Edinburgh: Witches Old Town Walking Tour & Underground Vault

Edinburgh’s Old Town is steeped in a dark and intriguing history, one that the ‘Witches Old Town Walking Tour & Underground Vault’ aims to unveil. Led by expert storytellers, this captivating excursion delves into the city’s haunting past, unearthing tales of witches, warlocks, and the supernatural. Visitors will explore the eerie landmarks of the Old Town, including the ominous Edinburgh Castle and the unsettling Greyfriars Kirkyard, before descending into the shadowy depths of the Underground Vaults. What sinister secrets lie hidden within these forgotten passageways, waiting to be discovered?

Key Points

• This guided walking tour focuses on the spooky history of Edinburgh, including tales of witches, warlocks, and the supernatural.
• The tour explores lesser-known parts of the city, offering a unique perspective on its haunted and mysterious past.
• Visitors will be led by a professional storyteller and will visit iconic sites like Edinburgh Castle and Greyfriars Kirkyard.
• The tour includes an immersive experience in the eerie Underground Vaults, where the history of the city’s occult activities is brought to life.
• Participants will learn about the grim history of Edinburgh’s witch trials and the locations where alleged witches were executed.

Tour Overview

The walking tour through Edinburgh’s Old Town focuses on the city’s spooky history, delving into tales of witches, warlocks, and the supernatural.

Led by a professional storyteller, the tour explores lesser-visited parts of the city, offering a unique perspective on its haunted and mysterious past.

Participants will learn about the history of witch trials in Edinburgh, seeing where witches lived and practiced their dark arts.

The tour also includes a visit to the iconic Edinburgh Castle and Greyfriars Kirkyard, where many chilling stories unfold.

The highlight of the experience is the tour of the Underground Vaults at The Lost Close, allowing visitors to enjoy the city’s eerie underground world.

Key Highlights

Throughout the tour, participants learn about the history of witch trials in Edinburgh, where they uncover the places where witches once lived and practiced their dark arts.

The tour explores iconic landmarks like Edinburgh Castle, offering glimpses into the city’s haunted and mysterious past. At Greyfriars Kirkyard, the group hears tales of the supernatural, from ghosts to poltergeists.

The highlight of the tour is the visit to the Underground Vaults at The Lost Close, a series of hidden chambers that were once used by witches and warlocks. Here, the professional storyteller brings the history to life, captivating the audience with spooky anecdotes and eerie accounts of the occult activities that once took place in these shadowy passages.

Meeting and Pickup

Travelers meet at Caffe Nero, located at 1 Parliament Square in Edinburgh EH1 1RF, and are advised to arrive 5-10 minutes early to check in before the tour begins promptly.

The tour departs on time and can’t be delayed, so it’s important to be punctual.

Once checked in, travelers will be guided by a professional storyteller who’ll lead them through Edinburgh’s Old Town, exploring the city’s spooky history and supernatural elements.

The tour includes a visit to the iconic Underground Vaults at The Lost Close, where guests will learn more about Edinburgh’s haunted past.

With a maximum group size of 25, this walking tour provides an intimate and immersive experience.

Tour Duration and Group Size

The tour duration is not specified, but the maximum group size is capped at 25 travelers to ensure an intimate and personalized experience. This allows the guide to engage more closely with the participants and tailor the narrative to their interests. The small group size also enables easier navigation through the winding alleyways and hidden corners of Edinburgh’s Old Town.

Tour Details	Information
Tour Duration	Not specified
Group Size	Maximum 25 travelers
Accessibility	Not wheelchair accessible
Physical Fitness	Moderate level required
Restrictions	Not recommended for those with certain medical conditions

This walking tour offers an immersive journey into Edinburgh’s dark past, promising an unforgettable experience for those brave enough to uncover the city’s spookiest secrets.

Witch Trials in Edinburgh

Edinburgh’s grim history of witch trials dates back to the 16th century, when hundreds of alleged witches were executed for practicing sorcery.

