Underground Vaults Walking Tour in Edinburgh Old Town

Embark on an eerie journey through the haunted vaults beneath Edinburgh’s Old Town. Discover the dark history of crime, witchcraft, and spirits that lurk within. Step into a genuine witchcraft temple and dare to enter the infamous stone circle.

Duration: 1 hour
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights

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…

Points of Interest

  • Edinburgh Old Town

  • Royal Mile

  • Auld Reekie Tours

What's Included
  • Professional guide
What's Not Included
  • Gratuities
Additional Information

Embark on a journey to visit the once notorious and allegedly haunted vaults beneath Edinburgh’s South Bridge in the historic Old Town. Listen to stories of the impoverished and the ill-fated who previously dwelt in these slums. Venture into these dimly lit vaults, lit solely by candlelight, which were once frequented by criminals, body snatchers and witches, and are now rumored to be inhabited by various spirits of long-deceased denizens.

Within each vault lie tales of crime, sickness, death, and much more, all of which your guide will vividly divulge. You will get to see an authentic witchcraft temple used not long ago by a Wiccan coven, and you will be granted entrance into their prior place of worship. Join us to understand why practicing their craft in that vault is no longer deemed safe.

Are you brave enough to enter the renowned stone circle?

  • 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.
Location
300 Lawnmarket
Lawnmarket
The tour starts from the Tourist Information Police Box, outside of 300 Lawnmarket. This is on the opposite side of the road from Deacon Brodie’s Tavern. (55.949326, -3.192912) Please be there at least 5-10 minutes early as we depart promptly at the tour time and will not wait for latecomers.
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
4.7
(6336 Ratings)
5 stars
4 stars
3 stars
2 stars
1 star
744jeannieb
Aug 21, 2024
Well worth an hour! - I have visited Edinburgh many times, and know my way around but this was knowledge I had never heard of. Worthwhile hour walking around the vault with Eric from Glasgow. He knew some amazing information, not just about the vaults, but the history of Edinburgh as a city! Kudos to Eric! 👏😉
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Carolyn_r
Aug 21, 2024
Insightful & fun tour - Louisa led a fun, spooky & informative tour of the Edinburgh underground vaults (created for storing merchant goods but evolved into grim housing for the impoverished & a variety of modern uses including a witch’s coven).
Review provided by Viator
Joyce_c
Aug 20, 2024
The dark side - We weren’t sure what to expect but we were not disappointed. It was very interesting - and sad - to learn about the vaults and try to imagine the horrific living conditions people tried to survive in. Brandon was a great guide, entertaining and knowledgeable!
Review provided by Viator
Barbarak812
Aug 20, 2024
Amazing way to learn about Edinburgh - The tour was amazing. Very informative about Edinburgh history and the reason ing for the vaults. The tour company was great to work with. We missed our initial tour time due to airline issues. They were able to work with us to rebook.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Safari04495852724
Aug 20, 2024
City Vaults - Wasn't sure what to expect but pleasantly surprised. Learned what the origins were of the phrase "tearaway child" and to always spit on the Heart of Midlothian, which I've walked past many times and was unaware of the significance. Despite what another review has said there was plenty of history and our guide Brendan was highly knowledgeable. A great way to spend an hour on your trip to Edinburgh, highly recommended.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Janettea2014
Aug 20, 2024
The Vaults - A great your opening your eyes up to the vaults underground and its history. Jordan was very entertaining and made the tour enjoyable and interesting
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Eilbhe_d
Aug 19, 2024
Lisa is brilliant!! - Fantastic tour. Loved our guide, Lisa. She was so charismatic and made the tour like a theatre. Totally recommend
Review provided by Viator
Sandra_d
Aug 20, 2024
No luck! - Couldn't find it!! No phone to call. Really disappointed. I had to leave Edinburgh so couldn't try again.
Review provided by Viator
Adventurer757459
Aug 19, 2024
Not much history, but good tour - Location of the tour was great, but small. The tour focused on two rooms of paranormal things, but we were hoping for more history. Tour guide was good, but adding more history would be better.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
K7481mimattb
Aug 20, 2024
No dogs allowed. - We booked your trip after calling trip advisor , who told us that dogs could go on the tour. The tour guide was not very polite when we came to meeting point for trip. Just saying no dogs allowed and did not offer any assistance or advice on what we needed to do next. He did not even offer that I could wait with the dog, while my family went on the trip. He still insisted that he scanned our ticket, even tho we were not allowed on the tour. Please avoid if you have a dog. Thank you.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Select Date and Tickets
up to 15 guests
1
Adult
September 2024
Sun
Mon
Tue
Wed
Thu
Fri
Sat
Today