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Walking Tours

The Terror Tour

Medieval torture devices displayed in Edinburgh's Terror Tour exhibition.
Guide explaining historical site to guests on the Terror Tour in Edinburgh.
Underground stone chamber with eerie lighting on the Terror Tour in Edinburgh.
Royal Mile Edinburgh with St. Giles' Cathedral and red phone booths.

Duration

1 hr 15 min

Free cancellation

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start of your experience

Book now, pay later

Book now without paying anything. Cancel for free if your plans change.

Guided tour

    • Step into Niddry Street’s haunted depths for 75 mins of adult-only terror on this tour featuring Nuremberg’s grim instruments.

    • Enjoy an atmosphere of pure dread without the distraction of children on this 18+ exclusive tour that explores Edinburgh’s darkest history.

    • Witness the world’s scariest vaults and the only exhibition of authentic German torture tools from Nuremberg and Bamberg Castles in Germany.

    • Explore the most extensive underground vaults in Auld Reekie for an unfiltered, spine-chilling journey into paranormal chaos.

    • Access to Edinburgh’s South Bridge underground vaults

    • Entry to medieval Torture exhibition

    • Expert guide

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

  • Descend into Edinburgh’s haunted underground vaults and a medieval torture exhibition on this 75-minute guided walking tour.

    Getting started

    Meet your expert guide at 300 Lawnmarket, Edinburgh EH1 2PH, near the main entrance. After a quick ticket check, your guide will introduce the tour and outline safety guidelines before leading the group along the Royal Mile.

    What to expect

    The Terror Tour

    Explore the city’s most extensive set of underground vaults, dating back to the 1700s, and discover chilling tales from Edinburgh’s darker past. The tour includes exclusive access to the paranormally active Niddry Street vaults and a collection of authentic torture instruments from Germany’s Nuremberg and Bamberg Castles.

    Features:

    • Medieval torture exhibition: View rare instruments from the late 1500s and early 1600s, offering insight into historical justice and Edinburgh’s notorious reputation.

    • Niddry Street vaults: Walk through vaults renowned for paranormal activity, considered among the world’s scariest underground sites.

    • Expert storytelling: Guides share captivating stories and eerie legends from Edinburgh’s Old Town, blending historical facts with local folklore.

    • Adults-only experience: This tour is strictly for guests aged 18 and over, ensuring an atmospheric and immersive evening.

  • What to bring

    • Wear sensible, comfortable footwear suitable for walking and uneven surfaces.

    • Bring a valid photo ID as this experience is strictly for guests aged 18 and above.

    • Dress appropriately for warm but potentially damp underground conditions.

    What’s not allowed

    • Guests under the age of 18 are not permitted on this tour.

    • Alcohol, drugs, and anyone under the influence of these substances are strictly prohibited and will be refused entry.

    • Due to tour restrictions, your pets cannot tag along.

    Accessibility

    • This experience is not wheelchair accessible.

    • Guests must be able to climb a 2-foot step and navigate a winding staircase to access the vaults.

    • The tour may not be suitable for those with walking difficulties or limited mobility.

    Additional information

    • Please arrive at the meeting point at least 5 minutes before your scheduled tour time.

    • Photography is allowed, but guests may be asked to switch off camera lights if anyone in the group is sensitive to flash.

    • Special late-night tours (11pm and midnight) are available only on select dates in October.

    • There are no toilet facilities available during the tour, and no toilet breaks are scheduled.

    • 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.

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