Viator Rating : 5 (629 reviews)
Dyvarcity Score : 8.1/10 (Verified Excellent)
Edinburgh
Edinburgh Witches Tour: Vaults & Old Town Secrets
Overview
Edinburgh Witches Old Town Walking Tour & Underground Vault invites everyone to uncover Edinburgh's spooky past. This walking tour, led by a fun guide, mixes real history with exciting stories for a memorable adventure through Edinburgh Old Town. See places like St. Giles' Cathedral & Parliament Square, the Royal Mile, and hidden courtyards.
Hear the stories of the women accused of witchcraft in Scotland. Learn about their lives, the accusations they faced, and the unfair treatment they suffered. The tour might even share some cool facts about characters from Outlander and Harry Potter! This tour explores the hidden gems and iconic streets of Edinburgh's Old Town, walking along its famous cobbles.
The tour ends with a special 15-minute visit to “The Lost Close.” This underground vault, hidden since a big fire in 1824, dates back to 1742. It's a peek into the past and a great way to finish exploring history and mystery. 
Experience DNA Fingerprint
Scores are shown on a scale of 1 to 10, 1 = lowest score, 10 = highest score.
What People Love
Safety (9 - Secure) : Strong feeling of safety and control
Upsell Risk (9 - Transparent) : No upsells or hidden costs
Logistics (8 - Seamless) : Smooth and well executed
Mobility (8 - Easy / Accessible) : Comfortable for most people
Pacing (8 - Balanced) : Smooth and comfortable timing
Guide Quality (9 - Exceptional) : Engaging and memorable
Guide Reliability (9 - Dependable) : On time with strong follow-through
What to Watch Out For
Crowd Density (6 - Standard) : Normal crowd, some waiting or tight spots
Instagram Factor (7 - Scenic) : Some good photo moments
Highlights
Walk Edinburgh's Old Town: See famous spots and hidden courtyards.
Hear Witch Stories: Discover the history of accused witches.
Visit Underground Vaults: Explore 'The Lost Close,' hidden since 1824.
Fun Character Guide: An entertaining guide makes history come alive.
Sentiment Analysis
Guides are super friendly and really know their stuff.
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The stories about witches are interesting and told in a fun way.
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The underground vault is a highlight and feels special.
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Walking around the Old Town makes history come alive.
Some customers say the group can be a little too big.
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The weather can be bad, so it's good to be prepared.
The Journey
St. Giles' Cathedral & Parliament Square
Stand in Parliament Square and uncover the captivating history surrounding St. Giles' Cathedral, the High Kirk of Edinburgh. Learn about pivotal figures like Mary Queen of Scots and John Knox, pivotal in shaping Scotland's religious and political landscape. Discover the surprising origins of the tradition of spitting on the floor in Parliament Square, a peculiar custom rooted in the area's rich history and rebellion.
Royal Mile (Overlook to East Lothian)
Gaze down the historic Royal Mile towards the picturesque landscapes of East Lothian and immerse yourself in the chilling legend of the North Berwick witches. Hear the tales of their alleged covens, pacts with the devil, and the infamous witch trials that gripped Scotland in the 16th century, shaping the cultural and superstitious mindset of the era. Feel the weight of history as you imagine the accused making their fateful journey.
Hidden Courtyard (Old Town)
Step into a secluded courtyard tucked away in Edinburgh's Old Town, where gruesome historical events unfold and inspiration blooms. Discover the darker chapters of the city's past, marked by executions and injustices, while also paying homage to Scotland's National Poet, Robert Burns. Let the echoes of history and the spirit of poetry ignite your imagination in this secret sanctuary.
Edinburgh Old Town
Unravel the fascinating origins of Edinburgh's establishment and explore the enduring legacy of witchcraft in the city. Delve into the superstitions and fears that permeated society, leading to witch hunts and trials. Walk the ancient streets and feel the pulse of history as you uncover the stories that have shaped Edinburgh's identity as a city of both enlightenment and darkness.
Hidden Gem (Unspecified Location)
Seek out this often-overlooked gem in Edinburgh and discover the tragic tale of another unfortunate woman accused of witchcraft. Learn about the circumstances that led to her condemnation and the injustices of the time. Reflect on the impact of superstition and societal pressures on the lives of ordinary people during a tumultuous period in Scottish history.
Iconic Street Overlook
Gain a panoramic view of one of Edinburgh's most iconic streets and hear the chilling story of a warlock whose actions sent shockwaves through the city. Uncover the details of his alleged crimes and the consequences he faced. Let the vista serve as a reminder of the power of stories and the darker aspects of Edinburgh's past, forever etched into the city's collective memory.
Cobbles of Edinburgh Old Town
Walk the historic cobbles of Edinburgh's Old Town and immerse yourself in the remarkable life of one of the city's most infamous characters. Hear her tale of defiance, resilience, and notoriety. Let the ancient stones under your feet transport you to a bygone era, where her legend continues to captivate and intrigue all who pass through this historic neighborhood.
The Lost Close
Venture into the depths of 'The Lost Close,' an exclusive, recently discovered underground site cloaked in mystery since the Great Fire of 1824. Explore these ancient vaulted rooms, dating back to 1742, and feel the weight of history surrounding you. As you hear the final tales in this atmospheric chamber, journey back in time and get a glimpse into Edinburgh's hidden past, making for a fitting end to your immersive exploration of history and enchantment.
Know Before You Go
This tour includes entrance to the Vaults at The Lost Close, an entertaining character guide, and a guided walking tour. It does not include anything else. Meetup information will be provided after booking.
Hot Tip
Wear comfy shoes because you'll be walking on cobblestones! Also, bring an umbrella or raincoat, as the weather in Edinburgh can change quickly. Even if it rains, the tour is still fun!
Review Summary
Customers generally say the Edinburgh Witches Old Town Walking Tour & Underground Vault is highly informative, engaging, and well-paced, with knowledgeable and entertaining guides. Many praise the storytelling, the mix of history and local tales, and the unique access to lesser-known parts of the city. The main drawbacks mentioned include the physical demands of walking on uneven surfaces and the fact that the underground vault visit will no longer be included after January 2026. Some travelers note that the tour can be spooky, so it may not be suitable for very young children.
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