Underground Vaults Walking Tour in Edinburgh Old Town

Exploring Edinburgh’s underground vaults offers a fascinating glimpse into the city’s lesser-known past. For just $30.20 per person, this 1-hour walking tour takes visitors beneath the streets of the Old Town, revealing a network of ancient vaults with stories of hardship, criminal activity, and witchcraft. The tour is hosted by Auld Reekie Tours Ltd, renowned for their engaging guides and authentic storytelling.

It’s ideal for those interested in history, ghost stories, and Edinburgh’s darker side. Travelers should be prepared for a short walk in dark, uneven passageways, and note that children under 5 years old are not suitable for this experience. The guided groups are typically small, with a maximum of 36 travelers, ensuring a more personal and immersive experience.

Key Points

• Price and Duration: Only $30.20 for about 1 hour underground exploration
• Location: Starts at 300 Lawnmarket and ends at 45 Niddry St in Edinburgh’s Old Town
• Highlights: Ancient vaults, ghostly tales, witchcraft temple, and stories of 18th-century hardship
• Guides: Knowledgeable, engaging, with many reviews praising their storytelling skills
• Accessibility: Entrance via a small step and spiral staircase, with some areas featuring mezzanine stairs; not suitable for those with difficulty walking
• Booking: Recommended 15 days in advance, with free cancellation available up to 24 hours before

From the South Bridge to Edinburgh’s Hidden Vaults

The tour begins at 300 Lawnmarket, a prime spot in Edinburgh’s Old Town, where visitors meet their guide before heading underground. The journey takes you beneath the South Bridge, where a series of ancient vaults lie hidden. This is a part of Edinburgh that most travelers don’t see, making it a unique addition to any trip.

Once underground, the guides lead you through winding passageways that once served as storage, refuges, and hideouts for criminals and the homeless. The dark, chilly vaults evoke a sense of history and mystery, perfectly suited for stories about crime, disease, and survival during the 18th century.

What Makes the Vaults Special

These vaults are not just old tunnels; they are filled with stories of gloom and resilience. Visitors learn why the vaults were built and why they were abandoned. The guides share tales of criminals who once stalked the spaces and homeless communities seeking shelter in these underground chambers.

A particularly intriguing part of the tour involves a stone circle within a former witchcraft temple. Visitors can decide whether to enter this eerie space, experiencing firsthand the mysterious atmosphere that has led to numerous ghostly sightings. The haunted reputation of certain vaults is part of what draws many guests.

The Guides: Engaging Storytellers

The guides receive high praise for their knowledge and storytelling abilities. Names like Sophie, Brendon, James, Louisa, and Dom appear frequently in reviews, with many saying they make the experience lively, humorous, and informative. Their ability to balance history and entertainment enhances the experience without veering into theatrics.

Many guides are described as charming and welcoming, with some reviewers noting their broadway-level delivery. Their stories often include grisly details of torture, hangings, and death, which add to the atmosphere but can be unsettling for sensitive visitors.

Navigating the Vaults

Accessing the vaults involves a small step (about 2 feet), followed by a spiral staircase inside the chambers. Inside, some areas have mezzanine staircases of 5-7 steps, which may be challenging for those with walking difficulties. The pace of the tour is designed to be manageable, but visitors should be aware of the uneven terrain.

The dark, narrow passageways contribute to the eerie vibe. The tour does not include toilet stops, and there is no luggage storage available. Travelers should dress appropriately for cool, damp conditions and be prepared to walk in dim lighting.

Ghost Stories and Haunted Atmosphere

The vaults are called haunted for a reason; many reports of ghostly sightings and unexplained phenomena** contribute to their reputation. Visitors who enjoy spooky tales will appreciate the atmosphere, especially when exploring the witchcraft temple and other dimly lit chambers.

Some reviews mention that the tour emphasizes the darker aspects of Edinburgh’s past, including torture, hangings, and death, which might be distressing for some. The theatrical presentation by guides adds to the immersive feeling, making the experience more than just a walk through an underground site.