During this dark period, the city became a notorious center for the persecution and execution of those accused of consorting with the devil. Many were tortured, forced to confess, and then publicly hanged or burned at the stake, leaving a haunting legacy that still permeates the streets of Old Town today.

Visitors on the walking tour will learn about the tragic fates of these so-called witches and the locations where they once lived and were put to death. The tour provides a chilling glimpse into this dark chapter of Edinburgh’s past.

Haunted Landmarks

Many of Edinburgh’s most iconic landmarks are said to harbor dark and supernatural elements.

Greyfriars Kirkyard, for instance, is renowned for its haunted history, with reports of ghostly figures and unexplained occurrences throughout the centuries-old cemetery.

Similarly, Edinburgh Castle, perched atop an imposing volcanic rock, is believed to be home to a number of restless spirits, including the specters of fallen soldiers and the ghost of a disgraced nobleman.

The tour also explores The Lost Close, a network of underground vaults beneath the city, which are rumored to be the haunt of vengeful poltergeists and other paranormal entities.

These legendary sites offer a glimpse into Edinburgh’s rich and eerie past, captivating visitors with their tales of the supernatural.

Navigating the Underground Vaults

Descending into the dimly lit Underground Vaults, visitors embark on a captivating exploration of Edinburgh’s hidden past.

The network of cavernous chambers, once home to merchants, tradesmen, and even the destitute, now beckons intrepid explorers to uncover the mysteries that linger within these shadowy depths.

As the tour guide leads the way, the group navigates a labyrinth of eerie corridors and vaulted ceilings, learning about the lives and stories of those who once inhabited these subterranean spaces.

Visitors are immersed in the haunting atmosphere, hearing tales of the supernatural as they traverse the damp, echoing passageways.

The Underground Vaults offer a unique glimpse into Edinburgh’s darker history, leaving a lasting impression on all who venture below the city streets.

Preparing for the Tour

Visitors should arrive at the meeting point, Caffe Nero on Parliament Square, 5-10 minutes early to check in for the Edinburgh Old Town Walking Tour and Underground Vault exploration. This allows time to meet the guide, review any necessary paperwork, and get organized before the tour begins promptly.

Wear comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing and sturdy walking shoes.

Bring a water bottle, as the tour involves extensive walking.

Be prepared for uneven terrain and low ceilings in the underground vaults.

Leave large bags or luggage at your accommodation, as they may be cumbersome during the tour.

The guide will provide all necessary information and lead the group through the city’s most haunting and historic sites.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Own Snacks on the Tour?

Yes, visitors are generally allowed to bring their own snacks on walking tours. However, it’s best to check the tour policies beforehand, as some operators may have restrictions to maintain the group experience.

Is the Tour Suitable for Children Under 12?

The tour may not be suitable for young children under 12. It covers mature themes around witchcraft and the supernatural, and involves exploring underground vaults. Parents should consider their child’s maturity and comfort level before booking this tour.

Does the Tour Guide Provide Umbrellas or Rain Ponchos?

The tour guides do not provide umbrellas or rain ponchos. Guests are advised to dress appropriately for the weather conditions and bring their own wet weather gear if needed, as the tour takes place outdoors rain or shine.

Can I Take Photos During the Tour?

Yes, participants can generally take photos during the tour. However, the guide may ask that photos not be taken in certain areas or situations out of respect for the tour experience and other travelers. Photography is typically allowed but may be limited at the guide’s discretion.

Is There an Option to Book a Private Tour for My Group?

Yes, the tour operator offers a private tour option for groups. Travelers can book a private tour for their group, allowing them to enjoy a personalized experience with a dedicated guide.

Recap

This eerie tour offers a captivating exploration of Edinburgh’s dark history.

Visitors will uncover the city’s haunted landmarks, hear tales of witches and warlocks, and descend into the shadowy depths of the Underground Vaults.

Led by a professional storyteller, this immersive experience provides a unique opportunity to explore Edinburgh’s grim and mysterious past.