Edinburgh Witches Old Town Walking Tour & Underground Vault

A Taste of Edinburgh’s Mysterious Side: Witches and Underground Vaults Tour

If you’re visiting Edinburgh and want to see a different, more shadowy side of the city, the Edinburgh Witches Old Town Walking Tour & Underground Vault offers a fascinating blend of history, legends, and atmospheric sights. For just around $25, you’ll spend about 75 minutes wandering through the Old Town’s narrow closes and hidden vaults, guided by knowledgeable storytellers who bring eerie tales to life. Along the way, you’ll get a glimpse of Edinburgh Castle, Greyfriars Kirkyard, and other iconic landmarks, but with a focus on the darker stories behind them.

What we love most about this tour is its storytelling approach—your guide, whether Angelica, Juniper, or Agatha, knows how to make history engaging and fun without losing its weight. The chance to explore less crowded, off-the-beaten-path spots like Lady Stairs House and the Witches Well adds a layer of intimacy and discovery. The highlight for many is the exclusive underground vault visit in The Lost Close, a recent find that offers a haunting glimpse into Edinburgh’s past.

One point to consider is the cobblestone streets and uneven terrain, which might be a challenge for travelers with mobility issues or those uncomfortable on steep, narrow streets. The tour’s duration and group size make it a personal, immersive experience, but it’s best suited for those with a moderate level of mobility and an interest in Edinburgh’s darker history.

Overall, if you’re a curious traveler eager for stories of witches, warlocks, and secret vaults—all woven into a walk around Edinburgh’s historic Old Town—this tour fits the bill perfectly.

Key Points

• Engaging storytelling brings Edinburgh’s witch hunts and legends vividly to life.
• Exclusive underground vault visit provides a rare glimpse into Edinburgh’s past hidden beneath the streets.
• Lesser-visited sites like Lady Stairs House and Witches Well add depth and surprise.
• Knowledgeable guides enrich the experience with historical insights and fun anecdotes.
• Affordable price point offers great value given the depth of storytelling and site visits.
• Moderate walking with cobblestones means some physical effort required, best for those comfortable on uneven surfaces.

Exploring Edinburgh’s Darker Sides: A Deep Dive

What’s the Essence of This Tour?

This walking tour is about more than just the usual sightseeing. It’s about stories of witches, magic, and misfortune, intertwined with Edinburgh’s history. For just over an hour, you’ll follow a personable guide through some of the city’s most atmospheric and less crowded alleys and closes. The tour starts at Caffè Nero on Parliament Square and ends in The Vault at The Lost Close, where you’ll step into an underground space that’s been cloaked in mystery since the 19th century.

The Itinerary: What Do You Actually See?

Stop 1: St Giles’ Cathedral — Here, you’ll learn about some of Scotland’s most famous figures like Mary Queen of Scots and John Knox. The tour touches on how certain traditions, like spitting on the floor in Parliament Square, are rooted in history, adding a touch of humor to the serious stories.

Stop 2: Royal Mile — As you look down Edinburgh’s famous street, your guide shares tales of the North Berwick Witches and other legends linked to this historic thoroughfare. Expect to hear stories about the medieval witch trials and the cultural atmosphere of the time.

Stop 3: Lady Stairs House — Nestled in a quiet courtyard, this site reveals gruesome stories and is also a place of inspiration for Scotland’s National Poet. It’s a quiet spot that contrasts with the darker stories, offering a moment of reflection.

Stop 4: Castello Di Edimburgo — This is your chance to hear about how Edinburgh came to be and see references to witches in the city’s foundation stories.

Stop 5: Witches Well — A tiny but significant monument, this site commemorates some of the many women accused of witchcraft. Many reviews mention how discovering this spot feels like uncovering a hidden piece of Edinburgh’s history.

Stop 6: Upper Bow — Here, you’ll get a bird’s eye view of the street and hear about a shocking tale of a warlock, reinforcing the dark side of Edinburgh’s past.

Stop 7: Victoria Street — Known for its colorful shops, this street also hosts stories of one of Edinburgh’s most notorious characters, adding a personal touch to the city’s colorful history.

