Haunted Vaults Walking Tour in Edinburgh: Explore 1700s Underground Network and Its Sinister History
4.8
1,849 Ratings
Edinburgh
Uncover the sinister history of Edinburgh's 1700s underground network on a haunted vaults walking tour. Explore former slum dwellings and feel the pulse of the past come to life!
Duration: 1 hour
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights
  • Royal Mile - The guide will meet the group and then after a brief introduction guide everyone down the Royal Mile to the entrance to our vaults occasionally stopping to tell some of Edinburgh’s history along the way.
  • Edinburgh Vaults - The guide will show the group our torture exhibition and explain the whys and hows of how some items were used in Edinburgh’s dark history. The guide will then take the group to our vaults to hear their history and about the paranormal happenings said to have occurred here.
What's Included
  • Admission ticket included
Additional Information

As black as the core of evil, our spooky subterranean system of crypts dating back to the 18th century will rouse and thrills your senses as you begin to imagine the cruel history of these bygone shanty abodes, formerly the homes of the destitute and luckless as well as lawbreakers and ladies of the night. Your heart rate quickens and your mouth becomes parched as you become increasingly conscious of your surroundings! An encounter that once lived, stays with you forever.

  • Vaults entrance/exit is via a 2ft stair followed by a spiral staircase and further average size mezzanine staircases inside the vaults Between the levels.
  • Not recommended for children under 12 years of age.
  • Children under 16 years of age must be accompanied by a Parent or Guardian
  • Anyone under the influence of alcohol or drugs will be turned away.
  • Alcohol and Drugs strictly forbidden on the tour.
  • Filming or live streaming of the tour is strictly forbidden. You may be ejected from the tour.
  • Office hours are 10am-5pm for all calls & emails
  • • Some historical content may be of a distressing nature with regards but not exclusively to Torture, Hangings, Death
  • • Children under 2 years of age not allowed on tour.
  • The walking pace and terrain may not be suitable for those with any difficulty walking.
  • We do not provide luggage storage so please make alternate arrangements.
Location
300 Lawnmarket
Lawnmarket
Tours starts from the Tourist Information Police Box outside of 300 Lawnmarket. It is on the opposite side of the road to Deacon Brodies Tavern. Please be there at least 5-10 minutes early as we depart promptly at the tour time and we will not wait for latecomers.
Cancellation Policy

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

Customer Ratings
4.8
(1849 Ratings)
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Journey51374301520
Apr 9, 2024
Spooky Insight into Edinburgh’s Past. - Interesting and eerie tour of the south vaults! Our guide James was first class.Enthusiastic and entertaining and very well informed on the fascinating history of Edinburgh. Thoroughly recommend.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Dazza996
Apr 7, 2024
Interesting & Eerie Tour in Underground Vaults - We did our Tour on Friday 5th April at 5pm with Louisa. She was very friendly and welcoming and the tour she did with us was very informative. The Vaults were dark with minimal light which made it all the more eerie and wet from water seeping through from above, just made you realise how hard it would have been back in the day, although like Louisa explained and showed us just how much light 1 candle would have put out, showed you how people must have been tripping over each other in almost dark conditions. Overall a good tour, the hour went so quick that you just wanted to continue on more. You can take as many pics as you want which was great to relive your experience. Thanks heaps Louisa (apologies if spelt name wrong)
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Morag_l
Apr 6, 2024
Braw night - The best part was I think Louisa she was knowledgeable and funny really good. The tour was interesting and scary and sometimes a wee bit sad thinking of all the people that suffered in the vaults .
Review provided by Viator
Christac706
Apr 6, 2024
Very entertaining - Very entertaining tour with a very animated and knowledgeable Jordan! He was fun to talk to and we has a blast in the small tour. We took the historic one and we learned a lot about old Edinburgh. Worth the money and time!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
620lisac
Apr 5, 2024
Great haunted vault tour - We had a great time on this tour, there were about 30 of us, I went with my daughter, we learnt so many interesting things that happened many years ago and it was fascinating, Dominic was a great tour guide. I’d definitely recommend this, 1 hour absolutely flew by.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
562amd
Apr 5, 2024
Fab vault tour - The tour guide Darren was fantastic and and engaging throughout the walk. We learn so much about the Edinburgh history. Highly recommended.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Katiecv8828uc
Apr 4, 2024
Brilliant - Darren was brilliant very informative and friendly was an amazing tour and experience highly recommend to any one who likes tours like this
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Dimitriosb825
Mar 31, 2024
Really fun experience - That was a really fun experience, definitely recommend it. The tour guide(Dom) was very entertaining, we learned new stuff and got scared at the same time haha.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Lyn_m
Apr 8, 2024
Marmite! - My partner, who's birthday it was for, really enjoyed the vaults and ghost stories. I am spiritual and an empath, so I felt various weird sensations - heart racing in torture museum, and in other vaults a bit heavy and weird feeling. At one point when in pitch dark, I felt a breeze and freeze spot. I wanted to get out but tried to keep it cool - So if you love ghost stories and tours then I recommend otherwise maybe not 🤣
Review provided by Viator
H2503foalexanderb
Apr 4, 2024
Will you dare step into the circle? - Was a fun little tour, the guide was really nice and informative. You get to see the fascinating underbelly of Edinburgh. Stay out of that stone circle!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
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up to 15 guests
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May 2024
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