Edinburgh: Underground Vaults and Graveyard Evening Tour

Keys to Knowing the Edinburgh Underground Vaults and Graveyard Tour

Price and Duration: This adult-only tour lasts approximately 105 minutes and includes exclusive access to the Blair Street Underground Vaults and Canongate Graveyard.

Starting Point: The tour begins at Mercat Cross, identified by its 8-sided monument with a white unicorn on top.

Highlights: Expect to explore Old Town’s eerie vaults, hear about infamous murderers and cursed spirits, and walk through the spooky Canongate graveyard.

Guides and Experience: Led by master storytellers, guides employ multi-sensory techniques to make the tales come alive, often recommended for adults over 18 due to the dark and grisly content.

Accessibility and Booking: The tour is not suitable for those with mobility issues or children, and offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, with pay later options available.

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Exploring the Blair Street Underground Vaults

Exclusive Access to Haunted Vaults: The tour takes you into Mercat Tours’ exclusive underground vaults on Blair Street, where shadows and chilling whispers create an unsettling atmosphere.

Atmosphere and Tales: The dim lighting, perpetual darkness, and small rooms heighten the feeling of claustrophobia, while guides share stories of cursed souls and grisly deeds that took place beneath Edinburgh’s streets.

What Makes These Vaults Unique: This site remains privately owned and accessible only to Mercat Tours, making the experience more intense and authentic compared to other sightseeing options.

Visiting the Canongate Graveyard

Historic Resting Place of Notable Figures: The Canongate Graveyard hosts the graves of famous Scots like Adam Smith, David Rizzio, and James Douglas, the cannibal of the Canongate.

Spooky Walk Through Shadowy Closes: The tour moves through narrow closes and dark alleyways to reach the graveyard, where the spirits of the past are said to linger.

Stories of Tragedy and Ghost Sightings: Guides recount tragic deaths, dastardly deeds, and ghostly sightings that are linked to the graves and the surrounding area, making it a highlight for fans of haunted history.

The Route and Key Stops of the Tour

Starting at Mercat Cross: The tour kicks off at this historic medieval monument.

Guided Walk Along the Royal Mile: The path follows this famous thoroughfare, revealing hidden closes and grim tales from Edinburgh’s past.

Exploring the Edinburgh Vaults: The tour then moves underground to experience the haunted vaults’ sinister ambiance firsthand.

Ending at Canongate Kirk: The final stop is at the Canongate Kirk, where the story of Edinburgh’s most infamous figures and ghostly legends reaches its climax.

The Role of the Guides and Their Storytelling Style

Knowledgeable and Charismatic Guides: Guides such as Shannon, Marie, Emily, Fay, and Margaret Ann are praised for their enthusiasm, depth of knowledge, and engaging storytelling.

Multi-sensory Techniques: Guides use voices, tones, and acting to bring the stories to life, often making the experience feel more theatrical than just a walk.

Humor and Light-Hearted Moments: While the stories focus on horrific truths, guides skillfully incorporate humor to balance the spooky atmosphere, ensuring the experience remains enjoyable.

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Practical Details and What to Bring

Comfortable Shoes and Weather-Appropriate Clothing: Given the uneven ground and outdoor sections, sturdy footwear and layers are advisable.

Age Restrictions: The tour is recommended for adults over 18 due to the gruesome and dark content.

Accessibility Limitations: The tour does not accommodate those with mobility impairments or wheelchair users.

Meeting Point and End Location: Participants meet at Mercat Cross and finish back at the same spot, making it easy for planning further activities.

What Sets This Tour Apart from Similar Edinburgh Ghost Tours

Exclusive Access to the Vaults: The privately owned Blair Street Underground Vaults offer a more authentic and intense experience, rarely available elsewhere.

Rich Mix of History and Ghost Stories: The tour combines notable historical figures with gruesome tales, appealing to those interested in both history and supernatural legends.

Guides with Proven Excellence: The high praise for guides like Shannon, Marie, and Lauren emphasizes the importance of storytelling talent in this experience.

Interactive and Multi-Sensory Approach: The use of devices to hear guides clearly and theatrical storytelling enhances engagement and immersion.

Customer Feedback and Ratings Insights

With a 4.4 out of 5 rating from 381 reviews, the tour is well-regarded for its entertaining guides and informative stories. Many reviewers highlight enthusiastic guides like Mark, Lauren, and Ana and mention that the stories are both spooky and humorous.

While some note the vaults are not as extensive as anticipated, the quality of storytelling and exclusive access outweigh this for most participants. The tour’s large number of positive reviews suggests it remains a favorite among those seeking dark history and ghostly tales in Edinburgh.

Final Thoughts on the Underground Vaults and Graveyard Tour

This tour offers a compelling mix of haunted underground vaults and historic graveyards, presented by guides known for their engaging storytelling. The 105-minute experience is a solid choice for adults interested in Edinburgh’s darker side, especially those who appreciate theatrical narratives and historical mysteries.

Limitations include the lack of accessibility for some visitors and the potentially unsettling atmosphere. However, the exclusivity of the vaults and high guide quality make this tour a standout for fans of ghost stories, gruesome histories, and urban exploration.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for children?
No, the tour is designed for adults over 18 due to the dark, gruesome content.

How long does the tour last?
The entire experience takes approximately 105 minutes.

Where does the tour start and end?
It begins at Mercat Cross and finishes at the same location, making logistics straightforward.

What should I wear?
Comfortable shoes and weather-appropriate clothing are recommended, as the tour involves walking and outdoor sections.

Is there an option to cancel or reschedule?
Yes, the tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and reserve now & pay later options.

Are guides experienced storytellers?
Absolutely, many reviews praise guides like Shannon, Lauren, Ana, and Margaret Ann for their enthusiasm, humor, and storytelling skills.

What makes this tour different from other ghost tours in Edinburgh?
The exclusive access to Blair Street Vaults and theatrical, multi-sensory storytelling set this experience apart from other options.

Can I bring my pet?
No, pets are not allowed except for assistance dogs.

Is the tour accessible for people with mobility issues?
No, the tour is not suitable for those with mobility impairments or wheelchair users.

How do I book this tour?
You can reserve your spot online, with options to pay later and cancel for a full refund if needed.

This review provides a thorough look at the Edinburgh Underground Vaults and Graveyard Evening Tour, highlighting its unique access, storytelling quality, and practical considerations to help you decide if it matches your interests.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby