Edinburgh: Witches Old Town Walking Tour & Underground Vault

If you’re visiting Edinburgh and have a curiosity for the mysterious and the macabre, the Witches Old Town Walking Tour & Underground Vaults promises an experience packed with storytelling, history, and a touch of the supernatural. Based on rave reviews and a lively reputation, this tour is designed to entertain and educate, all while taking you through some of the city’s most atmospheric spots.

What we really love about this experience is how knowledgeable guides bring Edinburgh’s past to life with engaging narratives, and how the final visit to the hidden underground vaults offers an exclusive peek into the city’s secret underbelly. On the flip side, a possible consideration is that the tour involves walking through uneven streets and stairs, which might not suit everyone with mobility issues.

This tour is perfect for travelers fascinated by witchcraft stories, Edinburgh’s historic streets, and underground secrets. It’s a compelling mix of history and theatrics, making it ideal for history buffs, fans of spooky tales, or anyone looking to add a unique layer to their Edinburgh visit.

Key Points

• Engaging Guides: Authentic character guides add personality and authenticity to the storytelling.
• Historic Streets & Wylds: Walk through atmospheric, dimly lit streets that evoke Edinburgh’s mysterious past.
• Witchcraft Stories: Learn about the lives of women accused of witchcraft with respectful storytelling.
• Underground Vaults: Experience an exclusive visit to The Lost Close, dating back to 1742.
• Value for Money: At $24 per person, it’s an accessible way to get a deep, entertaining look at local history.
• Inclusive Atmosphere: The tour is recommended for those comfortable with walking and stairs, but not suitable for people with mobility impairments.

You can check availability for your dates here:

The Experience in Detail

Starting Point and First Impressions

The tour kicks off outside Caffé Nero near St. Giles’ Cathedral, a central spot that’s easy to find and sets the tone for a walk through Edinburgh’s historic heart. From the outset, the guide’s lively personality—often described as authentic and engaging—immediately pulls you into the narrative. It’s clear that storytelling is the main ingredient here; guides are often praised for their enthusiasm and ability to keep the group captivated.

Walking Through Edinburgh’s Old Town

As you set off into the streets, expect to wander through some of Edinburgh’s most atmospheric parts, such as Lady Stair’s Close and Castlehill. These narrow, cobbled wynds feel like stepping back in time, and the quiet, sometimes eerie ambiance amplifies the stories about witches and their persecutions. One reviewer mentioned the “meandering streets and crowds,” but notes that the guides skillfully navigated this, making the experience smooth and enjoyable.

The stories told here aren’t just sensational—they’re often rooted in fact, with guides sharing historical anecdotes that shed light on the injustice faced by many accused women. The tone is respectful, aiming to honor those who suffered rather than sensationalize. As one reviewer pointed out, the tour provides an opportunity to understand the oppression and struggles faced by women in a time of scientific and societal change.

The Wylds and Streets

Among the highlights are stops in iconic locations like St. Giles’ Cathedral and Victoria Street, which is often lauded for its vibrant, fairy-tale-like charm. The guide often peppers their narration with fun facts, such as connections to Harry Potter and Outlander, giving those popular cultural references a historical twist. Such details make the tour appealing even for visitors who might not be deep into the history but enjoy a good story.

More Great Tours Nearby

The Vault Visit at The Lost Close

The final part of the tour is the underground vault visit at The Lost Close, which has been shrouded in mystery since the Great Fire of 1824. This is the piece that elevates the experience—it’s a rare chance to peer into a vault from 1742, offering a tangible link to Edinburgh’s hidden history. Expect to hear stories about the vault’s discovery and its intriguing past, making for a fitting conclusion to a journey that balances history with a dash of the spooky.

What the Reviews Say

Many reviewers, like Meilan, rave about the passion and storytelling skills of guides like Juniper. She brought the experience alive, making both the history and the underground vaults fascinating. Others, like Michelle, appreciated how informative and well-navigated the tour was, praising the guides’ ability to handle the streets and crowds smoothly.

The tour also receives high marks for its ability to educate and entertain children, with families and solo travelers alike enjoying the stories, humor, and atmosphere. Travelers mention feeling a sense of connection to Edinburgh’s past, often saying they learned new facts about the city’s witches and their plight.

Duration and Price

The tour lasts about 75 minutes, which strikes a good balance—long enough to get substantial stories and sights, but not so lengthy that it becomes tiring. At $24 per person, it’s considered very good value, especially given the quality of storytelling and the exclusive vault visit. It’s a straightforward booking that offers flexible cancellation and pay-later options, making it easy to plan your trip.

What to Expect at Each Stop

Caffé Nero (Start): The meeting point is central and easy to find, perfect for starting your Edinburgh adventure.

St. Giles’ Cathedral: Expect to see one of the city’s most famous landmarks. Guides often share interesting tidbits about its history and architecture.

Old Town Streets: As you walk through narrow wynds like Lady Stair’s Close and Castlehill, you’ll experience the atmospheric charm that makes Edinburgh so special. These streets feel like a living museum.

Victoria Street: Known for its colorful shops and lively vibe, this street is a visual highlight and often appears in Harry Potter tours.

Barrie’s Close (End): The tour concludes here, but the stories and atmosphere linger. The ending spot is also where you’ll visit The Lost Close vault.

Underground Vault at The Lost Close: The highlight for many, this visit offers a glimpse into Edinburgh’s secret underworld, dating from the 18th century, cloaked in mystery since the 1824 fire.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is perfect if you’re interested in history with a twist of the supernatural, or if you enjoy stories about witches and historic injustices. Guides are often lively and entertaining, making the experience suitable for travelers of all ages who are comfortable walking and climbing stairs. Families with older children, history buffs, and fans of Edinburgh’s darker tales will find plenty to enjoy.

However, those with mobility issues should note the included stairs and uneven terrain. Also, if you’re expecting a long, deep dive into history, this tour is more about storytelling and atmosphere than exhaustive education.

Final Thoughts

The Edinburgh Witches Old Town Walking Tour & Underground Vaults offers a compelling mix of storytelling, history, and atmospheric sights. For a reasonable price, you gain access to some of Edinburgh’s most evocative streets, learn about the city’s tragic witch hunts, and get an exclusive glimpse into underground vaults that few get to see.

Guides like Juniper and Agatha receive glowing praise for their enthusiasm and knowledge, adding authenticity and fun to the experience. It’s a tour that balances entertainment with education, all set against the backdrop of Edinburgh’s atmospheric streets—perfect for those who love a mix of history, mystery, and a little bit of magic.

If you’re keen to see Edinburgh from a different perspective and enjoy stories that bring the city’s past to life, this tour is well worth the time and money.

FAQs

Is the tour suitable for children? Many reviews mention that children enjoyed the stories, especially when guides kept things engaging and fun. However, the tour involves walking on cobbled streets and some stairs, so it might not be ideal for very young children or those with mobility issues.

How long does the tour last? It runs for approximately 75 minutes, providing a good chunk of time to explore the streets and underground vaults without feeling rushed.

What’s included in the price? The tour includes a professional character guide and a visit to the Underground Vault at The Lost Close. The price is $24 per person, which is quite reasonable for the experience.

Are there any weather considerations? Yes, the tour goes rain or shine, so dress appropriately with comfortable shoes and weather-appropriate clothing to enjoy the walk comfortably.

Where does the tour start and end? It begins outside Caffé Nero near St. Giles’ Cathedral and ends back at the same spot, with the underground vault visit incorporated into the last part of the tour.

Is this tour good for solo travelers or groups? Absolutely. Many reviews mention solo travelers who felt welcomed and engaged. The small group format makes it easy to connect with others or enjoy it on your own.

Can I cancel if my plans change? Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, giving you flexibility if your plans shift.

This tour stands out as a lively, atmospheric way to get to know Edinburgh’s darker history while enjoying some of the city’s most iconic sights. Whether you’re a history lover or just someone intrigued by spooky stories, it’s a memorable way to spend part of your visit.

You can check availability for your dates here: