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Underground Vaults Walking Tour in Edinburgh Old Town

4.7 Great 9483 reviews
|
1h
|
English
Free cancellation · up to 24 hours before Instant confirmation Live guide

Ratings & Reviews

4.7
9483 reviews
5
7861
4
918
3
353
2
167
1
184
Ratings collected from Guidekin & Viator & Tripadvisor

Overview

Guidekin summary

Walk the Royal Mile before exploring candlelit vaults beneath the South Bridge, with stories about their former residents. The guided vault visit is included, but access involves a high step, a spiral staircase and further steps inside. 4.7 from 9,483 reviews at €29 per person for 1h.

From the guide

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?

Schedule & Availability

Runs daily
Departures: 13 start times between 10:00 and 16:30
Available year-round

This tour runs daily, with 13 start times between 10:00 and 16:30 depending on the date. It runs year-round. These are the operator’s scheduled departures, not a live seat count: availability is confirmed at checkout. Schedule last checked October 1, 2026.

What's Included

Professional guide
Haunted vault visit
Live English-speaking guide

What's Not Included

Gratuities
Food and drinks
Transportation to/from meeting point

Departure & Return

Start point

The tour starts from the Red Telephone Box and Tourist Information Police Box, outside of 300 Lawnmarket. This is on the opposite side of the road from Deacon Brodie’s Tavern. Please be there at least 5-10 minutes early as the tour will always depart on time.

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Additional Information

  • 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.

1+ daysFull refund
0-1 daysNo refund

Compared with other Walking Tours

TourPriceDurationRatingGroup
This tour · #33 of 33€291h4.7 (9483)shared
Edinburgh Old Town: Historical Guided Walking Tour€242h4.97 (1669)shared
The Mountebank Comedy Walk of Edinburgh€312h4.96 (2008)shared
Private Old Edinburgh Tour - Walk in the footsteps of Royals and Rogues!€131 per group2h4.99 (242)private

Ranked #33 of 33 in Walking Tours by Guidekin score (rating weighted by review volume). Prices here run from €4 to €114, median €31; typical length 2h. 9 of 33 are private. Figures are live from the tour cards; the rubric is our handpicked set, not the whole market. Compare all 33 Walking Tours

From € 29 / person