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• Some historical content may be of a distressing nature with regards but not exclusively to Torture, Hangings, Death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
8,779 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Great tour
Kate B,May 1, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Our guide Stewart was great. Very informative and interesting, with loads of trivia and loads of fun. Very worthwhile.
Recommend!
D6539VRolivierb,May 1, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had an amazing tour with our tour guide Jude, she explained things in depth with a good sense of humour. We definitely recommend this tour and guide!
Underground Vaults walking tour
Andreas D,May 1, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Our guide Darren was very engaging, told great stories and was very knowledgeable. Was super good with the group we had.
Not so easy for those not...
Sylvia V,May 1, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Not so easy for those not so good on their feet James was very good Creepy - which is what we hoped for!
Great tour
Laurie E,Apr 30, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Stewart was a fabulous guide. He was entertaining and really knew the facts and history. Really interesting tour! If you like scary I would go at night. I do recommend this tour!
Good Tour Company! Unique Experience!
Erin D,Apr 29, 2026
- Review from Viator
4.00Our tour guide was very good and dramatic! I just preferred the outside/street part of the history tour. The vaults were less fascinating to me than hearing about the storied past of Scotland and their prisons and hangings. She was very good at bringing that to life.
Something interesting to do
Paradise26022271210,Apr 29, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Interesting historical tour of Edinburghs underground vaults takes roughly a hour and 20 mins nice thing to do while on holiday
Friendly, funny & knowledgeable
elisaaM7811IA,Apr 29, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We have just been on the tour with Ally, was just my husband & I booked for that specific time so we got a lovely private tour. Ally is super friendly, funny & knowledgeable. We really enjoyed it.
Excellent Tour. Stewart is the best.
kimmiekaye,Apr 29, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Thank you, Stewart for the amazing tour. We loved every second. Creepy yet fun.
Brilliant, well worth it
Simon C,Apr 29, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Fantastic, lots of local knowledge 10 out of 10
From £24.00
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Operated by Auld Reekie Tours Ltd