Edinburgh: Underground Vaults and Graveyard Evening Tour

Introduction

Our review takes you through the Edinburgh Underground Vaults and Graveyard Tour, a compelling experience that promises spooky stories, atmospheric sights, and a deep dive into the city’s darker history. While we haven’t personally been underground, the glowing reviews and detailed descriptions make it clear this tour offers a captivating peek into Edinburgh’s haunted past.

What we love about this experience is the expert storytelling, the exclusivity of visiting the vaults, and the authentic historical tales shared by passionate guides. It’s also a great value for the price, especially considering the detailed access and atmospheric storytelling. The only potential downside? It’s a rough, sometimes uneven walk — so comfortable shoes are a must.

This tour appeals most to those craving spooky tales, history buffs, and anyone looking for an atmospheric evening with a touch of genuine fright. If you’re open to exploring Edinburgh’s eerie side, this experience is well worth considering.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Good To Know

• Authentic Access: Exclusive entry into the Blair Street Underground Vaults and Canongate Graveyard.
• Expert Guides: Engaging storytelling by passionate guides who bring history to life.
• Atmospheric Experience: Dim lighting, eerie sounds, and historical tales create a spooky, immersive atmosphere.
• Balanced Mix: A combination of historical facts and ghost stories makes it suitable for mature audiences.
• Value for Money: A 105-minute tour that includes guided walks, special access, and personalized audio devices.
• Weather Considerations: Dress appropriately; the tour runs all year round, so be prepared for outdoor and underground conditions.

Exploring the Itinerary in Detail

Starting Point: Mercat Cross

The tour kicks off at Mercat Cross, a historic Scottish marketplace monument with a distinctive eight-sided design topped with a white unicorn. This spot acts as a perfect meeting point, with Mercat Tours representatives ready to check you in. From here, you’re literally stepping into Edinburgh’s past, walking along the bustling Royal Mile as your guides set the scene.

Royal Mile Walk

Your guided walk along the Royal Mile offers a chance to soak in Edinburgh’s historic heart. As you meander through shadowy closes, the guides highlight stories of infamous characters, murders, and local legends that still send shivers down the spine. Reviewers note the guides are skilled storytellers, often blending humor with horror — making the experience both fun and chilling. One reviewer mentions their guide, Margaret Ann, being particularly captivating, ensuring everyone stays engaged.

More Great Thing To Do Nearby

The Vaults of Blair Street

Next, you’ll venture into the exclusive Blair Street Underground Vaults. This part truly emphasizes the eerie atmosphere — dim corridors, faint flickering lights, and the unsettling quiet are part of the charm. These vaults are reputed to be haunted, and the tour’s access is unique to Mercat Tours.

Multiple reviewers talk about the spooky ambiance here — with whispers, unexplained noises, and the sense of being watched adding to the experience. One reviewer humorously mentions the unexpected appearance of black rats, which pretty much encapsulates the rawness of the vaults. Guides are known for sharing traumatic tales of ghosts, curses, and violent deaths, which intensify the creepy feel.

Canongate Graveyard

The final stop is the Canongate Graveyard, a historic burial ground with a reputation for ghostly sightings. Walking through shadowy closes to reach the graveyard, you’ll learn about notable figures like Adam Smith, David Rizzio, and the infamous James Douglas, whose grisly end and cannibalistic legend make for memorable stories. Many reviews highlight how the guides turn these tales into lively storytelling, making history feel immediate and visceral.

In the graveyard, expect to hear about ghostly apparitions and tragic deaths, with some reviews mentioning that the stories left them with goosebumps. The atmosphere here is notably peaceful yet packed with stories of the city’s darker past.

The Experience: What You Can Expect

Atmosphere and Ambiance

Expect a dark, cold environment during the underground portion. The vaults are intentionally dim, with limited lighting to heighten the spooky mood. The guides use special devices to ensure everyone can hear the stories clearly, which is especially helpful in the echoing vaults or when the streets are bustling nearby.

Guide Quality and Storytelling

The reviews commend the guides for their enthusiasm, humor, and storytelling talent. Guides like Shannon, Marie, Margaret Ann, and Lauren are repeatedly praised for their ability to entertain while sharing historical facts, making the tour both educational and entertaining. Their vivid descriptions and character acting bring the stories to life — especially when recounting tales of ghost sightings and grisly murders.

