Edinburgh: Underground Vaults Tour

The Edinburgh Underground Vaults Tour offers a captivating journey through the dimly lit vaults beneath the city’s Old Town. Visitors can explore the haunting history of the South Bridge vaults from the 1700s, delving into dark tales of the Burke and Hare murders and witch persecutions. With knowledgeable guides sharing engaging stories, this immersive experience provides a glimpse into the squalid living conditions of the time. For history enthusiasts aged 5 and up, the tour promises an unforgettable adventure beneath the streets of Edinburgh.

Key Points

• A guided walking tour of Edinburgh’s historical Underground Vaults, exploring the South Bridge vaults from the 1700s.
• Tour duration is 1 hour and covers sordid events like the Burke and Hare murders and witch persecutions.
• Pricing starts at $25.95 per person, with an optional Torture Exhibition for additional context.
• Tour not suitable for young children or individuals with mobility issues due to accessibility challenges.
• Overall high customer satisfaction with knowledgeable guides and immersive historical storytelling.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview

The Edinburgh: Underground Vaults Tour offers visitors an opportunity to explore the dimly lit vaults beneath Edinburgh’s Old Town.

This 1-hour guided walking tour takes you through the South Bridge vaults, dating back to the 1700s. Along the way, you’ll learn about the historical events that occurred here, including the Burke and Hare murders and witch persecutions.

The tour is available in English, with flexible booking options. Priced from $25.95 per person, it features an optional Torture Exhibition for additional historical context.

However, the tour may not be suitable for young children or those with mobility issues due to accessibility challenges.

Key Highlights

Visitors can expect to explore the dimly lit vaults beneath Edinburgh’s Old Town during this 1-hour guided walking tour.

The vaults date back to the 1700s and offer a glimpse into the city’s sordid past. Guests will learn about historical events like the Burke and Hare murders and witch persecutions.

They’ll also hear tales of the squalid living conditions and diseases that plagued residents. For an added experience, visitors can choose to visit the Torture Exhibition for more historical context.

The tour provides an immersive journey through Edinburgh’s underground world and its haunting history.

Meeting Point and Accessibility

Guests meet at 300 Lawnmarket by the Tourist Information Booth and Red Telephone Box, across from Deacon Brodies Tavern.

The tour isn’t suitable for children under 2 years, people with mobility impairments, or wheelchair users. Accessibility is limited, with a 2-foot tall step at the vaults’ entrance and a single-floor spiral staircase at the entrance/exit. Small sections of stairs are also present inside.

Guests should wear comfortable shoes and weather-appropriate clothing. No pets, except assistance dogs, are allowed. Video recording is prohibited, and unaccompanied minors aren’t permitted.

Important Guidelines

While comfortable shoes and weather-appropriate clothing are recommended, no pets (except assistance dogs) are allowed on the tour. Intoxication is prohibited, and unaccompanied minors aren’t permitted.

Video recording is also not allowed during the tour. The tour without the Torture Exhibition is suitable for ages 5 and up, while the tour including the Torture Exhibition is suggested for those 12 and older.

Following these guidelines ensures an enjoyable and safe experience exploring the dimly lit vaults beneath Edinburgh’s Old Town.

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Customer Feedback

The Edinburgh Underground Vaults Tour has garnered an overall rating of 4.6 out of 5 based on 9,919 reviews.

Travelers praised the knowledgeable and engaging tour guides. One reviewer, Kayleigh, highlighted the informative and captivating presentation by guide Amy.

Another, Keith, enjoyed the insightful storytelling by Louisa and appreciated learning about the city’s rich history.

Similarly, Eden complimented guide Sophia’s engaging narrative and responsiveness to questions.

The tour’s transportation also received a perfect 5/5 rating, while the value for money was rated 4.4/5.

Guests consistently highlighted the tour’s ability to provide an immersive and educational experience in Edinburgh’s underground vaults.

Historical Events

According to the tour details, visitors have the opportunity to learn about several historical events that occurred within the Edinburgh Underground Vaults. This includes the notorious Burke and Hare murders, where the vaults served as a dumping ground for their victims.

Visitors will also hear about the dark history of witch persecutions, as the vaults were once used to imprison accused witches.

The tour explores the squalid living conditions and diseases that plagued the residents of the vaults in the 1700s, providing a grim glimpse into Edinburgh’s past.

Living Conditions and Diseases

Along With the historical events, the Edinburgh Underground Vaults tour sheds light on the grim living conditions and diseases that plagued the residents of these subterranean spaces in the 1700s.

Visitors learn about the squalor and overcrowding that characterized the vaults, where families lived in cramped, poorly ventilated rooms.

Rampant disease was common, with conditions favorable for the spread of cholera, typhus, and tuberculosis. The damp, dark environment also contributed to high rates of respiratory ailments.

Residents’ suffering was exacerbated by a lack of sanitation and medical care, painting a bleak picture of daily life beneath the city streets.

• Squalid living conditions

• Overcrowding and poor ventilation

• Widespread disease and lack of medical care

Torture Exhibition (Optional)

For those interested in a deeper dive into the grim history of Edinburgh, the tour offers an optional visit to the Torture Exhibition.

This exhibition provides additional historical context, showcasing chilling artifacts and displays related to the city’s dark past. Visitors can learn about the tools and methods used to punish and persecute individuals, including the infamous iron maiden.

While not suitable for younger audiences, the exhibition offers a unique and immersive experience for those seeking to further understand the harsh realities that once plagued the underground vaults and the people who resided there.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring Food or Drinks on the Tour?

No, food and drinks are not permitted on the tour. The guidelines specifically state that no food or drinks, except for assistance dogs, are allowed. Visitors are advised to bring only weather-appropriate clothing and comfortable shoes.

Is the Tour Suitable for People With Claustrophobia?

The tour may not be suitable for those with severe claustrophobia, as the vaults are dimly lit and enclosed spaces. Visitors should consider their comfort level before booking. Those with mild claustrophobia may be able to manage with proper preparation.

Can I Take Photographs During the Tour?

No, video recording is not permitted on the tour. However, photography is generally allowed, but guests are advised to check with the guide at the start of the tour for any specific restrictions.

Is There Any Way to Get a Discount on the Tour Price?

There may be ways to get a discount on the tour price, such as checking for any special offers, using a discount code, or purchasing tickets as part of a bundled city package. However, the standard tour price is $25.95 per person.

Are There Any Age Restrictions for the Torture Exhibition?

The tour’s torture exhibition is recommended for ages 12 and up. Visitors under 12 can still take the main tour, but the torture exhibition’s content may not be suitable for younger children.

The Sum Up

The Edinburgh Underground Vaults Tour provides a captivating glimpse into the city’s dark past. Visitors can explore the dimly lit vaults, learn about the Burke and Hare murders, and gain insight into the squalid living conditions of the time. Knowledgeable guides deliver engaging storytelling, making this an immersive experience for history enthusiasts. The tour is accessible for all ages and offers an optional torture exhibition for a deeper dive into the city’s haunting history.

You can check availability for your dates here: