Edinburgh: Underground Vaults Evening Ghost Tour with Whisky

Explore Edinburgh’s Haunted Underground Vaults with a Whisky

This 2-hour ghost tour in Edinburgh takes you beneath the historic Old Town to the infamous Blair Street Underground Vaults, known for their spooky reputation. Starting at Mercat Cross, the tour guides you through medieval closes filled with whispers of criminals, witches, and tormented spirits. After descending into the vaults, you’re treated to stories of blood, torture, and ghostly activity, all narrated by expert storytellers. The experience is enhanced by TourTalk audio devices for clear narration and a candlelit whisky or soft drink in a cozy cellar at the end.

The tour is well-rated, boasting a 4.6 out of 5 from over 2,500 reviews. Visitors consistently praise the guides for their engaging storytelling, with guides like Maeve, Michael, Steph, and Jack earning high marks for making the experience both spooky and entertaining. While the walking and underground sections are not suitable for children under 5 or individuals with mobility impairments, the tour offers a memorable look into Edinburgh’s darker history for those looking for a mix of history and ghostly fun.

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Key Points

• Duration: 2 hours of guided ghost stories, history, and underground exploration
• Start Point: Mercat Cross on the Royal Mile, opposite City Chambers
• Main Attraction: Access to the Blair Street Underground Vaults, known for their haunted reputation
• Experience: Narratives from master storytellers with audio devices for clarity
• Ending: Cozy candlelit cellar with whisky, beer, or soft drinks to recover after the spooky descent
• Rating: 4.6/5 from 2,553 reviews, showcasing consistent praise for guides and overall experience

From the Royal Mile to the Blair Street Vaults

The tour begins at the Mercat Cross, a historic octagonal stone monument on the Royal Mile, where guides gather groups and set the tone for the evening. From there, the guided walk through the Old Town lasts about 30 minutes, with guides sharing tales of Edinburgh’s gruesome past, including riots, witch hunts, and medieval punishments. The route covers medieval closes that make the history feel tangible.

The main event is the descend into the Blair Street Underground Vaults, which takes approximately 45 minutes. These vaults are renowned for their eerie atmosphere, with ambient sounds of clattering workmen and whispering voices creating authentic ghostly surroundings. Guides recount chilling stories related to each corner, emphasizing Edinburgh’s reputation for haunted history.

After exploring the vaults, the tour proceeds to Meggets Cellar, a cozy space lit by candles, where visitors enjoy a whisky or soft drink. During this time, storytelling continues, focusing on Edinburgh’s ghoulish past and restless spirits that are said to haunt the streets and vaults alike. The intimate atmosphere allows for sharing ghostly tales and chatting with fellow travelers.

Descent into the Blair Street Underground Vaults

The Blair Street Underground Vaults lie beneath the city on Blair Street and are considered among Edinburgh’s most notorious haunted sites. The vaults date back to the 18th century and have long been associated with dark tales of torture and crime. During the tour, guides lead groups through these dimly lit caverns, where the atmosphere is thick with history and ghostly whispers.

The 45-minute underground exploration emphasizes storytelling, with guides describing grisly tales of witchcraft, torture, and restless spirits. The sounds of clattering footsteps and distant voices contribute to the sense of being transported back in time. The vaults’ reputation as haunted sites is reinforced by the damp, cold environment, which many find adds to the thrill.

Visitors should note the limited accessibility — the underground sections are not suitable for individuals with mobility issues or those in wheelchairs. The tight, uneven passages demand comfortable shoes and a sense of adventure.

The Storytelling Style of the Guides

Guides like Maeve, Michael, Steph, Jack, and Martin receive high praise for their engaging and vivid storytelling. They bring the dark history of Edinburgh alive with passion and humor, making the stories both spooky and entertaining. Many reviews highlight the guides’ ability to build suspense and capture the audience’s attention, often with a touch of theatrical flair.

