Edinburgh: Underground Vaults And Graveyard Evening Tour

Edinburgh, a city steeped in history and shrouded in mystery, beckons the curious to explore its haunted underbelly. As dusk settles, the city transforms, and those brave enough can explore the dark and chilling tales that lurk within the underground vaults and the weathered gravestones of the Canongate Graveyard. The air grows thick with the echoes of the past, and the stories of infamous murderers and cursed souls weave a tapestry of terror that captivates the senses. What secrets lie hidden in the shadows, waiting to be uncovered?

Key Points

Set out on a chilling after-dark tour through Edinburgh’s dark and haunted history, including the underground vaults and Canongate Graveyard.
Explore the shadowy realms of the Blair Street Underground Vaults, once home to Edinburgh’s criminal underworld, and learn about the sordid history.
Discover the historic Canongate Graveyard in Edinburgh’s Old Town, with crumbling gravestones and tales of lingering spirits.
Hear captivating tales of Edinburgh’s most notorious murderers, such as Burke and Hare, Deacon Brodie, and Major Weir.
Experience the palpable sense of unease as the guide delves into the chilling stories of cursed souls said to haunt the ancient graveyard.

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Tour Overview

This chilling after-dark tour takes visitors on an immersive journey through Edinburgh’s dark and haunted history, delving into the city’s underground vaults and notorious Canongate Graveyard.

For 105 minutes, a knowledgeable guide will lead a small group through the dimly-lit Blair Street Underground Vaults, once home to an infamous criminal underworld. Guests will hear tales of infamous murderers and cursed souls that haunt these eerie subterranean spaces.

The tour then continues aboveground to the Canongate Graveyard, where visitors will explore the final resting place of many of Edinburgh’s notorious figures from the past.

Throughout the experience, you will be equipped with radio receivers to ensure they don’t miss a word of the guide’s captivating commentary.

Explore the Underground Vaults

Descending the steps into the dimly-lit Blair Street Underground Vaults, visitors are transported back in time to the shadowy realms that once housed Edinburgh’s criminal underworld.

These eerie subterranean spaces, once a hub of illicit activity, now stand as silent witnesses to the city’s dark and turbulent past.

The tour guide illuminates the vaults’ sordid history, recounting tales of grave robbers, smugglers, and poor souls who met their untimely ends within these cavernous chambers.

Visitors can almost feel the weight of history pressing in, as they explore the labyrinth of damp, stone-walled rooms, where the whispers of the past seem to echo all around.

The underground tour offers a chilling, yet captivating, glimpse into Edinburgh’s haunted underbelly.

Discover Canongate Graveyard

Upon exiting the eerie Underground Vaults, the tour continues its descent into the macabre as visitors explore the Canongate Graveyard. This historic cemetery, nestled in the heart of Edinburgh’s Old Town, serves as a somber testament to the city’s troubled past. Here, among the crumbling gravestones and gnarled yew trees, the guide regales guests with tales of infamous murderers, cursed souls, and the lingering spirits that are said to haunt this hallowed ground.

The graveyard’s highlights include:

The solitary memorial to Maggie Dickson, a woman who was hanged for infanticide in 1724 but miraculously revived in her coffin.
The eerie mausoleum of Sir George Mackenzie, the infamous ‘Bluidy Mackenzie,’ whose ghost is rumored to prowl the graveyard.
The weathered gravestones bearing witness to Edinburgh’s turbulent history, from the Covenanting martyrs to the victims of the deadly cholera epidemics.

Tales of Infamous Murderers

As the tour ventures deeper into the graveyard’s shadows, the guide captivates visitors with chilling tales of Edinburgh’s most notorious murderers. From the grisly exploits of the notorious West Port Murderers to the sinister machinations of the infamous Burke and Hare, the guide weaves a tapestry of terror that sends shivers down the spine.

Murderer	Victims
West Port Murderers	At least 16 people
Burke and Hare	16 confirmed victims
Deacon Brodie	2 victims
Major Weir	Accused of witchcraft and executed

The group listens with rapt attention, their imaginations conjured by the guide’s vivid descriptions of these twisted souls and the dark deeds that haunt the hallowed ground.

