Edinburgh: Haunted Underground Vaults and Graveyard Tour

Key Points

• Price and Duration: This 1.5-hour guided tour costs $32 per person, offering a compact but immersive glimpse into Edinburgh’s dark side.
• Locations Visited: The tour includes visits to Greyfriars Kirkyard and the Edinburgh Vaults beneath South Bridge, both notable for their history and supernatural tales.
• Expert Guides: Led by knowledgeable guides such as James, Jordan, and others praised for their storytelling, humor, and passion.
• Activities and Highlights: Explore Gothic mausoleums, learn about notorious criminals like Burke and Hare, and hear about paranormal occurrences in the vaults.
• Accessibility and Suitability: The tour involves stairs and uneven terrain, not suitable for those with limited mobility or wheelchairs, and recommends ages 12+.
• Reviews and Atmosphere: With a 4.6-star rating based on 5478 reviews, expect engaging guides, interesting history, and some spooky moments, making it popular for those interested in ghost stories and Edinburgh’s haunted past.

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Exploring Edinburgh’s Haunted Streets and Graveyards

The Edinburgh: Haunted Underground Vaults and Graveyard Tour by Auld Reekie Tours offers a captivating 1.5-hour experience into the city’s darker corners. For $32 per person, visitors get access to two of Edinburgh’s most atmospheric sites: Greyfriars Kirkyard and the South Bridge Vaults. This tour is ideal for those wanting a taste of the city’s ghostly stories alongside intriguing history.

While the tour is packed with fascinating tales, it’s important to note that it involves walking on uneven terrain with staircases, making it less suitable for visitors with mobility challenges. Children under 12 are not permitted, and the experience may include themes of death, torture, and hangings, which could be distressing for some.

Meeting Point and Tour Duration

The tour begins at 300 Lawnmarket, standing on the pavement next to the tourist information booth, a spot easy to find in the heart of Edinburgh’s Old Town. Upon arrival, guides lead groups through the streets, and the entire experience lasts approximately 1.5 hours.

The tour loops back to the starting point at the end, making it convenient for those staying nearby or planning subsequent activities in the Old Town. Check the schedule for available starting times, as they vary, so planning ahead ensures a smooth experience.

Visiting Greyfriars Kirkyard: The City’s Haunted Cemetery

The tour’s first stop is Greyfriars Kirkyard, a graveyard famous for its Gothic mausoleums and notable burials. Visitors learn stories about the cemetery’s notorious criminals like Burke and Hare, and about Greyfriars Bobby, the faithful dog memorialized in local legend.

Guides explain the grim history of the gravestones and share stories of ghosts and paranormal activity reported in the graveyard. Visitors get a chance to see the graves of the departed and absorb the eerie atmosphere that has made Greyfriars Kirkyard a focal point for ghost stories for centuries.

The Edinburgh Vaults: Secrets Beneath South Bridge

Following the graveyard, the tour proceeds to the Edinburgh Vaults, located in the arches of South Bridge. These vaults were once used for storage and housing the city’s destitute, witches, and hellfire club members.

Guides recount paranormal activity, including haunted occurrences and stories of characters who, according to legend, have never really left. Visitors explore the former haunt of witches and the hellfire club, hearing how the vaults are said to be possessed by an evil force. Expect to see Gothic architecture and learn about the dark history that makes the vaults a magnet for ghost stories.

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The Guides: Passionate Storytellers

Tour guides such as James, Jordan, Darren, Ally, Fraser, and others are highly praised for their enthusiasm, humor, and knowledge. Reviews emphasize their storytelling skills, ability to maintain the group’s attention, and their knack for weaving history with spooky tales.

Guides make the experience engaging through humor and detailed descriptions, helping visitors feel immersed in Edinburgh’s haunted past. Many reviews highlight guides’ passion for the history and their ability to balance spooky moments with informative commentary.

Physical Requirements and Accessibility

Visitors should prepare for stairs and uneven terrain within the vaults, including a single-floor spiral staircase at the entrance and other small stairs inside. Entrance steps are about 2 feet high, so the tour may not be suitable for individuals with mobility impairments or those who find walking difficult.

The tour is recommended for ages 12 and above, with children under 2 years not permitted. Those under the influence of alcohol or drugs will not be allowed to participate due to safety and decorum considerations.

The Atmosphere: Spooky, Humorous, and Engaging

Reviews consistently praise the atmosphere created by guides, remarking on their funny stories, engaging style, and detailed knowledge. Expect moments of spooky darkness in the vaults, combined with humorous anecdotes that keep the tour lively.

Many reviews mention that the tour offers a balance of eerie moments and entertainment, making it especially popular with those who enjoy a blend of history, ghost stories, and lively storytelling.

Value for Money and Booking Flexibility

For $32, this tour offers a compact yet thorough exploration of Edinburgh’s haunted sites, led by guides who excel at storytelling. Visitors can reserve in advance with the option to pay later and cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

This flexibility makes it a convenient option for travelers who want to secure their spot without immediate payment, especially during busy seasons.

Final Thoughts on the Haunted Underground Vaults and Graveyard Tour

This tour provides a rich combination of history and ghost stories in a short, 1.5-hour experience that is highly rated for its guides and storytelling quality. It’s perfect for visitors who want a fun, spooky, and informative introduction to Edinburgh’s darker past.

While it involves walking and stairs, the engaging guides and authentic locations make it worthwhile. It’s especially suited for those over 12, interested in haunted sites, Gothic architecture, and historical tales. With a 4.6-star rating from thousands of reviews, it remains a popular choice for exploring Edinburgh’s ghostly side.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for children?
The tour is recommended for ages 12 and above. Children under 2 years are not permitted.

What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes and weather-appropriate clothing are advised, as the tour involves walking outdoors and inside the vaults.

Can I book the tour now and pay later?
Yes, you can reserve your spot with the “Reserve now & pay later” option, and cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Is the tour accessible for people with mobility issues?
The tour involves stairs and uneven terrain, including a single-floor spiral staircase. It is not suitable for wheelchair users or those with mobility impairments.

What themes are discussed during the tour?
Themes include notorious criminals, paranormal activity, witches, and dark history of Edinburgh’s underground vaults and graveyard.

How long does the tour last?
The entire experience lasts about 1.5 hours, including visits to both Greyfriars Kirkyard and the Edinburgh Vaults.

What guides lead the tour?
Guides such as James, Jordan, Darren, Ally, and Fraser are praised for their knowledge, humor, and storytelling skills.

Where does the tour start and end?
It begins at 300 Lawnmarket next to the tourist information booth and ends back at the same meeting point.

Is there any food or drink allowed during the tour?
No, alcohol, drugs, and video/audio recordings are not permitted during the tour.

Can I expect ghost stories and paranormal tales?
Yes, guides share stories about paranormal occurrences, haunted characters, and the evil presence believed to inhabit the vaults.

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