Stop 8: The Lost Close — The highlight of the tour, this underground vault was only recently rediscovered and dates back to 1742. Walking through this vaulted space offers a tangible connection to Edinburgh’s past, cloaked in mystery since the Great Fire of 1824.

The Guides: Who’s Leading?

The reviews reveal passionate, engaging guides like Angelica, Juniper, and Agatha, who are praised for their knowledge and storytelling flair. They don’t just recite facts—they breathe life into the stories, making the history memorable and sometimes humorous. Several reviewers mention how their guides made the experience both fun and educational, with some even dancing on the graves of historical figures or joking about stopping the tour to prevent a guide from eating children (a humorous exaggeration of the darker tales).

The Experience: How Does It Feel to Walk Through?

The tour’s pacing is described as comfortable, with not too much walking—about 80 minutes total—and a manageable group size. Since the streets are cobblestone and sometimes steep, travelers should be prepared for uneven terrain. This is not a tour for those with mobility challenges, but for most able-bodied visitors, it’s a walk through history that feels intimate and personal.

What Do Reviewers Say?

The feedback consistently highlights the guides’ enthusiasm and depth of knowledge. Comments like “Angelica was a fun and well-informed guide,” and “Juniper’s storytelling was engaging and humorous,” show how guides elevate the experience. Many reviewers felt the tour offered more than expected for the price, especially with the underground vault visit included.

Some mention that the tour is intense yet humorous, with a few noting that they expected slightly more from the vaults but still found the site fascinating. The tone is engaging, balancing dark history with moments of levity.

How Good Is the Price?

At around $25, this tour offers excellent value. You get more than just a walk—you get stories, history, and an underground experience that many larger, more expensive tours don’t include. The small group size—capped at 25—means more personalized attention and a chance to ask questions.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This tour suits history buffs, ghost-story lovers, and those curious about Edinburgh’s darker past. It’s ideal for travelers who want an authentic, storytelling-driven experience rather than a hurried sightseeing rush. Given the walking pace and terrain, it works best for those with moderate mobility and an interest in mystery and legends.

The Sum Up: Is It Worth It?

This tour’s charm lies in its storytelling quality and the chance to explore less touristy spots in Edinburgh’s Old Town. The knowledgeable guides, especially their ability to make history fun, turn a dark subject into an engaging experience. The underground vault visit is a highlight, offering a tangible link to centuries past.

For less than $25, you get a meaningful insight into Edinburgh’s witch hunts, legends, and secret sites. It’s perfect if you’re craving an intimate, atmospheric walk with a storyteller’s flair, and don’t mind the cobblestone streets and narrow alleys.

If you’re a history enthusiast, a lover of spooky tales, or just someone eager to see Edinburgh from a different perspective, this tour makes a great addition to your trip. It’s a unique way to learn about the city’s darker, more mysterious past—and walk away with stories you’ll still be telling long after you leave.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does the tour last?
The tour lasts approximately 1 hour 10 minutes to 1 hour 15 minutes, covering multiple stops with some standing and walking involved.

Where does the tour start and end?
It begins at Caffè Nero, 1 Parliament Square, and concludes in the Vault at The Lost Close.

Is the underground vault included in the ticket price?
Yes, the visit to The Lost Close vault is included in the tour price and is one of the tour’s highlights.

What’s the price of the tour?
The tour costs about $24.71 per person, offering good value for the amount of storytelling and site access.

Is this tour suitable for children or those with mobility issues?
It’s best suited for travelers with moderate physical fitness due to cobblestones and uneven streets. It’s not recommended for those unable to navigate steep streets, steps, or cobbles.

Are service animals allowed?
Yes, service animals are permitted.

How far in advance should I book?
It’s recommended to book around 20 days ahead to secure a spot, given the limited group size and high popularity.

Can I cancel the tour?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

What kind of stories will I hear?
You’ll learn about witch trials, legendary figures, and Edinburgh’s hidden history—stories of witches, warlocks, and the city’s darker legends.

This Edinburgh Witches and Underground Vault tour offers an excellent blend of history, legend, and atmospheric exploration that will resonate with travelers eager for authentic stories and off-the-beaten-path sights. It’s a well-balanced experience that combines education, entertainment, and a touch of mystery—perfect for those who want to see Edinburgh through a uniquely dark lens.