Edinburgh’s Witches Old Town Walking Tour & Underground Vault offers a spellbinding journey into the city’s dark past. Visitors explore key historical sites, guided by a professional character who brings the stories of accused witches to life. The tour culminates in the atmospheric underground vaults, leaving participants intrigued and eager to uncover more of Scotland’s haunted history. Whether you’re a fan of the occult or simply seeking a unique cultural experience, this tour promises an unforgettable adventure.

Contents show

Key Points

This 75-minute walking tour explores the history of Scottish witches in Edinburgh’s Old Town, including a visit to the underground vaults at The Lost Close.
The tour, with a starting point at Caffè Nero near St. Giles Cathedral, is led by professional character guides who blend history and storytelling.
Highlights include stops at St. Giles Cathedral, Lady Stairs Close, Castlehill, and Victoria Street, with a focus on the struggles of accused witches.
The tour is priced at $23.35 per person, with a full refund available for cancellations up to 24 hours in advance.
While suitable for most participants, the tour may not be accessible for those with mobility issues and is not recommended for those with claustrophobia or fear of the dark.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview and Pricing

The Edinburgh: Witches Old Town Walking Tour & Underground Vault costs from $23.35 per person and lasts 75 minutes.

Travelers can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Guests can reserve their spot and pay nothing today.

The tour starts at Caffè Nero, near St. Giles Cathedral, and explores the dimly lit streets and spooky wynds of Edinburgh’s Old Town.

Explore the dimly lit streets and spooky wynds of Edinburgh’s Old Town on this haunting walking tour.

Highlights include learning about Scottish witches and their struggles, and visiting the underground vaults at The Lost Close dating back to 1742.

The tour is led by professional character guides and promises an engaging, informative experience.

Into exploring Edinburgh on foot? Check out these other walking experiences we've looked at

Itinerary and Highlights

Where does the tour begin? The walking tour starts at Caffè Nero, near St. Giles Cathedral in Edinburgh’s Old Town.

Participants will explore the dimly lit streets and spooky wynds, visiting key stops like St. Giles Cathedral, Lady Stairs Close, Castlehill, and Victoria Street, ending at Barries Close.

The highlights include hearing the history of Scottish witches and the injustices they faced. The tour also offers the opportunity to visit the underground vaults at The Lost Close, dating back to 1742.

Throughout the 75-minute experience, the professional character guide blends history and storytelling, focusing on the lives of accused witches.

Tour Experience

Led by professional character guides, the Edinburgh Witches Walking Tour blends history and storytelling to provide an engaging experience for participants.

Focusing on the stories of accused witches and their lives, the tour explores the dimly lit streets and spooky wynds of Edinburgh’s Old Town.

Visitors have the opportunity to learn about characters from Outlander and Harry Potter, seeing the city’s haunting past.

The tour culminates with a visit to the underground vaults at The Lost Close, dating back to 1742, offering a unique glimpse into Edinburgh’s dark history.

Customer Reviews and Ratings

Overwhelmingly positive reviews from past participants highlight the Edinburgh Witches Walking Tour’s engaging and knowledgeable guides.

With an overall rating of 4.8 out of 5 based on 911 reviews, the tour earns high marks for its value and quality.

Reviewers consistently praise the guides’ storytelling abilities, personal recommendations, and deep knowledge of the city’s haunting history.

Many note the guides’ talent for bringing the past to life and creating an immersive, memorable experience.

The tour’s 5/5 guide rating and 4.8/5 value for money score further reinforce its reputation as a must-do activity in Edinburgh.

More Great Tours Nearby

Starting Location and Meeting Point

The Edinburgh Witches Walking Tour kicks off at Caffè Nero, situated directly opposite the iconic Mercat Cross in the heart of the city’s Old Town.

This prime location serves as the perfect starting point for the 75-minute journey through Edinburgh’s spooky past.

Participants are advised to:

Arrive at the meeting point a few minutes early to ensure a prompt departure.
Look for the tour guide, who’ll be wearing distinctive attire to easily identify them.
Dress appropriately for the weather, as the tour operates rain or shine.
Wear comfortable shoes, as the tour involves walking through the historic Old Town streets and wynds.

There's plenty more to explore in Edinburgh

Suitability and What to Bring

Although the tour is suitable for most participants, it may not be accessible for those with mobility impairments.

Comfortable, weather-appropriate footwear is recommended, as the tour takes place outdoors and involves navigating uneven surfaces. Warm clothing is advised, as the tour operates rain or shine.

Participants should be prepared to explore dimly lit areas and venture underground. The tour isn’t recommended for those with claustrophobia or fear of the dark.

Ensuring proper attire and being mindful of personal limitations will help ensure an enjoyable and immersive experience on this spooky Edinburgh walking tour.

Tour Duration and Cancellation Policy

The Edinburgh: Witches Old Town Walking Tour & Underground Vault runs for 75 minutes, providing participants ample time to explore the dimly lit streets and underground vaults as they uncover the history of Scottish witches.

The tour offers a few key benefits:

The tour offers flexible scheduling, risk-free booking, convenient payment, and an immersive 75-minute experience exploring Edinburgh’s witch history.

Flexible Scheduling: Guests can easily fit the tour into their itinerary, as it’s offered multiple times throughout the day.
Risk-Free Booking: With free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, travelers can book with confidence knowing they can get a full refund if plans change.
Convenient Payment: The "reserve now, pay later" option allows guests to secure their spot without needing to pay upfront.
Immersive Experience: The 75-minute duration ensures a comprehensive and engaging tour, leaving participants with a deeper understanding of Edinburgh’s haunting witch history.

Exploring Edinburgh’s Haunted History

As guests embark on the Edinburgh: Witches Old Town Walking Tour & Underground Vault, they’ll venture into the dimly lit streets and spooky wynds of the city’s historic Old Town.

Led by professional character guides, the tour explores the history of Scottish witches and the injustices they faced. Visitors will hear stories of accused witches and learn about key figures from popular franchises like Outlander and Harry Potter.

The highlight is a visit to the underground vaults at The Lost Close, dating back to 1742, for a chilling look into Edinburgh’s haunted past.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Tour Suitable for Children?

The tour may not be suitable for young children due to the dark and spooky subject matter. It’s best suited for older kids and adults who are interested in the history of witchcraft and the macabre aspects of Edinburgh’s past.

How Much Walking Is Involved During the Tour?

The tour involves a moderate amount of walking, covering approximately 1.5 miles through Edinburgh’s Old Town. Guests should wear comfortable shoes and be prepared for uneven terrain and stairs in the underground vaults.

Are There Any Restroom Breaks During the Tour?

There are no scheduled restroom breaks during the tour. The tour lasts 75 minutes and covers a walking route through Edinburgh’s Old Town. Participants should plan accordingly before the tour starts.

Can We Take Photos During the Tour?

Yes, participants are generally allowed to take photos during the tour, although guides may request that flash photography is avoided in certain sensitive areas. Check with the tour provider for any specific rules or restrictions on photography.

Will the Tour Guide Provide Recommendations for Dining After the Tour?

The tour guide may provide dining recommendations after the tour, as they often have local knowledge of the best restaurants and eateries in the area. However, the focus of the tour is on the historical aspects, not dining suggestions.

The Sum Up

The Edinburgh: Witches Old Town Walking Tour & Underground Vault offers a captivating journey through the city’s dark history. Guided by a professional character, participants explore key sites and enjoy the atmospheric underground vaults, making it a memorable experience for those fascinated by Scotland’s witch trials and folklore. It’s a must-do activity for those keen to uncover Edinburgh’s haunted past.