Edinburgh: Witches Old Town Walking Tour & Underground Vault

Discover the mysterious and captivating stories of Edinburgh’s witch trials on the Witches Old Town Walking Tour & Underground Vault offered by Enthral Experiences. Priced at $24 per person and lasting approximately 75 minutes, this tour immerses visitors in the city’s dark history, combining storytelling, historical sites, and an exclusive underground visit. Starting at Caffè Nero near St. Giles’ Cathedral, the tour takes you through narrow wynds and historic streets, with a special final visit to The Lost Close vaults dating back to 1742. This experience is ideal for those interested in Edinburgh’s haunted past, witchcraft lore, or simply looking for an engaging, history-rich walk. The tour’s high 4.8-star rating from nearly 1,000 reviews underscores its popularity and quality.

While the tour offers a unique focus on Edinburgh’s witch history and underground vaults, it is important to note that it is not suitable for travelers with mobility impairments. The 75-minute walking pace includes some stairs and uneven surfaces, and the weather runs in rain or shine. This tour combines storytelling, history, and a dash of the supernatural, making it a memorable choice for curious visitors eager to explore Edinburgh’s darker stories.

Key Points

• Price and Duration: Priced at $24 per person, lasting 75 minutes.
• Starting Point: Begins outside Caffè Nero near St. Giles’ Cathedral.
• Main Highlights: Engages visitors with storytelling by an authentic character guide, explores Old Town streets, and includes an underground vault visit.
• Focus on Witchcraft: Shares stories of Scottish witches, their lives, and the accusations they faced, with respectful homage to those wrongly accused.
• Exclusive Underground Vault Visit: The final 15 minutes involve a special tour of The Lost Close, dating back to 1742, cloaked in mystery since the Great Fire of 1824.
• Highly Rated: With a 4.8/5 rating from nearly 1,000 reviews, the tour is praised for knowledgeable guides and entertaining storytelling.

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Starting Point Near St. Giles’ Cathedral

The tour begins outside Caffè Nero, opposite the Mercat Cross, making it easy to find in the heart of Edinburgh’s Old Town. This central location suits visitors exploring on foot and allows for an effortless start to the experience. The guide, described as authentic and engaging, greets guests here to kick off a 75-minute journey into Edinburgh’s witch history and underground secrets.

Exploring Edinburgh’s Old Town Streets and Wynds

The tour takes you through dimly lit, narrow streets and spooky wynds of Edinburgh’s historic Old Town. Stops include St. Giles’ Cathedral, Lady Stair’s Close, Castlehill, and Victoria Street. Each location provides a backdrop to tales of witch trials, social injustice, and Edinburgh’s enigmatic past. The atmosphere is enhanced by the storytelling style of the guides, who bring the city’s history to life with lively anecdotes and theatrical flair.

The Guide’s Storytelling Approach

Many reviews emphasize the knowledge and enthusiasm of the guides, especially noting how they blend historical facts with engaging tales. The guides are praised for their funny, lively, and sometimes somber delivery, which suits the subject matter perfectly. This approach makes the stories of Scottish witches and underground vaults accessible and captivating, whether visitors are history buffs or casual travelers.

The Underground Vaults at The Lost Close

The final 15-minute segment of the tour involves descending into The Lost Close, an underground vault discovered recently and cloaked in mystery since the Great Fire of 1824. The vault, dating from 1742, offers a fascinating glimpse into the past, completing the experience with stories of the city’s hidden depths and secrets. This part of the tour is often highlighted as a unique and memorable aspect, adding an extra layer of intrigue and adventure.

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The Route and Key Stops

The tour visits Lady Stair’s Close, Castlehill, and Victoria Street, each with its own historical significance. Lady Stair’s Close offers a glimpse of Edinburgh’s historic passageways, while Castlehill provides scenic views and stories connected to Edinburgh Castle and its surrounding history. Victoria Street is known for its vibrant shops and colorful facades, offering a lively contrast to the darker stories told during the tour.

Practical Details and Logistics

The tour is led by a live English-speaking guide from Enthral Experiences. It is suitable for those prepared for 75 minutes of walking, with comfortable shoes and weather-appropriate clothing recommended. The tour runs rain or shine, so travelers should come prepared for any weather conditions. The meeting point is easy to find, and the tour ends back at the starting location.

What Sets This Tour Apart

What makes this experience stand out is the combination of storytelling, historical sites, and underground exploration. The immersive narration by guides like Juniper and Agatha has earned praise for being funny, passionate, and deeply informative. The exclusive visit to The Lost Close vaults adds a rare and chilling element, perfect for those interested in Edinburgh’s haunted past and witchcraft lore.

Accessibility and Considerations

The tour is not suitable for people with mobility impairments due to the nature of the underground vaults and uneven surfaces. The walking involves some stairs, and the outdoor elements mean visitors should dress accordingly. Despite this, the 75-minute duration makes it a manageable experience for most, especially those comfortable with walking short distances in historic city streets.

Final Thoughts on the Edinburgh Witches & Underground Vaults Tour

This walking tour offers a blend of history, legend, and eerie underground sights that appeal to a wide range of visitors. The $24 price point provides good value given the engaging storytelling and exclusive vault visit. The high rating from nearly 1,000 reviews highlights the consistent quality and enjoyment of the experience.

Ideal for history enthusiasts, fans of the supernatural, or those curious about Edinburgh’s darker side, the tour’s charismatic guides and well-planned route** make it a compelling choice. However, travelers should prepare for a moderate walking pace and outdoor weather. This experience raises the curtain on Edinburgh’s haunted and witchcraft stories, leaving guests with memorable tales and a deeper understanding of the city’s secretive past.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for children?
Many reviews mention that guides, like Juniper, are able to entertain children, and the tour is generally family-friendly, provided children can handle a 75-minute walk and some stairs.

What should I bring for this tour?
Comfortable shoes and weather-appropriate clothing are recommended since the tour runs rain or shine. Stairs in the underground vaults may require some mobility.

Can I cancel or reschedule?
Yes, the tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance. You can reserve now and pay later, giving flexibility for your travel plans.

What makes this tour different from other Edinburgh ghost or underground tours?
This tour emphasizes Scottish witch history, storytelling by character guides, and an exclusive underground vault visit at The Lost Close, providing a unique mix of history and mystery.

Is the underground vault accessible?
No, the vaults are not suitable for travelers with mobility impairments due to stairs and uneven surfaces.

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