Edinburgh: Evening Underground Ghost Tour

Discover the Edinburgh: Evening Underground Ghost Tour, a captivating 75-minute adventure through the city’s dark and mysterious past. Priced at just $23 per person, this tour takes you beneath the streets of Edinburgh to explore the Edinburgh Vaults, the most haunted graveyard in the city, and the eerie alleys off the Royal Mile. With a rating of 4.4 out of 5 based on 2,300 reviews, it offers a highly regarded experience for those interested in ghost stories, history, and a bit of spooky fun.

This tour is perfect for visitors who enjoy uncovering Edinburgh’s haunted side with knowledgeable guides. It features entrance to the Vaults and includes stops at Greyfriars Kirkyard, the city’s most infamous graveyard. The experience is suitable for those over 5 years old, but less so for visitors with mobility or wheelchair needs. The 75-minute walk is lively, atmospheric, and filled with stories of murder, witchcraft, and serial killers like Burke and Hare, making it a memorable addition to any evening in Edinburgh.

Key Points

• Price and Duration: Only $23 per person for a 75-minute guided ghost tour.
• Main highlights: Explore the Edinburgh Vaults, visit Greyfriars Kirkyard, and walk through dark alleys off the Royal Mile.
• Interactive and atmospheric: Expect strange noises, weird sensations, and stories of torture, murder, and witchcraft.
• Guide quality: Guides like Lafayette, Lafayette, and others are praised for their storytelling, humor, and knowledge.
• Accessibility and suitability: Not suitable for children under 5, those with mobility issues, or wheelchair users.
• Cancellation policy: Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund and reserve now with pay later options.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Exploring Edinburgh’s Vaults Beneath the Streets

The Edinburgh Vaults are a core part of this tour. Completed in 1788, these underground chambers once housed taverns, stored illicit material, and even served as the hideouts for serial killers Burke and Hare, who murdered victims for medical experiments. Visitors step into these dark, cramped chambers and hear about over 400 years of macabre history filled with tales of hangings, torture, and murders.

The Vaults’ atmosphere is both creepy and compelling. Guides lead you through their twisting passages, where strange noises and unexplained smells are part of the experience. The entrance is included in the ticket price, and the experience aims to make the underground as haunting as the stories told about it.

Walking the Royal Mile and Visiting Greyfriars Kirkyard

The Royal Mile serves as the main route of this ghostly journey. The tour involves a 30-minute walk along this historic street, taking in the sights and stories that make Edinburgh so uniquely haunted. Off the Royal Mile, the tour explores small alleys and wynds, revealing hidden parts of the city’s dark history.

The visit to Greyfriars Kirkyard is a highlight. Known as the most haunted graveyard in Edinburgh, it’s the final resting place of many notorious characters. The atmosphere here is thick with history, ghost stories, and a sense of lingering spirits. The guide shares tales of witches, murder victims, and the mysterious Black Mausoleum, adding to the spooky ambiance.

The Guides and Their Storytelling Flair

The guides are frequently praised for their engaging storytelling and theatrical flair. Names like Lafayette, Maggie Dickson, and Dr Knox are mentioned for their ability to bring Edinburgh’s haunted history to life. Reviewers highlight their humor, deep knowledge, and ability to balance haunting stories with entertainment.

Some guides, like Sawney Bean, stand out for their immersive character acting, which makes the experience feel authentic and lively. Guides also handle sensitive topics, such as stories involving children’s deaths with respect, adding a layer of credibility to the storytelling.

The Atmosphere: Strange Noises and Creepy Sensations

A defining aspect of this ghost tour is the atmospheric effects. Guests frequently mention weird noises, strange smells, and unexplained sensations experienced during the underground visit. These eerie elements heighten the sense of being in Edinburgh’s haunted spaces, making the tour both creepy and compelling.

The darkness, combined with well-timed storytelling, encourages a sense of suspense and wonder. Many find the atmosphere more unnerving than simply reading about Edinburgh’s ghost stories, making it an immersive experience.

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Practical Information and Meeting Points

The tour starts at the Police Box / Kiosk on the Royal Mile, directly in front of Starbucks. It ends back at the same location, making it convenient for participants to plan their evening. The guided tour is conducted in English, and comfortable shoes and weather-appropriate clothing are recommended because the walk involves outdoor and underground parts.

The tour is designed to be accessible for most, but it is not suitable for children under 5, people with mobility impairments, or wheelchair users. The cancellation policy allows for free cancellations up to 24 hours in advance, providing flexibility for travelers.

Comparing to Similar Edinburgh Ghost Tours

This tour’s focus on underground vaults and historic graveyards sets it apart from other options. It offers an authentic, intimate experience with a mix of history and ghost stories led by personable, knowledgeable guides. Several similar experiences are available, such as the Old Town Underground Ghost Tour or Haunted Vaults and Graveyard Tour, but this tour is particularly praised for the quality of guides and the atmospheric storytelling.

The Cost-Effective Value

Priced at $23, this tour offers significant value considering the entrance to the Vaults and the expert narration. Many reviews mention that the entertainment and learning provided by the guides make it worth every penny. The 75-minute length is a comfortable duration, balancing storytelling depth with energetic pacing.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is ideal for history enthusiasts, ghost story fans, and adventure seekers who enjoy immersive storytelling. It suits those who appreciate a dark, spooky atmosphere and are comfortable walking outdoors in the evening. The guides’ humorous and theatrical style ensures a lively, engaging experience, making it a great evening activity during any trip to Edinburgh.

Final Thoughts on the Edinburgh Underground Ghost Tour

This ghost tour combines history, storytelling, and atmospheric horror into a compact, affordable package. The guides’ personable style and the haunting locations deliver a memorable evening of spooky fun. While it isn’t suited for very young children or those with mobility restrictions, most visitors find it a thrilling and educational way to explore Edinburgh’s darker side.

For travelers seeking an authentic ghost experience that highlights the city’s underground secrets and haunted sites, this tour offers value, atmosphere, and engaging storytelling. It’s well-reviewed and highly recommended for those ready to embrace Edinburgh’s ghostly legends after dark.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for children?
It is not suitable for children under 5 years old.

How long does the tour last?
The tour lasts approximately 75 minutes.

Where does the tour start and end?
It begins and ends at the Police Box / Kiosk on the Royal Mile in front of Starbucks.

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

What is included in the tour price?
The guided tour and entrance to the Edinburgh Vaults are included.

Can I cancel the tour if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Are guides knowledgeable and engaging?
Yes, guides like Lafayette and Maggie Dickson are praised for their entertaining, humorous, and knowledgeable storytelling.

What are the main highlights of the tour?
Expect to visit the Edinburgh Vaults, Greyfriars Kirkyard, and explore the dark alleys off the Royal Mile.

Do I need to bring anything?
Bring comfortable shoes and weather-appropriate clothing, as the tour involves outdoor and underground walking.

What makes this tour different from others?
Its focus on underground vaults and the quality of guides makes it a standout experience for anyone interested in Edinburgh’s darker history and paranormal stories.

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