Edinburgh: Underground Vaults and Graveyard Evening Tour

If you’re a history buff, a fan of ghost stories, or just someone curious about Edinburgh’s eerie past, this Underground Vaults and Graveyard Tour might be right up your alley. While I haven’t personally done this particular tour, the fantastic reviews and detailed descriptions paint a pretty compelling picture of what to expect.

What I love about this experience is how it combines authentic access to hidden locations—like the Blair Street Vaults—and super engaging storytelling by guides who really know their stuff. It’s also clear that the tour is designed with atmosphere in mind, so you’ll probably find yourself feeling the chill of history and ghostly whispers alike.

One thing to keep in mind is that this is strictly for adults—you’ll need to be 18 or over—so if you’re traveling with kids, this one might not be suitable. Also, given the underground and outdoor parts, some walking and uneven terrain are involved, so comfortable shoes and weather-appropriate clothing are a must. If you’re into tales of haunted streets, notorious criminals, and haunted cemeteries, this tour seems like a solid choice.

This experience is best for those who enjoy stories with a spooky twist, appreciate well-guided walks through history, and aren’t bothered by darkness or creepy legends. It’s ideal for adults interested in a mix of history and ghostly encounters, and those with a taste for Edinburgh’s darker stories.

Key Points

• Authentic access to the Blair Street Underground Vaults and Canongate Graveyard
• Expert storytelling that balances creepy stories with historical facts
• Adult-only experience, suitable for those 18 and over
• Comfortable shoes and weather gear are recommended due to uneven terrain and outdoor elements
• Tours are guaranteed all year round, with flexible cancellation up to 24 hours in advance
• Highly rated guides and engaging narratives have earned consistent praise from travelers

You can check availability for your dates here:

What You Can Expect from the Tour

The Starting Point: Mercat Cross

Your night begins at the historic Mercat Cross, marked by the familiar 8-sided monument topped with a white unicorn. This spot acts as the perfect kickoff, allowing guides to gather everyone and set the tone for the night ahead. From here, the tour smoothly transitions onto the Royal Mile, where stories of bygone days come to life.

Walking Along the Royal Mile

As you stroll along the iconic Royal Mile, your guide will share stories about Edinburgh’s darker past, bringing the cobbled streets and closes to life. You’ll learn about the unsavory characters that roamed these streets—murderers, body snatchers, and cursed souls. Several reviews mention how the guides keep the tone lively yet respectful, adding humor and suspense to the experience.

Entering the Blair Street Underground Vaults

The highlight is the visit to the Blair Street Vaults, a private and spooky underground space that Mercat Tours has exclusive entry to. Imagine the feeling of stepping into rooms that have seen centuries of Edinburgh’s secrets—small, shadowy, and eerily quiet. As some reviews note, the vaults can be quite dark and a little unsettling, especially with the flickering torchlights and narrow corridors.

Here, your guide will tell you stories of ghosts, curses, and gruesome crimes, often with vivid descriptions that keep your senses on edge. The stories are crafted by storytellers who know how to keep you engaged, mixing history with ghostly legends. One reviewer praised their guide, Marie, saying she was “enthusiastic and fun,” making the experience enjoyable even for those less keen on dark tales.

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The Spooky Canongate Graveyard

Next, you’ll walk through shadowy closes to reach the Canongate Graveyard, the resting place of notable figures like Adam Smith and David Rizzio. Many of these graves have tragic and gruesome stories attached, which your guide will recount with just enough spookiness to make the hairs on your neck stand up. The graveyard is as atmospheric as it gets, especially at night when the shadows seem to stretch longer.

The Atmosphere

Throughout the tour, you’ll notice the eerie sounds—the distant scrape of footsteps, whispers that may or may not be your imagination, and the cold air that seems to cling to the stones and vaults. The combination of darkness, history, and storytelling creates a multi-sensory experience, often described as both terrifying and fascinating.

The Itinerary in Detail

Start at Mercat Cross
This historic site sets the tone and location for the whole experience. Expect a quick meet-and-greet, with guides ready to share a few initial tales before heading off.

Guided walk along the Royal Mile
This part of the tour is a mix of walking and storytelling, with your guide sharing historical tidbits and spooky legends linked to Edinburgh’s most famous street.

