Edinburgh: Underground Vaults Tour

If you’re considering exploring Edinburgh beyond its charming streets and historic sites, then the Underground Vaults Tour is worth a look. This experience offers a fascinating peek beneath the city’s surface, where shadowy vaults hold stories of murders, witches, and the everyday lives of Edinburgh’s poorest residents. While it’s not the cheapest thing you’ll do at $30 a ticket, many find the stories and atmosphere well worth the price.

What we love about this tour is the expert storytelling from guides who clearly know their stuff and keep things lively, and the atmosphere—dimly lit vaults with candlelight make the experience feel genuinely spooky. On the flip side, a quick heads-up: it’s not suitable for everyone, especially those with mobility issues or young children under two. The underground setting and stairs mean it’s best for those comfortable with walking and small steps.

This tour tends to attract those intrigued by Edinburgh’s haunted reputation and history buffs curious about the city’s darker past. It’s an experience best suited for adults or older children who can handle some spooky stories and a bit of the gruesome side of history. If you’re after a spooky but informative adventure that mixes history with ghostly tales, this one might just be a perfect fit.

Key Points

• Authentic underground experience: Walk through dimly lit vaults that date back to the 1700s, gaining a real sense of history.
• Engaging guides: Expect knowledgeable storytellers who keep the atmosphere lively, informative, and sometimes spooky.
• Haunted tales: Hear about murders, witches, and spirits said to haunt the vaults, with extra ghost stories available in the Haunted Vaults option.
• Historic insights: Learn about the squalid conditions and diseases faced by residents living in the vaults, adding depth to the ghost stories.
• Accessible details: The tour includes entry to the Torture Exhibition (if selected), which explores more of Edinburgh’s darker side.
• Practical considerations: Tour lasts about an hour, involves walking on uneven terrain, and includes stairs—good to keep in mind if mobility is a concern.

You can check availability for your dates here:

What to Expect from the Underground Vaults Tour

The tour kicks off in front of 300 Lawnmarket, right across from Deacon Brodie’s Tavern, where you’ll meet your guide. From there, you’ll walk a short distance to the entrance of the South Bridge vaults—the very underground corridors and chambers that hold centuries of stories.

Once inside, the atmosphere immediately feels different. The vaults are dimly lit, and the narrow corridors echo with tales of Edinburgh’s past residents and their hardships. Expect to walk through single-floor spiral staircases, small sections of stairs inside, and uneven terrain. The tour is designed to be atmospheric, so comfortable shoes are a must.

Your guide will lead you through various sections of the vaults, sharing stories of the poor living conditions and diseases that plagued those who dwelled within. The history of the vaults as homes for the impoverished in the 1700s makes the stories even more compelling, showing how the space was used over time—sometimes for nefarious activities, sometimes as makeshift living quarters.

Murders, Witches, and Spirits

From tales of Burke and Hare, infamous for their gruesome murders, to the persecution of witches, your guide will weave a narrative of Edinburgh’s darker history. Many visitors find this particularly captivating because it offers a behind-the-scenes look at a city that often presents itself as charming and vibrant.

The Haunted Vaults option adds an extra layer of ghost stories and paranormal tales, which many reviews rave about. The atmosphere becomes more intense, especially during the short immersive experience in a haunted room. Some reviews describe the storytelling as very engaging, with guides who know how to build tension and make things feel genuinely spooky.

The Torture Exhibition

If you opt for the Torture Exhibition, you’ll explore exhibits showing devices and methods used in times past. This part of the tour reveals the darker, more brutal side of Edinburgh’s history, which some find uncomfortable but fascinating.

The Value of the Experience

At $30 per person, the tour is priced in line with other similar experiences in Edinburgh, and many reviewers feel it offers good value. They praise the guides’ storytelling skills, the atmosphere, and the depth of historical context. Several mention how it’s a fun way to learn about Edinburgh’s less polished past, especially if you’re into ghost stories and spooky history.

People also appreciate that the tour combines storytelling with visual elements—like candlelight and authentic underground spaces—that heighten the sense of being in another time. The entry to the Torture Exhibition, if chosen, adds a bit more to the ticket price, but also enriches the overall experience.

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What’s Not As Great

The main drawback? The tour isn’t suitable for everyone. The stairs and uneven terrain mean it’s not accessible to people with mobility issues or wheelchair users. The tour is in English only, with no audio guides or translations, which could be a concern if English isn’t your first language. Also, because filming or live streaming is forbidden, you won’t be able to record the experience for later.

Family and Age Recommendations

The tour is recommended for ages 12+ with the Torture Exhibition and 5+ without it, so families with older kids might enjoy it. Children under two aren’t permitted, and those under 12 should be ready for some spooky, potentially distressing stories.

Why This Tour Might Be Perfect for You

If you’re interested in Edinburgh’s haunted reputation, enjoy dark history, or love stories involving murders and witches, this tour hits the mark. The guides are highly praised for their enthusiasm and storytelling, making the experience engaging and memorable. The hour-long duration makes it a manageable add-on to your sightseeing list, and the price point offers a decent value for such an atmospheric experience.

However, if you’re sensitive to spooky or gruesome stories, or if mobility is an issue, you might want to consider other options or skip this one. It’s not designed to be a family-friendly romp, but rather an immersive, slightly eerie peek into Edinburgh’s underground past.

Final Thoughts

For those after a mix of history and ghostly tales, the Edinburgh Underground Vaults Tour offers an atmospheric, well-reviewed journey into a hidden side of the city. The knowledgeable guides, the eerie ambiance, and the stories of murders and witches make it a popular choice. It’s especially suited for history buffs, ghost story enthusiasts, or anyone curious about Edinburgh’s darker chapters.

While it’s not the most accessible or family-friendly activity, it provides a unique perspective on the city’s past that you won’t find in typical sightseeing tours. If you’re prepared for a spooky hour underground and want to hear some captivating tales, this tour could be a highlight of your Edinburgh trip.

FAQ

Is the tour suitable for children?
The tour is recommended for ages 12+ if choosing the option with the Torture Exhibition, and 5+ without it. Children under 2 aren’t permitted, and younger children should be comfortable with spooky stories and uneven terrain.

How long does the tour last?
It runs for about 1 hour. Check availability for specific start times when booking.

Is there any physical difficulty involved?
Yes, the tour involves walking on uneven terrain, a staircase with a 2-foot step at the entrance, and small sections of stairs inside. It may not be suitable for those with mobility challenges or difficulty walking.

What’s included in the tour?
You get a guided walk through the South Bridge vaults, and if you select it, entry to the Torture Exhibition.

Can I record or film during the tour?
No, filming and live streaming are strictly forbidden to preserve the atmosphere and respect the experience.

Is it worth the price?
Many reviews say yes, especially considering the engaging guides, atmospheric setting, and intriguing stories. It offers a good balance of history, spooky tales, and unique underground views for $30.

What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes and weather-appropriate clothing are advised, as you’ll be walking through underground spaces.

If you’re curious about Edinburgh’s more mysterious and haunting past, this tour delivers stories that stick with you long after you leave. Just be prepared for a bit of darkness, both literal and figurative, and you’ll find it an engaging and memorable part of your trip.

You can check availability for your dates here: