Edinburgh: Underground Vaults Tour
Hightlight
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English-Speaking
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Group-Friendly
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Reservations
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Transport Access
History
Edinburgh’s South Bridge, completed in 1788, is a marvel of Georgian engineering, but beneath its arches lie the South Bridge Vaults, a network of chambers with a dark and fascinating history. Originally built to house businesses and storage for the bridge’s shops, the vaults soon became a squalid refuge for the city’s poorest residents, including criminals and immigrants, living in damp, cramped conditions rife with disease and hardship during the 18th and 19th centuries.
By the 19th century, the vaults were largely abandoned, sealed off, and rediscovered only in the 1980s. They gained notoriety for their grim past, linked to the Burke and Hare murders—where victims were killed to supply medical schools—and tales of witch persecutions. Today, the vaults are considered one of the world’s most haunted sites, featured on Most Haunted Live, with stories of paranormal activity adding to their eerie allure, making them a must-visit for those intrigued by Edinburgh’s darker side.
Highlights
- Explore the haunted South Bridge Vaults beneath Edinburgh’s Old Town
- Hear chilling tales of squalid living conditions, Burke and Hare murders, and witch persecutions
- Wander through dimly lit chambers with a guide’s spooky storytelling
- Visit the Torture Exhibition to see grim historical artifacts (if option selected)
- Learn about Edinburgh’s dark history and paranormal legends
Full Description
Step into the shadowy underworld of Edinburgh on this 1-hour guided walking tour of the South Bridge Vaults, starting at 300 Lawnmarket by the Tourist Information Booth and Red Telephone Box, across from Deacon Brodie’s Tavern. Led by an English-speaking guide, this tour takes you beneath the bustling streets of Old Town to explore the 18th-century vaults, notorious for their grim history and rumored hauntings.
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Descend into the candle-lit chambers via a single-floor spiral staircase and hear stories of the vaults’ past as a haven for the poor, where disease and hardship thrived. Learn about the Burke and Hare murders, where the duo killed to supply bodies for medical research, and the brutal persecution of alleged witches. Your guide will share paranormal tales, including ghostly sightings that have earned the vaults a reputation as one of the scariest places on Earth, as featured on Most Haunted Live.
If you’ve selected the Haunted Vaults option, expect extra focus on ghost stories and paranormal lore. With the Torture Exhibition option, explore artifacts and learn about historical punishments, from hangings to other grim practices (recommended for ages 12+). The tour concludes back at street level, leaving you with a haunting glimpse into Edinburgh’s darker past, blending history and spine-chilling storytelling in a compact, unforgettable experience.
Why Choose This Experience?
This tour is perfect for history buffs, thrill-seekers, and fans of the paranormal, offering a rare chance to explore Edinburgh’s hidden underground vaults. The guide’s engaging storytelling brings the city’s dark history to life, from squalid living conditions to infamous crimes, while the haunted reputation adds an eerie thrill. Its 1-hour duration makes it an easy addition to any Edinburgh itinerary, ideal for those seeking a unique, spooky adventure.
The wheelchair-accessible route (with noted limitations) and options for extra paranormal focus or the Torture Exhibition cater to varied interests, while the central location and vivid narratives make it accessible and engaging for most visitors. Whether you’re intrigued by Edinburgh’s grim past or its ghostly legends, this tour delivers a captivating, chilling experience in one of Scotland’s most historic cities.
What’s Included
- Guided tour of the South Bridge Vaults
- Expert English-speaking guide
- Entry to the Torture Exhibition (if option selected)
Itinerary
- Meet at 300 Lawnmarket by the Tourist Information Booth and Red Telephone Box
- Descend into the South Bridge Vaults via a spiral staircase
- Explore the dimly lit vaults with stories of their history and hauntings
- Hear about Burke and Hare murders, witch persecutions, and paranormal activity
- Visit the Torture Exhibition (if option selected) to see historical artifacts
- Conclude back at street level near the starting point
Pricing
From $29 per person
Meeting Point
Meet your guide at 300 Lawnmarket, Edinburgh, EH1 2PH, by the Tourist Information Booth and Red Telephone Box, across from Deacon Brodie’s Tavern (coordinates: 55.949326, -3.192912).
How to Get There
- By Foot: The meeting point is a 5-minute walk from Edinburgh’s Royal Mile or Waverley Station.