Group Size and Interaction

While exact group sizes aren’t specified, the use of listening devices suggests a focus on ensuring everyone can hear, even in noisy or echoing environments. The guides are described as personable and engaging, often making efforts to interact with guests and answer questions.

Duration and Pacing

The tour lasts approximately 105 minutes, making it a comfortably timed experience that balances storytelling with walking. Reviewers often note the timing is just right — long enough to feel immersive without becoming tiring, provided you wear comfortable shoes due to some uneven ground.

Accessibility and Practical Tips

The tour is not suitable for children under 18 or for those with mobility issues or wheelchair users, mainly due to the uneven terrain in the vaults. Participants are encouraged to wear weather-appropriate clothing and comfortable shoes, as the outdoor sections can be chilly and the underground vaults are damp and dark.

Value and Practical Considerations

Pricing and Value

At a typical 105-minute duration with exclusive access and guided storytelling, the tour offers good value for money. Multiple reviews emphasize how the guides enhance the experience with their knowledge and charisma, making it more than just a walk through old streets. The use of audio devices adds to the value, ensuring everyone hears the stories clearly.

Booking and Flexibility

You can reserve and pay later, offering flexibility if your plans change. Cancellations are free up to 24 hours in advance, which is convenient for travelers with unpredictable schedules.

Weather and Clothing

Since the tour runs year-round, dressing warmly is essential, especially for the outdoor parts and underground vaults. Rain gear or warm layers are advisable, particularly in colder months.

Authentic Experiences and Unique Insights

Based on feedback, guides like Shannon, Marie, and Lauren are praised for their enthusiasm and storytelling skill, making history feel alive. Reviewers also appreciate the gory details and ghostly sightings, which add a thrilling element of suspense. One reviewer mentions that their guide, Margaret Ann, made the stories so captivating that they felt like they were watching a live history play.

The vaults themselves are described as eerie and atmospheric, with some visitors noting that the experience felt genuinely spooky without needing theatrical gimmicks. The historical figures, from Adam Smith to the cannibal James Douglas, add a layer of authenticity and intrigue.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is ideal for adults interested in Edinburgh’s haunted history, ghost stories, or macabre legends. It’s perfect for history buffs who enjoy storytelling, as well as those seeking a unique, atmospheric evening. However, it’s not suitable for children, individuals with mobility issues, or wheelchair users, due to uneven terrain and dark environments.

For those who enjoy a mix of history, ghost stories, and a bit of adrenaline, this tour hits the mark. It’s especially appealing if you want a guided experience with passionate storytellers who can make the city’s haunted past come alive.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for children?
No, the tour is for adults aged 18 and over, mainly because of the spooky content and potentially unsettling stories.

How long does the tour last?
The experience is approximately 105 minutes, including walking, storytelling, and exploring the vaults and graveyard.

Are the vaults accessible for people with mobility issues?
No, the tour isn’t suitable for those with mobility impairments or wheelchair users because of uneven terrain and stairs.

What should I wear?
Comfortable shoes and weather-appropriate clothing are recommended. Expect damp, cold environments underground and outdoors.

Can I cancel my booking?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Is the tour suitable during all seasons?
Yes, it runs year-round, so dress accordingly for the weather.

How many people are in a group?
While exact group sizes aren’t specified, the use of audio devices suggests groups are kept manageable for an intimate experience.

What language is the tour conducted in?
The tour is conducted in English.

What makes this tour unique compared to others?
Exclusive access to the Blair Street Vaults and the lively, engaging storytelling style of guides set this experience apart.

The Sum Up

The Edinburgh Underground Vaults and Graveyard Evening Tour offers a compelling combination of history, ghost stories, and immersive atmosphere perfect for those interested in Edinburgh’s darker side. The knowledgeable guides, the authentic access to haunted vaults, and the engaging storytelling make it a well-rounded experience that’s both fun and educational.

It’s best suited for adults who enjoy spooky tales, history lovers, and fans of ghost stories. The tour provides a memorable evening that balances scary stories with historical facts, all within an authentic, atmospheric setting.

While it’s not suited for children or those with mobility issues, the experience delivers great value for its duration and quality. If you’re seeking an atmospheric night out with a good mix of fright and fascination, this Edinburgh tour is a memorable choice.

You can check if your dates are available here: