Edinburgh: Evening Underground Ghost Tour

If you’re after an experience that combines history, mystery, and a little bit of thrill, the Edinburgh: Evening Underground Ghost Tour might just be your perfect fit. We haven’t done this tour ourselves, but based on hundreds of reviews and a thorough look at what it offers, it seems like a compelling way to get a different perspective on Scotland’s capital after dark. From shadowy vaults to infamous characters, this tour promises to take you into the darker corners of Edinburgh’s storied past.

Two things we really like about this experience are its rich storytelling and the involvement of guides who keep it lively and engaging. Reviewers consistently praise the guides’ ability to blend humor with spine-chilling tales, making history both fun and creepy at the same time. Also, the underground vaults themselves are a major highlight, offering a visual and atmospheric thrill as you walk through chambers that once housed taverns, illicit activities, and even bodies.

One potential drawback is the duration; at just 75 minutes, it’s a quick trip into Edinburgh’s darker side. While short and sweet, some might wish for a little more time exploring the vaults or graveyard, especially given how atmospheric and mysterious these sites are. Also, it’s worth noting that the tour isn’t suitable for very young children or those with mobility issues, which is something to keep in mind if you’re traveling with family or friends with special needs.

This tour works best for those who enjoy stories with a historical edge, spooky atmospheres, and engaging guides. If you’re curious about Edinburgh’s haunted past but prefer your ghost stories with a good dose of humor and personality, this might just be your ideal night out.

Key Points

• Authentic Stories: The tour offers true tales of murder, torture, witchcraft, and infamous characters, bringing Edinburgh’s dark history to life.
• Engaging Guides: Multiple reviews highlight the guides’ ability to entertain, educate, and scare simultaneously.
• Atmospheric Locations: From the underground vaults to Greyfriars Kirkyard, the sites are both eerie and historically significant.
• Affordable Price: At $23 per person, it offers a good value for an hour and fifteen-minute experience packed with stories and spooky sights.
• Short Duration: The 75-minute length makes it a manageable evening activity, especially if you’re sightseeing all day.
• Limited Accessibility: Not suitable for those with mobility issues or children under five, so check if it’s a fit for your group.

You can check availability for your dates here:

What to Expect from the Tour

The Edinburgh Underground Ghost Tour is designed to give you a taste of the city’s darker past through a combination of storytelling, atmospheric visits, and a bit of theatrical flair. Starting at a meeting point on the Royal Mile, the experience begins with a walk through some of Edinburgh’s historic alleys and wynds. These narrow passages have witnessed centuries of history—some of it quite grim.

Next, you’ll visit the most haunted graveyard in Edinburgh, Greyfriars Kirkyard. You’ll hear tales of notorious characters buried there—stories that range from tragic to macabre. Many reviews mention the cemetery’s eerie feeling, especially after dark, and some describe strange noises or sensations, which add to the chilling effect.

The highlight, however, is the underground vaults, completed in 1788. These chambers once housed taverns and stored illicit goods, including the bodies of victims of Burke and Hare, serial killers turned corpse suppliers for medical experiments. Walking through these dark, stone chambers, you might find yourself imagining life in 18th-century Edinburgh, with whispers of torture, hangings, and dark deeds echoing around you.

Throughout the tour, expect a mixture of true tales, theatrical storytelling, and some spooky surprises. Guides often use humor to keep the mood lively, which helps balance the dark tales. Lafayette, one of the highly praised guides, is noted for his captivating storytelling—“brought the history and ghost stories of Edinburgh to life with a perfect mix of theatrical flair, sharp wit, and deep knowledge,” according to a satisfied traveler.

The Itinerary: What You’ll Really See

Starting at the Police Box/Kiosk on the Royal Mile, the tour kicks off with a walk that takes you through Edinburgh’s historic streets—each with its own story to tell. The first stop is a 30-minute walk down the Royal Mile, where your guide will share tales of hangings, witchcraft, and infamous characters. Expect to learn about some of Edinburgh’s most notorious figures and events that shaped its haunted reputation.

After the walk, the tour proceeds to the Greyfriars Kirkyard, where some stories of the gravestones and the site’s haunted reputation unfold. Many guests comment on the cemetery’s creepy atmosphere, especially after dark, with some reporting strange noises or sensations—something you should be prepared for if you’re sensitive to spooky environments.