- By Bus: Lothian Buses (e.g., routes 23, 27, or 41) stop at George IV Bridge, a 3-minute walk to Lawnmarket.
- By Tram: Disembark at Princes Street, then walk 10 minutes uphill to the Royal Mile and Lawnmarket.
- By Car: Park at NCP Castle Terrace (EH1 2EW), a 10-minute walk to the meeting point; limited street parking is available.
Good to Know
What to Bring
- Comfortable shoes for walking and navigating stairs
- Weather-appropriate clothing (vaults are damp and cool; outdoor meeting point)
- Flashlight (optional, as vaults are dimly lit)
Know Before You Go
- The tour is in English only, with no audio guides or translations.
- The vaults’ entrance has a 2-foot step and a single-floor spiral staircase, plus small sections of stairs inside, which may not suit those with limited mobility.
- The walking pace and uneven terrain may be challenging for those with difficulty walking.
- The tour is not fully wheelchair accessible; contact the operator for specific needs.
- Content includes distressing topics like torture, hangings, and death; the Torture Exhibition is recommended for ages 12+, standard tour for ages 5+.
- Children under 2 are not permitted; unaccompanied minors and those under the influence of alcohol/drugs will be turned away.
- Filming or live streaming is strictly forbidden.
- Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
- The “reserve now, pay later” option allows booking without upfront payment.
Reviews
- Fascinating and spooky! The guide’s dry humor and scares were perfect. Loved it!
- Amazing tour! Dom’s storytelling of Edinburgh’s dark history was captivating. 100% worth it!
- Brilliant experience! Jayden’s historical knowledge and spooky tales were fantastic!
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FAQ's
What is the duration and structure of the Edinburgh Underground Vaults Tour?
This 1-hour tour starts at 300 Lawnmarket, leading you into the South Bridge Vaults via a spiral staircase. Your guide shares stories of the vaults’ grim history, including Burke and Hare murders, witch persecutions, and paranormal activity, with extra ghost tales for the Haunted Vaults option. The Torture Exhibition (if selected) explores historical punishments. The tour concludes at street level, offering a compact, chilling dive into Edinburgh’s dark past. Check start times when booking to fit your itinerary, noting the sensitive content.
Is the tour suitable for children or sensitive participants?
The standard tour is suggested for ages 5+, while the Torture Exhibition option is recommended for ages 12+ due to grim details of torture, hangings, murders, and death, which may be distressing for younger children or sensitive individuals. Children under 2 are not permitted, and parents should assess suitability for older kids, as the spooky atmosphere and paranormal stories can be intense. The guide’s engaging storytelling balances fright with history, making it fun for teens and adults, but contact the operator if unsure about content for your group.
Can I cancel or modify my booking if plans change?
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, offering flexibility for travelers adjusting their Edinburgh itinerary, ideal for combining with castle or Old Town visits. The “reserve now, pay later” option lets you book without immediate payment, perfect for fluid plans. Modifications, such as changing tour times, depend on availability—contact the operator via your booking confirmation email. Always review cancellation terms at booking, as Edinburgh’s popularity means tours fill quickly, especially for spooky attractions like the vaults.
Is the tour accessible for people with mobility issues?
The tour is not fully wheelchair accessible due to a 2-foot step and a single-floor spiral staircase at the vaults’ entrance, plus small sections of stairs inside and uneven terrain. Those with limited mobility or difficulty walking may find the pace and access challenging—contact the operator in advance to discuss specific needs. Comfortable shoes and weather-appropriate clothing are essential, as the vaults are damp and the meeting point is outdoors, ensuring most participants can prepare for a comfortable experience with proper planning.
What makes this tour unique compared to other Edinburgh walking tours?
This tour uniquely explores the hidden South Bridge Vaults, a rare underground glimpse into Edinburgh’s dark history, unlike surface-level city tours. Its focus on grim tales—Burke and Hare murders, witch persecutions, and hauntings—sets it apart, with the Haunted Vaults option amplifying spooky stories and the Torture Exhibition (if selected) adding chilling artifacts. Featured on Most Haunted Live, the vaults’ eerie reputation, combined with the guide’s candle-lit storytelling and interactive elements, creates a thrilling, immersive experience for history and paranormal enthusiasts in a compact 1-hour format.