Access to the Blair Street Vaults
Here, you’ll experience the physical space—narrow corridors, dark corners, and rooms that have been untouched for centuries. Expect some atmospheric effects like flickering candles and ambient sounds, making it feel genuinely haunted.

Visit the Canongate Graveyard
The final stop offers a chance to reflect while walking among gravestones of Edinburgh’s notable—many of whom meet tragic ends. Expect stories of murder, madness, and ghost sightings, all told by guides with a flair for the theatrical.

Conclude back at Canongate Kirk
You’ll finish your tour nearby, close to the historic church, often with a sense of having stepped back into the past—if only for a little while.

Guide and Experience Quality

You’ll be in good hands with guides who are enthusiastic, knowledgeable, and storytellers who know how to keep a group captivated. Many reviews highlight guides like Shannon, Marie, and Margaret Ann, citing their engaging delivery and ability to make the stories both fun and chilling. The use of devices ensures everyone can hear clearly, which is crucial in such atmospheric environments.

Price and Value

While prices aren’t explicitly listed here, the reviews suggest that this tour offers good value—especially considering the exclusive access to underground vaults and detailed storytelling. The 105-minute duration means you get a well-paced experience without feeling rushed or overstayed.

Accessibility and Practical Tips

Note that the tour isn’t suitable for those with mobility impairments or wheelchair users, mainly because of the uneven terrain and underground locations. It’s also strictly for adults, due to the mature themes and potentially disturbing content. Expect walking for around an hour and some narrow, dark spaces that might challenge those who are not comfortable in low-light environments.

Real Traveler Experiences

Many guests have raved about guides, describing them as “amazing,” “enthusiastic,” and “fascinating.” One reviewer, Anastasia, shared, “Shannon was an awesome guide—you learn so much dark stuff and I highly recommend.” Others mention how the stories are presented with a perfect mix of humor and horror, making the experience both fun and spooky.

Several comments point out the high quality of storytelling, with guides like Lauren and Alex being praised for their engaging, theatrical delivery. It’s clear that guides really bring the stories to life, making history feel immediate and personal.

The Atmosphere and Spook Factor

While some reviews note that the vaults are not as extensive as expected, the atmosphere more than makes up for it. The darkness, sounds, and stories create a sense of genuine eeriness. One reviewer described feeling “goosebumps” and said that even without seeing ghosts, they felt a presence in the vaults.

Final Thoughts: Who Will Love This Tour?

This Edinburgh Underground Vaults and Graveyard Tour is a high-value experience for those who love stories that mix history and hauntings. It’s perfect for adults who enjoy a bit of scare with their history, and those who appreciate guides who can deliver captivating, humorous, and chilling tales. The exclusive access to the vaults and the atmospheric setting add a special touch many tours can’t match.

If you’re after a light, family-friendly walk, this isn’t for you. But if you’re in Edinburgh for the dark tales, enjoy atmospheric walks, and want to experience the city’s mysterious side, this tour is worth considering. It’s a well-organized, engaging, and genuinely spooky way to spend an evening exploring one of Scotland’s most haunted cities.

FAQs

Is this tour suitable for children?
No, this tour is only for those 18 and over due to mature themes and the spooky nature of the stories.

How long does the tour last?
The experience runs for approximately 105 minutes, covering walking, storytelling, and visits to underground vaults and the graveyard.

What should I wear?
Comfortable shoes are recommended because of uneven terrain, and weather-appropriate clothing is advised since parts of the tour are outdoors or in underground spaces.

Is the tour accessible for people with mobility issues?
No, the tour is not suitable for those with mobility impairments or wheelchair users because of the uneven, old surfaces and underground locations.

Can I cancel the tour?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, making it flexible in case your plans change.

Does the tour run all year?
Yes, it runs year-round, so you can plan regardless of the season—just dress accordingly.

What makes this tour stand out?
The exclusive access to the vaults, the engaging storytelling, and the atmospheric setting make this a memorable way to experience Edinburgh’s darker side.

Whether you’re in it for the history, the ghost stories, or just a different kind of night out, this underground tour offers a compelling mix of the spooky and the historical that many travelers seem to love. Just remember to wear comfy shoes, bring your curiosity, and prepare for a night that’s both chilling and fascinating.

You can check availability for your dates here: