Walking Tours

Underground Vaults Tour

4.7/5(132)

Manyalibo M

Couple

Verified booking

Last week

The Edinburgh Vaults tour was one of the highlights of our visit. I especially appreciated that the experience included much more than the vaults themselves as we made our way towards our destination. As we walked through the surrounding streets, our guide shared fascinating details about Edinburgh’s history and explained how the area developed over time. That background made entering the underground vaults feel even more atmospheric and meaningful. The haunted stories were entertaining and suitably eerie without overwhelming the genuine history of the place. I also enjoyed learning how the vaults were constructed, how they were originally used, and what daily life may have been like for the people who occupied them. It was an engaging combination of local history, architecture, and ghostly storytelling that brought a hidden side of Edinburgh vividly to life.

Sally F

Group

Verified booking

2 weeks ago

The tour guide was fun engaging and very knowledgeable. it didn't matter that is was raining it added to the great quality of the tour and information given. sadly I didn't take any photos as I prefer to take in information instead of record it.

Yvonne M

Couple

Verified booking

6 days ago

Our guide, Kieran was so informative and friendly - his sense of humour very good too. We had been on a tour yesterday with City Tours and learnt more from Kieran in the first 20 mins than we learnt in 2 hours from their guide. Thanks

Haakon F

Couple

Verified booking

Last week

Alex was amazing as we went through a captivating story of what essentially led to the creation of the vaults! The vaults were very interesting, and the hour went by so fast. Highly recommended!

Salem E

Couple

Verified booking

2 weeks ago

I liked the story about the coven fleeing one of the vaults because of the supernatural activity happening there. Stepping in that stone circle was one of my favorite parts of my Scotland Trip.

Austin M

Couple

Verified booking

2 weeks ago

It was so much fun! Perfect length. The vaults are awesome, and the storytelling was great. There was one story in particular that actually sent shivers down my spine. Definitely recommend.

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.

132 reviews
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What our guests say
Haakon F
Couple
Verified booking
Last week
Alex was amazing as we went through a captivating story of what essentially led to the creation of the vaults! The vaults were very interesting, and the hour went by so fast. Highly recommended!
Manyalibo M
Couple
Verified booking
Last week
The Edinburgh Vaults tour was one of the highlights of our visit. I especially appreciated that the experience included much more than the vaults themselves as we made our way towards our destination. As we walked through the surrounding streets, our guide shared fascinating details about Edinburgh’s history and explained how the area developed over time. That background made entering the underground vaults feel even more atmospheric and meaningful. The haunted stories were entertaining and suitably eerie without overwhelming the genuine history of the place. I also enjoyed learning how the vaults were constructed, how they were originally used, and what daily life may have been like for the people who occupied them. It was an engaging combination of local history, architecture, and ghostly storytelling that brought a hidden side of Edinburgh vividly to life.
Sally F
Group
Verified booking
2 weeks ago
The tour guide was fun engaging and very knowledgeable. it didn't matter that is was raining it added to the great quality of the tour and information given. sadly I didn't take any photos as I prefer to take in information instead of record it.
René B
Couple
Verified booking
Yesterday
The tour is easy to book and easy to join. Our guide Darrin did a good job. Some nice storys about the old Edinburgh and the parts of the vaults we enter. We did not see the banshee, which is good. Some facts, some fun and a little scary.
Yvonne M
Couple
Verified booking
6 days ago
Our guide, Kieran was so informative and friendly - his sense of humour very good too. We had been on a tour yesterday with City Tours and learnt more from Kieran in the first 20 mins than we learnt in 2 hours from their guide. Thanks

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.