Practical Details: Meeting Point and Accessibility

The meeting point is at 300 Lawnmarket, a central spot in Edinburgh’s Old Town, close to public transportation options. The end location at 45 Niddry St makes it convenient to continue exploring the city afterward. The small entrance step and interior staircase are the only physical hurdles, so the tour may not be suitable for those with significant mobility issues.

The tour is not suitable for children under 5, and children under 2 are not allowed. Service animals are permitted, but non-service animals are not allowed inside the vaults.

How the Tour Compares to Others

While some reviews mention varied experiences, with a few finding the tour less engaging or overpriced, the majority praise the knowledgeable guides and the unique underground setting. It is often compared with other Edinburgh tours like Castle visits or haunted walks, but the underground vaults provide a distinctly dark and atmospheric experience.

This tour is recommended for those who enjoy history with a side of ghost stories and are willing to handle dim, enclosed spaces. It’s less about sightseeing and more about atmosphere and storytelling.

Booking and Cancellation

Reservations are recommended at least 15 days in advance. The tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before the scheduled start, providing flexibility for change or weather issues. On the day, the experience depends on good weather, but since it’s underground, it isn’t affected by rain or cold outside.

Edinburgh’s Dark Secrets Beneath the Streets

The Underground Vaults Walking Tour in Edinburgh’s Old Town reveals a hidden layer of history that many visitors overlook. The expert guides bring to life stories of crimes, witchcraft, disease, and survival, all set in a dark, atmospheric environment beneath the bustling streets above.

This tour offers a balance of spooky tales, historical context, and engaging storytelling, making it a compelling choice for adventurous visitors. Its affordable price and short duration make it an easy add-on for a day full of sightseeing.

While some may find the dark, eerie passageways challenging or the content disturbing, most will appreciate the chance to explore Edinburgh’s underground past in a way that feels authentic and immersive.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for children?
Children must be accompanied by an adult and are not suitable for children under 5 years old. Children under 2 are not allowed.

How physically demanding is the tour?
The tour involves walking in uneven, dark passageways with stairs and steps, including a 2-foot-high step at the entrance and mezzanine stairs inside. It may not be suitable for those with difficulty walking.

Are there any restrictions on what I can bring?
There is no luggage storage available, so travelers should avoid bringing large items. The tour does not specify restrictions on food or drink, but alcohol and drugs are strictly forbidden.

Can I cancel my booking?
Yes, the tour allows free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start. Cancellations made less than 24 hours in advance are not refunded.

What is the meeting point?
The tour starts at 300 Lawnmarket in Edinburgh’s Old Town, a central and accessible location.

Is the tour wheelchair accessible?
Due to stairs and uneven terrain, the tour may not be suitable for wheelchair users or those with mobility issues.

What can I expect to see underground?
You will explore winding passageways, vault chambers, a stone circle, and a witchcraft temple, each with stories of dark history and hauntings.

What is the guide’s style?
Guides are praised for being knowledgeable, engaging, and entertaining, with some reviewers mentioning broadway-level delivery and quick wit.

How long does the tour last?
Approximately 1 hour, a manageable length for those seeking a quick yet immersive experience.

Is this tour worth the price?
Most reviews indicate that the experience offers good value considering the unique underground access and entertaining guides.

Can I book this tour for a specific date?
Yes, advance booking is recommended, especially as the tour is popular and often booked around 15 days ahead.

What should I wear?
Dress appropriately for cool, damp conditions, and wear comfortable shoes suitable for walking in uneven, dark spaces.

This Underground Vaults Walking Tour in Edinburgh offers a fascinating journey into the city’s shadowy past, combining history, ghost stories, and atmospheric exploration. Its affordable price, enthusiastic guides, and authentic environment make it an experience worth considering for anyone curious about Edinburgh’s darker secrets.