Duration
Free cancellation
Book now, pay later
Guided tour
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Explore the eerie and spooky side of Edinburgh on a 60-minute guided tour of the famous South Bridge vaults in the Old Town.
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Set off on a guided journey through the vaults and discover how they evolved from merchant storage spaces into slums, taverns, and criminal hideouts.
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Enter the notorious stone circle hidden within the vaults and hear lesser-known stories of its mysterious past from your guide.
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Step inside a witchcraft temple, once used by a modern coven known as the “Source Coven of the Blue Dragon,” and learn why it was no longer safe for them to practise there.
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Along the way, keep your eyes peeled for eerie sights while hearing stories about the criminals, body snatchers, and witches once linked to these spaces.
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60-minute guided tour of Edinburgh’s most haunted vaults
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Access to the South Bridge vaults in Edinburgh’s Old Town
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Access to the stone circle in the vaults
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Visit to a genuine witchcraft temple
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Dark tales of the vaults’ past visitors and inhabitants
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- Private tours (available at an additional cost)
You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
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Step into Edinburgh’s dark past on a 60-minute guided tour of the South Bridge vaults, uncovering eerie stories of crime and witchcraft beneath the Old Town.
Getting started
Meet your guide at 300 Lawnmarket, Edinburgh, EH1 2PH. Have your tickets validated and begin your journey beneath the city streets, descending into the vaults that were once the haunt of criminals and suspected witches.
What to expect
Edinburgh’s Haunted Vaults
Hidden beneath South Bridge in Edinburgh’s Old Town, these vaults once served as storage spaces before falling into disrepair as slums and criminal hideouts. Today, they are known for eerie tours and chilling stories from the city’s dark past.
Features
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The South Bridge vaults: Walk through underground chambers and discover how they evolved from merchant storage spaces into criminal hideouts.
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Witchcraft temple: Enter a chamber once used by the Source Coven of the Blue Dragon and hear why the group abandoned this eerie space.
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The stone circle: Stand within the mysterious stone circle hidden inside the vaults and uncover the dark folklore connected to it.
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What’s not allowed
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Alcohol is not permitted on the tour and anyone under the influence of alcohol or drugs will be denied entry
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Filming or live-streaming is strictly prohibited
Accessibility
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The walking pace and uneven terrain may not be suitable for those with mobility difficulties
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The tour is not accessible for wheelchairs or strollers
Additional information
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Arrive 5–10 minutes early to ensure a prompt departure as tours start on time
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The tour is not recommended for children under 5 years old
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Children up to 15 years old must be accompanied by an adult
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The tour begins at 300 Lawnmarket, Edinburgh, EH1 2PH
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The tour ends at 45 Niddry Street, Edinburgh, EH1 1LG
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The vault entrance and exit include a 2-foot step, followed by a single-floor spiral staircase and additional short sections of stairs inside
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The vaults are lit mainly by candles, emergency lighting, and the guide’s torch, which may affect those with vision impairments
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Tours run in all weather conditions, so dress accordingly
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- Your voucher will be emailed to you shortly.
- Display the voucher on your mobile phone with a valid photo ID at the starting point.
- Please check your final voucher for the starting point details & specific instructions.
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