Edinburgh: Haunted Underground Vaults and Graveyard Tour

If you’re visiting Edinburgh and craving a mix of history, mystery, and ghostly tales, this tour offers an intriguing peek into the city’s darker past. For around $32 per person, you’ll spend about 1.5 hours wandering through Greyfriars Kirkyard and exploring the underground vaults beneath South Bridge. Our guides—whose enthusiasm and storytelling skills receive high praise—bring these eerie sites to life with a mix of facts, legends, and a dash of spooky fun.

What we particularly loved about this tour: First, the knowledgeable guides like James, Jordan, Fraser, and Ally, who make the history engaging rather than dry. Second, the stunning visuals and atmospheric locations—the Gothic tombs, the shadowy vaults, and the historic streets—really help you feel immersed in Edinburgh’s haunted reputation.

One thing to keep in mind is that the tour involves some stairs and uneven terrain—not suitable if you have mobility challenges or are uncomfortable in dark, confined spaces. Also, it’s tailored more for ages 12 and up, so families with very young children might want to consider that.

This experience suits those who enjoy history with a spooky twist, ghost stories, and a lively guide who can make even the eerie locations fun and fascinating. It’s especially popular among travelers who want a memorable, immersive look into Edinburgh’s darker side.

Key Points

• Authentic Stories and Legends: Guides share vivid tales about notorious criminals, witches, and ghostly encounters.
• Historic and Atmospheric Locations: Visit the Gothic Greyfriars Kirkyard and the underground vaults, filled with history and spooky ambiance.
• Engaging Guides: Highly praised guides like James, Jordan, Fraser, and Ally make the experience lively, humorous, and memorable.
• Suitable for History and Ghost Enthusiasts: Ideal for those curious about Edinburgh’s darker history and enjoy a bit of spooky entertainment.
• Accessible to Most Travelers: Tour length and price make it a good value, though some terrain might challenge those with mobility issues.
• Highly Rated: With a 4.6/5 from over 5,400 reviews, this tour consistently delivers a compelling experience.

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Full Breakdown of the Haunted Vaults and Graveyard Tour

Starting Point and Logistics

The tour begins on the pavement outside 300 Lawnmarket, right next to the tourist info point, Police Box, and telephone box. This spot, on the corner of Lawnmarket and George IV Bridge, is easy to find, especially if you’re familiar with Edinburgh’s historic Royal Mile. The meeting point is convenient—no long transportation needed—and the tour ends back where it started, making logistics straightforward.

The duration is 1.5 hours, a manageable length that balances enough time to explore without feeling rushed. You’ll want comfortable shoes and weather-appropriate clothing, since Edinburgh’s weather can be unpredictable and parts of the route are outdoors.

What You’ll See and Hear

Greyfriars Kirkyard

This historic graveyard is famous for its Gothic mausoleums, notable burials, and the legendary tale of Greyfriars Bobby, the loyal dog who kept vigil by his master’s grave. Tour guides share stories about notorious criminals, including the infamous Burke and Hare. These stories add a layer of gritty, sometimes grisly, history to the beautiful but somber landscape of gravestones and statues.

Reviewers like Morgan and Sarah rave about guides like James, who make the stories lively and engaging. Morgan notes, “James was an AMAZING guide! Truly passionate about what he does which made it even more fun.” You can expect a mix of humor, historical facts, and spooky legends as you walk among the gravestones.

Edinburgh Vaults

A highlight of the tour is the visit to the underground vaults beneath South Bridge. These vaults, once used by the destitute, witches, and even a Hellfire Club, are now shrouded in tales of paranormal activity and haunting encounters. The vaults are dark, confined, and atmospheric—perfect for those who enjoy a touch of fear.

Inside, you’ll find a spiral staircase and steps—some reviews mention that the entrance involves a two-foot step, so it’s not ideal if you have limited mobility. The vaults’ walls and arches are evocative of Edinburgh’s long-standing reputation for ghost stories, and guides recount experiences of strange noises and ghostly sightings.