The guides also make good use of audio devices, ensuring everyone can clearly hear the tales even in the cavernous vaults. Their knowledge of Edinburgh’s dark history shines through, as they relate grisly tales with authenticity and flair. The guides’ enthusiasm makes the experience more immersive and memorable.

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The Atmosphere in Meggets Cellar

After the underground exploration, visitors gather in Meggets Cellar, a warm, candlelit space with a rustic tavern-like ambiance. Here, the storytelling continues, focusing on Edinburgh’s haunted past and tales of tortured souls lurking in the city’s shadows.

The inclusion of a whisky, beer, or soft drink adds a relaxed touch to the experience, encouraging conversation and camaraderie among guests. Many describe this part as cozy, with the candles flickering and the stories flowing, creating an authentic haunted tavern vibe.

The quality and variety of drinks—including locally-made soft drinks—are noted as a nice touch, offering options for those who prefer non-alcoholic beverages. The atmosphere and storytelling make this ending as memorable as the descent into the vaults.

Practical Details and Logistics

The tour starts at Mercat Cross, on the Royal Mile, with a clearly defined meeting point. The total duration is 2 hours, and the start times vary depending on availability. The tour includes entry to the vaults and devices for audio clarity; guides are English-speaking and lead the group throughout.

Participants should wear comfortable shoes and bring weather-appropriate clothing, as some parts of the tour involve walking outdoors and underground passages. The tour is not suitable for children under 5 or individuals with mobility impairments, due to the stairs and uneven surfaces.

The activity offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and the option to reserve now and pay later, making it flexible for travelers. The tour ends back at the starting point, providing convenience for those exploring Edinburgh afterward.

The Experience Compared to Similar Tours

With a high overall rating of 4.6, this tour stands out for its stable guides and engaging storytelling. Visitors appreciate the balanced mix of history and ghost stories, as well as the interactive atmosphere created by the guides.

Compared to other options like Auld Reekie’s Terror Tour or Haunted Vaults and Graveyard Tour, this experience emphasizes storytelling quality, sound clarity, and the inclusion of a drink at the end. The small group size and authentic vaults enhance the spooky vibe, making it a solid choice for lovers of history and paranormal tales.

Why This Tour Is a Good Choice

This Edinburgh underground ghost tour offers a well-rounded experience combining dark history, ghostly tales, and authentic haunted sites. The expert guides and attention to atmosphere make it particularly appealing to those who enjoy storytelling, history, and a touch of the supernatural.

The end in Meggets Cellar with whisky or soft drinks provides a relaxed and friendly conclusion, perfect for sharing stories and making new acquaintances. Visitors who appreciate engaging guides and immersive environments will find this tour a worthwhile addition to their Edinburgh adventure.

While the underground sections require some physical agility and are not suitable for all, the overall experience remains accessible for most travelers willing to embrace the spooky ambiance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for children?
Children under 5 years old are not allowed due to safety reasons.

Can I cancel the tour?
Yes, you can cancel free of charge up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

What languages are available?
The tour is conducted in English.

What should I wear?
Comfortable shoes and weather-appropriate clothing are recommended, especially for walking outdoors and underground.

Is the tour accessible for people with mobility issues?
No, the underground vaults are not suitable for those with mobility impairments or wheelchairs.

Does the tour include any food?
The tour includes a drink—either whisky, beer, or soft drinks—served in the candlelit cellar at the end.

Where does the tour start and end?
It starts at Mercat Cross on the Royal Mile and ends at the same location.

How long does the tour last?
The total duration is approximately 2 hours, including the walk, vault descent, and drinks.

What makes this tour unique?
The combination of storytelling, haunted vaults, and ending with a drink in a cozy cellar distinguishes this experience from other ghost tours in Edinburgh.

Is the guide knowledgeable?
Yes, reviews highlight guides like Maeve, Michael, Steph, and Jack for their engaging storytelling and deep knowledge of Edinburgh’s dark past.

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