Underground Vaults Walking Tour in Edinburgh Old Town

The Underground Vaults Walking Tour in Edinburgh’s Old Town promises a captivating exploration of the city’s hidden, ancient passageways. Participants will uncover the history and purpose of the South Bridge vaults, learning about the criminals, homeless, and ghostly sightings that once occupied these subterranean spaces. The tour also provides a chance to enter a former witchcraft temple and gain insight into 18th-century city life and the deadly diseases that plagued the area. Led by a professional guide, this immersive experience caters to a maximum group size, ensuring a personalized encounter with Edinburgh’s intriguing underground history. What secrets might these vaults hold?

Just The Basics

• The tour explores the hidden, ancient winding passageways and the history of the South Bridge vaults in Edinburgh’s Old Town.
• Participants will learn about the lives of criminals, homeless individuals, and supernatural occurrences that once occupied the vaults.
• The tour includes an optional visit to a former witchcraft temple, providing insights into 18th-century city life and deadly diseases.
• The tour is led by a professional guide and includes gratuities, ensuring a comprehensive and informative experience.
• The tour is not wheelchair accessible and may include content that is distressing for some visitors, with a maximum group size of 36 travelers.

Tour Overview

The Edinburgh Old Town Underground Vaults Walking Tour allows visitors to explore the hidden secrets of the ancient winding passageways and learn about the poor souls who once sought refuge in the dark, damp vaults.

With over 5,700 reviews, this popular tour takes guests through the South Bridge vaults to discover the history and purpose of these underground spaces.

Along the way, they’ll hear tales of the criminals, homeless, and ghostly sightings that once occupied the vaults.

For those brave enough, there’s even an option to enter a former witchcraft temple.

The tour provides a unique glimpse into 18th-century city life and the deadly diseases that plagued the area.

What’s Included

A professional guide leads the tour, and gratuities are included in the price.

You’ll have an expert on hand to share the history and significance of the South Bridge vaults as you explore Edinburgh’s hidden underground passageways.

The guide will provide valuable insights into the lives of those who once sought refuge in the vaults and the dark secrets they hold, including tales of criminals, homelessness, and ghostly sightings.

With the guide’s expertise, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of 18th-century city life and the city’s darker past.

This comprehensive tour ensures you make the most of your visit to these fascinating subterranean spaces.

Meeting and Pickup Details

The tour meets at 300 Lawnmarket, Edinburgh EH1 2PH, and it concludes at 45 Niddry St, Edinburgh EH1 1LG.

Participants should arrive 5-10 minutes early, as the tour departs promptly. This ensures everyone is ready to explore Edinburgh’s hidden secrets in the dark, winding passageways of the ancient vaults.

The meeting point is conveniently located in the heart of the Old Town, making it easy for visitors to find.

Once the tour is over, guests will be left at the end point, ready to continue their journey through the historic city.

Arriving on time is crucial, as the guides won’t wait for latecomers.

Tour Description

Follows a guide through the South Bridge vaults in Edinburgh Old Town, where they’ll learn about the history and purpose of the vaults and hear tales of criminals, homelessness, and ghostly sightings.

Guests have the option to enter a former witchcraft temple during the tour.

The tour provides insight into 18th-century city life and deadly diseases that plagued the area.

Visitors will explore the dark, winding passageways of the ancient vaults, uncovering Edinburgh’s hidden secrets.

The pace and terrain may not be suitable for those with walking difficulties, and historical content could be distressing, so guests should be prepared.

Accessibility and Restrictions

As per the details provided, the walking tour of Edinburgh’s Old Town isn’t wheelchair accessible and is unsuitable for children under 5 years of age.

The tour involves navigating a 2-foot step and a single-flight spiral staircase for the entrance and exit. Travelers with walking difficulties may find the walking pace and terrain challenging.

The tour is also not recommended for those who may find the historical content, which includes tales of criminals, homelessness, and ghostly sightings, as well as a former witchcraft temple, to be distressing.

Plus, the tour has a maximum capacity of 36 travelers, and the use of alcohol or drugs is strictly forbidden.

Historical Content Warning

According to the additional information, some of the historical content discussed during the walking tour may be distressing for certain participants. The tour includes tales of criminals, homelessness, and ghostly sightings, as well as the exploration of a former witchcraft temple. The tour operator advises that some of the content could be unsettling.

Visitors should be aware that the tour may include references to dark or disturbing historical events and practices. While the tour give you an authentic and educational experience, the operator recognizes that the subject matter may not be suitable for everyone. Participants are encouraged to exercise discretion and speak with the guide if they’ve any concerns about the content.

Tour Group Size

The walking tour caps group size at 36 travelers per departure, ensuring a more intimate and personalized experience for participants. This small group size allows the guide to provide each traveler with ample attention and the opportunity to ask questions.

It also makes navigating the tight, winding spaces of the vaults more comfortable and manageable. With a maximum of three dozen guests, the tour maintains an exclusive feel, fostering a sense of camaraderie among the group as they explore Edinburgh’s hidden history together.

The tour’s modest group limit helps create a more immersive and engaging atmosphere, allowing visitors to fully enjoy the captivating tales of the underground vaults.

Cancellation Policy

Travelers can cancel their reservation for the walking tour up to 24 hours before the scheduled start time and receive a full refund. This flexible cancellation policy provides customers with peace of mind and the ability to adjust their plans if needed.

The tour operator understands that unexpected events can arise, and they want to accommodate their guests as best they can. By offering free cancellation up to a day in advance, they ensure that customers don’t lose their money if they can’t attend the tour.

This policy reflects the tour operator’s commitment to customer satisfaction and their desire to create a hassle-free experience for all participants.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will the Tour Guide Provide Information on the Vaults’ Architecture?

Yes, the tour guide will provide information on the architecture of the vaults. They’ll discuss the design, construction, and historical significance of the underground spaces that participants explore during the walking tour.

Are Photography and Video Recording Allowed During the Tour?

Photography and video recording are generally not permitted during the tour. The tour provider likely restricts this to maintain the historical atmosphere and ensure the safety of participants in the narrow, winding underground passages.

Can We Visit the Vaults Independently After the Guided Tour?

Visitors cannot visit the vaults independently after the guided tour. The tour is the only way to access the vaults, which are not open to the public outside of the scheduled tours.

What Type of Clothing Is Recommended for the Tour?

The tour involves exploring dark, damp underground spaces, so warm, comfortable clothing and sturdy, non-slip shoes are recommended. Layers are advised as the vaults can be chilly. Bringing a small flashlight may also be helpful.

Are There Any Discounts Available for Students or Seniors?

The tour operator does not currently offer any discounted rates for students or seniors. Tickets are available at the standard adult price, with no special pricing options listed on the tour information.

Final Words

The Underground Vaults Walking Tour offers a captivating exploration of Edinburgh’s hidden history.

Participants will discover the intriguing past of the South Bridge vaults, including tales of criminals, the homeless, and ghostly sightings.

This immersive experience also provides a glimpse into 18th-century city life and the deadly diseases that once plagued the area.

Led by a professional guide, the tour caters to a small group, ensuring a personalized and engaging encounter with Edinburgh’s fascinating underground heritage.