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• Some historical content may be of a distressing nature with regards but not exclusively to Torture, Hangings, Death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
8,649 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Really interesting
Donna L,Mar 24, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Really informative. Our guide Stewart was very engaging and knowledgeable. I learned a lot about history of this area. The tour itself is Very dark and enclosed. There is a lot of mold. This might trigger people with anxiety or extrinsic asthma. He was very accommodating and asked about medical conditions.
Haunting walks
KevBes01,Mar 24, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Great tour with Darren. He was great banter and knew when to scare you during the stories lol. Really recommend.
Stout, flat footwear a...
Frances T,Mar 23, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Stout, flat footwear a good idea! Uneven , wet surfaces and several steps. But all worth it. Jordan was an excellent guide, bringing history to life and first rate at manipulating the atmosphere!! A great way to spend an hour in the city of Edinburgh.
Dom was spectacular and...
mckenna b,Mar 23, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Dom was spectacular and hilarious. The second the tour ended my friend begged us to go on the night tour.
A must do
marlam31,Mar 23, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Our guide josh was excellent,he was very engaging and animated,full of stories of the history of the vaults,worth a visit,thoroughly enjoyed this trip
Not able to take photos...
Paula F,Mar 22, 2026
- Review from Viator
3.00Not able to take photos as told not to use flash, although tour guide James was very good , giving information and involving the group
Excellent tour
timj652,Mar 22, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We did the walking tour with a visit to the underground vaults. Thoroughly enjoyed it and big kudos to our guide Dom who was superb. If you have a spare hour in Edinburgh you won’t be disappointed with this tour !
In the hope of a ghost sighting
R9720DPmikes,Mar 21, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Absolutely brilliant I really loved the whole atmosphere of the environment. Josh was our guide and he was very knowledgeable and very entertaining with the stories. It’s very eerie in the vaults which adds very much to the ambience of the moment.
Underground vault tour
Dream52125119249,Mar 21, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00What a great tour, our guide was very informative and was able to answer any questions. Highly recommend this tour Top marks for Stewart
Our guide was excellent. ...
Ed L,Mar 20, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Our guide was excellent. Really knew his stuff, but delivered that information in a very informative way without going over the top. Really enjoyed the experience. Memorable. I forgot his name, but he was great.
From £24.00
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Operated by Auld Reekie Tours Ltd