Walking Tours

Underground Vaults Tour

4.7/5(187)

Isabel C

Couple

Verified booking

3 weeks ago

Our guide, Stewart, was phenomenal. During the walk towards the vaults we stopped along the way in several sites and told bits of information/curiosities, which made the tour even more interesting. Inside the vaults really enjoyed how the tour was planed and played out. Made it informative and fun. Definitly recommend the tour and the guide.

Janet B

Solo

Verified booking

2 weeks ago

Stewart our guide was very knowledgeable about the area and the history. We were a small group and he took into consideration all our abilities (mobility wise) The hour flew by! Would have loved to see more, but perhaps next time.

Jay M

Solo

Verified booking

5 days ago

Alex was incredibly informative and obviously knew what he was talking about, he also incorporated a bit of a back-story as to the reasons people used to live in the vaults with the history of the the old gaol, a brilliant experience

Andrew R

Couple

Verified booking

Oct 2026

Alex was a fantastic guide. Really friendly and knowledgeable. She had a lovely personality and it's clear she enjoys taking the tour. We would definitely recommend the vaults tour and pass on a big thankyou to Alex

Paula C

Couple

Verified booking

2 days ago

The guide was knowledgable and made the tour engaging. We enjoyed the whole experience We appreciated the last minute time adjustment to our booking it really helped us out. Would highly recommend.

Martin D

Group

Verified booking

2 days ago

The tour itself was great and our guide, Jordan, was very informative about the history of the area's we visited. He was, also, very funny which made the tour all the more enjoyable.

Explore the eerie and spooky side of Edinburgh on a 60-minute guided tour of the famous South Bridge vaults in the Old Town.

Set off on a guided journey through the vaults and discover how they evolved from merchant storage spaces into slums, taverns, and criminal hideouts.

Enter the notorious stone circle hidden within the vaults and hear lesser-known stories of its mysterious past from your guide.

Step inside a witchcraft temple, once used by a modern coven known as the “Source Coven of the Blue Dragon,” and learn why it was no longer safe for them to practise there.

Along the way, keep your eyes peeled for eerie sights while hearing stories about the criminals, body snatchers, and witches once linked to these spaces.

60-minute guided tour of Edinburgh’s most haunted vaults

Access to the South Bridge vaults in Edinburgh’s Old Town

Access to the stone circle in the vaults

Visit to a genuine witchcraft temple

Dark tales of the vaults’ past visitors and inhabitants

Private tours (available at an additional cost)

You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.

187 reviews
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These ratings include verified reviews from both Headout guests and our trusted partners who operate this experience locally. All reviews come from real travelers who've taken this experience.
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What our guests say
Brian G
Couple
Verified booking
2 weeks ago
We had a fun time. The guide was very natural and personable. We had a lot of questions and he just seamlessly worked them into the tour. It felt longer than an hour.
Isabel C
Couple
Verified booking
3 weeks ago
Our guide, Stewart, was phenomenal. During the walk towards the vaults we stopped along the way in several sites and told bits of information/curiosities, which made the tour even more interesting. Inside the vaults really enjoyed how the tour was planed and played out. Made it informative and fun. Definitly recommend the tour and the guide.
Janet B
Solo
Verified booking
2 weeks ago
Stewart our guide was very knowledgeable about the area and the history. We were a small group and he took into consideration all our abilities (mobility wise) The hour flew by! Would have loved to see more, but perhaps next time.
Jay M
Solo
Verified booking
5 days ago
Alex was incredibly informative and obviously knew what he was talking about, he also incorporated a bit of a back-story as to the reasons people used to live in the vaults with the history of the the old gaol, a brilliant experience
Paula C
Couple
Verified booking
2 days ago
The guide was knowledgable and made the tour engaging. We enjoyed the whole experience We appreciated the last minute time adjustment to our booking it really helped us out. Would highly recommend.

Step into Edinburgh’s dark past on a 60-minute guided tour of the South Bridge vaults, uncovering eerie stories of crime and witchcraft beneath the Old Town.

Getting started

Meet your guide at 300 Lawnmarket, Edinburgh, EH1 2PH. Have your tickets validated and begin your journey beneath the city streets, descending into the vaults that were once the haunt of criminals and suspected witches.

What to expect

Edinburgh’s Haunted Vaults

Hidden beneath South Bridge in Edinburgh’s Old Town, these vaults once served as storage spaces before falling into disrepair as slums and criminal hideouts. Today, they are known for eerie tours and chilling stories from the city’s dark past.

Features

The South Bridge vaults: Walk through underground chambers and discover how they evolved from merchant storage spaces into criminal hideouts.

Witchcraft temple: Enter a chamber once used by the Source Coven of the Blue Dragon and hear why the group abandoned this eerie space.

The stone circle: Stand within the mysterious stone circle hidden inside the vaults and uncover the dark folklore connected to it.

What’s not allowed

Alcohol is not permitted on the tour and anyone under the influence of alcohol or drugs will be denied entry

Filming or live-streaming is strictly prohibited

Accessibility

The walking pace and uneven terrain may not be suitable for those with mobility difficulties

The tour is not accessible for wheelchairs or strollers

Additional information

Arrive 5–10 minutes early to ensure a prompt departure as tours start on time

The tour is not recommended for children under 5 years old

Children up to 15 years old must be accompanied by an adult

The tour begins at 300 Lawnmarket, Edinburgh, EH1 2PH

The tour ends at 45 Niddry Street, Edinburgh, EH1 1LG

The vault entrance and exit include a 2-foot step, followed by a single-floor spiral staircase and additional short sections of stairs inside

The vaults are lit mainly by candles, emergency lighting, and the guide’s torch, which may affect those with vision impairments

Tours run in all weather conditions, so dress accordingly

Your voucher will be emailed to you shortly.

Display the voucher on your mobile phone with a valid photo ID at the starting point.

Please check your final voucher for the starting point details & specific instructions.