spookiness and amazing humour
Fascinating
Kathryn W,,Jan 20, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00This is well worth it!! Fascinating history and incredible story telling! I would do this again and have recommended it to several people since
Excellent tour and great guide James
Anthony R,,Jan 20, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Very interesting and informative tour. Great experience and tour guide James was brilliant company along the way had a great time.
Louisa Tour Guide
Denise B,,Jan 20, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Louisa our guide was excellent. We started on time and she had her badge so she was easily identifiable. She was informative and animated so the tour was interesting and fun. Plus she made a connection with us as she knew about The Ohio State University Marching Band!
Really enjoyable tour.
mikeT3539DB,,Jan 20, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Really enjoyable tour. We don't usually do the touristy-tour thing but were happy we did this one. James was very knowledgeable (and keen!) during the walk and helped us enjoy this hour-long tour. Thanks James! Recommended.
Vaults Tour
littlewiseperson,,Jan 19, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Tour guide was Kieran. Very knowledgeable, pleasant and accomodating. He brought the history of not only the Vaults alive but also gave brief insight into St. Giles Cathedral, a nearby but now since demolished prison (1800's) as well as other local buildings and traditions. Well worth booking this tour. Kieran was very good.
Amazing tour
Mairead O,,Jan 19, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00James was hilarious and tour was amazing.We had great fun .Meet lovely people .Money well spent.It was so funny underground due to James's humour.
From £24.00
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Operated by Auld Reekie Tours Ltd