Finally, you’ll descend into the Edinburgh Vaults—the real star of this tour. These chambers, built to house taverns and store illicit goods, are steeped in stories of murder, torture, and ghostly activity. The vaults still feel like a place where history’s darker side lingers, and many reviewers note that the experience of walking through them is both creepy and fascinating.

The tour wraps back at the starting point, giving you a condensed but intense experience of Edinburgh’s haunted past. The entire session lasts around 75 minutes, making it an ideal short evening activity or a compelling addition after a day of sightseeing.

The Guides: Making History Fun and Spooky

A major reason this tour receives such high praise is the guides’ knack for storytelling. Several reviewers mention guides like Lafayette, Maggie Dickson, Agnes Finney, and others by name, emphasizing their humor, knowledge, and theatrical delivery.

One review states, “Lafayette is a genius, making the tour very funny and sadly time goes quick with him,” highlighting how engaging the storytelling is. Others talk about guides who blend humor with respect, especially when discussing sensitive topics like executions or tragic events.

The guides’ ability to balance historical accuracy with theatrical flair makes the experience memorable. They often include anecdotes, impersonations, and humorous asides that keep the group entertained while learning about some of Edinburgh’s darkest secrets.

Is It Worth the Price?

At $23 per person for 75 minutes, this experience offers solid value. You get a guided walk through some of the city’s most haunted spots, with entrance to the Vaults included. The price is reasonable compared to other ghost tours, especially considering the quality of storytelling and the atmospheric locations you visit.

Many reviews praise the tour’s entertaining guides and the authenticity of the stories, which justifies the cost. If you’re into history and ghost stories, this tour will feel like a worthwhile investment for an evening’s entertainment.

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Accessibility and Practicalities

It’s important to note that this tour is not suitable for children under five or for guests with mobility impairments or wheelchair requirements. The underground vaults involve some walking and navigating uneven, confined spaces, which might be challenging for some.

The tour starts in the Royal Mile area, easy to access from central Edinburgh, and lasts just over an hour, so it’s easy to fit into a busy schedule. Be sure to wear comfortable shoes and bring weather-appropriate clothing, as you’ll be outdoors and in less-heated underground chambers.

Final Thoughts: Who Should Consider This Tour?

This ghost tour is ideal for adventure seekers, history enthusiasts, and those who enjoy a good scare with a side of humor. It’s a fantastic way to see a different, darker side of Edinburgh, especially if you love atmospheric locations and engaging storytelling.

If you’re traveling with friends or as a couple looking for a fun, spooky night out, this experience will likely meet your expectations. But if you’re looking for a long, deep dive into Edinburgh’s history or have specific accessibility needs, you might want to consider other options.

Overall, with its lively guides, atmospheric locations, and compelling stories, this tour offers a memorable and slightly spooky glimpse into Edinburgh’s haunted past—a perfect addition to your trip if you’re up for some ghostly tales and Historic Scotland charm.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for children?
It’s not suitable for children under 5 years old, and the underground vaults may be challenging for those with mobility issues or who require wheelchair access.

How long does the tour last?
The tour lasts about 75 minutes, making it a manageable evening activity that fits well into a day of sightseeing.

Do I need to pre-book?
Yes, you should reserve your spot in advance, especially during busy times, and you can cancel up to 24 hours before for a full refund.

What should I wear?
Comfortable shoes and weather-appropriate clothing are recommended, as you’ll be walking outdoors and exploring underground chambers.

What is included in the price?
Your ticket includes a guided tour and entrance to the Edinburgh Vaults.

Are guides available in languages other than English?
This tour is conducted in English, and no other languages are mentioned in the provided information.

Can I join the tour if I have limited mobility?
No, unfortunately it’s not suitable for guests with mobility impairments or wheelchair users, due to the uneven and confined spaces in the vaults.

If you’re after a spooky, story-rich experience with lively guides and atmospheric locations, the Edinburgh Underground Ghost Tour seems like a solid choice. It offers a fun and creepy way to see Edinburgh’s haunted side—perfect for dark evenings when you’re ready for a little thrill.

You can check availability for your dates here: