Viator Rating : 5 (8449 reviews)
Dyvarcity Score : 7.0/10 (Solid Experience)
Edinburgh
Edinburgh Vaults Tour: Ghosts, History & Dark Tales!
60
Overview
The Underground Vaults Walking Tour in Edinburgh Old Town takes people on a journey to see the darker side of Edinburgh's past. Walk along the Royal Mile and then go under the South Bridge to see the hidden vaults. These vaults are said to be haunted!
A guide will tell stories of the poor people who used to live in these underground slums. The vaults are lit by candles, and were once filled with criminals and witches. Some people believe that the spirits of these people still live there today.
Each vault has stories about crime, sickness, and death. Hear all the details from the guide! Visitors can see a real witchcraft temple that was recently used by a Wiccan group. Find out why they can't use the vault anymore. If one dares, they can step inside the stone circle. 
Experience DNA Fingerprint
Scores are shown on a scale of 1 to 10, 1 = lowest score, 10 = highest score.
What People Love
Safety (8 - Secure) : Strong feeling of safety and control
Upsell Risk (8 - Transparent) : No upsells or hidden costs
Logistics (8 - Seamless) : Smooth and well executed
Guide Quality (8 - Exceptional) : Engaging and memorable
Guide Reliability (8 - Dependable) : On time with strong follow-through
What to Watch Out For
Crowd Density (5 - Standard) : Normal crowd, some waiting or tight spots
Mobility (6 - Moderate) : Some effort required
Pacing (6 - Uneven) : Inconsistent or mixed pacing
Instagram Factor (6 - Scenic) : Some good photo moments
Highlights
Explore Edinburgh's Hidden Vaults: Go under the city and see the famous vaults under South Bridge.
Hear Dark History: Listen to true stories of crime and the people who lived in the vaults.
Visit a Witchcraft Temple: See a real temple used by witches and learn why they left.
Walk with an Expert Guide: A professional guide will lead the way and tell spooky tales.
Sentiment Analysis
Many customers loved the tour guide's stories and knowledge.
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Visitors felt the vaults were very spooky and interesting.
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Some people caught ghostly images in their photos!
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Customers learned a lot about Edinburgh's history.
A few people said it was hard to hear the guide sometimes.
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Some visitors thought the tour was too crowded.
The Journey
Tron Kirk
The tour commences at the Tron Kirk on the Royal Mile in Edinburgh Old Town. Here, you'll discover what the town was like in the 1700s, learning about the diseases that plagued the overcrowded population and how household waste was managed.
Royal Mile
Journey along Edinburgh's Royal Mile, delving into the darker aspects of Edinburgh's history before exploring the hidden vaults beneath the South Bridge.
South Bridge Vaults
Visit the infamous hidden vaults beneath the South Bridge in Edinburgh Old Town. These vaults, lit by candlelight, were once slums inhabited by the poor, criminals, body snatchers, and witches. They are now rumored to be haunted by the spirits of their former residents.
Niddry's Wynd
Explore the candlelit Niddry's Wynd, a location forgotten on today's maps. Hear tales of how the homeless and destitute community of Edinburgh sought refuge in these former slums and learn about the criminals that stalked the vaults.
Witchcraft Temple
Visit a genuine witchcraft temple, recently used by the “Source Coven of the Blue Dragon.” Enter their former temple and learn why it is no longer safe for them to practice their craft in that vault. Dare to step inside the infamous stone circle!
Haunted Vault
Experience the eerie atmosphere of the Haunted Vault, home to the majority of reported sightings. This is an opportunity to test your bravery and see if you can detect any paranormal activity.
Know Before You Go
This tour includes a professional guide who will lead the way and share stories. Gratuities (tips) are not included in the price of the tour. The meeting point for the tour is at the Tron Kirk on the Royal Mile in Edinburgh Old Town.
Hot Tip
Some people say the vaults are very cold, so wear warm clothes. Also, take lots of pictures, some people have captured ghostly images!
Review Summary
People usually say the Underground Vaults Walking Tour captivates with knowledgeable, entertaining guides sharing chilling history and ghost stories in atmospheric vaults, praising small group sizes and value.[1][3][4] Some note challenges for mobility due to stairs and darkness, with occasional mentions of crowds or weather impacting comfort.[3][4]
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