Cursed Souls and Terror

The tour’s focus now shifts to the chilling tales of cursed souls that are said to haunt the ancient graveyard, instilling a palpable sense of unease among the group. As the guide leads them deeper into the shadowy cemetery, the visitors can’t help but feel a chill run down their spines.

The guide recounts stories of:

The vengeful spirit of a wronged woman, her ghostly cries echoing through the tombstones.
A tormented soul trapped between realms, doomed to wander the grounds for eternity.
An ancient curse that has plagued the site for generations, manifesting in unexplained phenomena.

These tales of terror captivate the group, leaving them both fascinated and unsettled by the dark history that permeates this hallowed ground.

Tour Duration and Pricing

The tour lasts an impressive 105 minutes, giving visitors ample time to fully enjoy the haunting atmosphere of Edinburgh’s underground vaults and graveyard.

At a cost of just $32.42 per person, this guided experience offers exceptional value for those seeking to uncover the city’s dark and captivating history.

Travelers can reserve their spot now and pay nothing today, with the option of free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

This small-group tour provides an intimate and immersive exploration, enhanced by the use of radio receivers to ensure clear communication with the knowledgeable guide.

With such a reasonable price point and flexible booking policy, this tour is an enticing opportunity to explore Edinburgh’s eerie past.

Tour Inclusions and Restrictions

Guided by a knowledgeable tour guide, visitors embark on a captivating exploration of the Blair Street Underground Vaults and Canongate Graveyard, their journey enhanced by the use of radio receivers to ensure clear communication with the expert leading the way.

The small-group format allows for an intimate and immersive experience, as the guide shares tales of infamous murderers and cursed souls that haunt these historic sites.

Visitors will:

Explore the terror of Edinburgh’s past, uncovering the dark secrets that lurk beneath the city’s surface
Wander through the eerie, dimly lit underground vaults, feeling the weight of history pressing down upon them
Stand amidst the weathered gravestones of the Canongate Graveyard, their imaginations stirred by tales of the restless dead.

Booking and Cancellation Policy

Visitors can now reserve their spot on the underground and graveyard tour, paying nothing today thanks to the ‘reserve now & pay later‘ option. They can also take advantage of the free cancellation policy, receiving a full refund if they cancel up to 24 hours in advance.

This flexible booking system makes it easy to secure a place on this captivating tour, even for those with uncertain schedules.

Once booked, tour-goers can look forward to delving into Edinburgh’s dark past, exploring the Blair Street Underground Vaults and Canongate Graveyard, and hearing chilling tales of infamous murderers and cursed souls.

With a knowledgeable guide leading the way, this 105-minute tour promises an atmospheric and unforgettable experience.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Tour Wheelchair Accessible?

The tour is not wheelchair accessible, as it states it’s unsuitable for people with mobility impairments and wheelchair users. The underground vaults and graveyard setting may pose accessibility challenges for those with limited mobility.

Can I Bring My Dog on the Tour?

Unfortunately, the tour is not pet-friendly. The description states it’s "not suitable for people with mobility impairments, wheelchair users, and children under 18." Bringing a dog along would likely disrupt the experience for other participants.

Are There Any Discounts Available for Students?

Yes, there are student discounts available for this tour. Students can save on the standard ticket price by presenting a valid student ID at the time of check-in. This offers a great opportunity for students to explore Edinburgh’s spooky underground without breaking the bank.

Is the Tour Available in Other Languages?

The tour is only available in English. While translations may not be offered, the expert guides aim to provide an immersive, thrilling experience that transports guests through the haunting history of Edinburgh’s underground vaults and graveyards.

What Should I Bring With Me for the Tour?

Participants should bring comfortable walking shoes, a light jacket or sweater, and a camera to capture the eerie atmosphere. Flashlights aren’t necessary as the guide provides lighting, but an open mind is essential for fully immersing oneself in the tour’s haunting experiences.

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