The Guides and Their Stories

The guides are what truly elevate this experience. Their enthusiasm, humor, and storytelling ability receive consistent praise. Multiple reviews mention guides like Ally, Fraser, and Jordan, who keep the group engaged with interesting facts and lively narration.

For example, Heather describes Ally as “an excellent guide—she told us great stories and accommodated everyone well.” Another reviewer, Lindsay, says Fraser was “very knowledgeable and welcoming,” making the whole experience enjoyable. The guides’ ability to balance humor with respect for the sites adds to the overall fun.

More Great Tours Nearby

The Atmosphere and Experience

Expect a dark, atmospheric walk through Edinburgh’s historic streets, graveyard, and underground vaults. Some stories may be distressing, involving themes of torture, hangings, and death, so this tour is best suited for those 12 and older. Children under 2 are not permitted, and those under the influence of alcohol or drugs will be turned away for safety and decorum.

Many guests comment on the spooky moments in the dark vaults, with some describing chilling sensations or hearing unexplained noises—though these are always presented as stories rather than guaranteed paranormal experiences. Still, the combination of history, architecture, and ghostly tales offers an immersive, memorable experience.

Price and Value

At $32, this tour offers good value considering its length, the lively guides, and the access to iconic sites. The reviews show consistent enthusiasm, indicating that most visitors feel they get their money’s worth—both in entertainment and education.

It’s flexible too—if you prefer to keep your plans open, you can reserve now and pay later, or cancel with a full refund if your plans change. Plus, the small group setting and engaging storytelling make it more personal and memorable than a generic tour.

Accessibility and Practicalities

While the tour isn’t suitable for those with limited mobility due to stairs and uneven terrain, it’s otherwise straightforward to join. The meeting point is central and easy to find, and the tour is conducted in English with a live guide.

Keep in mind the no video or audio recording policies, which help preserve the atmosphere and respect the sites. Also, dress appropriately for the weather, as part of the tour is outdoors in Edinburgh’s historic streets.

Who Will Love This Tour?

If you’re curious about Edinburgh’s haunted reputation, love hearing stories about notorious criminals, or enjoy exploring historic sites with a lively guide, this tour is perfect. It’s especially appreciated by travelers who want a mix of history and ghostly tales in a compact, engaging format.

Families with teenagers, history buffs, and those looking for an evening activity that’s both fun and a little spooky will find this experience very satisfying. It’s also suitable for anyone who appreciates authentic locations with atmospheric appeal and a good storyteller.

The Sum Up

This haunted underground vaults and graveyard tour blends history, legend, and a touch of the spooky to give visitors a memorable glimpse into Edinburgh’s darker side. The knowledgeable guides make the stories come alive, and the atmospheric locations create a sense of stepping back in time—albeit with some added ghostly whispers.

While the terrain and stairs might pose a challenge for some, the overall experience offers impressive value for the price. Whether you’re a history lover, a ghost story enthusiast, or simply looking to experience Edinburgh’s legendary haunted reputation, this tour delivers with energy and authenticity.

This is best suited for travelers who enjoy engaging storytelling, historic sites, and a little spine-tingling fun. With high ratings and rave reviews, it’s clear that many visitors find it a highlight of their Edinburgh trip.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, but it is recommended for ages 12 and up. Children under 2 are not permitted.

What should I wear?
Comfortable shoes and weather-appropriate clothing are advised, as part of the tour involves outdoor walking and some uneven terrain.

How long does the tour last?
The tour lasts approximately 1.5 hours, making it a manageable and engaging experience without feeling rushed.

Are there stairs involved?
Yes, entrance to the vaults involves a two-foot step, and inside there are small sections of stairs, so it might not be suitable for those with mobility impairments.

Can I cancel or reschedule?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and you can reserve now and pay later to keep your plans flexible.

Is the tour conducted in other languages?
No, the tour is only available in English with a live guide.

Will I see paranormal activity?
While many guests report spooky experiences and paranormal stories, actual ghostly encounters are not guaranteed—they’re part of the storytelling tradition and atmosphere.

Whether you’re a history buff, thrill-seeker, or just looking to add a bit of mystery to your Edinburgh trip, this tour offers a lively, spooky, and insightful adventure.

You can check availability for your dates here: