Journey along Edinburgh's Royal Mile hearing some of Edinburgh's darker history before visiting the infamous hidden and supposedly haunted vaults beneath the South Bridge in Edinburgh Old Town. Hear tales of how the poor and unfortunate lived in these former slums. Explore these dimly lit vaults by candlelight, once the haunt of criminals, body snatchers and witches alike, said by some to now be occupied by a few of the spirits of these inhabitants long since dead. Each vault has stories of crime, disease, death and lots more... with which your guide shall enlighten you in all the gory details! You will see a genuine witchcraft temple, recently used by a Wiccan coven and you will enter their former temple. Join us to learn why it is no longer safe for them to practice their craft in that vault. DARE you step inside the infamous stone circle?
Reviews
Reviews and Rating (Tripadvisor)
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Reviews by Tripadvisor travelers
Viv7777, 12/16/2025 6:08:22 PM
Fun way to see the underground & learn about the gristly past, so much history in the city of Edinburgh. Our guide John Kincaid was great & dressed for the part
Alexis_J, 12/16/2025 7:35:04 AM
Nickel gave us a lot of interesting facts about Edinburgh and the vaults. The tour was really entertaining, and we discovered a lot during our visit.
Q3047YUjohnr, 12/15/2025 9:26:46 PM
15th December 2025 We had a wonderful tour guide named Nick, we found him very knowledgeable and friendly. The tour lasted an hour of which we retraced the steps and learnt about Burke and Hare, two notorious murderers of the early 1800’s . We Experienced the hidden vaults of Edinburgh. Learning about the disease’s and living conditions of the many inhabitants that were forced to live in the vaults below the city. We listened to some spooky tales, Nick left it up to us to decide whether the spooky tales were true or fiction. We learnt about the Cowgate and Grass Market and what took place there many years ago. A very good short tour full of interesting facts, can recommend. Janette & John
M5351BEhelene, 12/15/2025 3:36:07 PM
We went on the vaults tour this evening with James. He was incredible - so funny, engaging and passionate! Lots of interesting facts and fascinating stories. Make sure you book this tour and see a totally different side to the city.
charliesA6631XR, 12/15/2025 1:01:45 PM
Very interesting. Nick, the guide, was engaging and knowledgeable. I would recommend when dark as it felt more atmospheric.
Katie_C, 12/14/2025 2:50:05 PM
Very immersive tour of the vaults, and a great guide Nick. Would recommend when visiting Edinburgh!!
RaeAnn_R, 12/14/2025 12:52:16 PM
Very easy walk, fun stories (Nick was great), and interesting history. Recommend for families too!!!
andrew_s, 12/14/2025 12:25:35 PM
Kieran was a great tour guide his knowledge & stories where fascinating & then going underground to the vaults was an experience we will never forget, highly recommended this tour you won't be disappointed
Kathleen_M, 12/14/2025 9:24:15 AM
Super informative and a great snippet in time of Edinburgh's harsh history. Stewart, our guide, was excellent!
shhdhd, 12/14/2025 4:14:13 AM
Lisa was a very good tour guide very knowledgeable and helpful. She made the tour fun and relaxed. Showed us a lot of places we didn’t realise were there. The vaults were interesting if a little spooky
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Children must be accompanied by an adult
- not suitable for children under 5 years of age, children under 2 years of age are not allowed on tour.
- Entrance/Exit to the vaults is via a 2 foot tall step followed by single flight spiral staircase.
- Mezzanine staircases of 5-7 steps inside vaults between levels.
- Alcohol/Drugs are strictly forbidden and anyone under the influence of alcohol or drugs will be turned away.
- Non-service animals are not allowed.
- • Some historical content may be of a distressing nature with regards but not exclusively to Torture, Hangings, Death
- The walking pace and terrain may not be suitable for those with any difficulty walking.
- We do not have any luggage storage so please make alternate arrangements.
- No toilet stops or toilets available during tour.
Departure point
The tour starts from the Red Telephone Box and Tourist Information Police Box, outside of 300 Lawnmarket. This is on the opposite side of the road from Deacon Brodie’s Tavern. Please be there at least 5-10 minutes early as the tour will always depart on time.Redemption
Meet at the Red Telephone box and Tourist Information ticket booth outside of 300 Lawnmarket, EH1 2PH. This is on the opposite side of the road to Deacon Brodies Tavern. Please be 5-10 minutes early as tours will always depart on time.24 hours before travel date - 100% refund
Less than 24 hours before travel date - 0% refund