Edinburgh’s Haunted Vaults and Graveyard Walking Tour offers an intriguing glimpse into the city’s grim past. Visitors can explore eerie sites like Greyfriars Kirkyard, known for its supernatural occurrences, and the Nidry Street Vaults, where dark secrets lurk. With knowledgeable guides and an impressive review record, this tour promises an immersive experience – if one dares to uncover the shadows that linger beneath the historic streets.
Key Points
- This haunted walking tour in Edinburgh visits eerie venues like Greyfriars Kirkyard and Nidry Street Vaults, immersing guests in grim historical narratives.
- The tour has an excellent 94% recommendation rate from over 1,360 reviews and is a Badge of Excellence winner.
- Guests should arrive 5-10 minutes early for prompt departures, and the tour concludes at 45 Niddry St, Edinburgh.
- Access to the vaults involves navigating stairs, and moderate physical fitness is required, with children under 5 not permitted.
- Guests can expect a spooky atmosphere and engaging storytelling, though some may find the historical content distressing.
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Tour Overview and Highlights
The haunted vaults and graveyard walking tour in Edinburgh offers travelers a thrilling exploration of the city’s dark past.
With over 1,360 reviews and a 94% recommendation rate, the tour is a Badge of Excellence winner.
Under the guidance of a professional, guests will traverse ancient streets at night, visiting haunted venues like Greyfriars Kirkyard and Nidry Street Vaults.
Along the way, they’ll learn about the grim fates of beggars, criminals, and witches, all while keeping an eye out for ghostly sightings.
This moderate fitness tour isn’t suitable for young children but promises an engaging and potentially chilling experience.
Meeting and Logistics
The meeting point for the haunted vaults and graveyard tour is at the Tourist Information Police Box, across from Deacon Brodie’s Tavern on 300 Lawnmarket, Edinburgh EH1 2PH, UK.
Guests should arrive 5-10 minutes early, as the tours depart promptly.
The tour ends at 45 Niddry St, Edinburgh EH1 1LG, UK.
The maximum group size is 32 travelers.
The vaults are accessed via a 2ft stair with additional stairs inside.
Filming and live streaming are prohibited, and guests under the influence of alcohol or drugs won’t be permitted on the tour.
Accessibility and Restrictions
Although the haunted vaults and graveyard tour is not wheelchair accessible, it does allow service animals. Moderate physical fitness is required, as the tour involves navigating stairs and tight spaces in the vaults. The tour is not suitable for children under 5, and those under 16 must be accompanied by an adult. Visitors under the influence of alcohol or drugs are strictly prohibited, and filming or live streaming is not allowed.
| Accessibility | Restrictions |
|---|---|
| Not wheelchair accessible | No alcohol/drug influence |
| Service animals allowed | No filming/live streaming |
| Moderate physical fitness required | Children under 5 not allowed |
Tour Experience and Reviews
While the haunted vaults and graveyard tour includes historical content that may be potentially distressing to some visitors, such as details about torture, hangings, and death, the majority of reviewers highlight the knowledgeable guides and engaging storytelling.
Common themes in the reviews emphasize the spooky atmosphere, educational content, and overall fun experience.
However, some negative feedback indicates a few instances of missed tours and unmet expectations.
Booking Information and Cancellation Policy
Priced from $30.25 per person, the haunted vaults and graveyard tour in Edinburgh offers a free cancellation policy up to 24 hours before the experience.
Confirmation is received at the time of booking, and the tour operator’s office hours for inquiries are 10am to 5pm.
For those who don’t want to pay upfront, a reserve now and pay later option is available.
The tour has a maximum group size of 32 travelers, and strict policies prohibit alcohol/drug influence and filming/live streaming during the tour.
Haunted Vaults: Exploring the Dark Past
The haunted Nidry Street Vaults of Edinburgh conceal a dark and tumultuous past. These subterranean chambers, once home to beggars, criminals, and even witches, now draw visitors seeking a glimpse into the city’s grim history. As guests descend into the vaults, they’re met with an eerie atmosphere, their footsteps echoing through the damp, dimly lit passages.
| Vault History | Features |
|---|---|
| Constructed in the 18th century | Accessible via a narrow 2ft stair |
| Used as storage, housing, and even a body dumping ground | Additional stairs within the vaults |
| Abandoned in the 19th century due to overcrowding and unsanitary conditions | Reported ghostly sightings and paranormal activity |
| Rediscovered in the 1990s and opened for tours | Maintained sense of spooky ambiance |
The vaults’ dark past remains palpable, inviting visitors to uncover the haunting secrets that lie within.
Greyfriars Kirkyard: Ghosts and Ghouls Abound
After exploring the haunted Nidry Street Vaults, the tour then ventures to Greyfriars Kirkyard, a historic graveyard renowned for its supernatural occurrences.
Visitors may encounter unexplained phenomena, such as disembodied voices, apparitions, and unexplained shadows. The most famous haunting involves the Mackenzie Poltergeist, which has been known to physically attack visitors.
Despite the eerie atmosphere, the tour guide shares the graveyard’s rich history, including the story of the loyal Skye Terrier who guarded his master’s grave for 14 years.
Guests must remain vigilant and keep an eye out for any ghostly sightings.
Taking in Edinburgh’s Spooky Atmosphere
As the tour winds through the dimly lit alleys and ancient streets of Edinburgh, visitors are immersed in a spooky atmosphere that heightens the senses. The narrow, cobblestone paths and looming, centuries-old buildings cast long shadows, creating an eerie ambiance. Participants remain alert, eager to catch a glimpse of any paranormal activity. The guide’s captivating storytelling further enhances the experience, transporting the group back in time to uncover the city’s dark history. The tour culminates in a visit to the haunted Nidry Street Vaults, where the group can explore the underground chambers and search for signs of the supernatural.
| Sensory Experience | Participant Reaction |
|---|---|
| Dim lighting | Heightened senses |
| Narrow, cobblestone paths | Alert and eager |
| Looming, ancient buildings | Transporting to the past |
| Captivating storytelling | Searching for paranormal activity |
| Exploring the Nidry Street Vaults | Culmination of the spooky experience |
More Of Our Reviews In This Region
- The World Famous Underground Ghost Tour
- Underground Vaults Walking Tour in Edinburgh Old Town
- Edinburgh: Isle of Skye, Highlands and Loch Ness 3-Day Tour
- The Chocolatarium Chocolate Tour Experience in Edinburgh
- Loch Ness and Highlands Day Tour Including Cruise From Edinburgh
- St Andrews & the Fishing Villages of Fife Small-Group Day Tour From Edinburgh
Ask Away
What Safety Precautions Are in Place During the Tour?
The tour has several safety precautions in place. Service animals are allowed, and a moderate level of physical fitness is required. Children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult, and the use of alcohol or drugs is strictly prohibited.
Can I Take Photos or Videos During the Tour?
The tour has a strict policy against filming and live streaming. Visitors are not allowed to take photos or videos during the tour. This rule is in place to preserve the spooky atmosphere and ensure all participants can fully engage with the experience.
How Accessible Are the Vaults and Graveyard for Individuals With Mobility Issues?
The vaults and graveyard are not wheelchair accessible and require moderate physical fitness. Stairs are involved, including a 2ft stair to access the vaults. Service animals are allowed, but the tour is not suitable for young children.
Are There Any Age Restrictions for Children on the Tour?
The tour isn’t suitable for children under 5, and children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult. There are stairs and accessibility restrictions that may make the experience challenging for young or mobility-impaired guests.
What Happens if I Need to Cancel or Reschedule My Tour?
The tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience. Customers can also reserve now and pay later if needed. For inquiries, the office is open from 10am to 5pm.
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Final Words
The Haunted Vaults and Graveyard Walking Tour in Edinburgh offers a captivating exploration of the city’s eerie past. With engaging storytelling and knowledgeable guides, the tour immerses participants in Edinburgh’s spooky atmosphere. However, visitors should be prepared for moderate physical challenges, making it unsuitable for young children and those with limited mobility. With a remarkable 94% recommendation rate, this Badge of Excellence-winning experience is a must-do for those seeking a chilling adventure.