The Small Group Edinburgh Night Walking Tour with Underground Vaults offers adults a captivating journey into Scotland’s haunted past. Led by knowledgeable guides, this intimate tour explores the eerie Blair Street Vaults and uncovers chilling tales of treason and the supernatural. Guests will wander candlelit passages, discover iconic landmarks like the Mercat Cross, and explore Edinburgh’s dark history using immersive storytelling. With limited participants, this unique experience provides an enchanting and immersive glimpse into the city’s haunted legacy.
Key Points
- Small group size of up to 18 adults for an intimate and immersive experience.
- Candlelit tour through the historic Blair Street Vaults with stories of hauntings and supernatural forces.
- Exploration of Edinburgh’s Old Town, including the iconic Mercat Cross and St Giles Cathedral.
- Guided by knowledgeable storytellers using radio receivers for an engaging narrative.
- Affordable pricing at $29.99 per person with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
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Tour Overview
The Edinburgh Night Walking Tour offers a small group experience exploring the city’s haunted history and underground vaults.
With a maximum of 18 participants, this adults-only tour takes visitors on a candlelight journey through the 18th-century Blair Street Vaults.
Along the way, guests will hear spine-tingling tales of treason, torture, and supernatural forces.
The tour is led by knowledgeable guides in identifiable uniforms, and participants receive TourTalk radio receivers for immersive storytelling.
Priced at $29.99 per person, the tour boasts a 4.5-star rating and free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
Tour Highlights
Late-night ghost walking tours in Edinburgh take visitors on a spine-chilling journey through the city’s haunted history and underground vaults.
The tour highlights include exploring the Blair Street Vaults, a network of 18th-century chambers with documented hauntings, crimes, and mysterious legends. Guests experience a candlelit tour of these eerie chambers as they hear stories of treason, torture, and supernatural forces.
The tour also visits sites of documented paranormal activity, and guides use TourTalk radio receivers to provide an immersive storytelling experience.
Thrilling and informative, this tour offers a unique look into Edinburgh’s dark past.
Meeting and End Points
The meeting point for the Edinburgh Night Walking Tour is the Mercat Cross, located on High Street in Edinburgh’s Old Town (EH1 1RF, UK). Participants will gather here before embarking on the tour.
The tour concludes at 28 Blair St, Edinburgh EH1 1QR, UK.
Throughout the tour, staff will be easily identifiable by their black and orange clothing, lanyards, and Mercat umbrellas. This ensures participants can easily find and follow their guide.
The tour covers various locations in Edinburgh’s historic Old Town, providing an immersive and informative nighttime experience for all participants.
Exploring the Mercat Cross
Situated at the heart of Edinburgh’s historic Old Town, the Mercat Cross serves as the iconic meeting point for the night walking tour.
Visitors gather around the ornate stone monument, adorned with the Scottish royal coat of arms. For 15 minutes, the guide shares the rich history of this symbolic landmark.
Tales of public executions, declarations of war, and royal proclamations captivate guests as they envision the bustling activity that once filled the surrounding cobblestone streets.
With the Mercat Cross as the starting point, the tour embarks on a journey through Edinburgh’s dark past, setting the stage for the eerie adventure ahead.
Visiting St Giles Cathedral
From the Mercat Cross, the tour group makes its way to St Giles Cathedral, a magnificent 12th-century church that has witnessed centuries of Scottish history. The group spends 15 minutes exploring the cathedral’s stunning Gothic architecture and learning about its role in the Reformation.
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Architecture | Impressive Gothic style with intricate stone carvings and stained glass windows |
| History | Site of John Knox’s sermons during the Scottish Reformation; damaged by fires and renovations over the centuries |
| Significance | Serves as the principal church of the Church of Scotland in Edinburgh |
The tour then continues down the iconic Royal Mile, delving into the dark and mysterious tales that haunt the ancient streets of Edinburgh’s Old Town.
Strolling the Royal Mile
After visiting the iconic St Giles Cathedral, the tour group embarks on a 30-minute stroll down the famous Royal Mile.
This historic street connects Edinburgh Castle and the Palace of Holyroodhouse, two of the city’s most renowned landmarks.
Along the way, the guide points out key sites, including 16th-century architecture, hidden courtyards, and quaint shops.
Guests soak in the lively atmosphere, taking in the sights, sounds, and vibrant energy of this iconic thoroughfare.
The tour group pauses periodically to learn about the area’s rich history and folklore, setting the stage for the upcoming visit to the Mercat Tours office.
Discovering the Mercat Tours
The tour group now arrives at the Mercat Tours office, a central hub for exploring Edinburgh’s hidden history.
Here, the guides greet them and equip each visitor with a TourTalk radio receiver. This innovative technology ensures everyone can hear the captivating stories and enjoy the dark tales of the city.
The guides then lead the group through the underground vaults beneath South Bridge, where they encounter sites of documented hauntings, crimes, and mysterious legends.
With the aid of candlelight, the group traverses the 18th-century chambers, captivated by the guides’ skillful storytelling.
Taking in the Edinburgh Old Town
As the tour group departs the Mercat Tours office, they find themselves immersed in the captivating atmosphere of Edinburgh’s Old Town.
The narrow, winding streets are lined with historic buildings, casting long shadows in the dim light. The group listens intently as the guide shares tales of treason, torture, and supernatural forces that have plagued this ancient district.
They stop at key sites, including the Royal Mile, soaking in the eerie ambiance and imagining the dark events that unfolded here centuries ago.
The tour provides an immersive glimpse into Edinburgh’s haunting past, leaving the group both captivated and unsettled.
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- Loch Ness and Highlands Day Tour Including Cruise From Edinburgh
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Bring Young Children on the Tour?
The tour is specifically for adults 18 and over. Young children are not permitted, as the subject matter and experiences may not be suitable for them. The tour focuses on mature themes and content.
Are There Restroom Facilities Available During the Tour?
The tour does not provide restroom facilities during the walking portion. However, participants have the opportunity to use the restrooms before and after the tour at the starting and ending locations.
How Much Walking Is Involved in the Tour?
The tour involves a significant amount of walking, covering approximately 1.5 miles through the historic Old Town of Edinburgh. Participants should be prepared for an active and immersive experience with frequent stops to explore the city’s underground vaults and haunted sites.
Do We Get a Chance to Explore the Vaults on Our Own?
The tour includes a candlelit exploration of the 18th-century Blair Street Vaults, but visitors don’t get to explore the vaults on their own. The guide leads the group through the chambers, sharing stories of the vaults’ dark history.
Can We Take Photos/Videos During the Tour?
Yes, visitors can take photos and videos during the tour, though they may be asked to refrain from using flash photography in the dimly-lit underground vaults to avoid disrupting the atmosphere and storytelling experience.
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The Sum Up
The Small Group Edinburgh Night Walking Tour with Underground Vaults offers an immersive and spooky experience, allowing visitors to explore the haunted history of Scotland’s capital. With a knowledgeable guide, captivating storytelling, and access to the atmospheric Blair Street Vaults, participants can explore iconic landmarks and uncover the dark past of Edinburgh’s Old Town.