Edinburgh: Haunted Underground Vaults and Graveyard Tour

Edinburgh’s haunted underground vaults and graveyard tour takes visitors on an eerie journey through the city’s dark past. Descending into the damp chambers of the vaults, they’ll uncover the sinister tales of notorious criminals like Burke and Hare. Above ground, the tour explores the mysteries of Greyfriars Kirkyard, where the loyal Greyfriars Bobby kept vigil. With captivating storytelling and historical insights, this tour provides an unforgettable glimpse into Edinburgh’s haunted legacy.

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Key Points

Explore Edinburgh’s haunted history by visiting the eerie underground vaults and the macabre Greyfriars Kirkyard graveyard.
Discover the dark tales of notorious figures like Burke and Hare, who were involved in a grisly murder scheme.
Experience a heightened sense of the supernatural as you descend into the labyrinth of the Edinburgh Vaults.
Learn about the haunting history of Greyfriars Kirkyard, including the tale of Greyfriars Bobby’s unwavering loyalty.
The tour may not be suitable for individuals with mobility issues due to accessibility challenges.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Exploring Edinburgh’s Haunted History

As visitors embark on the Edinburgh: Haunted Underground Vaults and Graveyard Tour, they enjoy the city’s captivating paranormal history.

The tour explores infamous locations like Greyfriars Kirkyard, where the legendary Greyfriars Bobby guarded his master’s grave. Guests also visit the notorious Edinburgh Vaults, once home to criminal activities and paranormal occurrences.

Along the way, they hear tales of notorious figures like Burke and Hare, who committed a series of murders in the 19th century.

Through these haunting sites and chilling stories, the tour offers a unique glimpse into Edinburgh’s dark and mysterious past.

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Venturing Into the Eerie Edinburgh Vaults

Descending into the eerie Edinburgh Vaults, visitors are transported back in time to a dark, damp world that once housed criminal activities and paranormal occurrences.

Beneath the city’s historic streets, the vaults reveal a labyrinth of chambers and passageways, where the echoes of the past linger. Guests learn about the notorious criminals who once lurked in these shadows, including the infamous Burke and Hare.

With each step, the tour delves deeper into the vaults’ unsettling history, leaving visitors with a heightened sense of the supernatural that has long been associated with this underground realm.

Uncovering the Mysteries of Greyfriars Kirkyard

Departing the eerie Edinburgh Vaults, the tour ventures into the historic Greyfriars Kirkyard. This ancient graveyard holds macabre tales, from the loyal Greyfriars Bobby to the notorious Burke and Hare. Visitors learn about the site’s gruesome past as they explore notable mausoleums and tombstones.

| Landmark | Notable Facts |

| — | — |

| Greyfriars Bobby | Loyal Skye Terrier who guarded his owner’s grave for 14 years |

| Burke and Hare | Infamous serial killers who sold corpses to medical schools |

| Covenanters’ Prison | Imprisoned Covenanters, many of whom died and were buried on site |

| Flodden Wall | Remnant of 16th-century defensive wall surrounding Greyfriars |

The haunting atmosphere and captivating stories make Greyfriars Kirkyard a highlight of the tour.

Notorious Criminals: Burke and Hare

One of the most notorious figures in Edinburgh’s history, the serial killers William Burke and William Hare, carried out a gruesome murder spree in the 1820s.

The duo would lure victims to their lodging house, smother them, and sell the bodies to anatomist Robert Knox for medical research.

Their crimes were uncovered when a chambermaid became suspicious of a death.

Burke was executed, while Hare turned King’s evidence and was set free.

The pair’s infamy led to the term "burking", meaning to smother or suffocate, entering the English language.

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Greyfriars Bobby: A Loyal Companion

Greyfriars Bobby was a Skye Terrier who became a legendary figure in 19th-century Edinburgh for his loyalty to his owner. After his owner’s death, Bobby guarded the grave for 14 years until his own death in 1872. The story of this faithful dog inspired a statue and fountain in his honor outside Greyfriars Kirkyard. Visitors can explore the graveyard and learn more about Bobby’s legacy.

| Fact | Detail |

| — | — |

| Name | Greyfriars Bobby |

| Breed | Skye Terrier |

| Years at Grave | 14 |

| Death | 1872 |

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Accessibility and Tour Suitability

The Edinburgh: Haunted Underground Vaults and Graveyard Tour may not be suitable for all visitors.

The tour includes accessibility challenges, such as:

A 2-foot step at the entrance to the vaults
A single-floor spiral staircase at the entrance and exit
A walking pace and terrain that may not suit individuals with difficulty walking
A suggested minimum age of 12, with children under 2 years not permitted

Plus, the tour isn’t suitable for those with mobility impairments or wheelchair users.

Visitors should wear comfortable shoes and weather-appropriate clothing to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.

Customer Feedback and Ratings

According to customer reviews, the Edinburgh: Haunted Underground Vaults and Graveyard Tour has received overwhelmingly positive feedback.

The Edinburgh: Haunted Underground Vaults and Graveyard Tour has received overwhelmingly positive feedback from customer reviews.

With a guide rating of 4.7/5 and a value for money rating of 4.5/5, customers have praised the tour’s knowledgeable and entertaining guide.

One reviewer, James, commented, "Fantastic job, knowledgeable and entertaining."

Another, Jordan, noted the guide "mixed jokes with suspense."

The transportation rating of 4/5 suggests some room for improvement, but overall, the tour offers great value and an engaging experience for those interested in Edinburgh’s haunted history.

Preparing for the Haunted Tour

To get the most out of the Edinburgh: Haunted Underground Vaults and Graveyard Tour, there are a few key things visitors should keep in mind.

The tour requires comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing and shoes, as the terrain and walking pace may not suit those with mobility issues.

Plus, visitors should:

Refrain from video or audio recording, as well as intoxication, which aren’t permitted.
Be aware that the tour isn’t suitable for children under 2 years old, people with mobility impairments, or wheelchair users.
Arrive at the meeting point on time, as the tour can’t accommodate late arrivals.
Prepare for a 1.5-hour experience exploring Edinburgh’s haunted streets, vaults, and graveyards.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Photography and Video Recording Allowed During the Tour?

No, video and audio recording are not allowed during the tour. The tour details state that "Not Allowed: Pets (except assistance dogs), intoxication, video/audio recording."

Can the Tour Accommodate Large Groups or Families?

The tour cannot accommodate large groups or families. It’s not suitable for children under 2 years old, and the entrance to the vaults and walking pace may be difficult for those with mobility issues.

Is There an Option to Extend the Tour Duration?

The tour doesn’t offer an option to extend the duration. It’s a 1.5-hour fixed experience, and the tour provider doesn’t provide any alternatives for longer tours. Guests must complete the tour within the scheduled 1.5-hour time frame.

Are There Any Discounts or Special Offers Available?

There don’t appear to be any discounts or special offers mentioned for this tour. Prices start at $31.14 per person, and the tour company offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Can the Tour Guide Provide Recommendations for Nearby Dining or Activities?

The tour guide can likely provide recommendations for nearby dining or activities in the Edinburgh area. They are familiar with the local attractions and may suggest options to complement the tour experience.

The Sum Up

The Edinburgh: Haunted Underground Vaults and Graveyard Tour offers a chilling exploration of the city’s dark past. Visitors explore the sinister tales of notorious criminals, navigate through the eerie Edinburgh Vaults, and uncover the mysteries of Greyfriars Kirkyard. With captivating storytelling and historical insights, this tour provides an unforgettable glimpse into Edinburgh’s haunted legacy, making it a must-do experience for thrill-seekers and history enthusiasts.

You can check availability for your dates here: