Set out on a thrilling journey through Edinburgh’s dark and mysterious past with the Small Group Underground Vaults & Graveyard Ghost Tour. Venture into the eerie Blair Street vaults, where whispers of restless souls and tales of witchcraft linger. Uncover the haunting history of Canongate Kirkyard, as expert storytellers guide you through the shadows. This exclusive adults-only experience promises to captivate and chill, leaving you yearning to delve deeper into the city’s macabre legacy.
Key Points

- Exclusive access to the haunted Blair Street Vaults and Canongate Kirkyard on an adults-only ghost tour led by award-winning local storytellers.
- Immersive experience for a maximum group size of 18 participants, using TourTalk radio receivers to enhance the storytelling.
- Explore the eerie atmosphere of the dimly lit vaults, with unsettling chills, creaking floors, and unexplained noises contributing to the haunting ambiance.
- Discover the dark history and tales of torture, witchcraft, and notable individuals buried in the Canongate Kirkyard.
- Tour earns a 95% traveler recommendation and a Badge of Excellence, with mixed opinions on tour length, content depth, and customer service.
Tour Overview and Highlights

The Edinburgh Underground Vaults & Graveyard Ghost Tour is a small-group experience that immerses visitors in the city’s haunted history.
This adults-only tour features exclusive access to the Blair Street vaults and a visit to the Canongate Kirkyard, known for its dark tales of cannibalism, body snatching, and witchery.
Led by award-winning local storytellers, the tour includes commentary delivered through TourTalk radio receivers for an immersive experience.
With a maximum group size of 18, the tour has earned a 95% recommendation from travelers and a Badge of Excellence, making it ideal for history and hauntings enthusiasts.
Looking for more options in Edinburgh? We've reviewed plenty of other experiences.
Itinerary and Meeting Point

The tour begins at the Mercat Cross, a historic landmark located on High Street in Edinburgh’s Old Town. From there, the group will explore two haunted locations: the Blair Street vaults and the Canongate Kirkyard.
| Location | Duration |
|---|---|
| Mercat Cross | 15 minutes |
| Blair Street Vaults | 30 minutes |
| Canongate Kirkyard | 30 minutes |
The tour ends at the Canongate Kirk, after hearing tales of torture, cannibalism, and witchery from the expert storytellers. Evening departures are available, making this a thrilling way to experience Edinburgh’s dark history.
Exploring the Blair Street Vaults

Descending into the dimly lit Blair Street vaults, tour-goers embark on a chilling exploration of this infamous underground network.
Known for restless souls, the vaults once housed merchants, taverns, and even illicit activities.
The guide’s commentary weaves tales of cannibalism, body snatching, and dark history that cling to these damp, narrow passages.
- Eerie shadows dance across the vaulted ceilings.
- Uneven floors creak underfoot, heightening the sense of unease.
- Whispers and unexplained noises seem to emanate from the surrounding darkness.
- The air carries an unsettling chill, adding to the haunting atmosphere.
Visiting Canongate Kirkyard

Next, the tour group moves on to Canongate Kirkyard, the final resting place of many notable Scots throughout history.
They’ll explore the graveyard, hearing tales of the individuals buried there, including authors, politicians, and even a few notorious criminals.
The guide shares stories of torture, witchcraft, and other dark events that occurred in this hallowed ground.
Visitors get a chance to see the ornate tombstones and monuments that mark the graves of these historical figures.
The tour concludes at Canongate Kirk, leaving guests with a deeper appreciation for Edinburgh’s haunting past.
Storytelling and Commentary

Captivating storytelling and immersive commentary bring the dark history of Edinburgh’s haunted sites to life during the tour.
Skilled guides regale guests with tales of torture, cannibalism, and witchcraft that occurred within the Blair Street vaults and Canongate Kirkyard.
Utilizing TourTalk radio receivers, participants are fully immersed in the guides’ narratives, enhancing the eerie atmosphere.
The tour highlights include:
- Stories of restless souls, body snatchers, and the macabre
- Exclusive access to the Blair Street Underground Vaults
- Visiting the final resting place of notable Scottish figures
- Engaging commentary that skillfully blends history and hauntings
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Tour Features and Accessibility

The tour offers exclusive access to the Blair Street Underground Vaults, allowing guests to explore these haunted spaces firsthand.
Award-winning local storytellers guide visitors through the uneven terrain, providing engaging commentary on the vaults’ dark history. Comfortable shoes are recommended due to the irregular flooring.
While the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, service animals are permitted.
The experience concludes at the Canongate Kirkyard, the final resting place of notable Scots.
With a maximum group size of 18, the tour offers an immersive and personalized exploration of Edinburgh’s haunted underground and historic graveyard.
Customer Reviews and Feedback

Travelers have left a wealth of feedback on the Edinburgh Underground Vaults & Graveyard Ghost Tour, offering insights into their experiences.
The tour boasts an impressive overall rating of 4.8 out of 5 based on 361 reviews, with 95% of travelers recommending it. Positive comments highlight the engaging storytelling and knowledgeable guides, who bring the dark history to life.
However, some guests noted that the stories shared were similar to those on other ghost tours. Plus, there were mixed opinions on the tour’s length and depth of content.
Customer service issues regarding cancellations and refunds were also reported by a few reviewers.
- Engaging storytelling and knowledgeable guides
- Similarities to other ghost tours noted by some
- Mixed feedback on tour length and content depth
- Customer service issues regarding cancellations and refunds
Practical Information and Booking

To book the Edinburgh Underground Vaults & Graveyard Ghost Tour, visitors can conveniently reserve their spots online.
The tour meets at the Mercat Cross, High St, and concludes at Canongate Kirk. Duration is approximately 1.5 hours, with separate visits to the Blair Street vaults and Canongate Kirkyard.
Tour times are available in the evenings. Comfortable shoes are recommended due to uneven terrain, and the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, though service animals are allowed.
Free cancellation is offered up to 24 hours prior to the scheduled departure. Booking in advance is recommended, as group size is limited to a maximum of 18 participants.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Bring My Own Audio Equipment?
Guests generally can’t bring their own audio equipment on the tour. The tour provides TourTalk radio receivers for immersive storytelling, and guests should avoid using personal devices to ensure they don’t disrupt the experience for others.
Do You Offer Child-Friendly Ghost Tours?
No, this tour is not suitable for children. It is an adults-only (18+) ghost tour that explores haunted underground vaults and a historic graveyard, with commentary including stories of torture, cannibalism, and witchcraft.
How Accessible Are the Underground Vaults?
The underground vaults are not wheelchair accessible due to the uneven terrain. However, the tour allows service animals, making it somewhat accessible for those with mobility challenges. Comfortable shoes are recommended for navigating the vaults.
Are There Any Age Restrictions for This Tour?
The tour has an age restriction – it’s adults-only, with a minimum age of 18. This ensures the tour content and experience are tailored for an older audience interested in the hauntings and dark history of Edinburgh.
Can I Take Photographs During the Tour?
Photography is generally allowed during the tour, though guests are advised to be respectful and avoid disrupting the experience. Some locations may have restrictions, so it’s best to check with the tour guide before taking photos.
The Sum Up
This spine-chilling ghost tour offers an exclusive chance to explore Edinburgh’s haunting underground vaults and historic graveyard. Led by award-winning storytellers, the tour immerses visitors in the eerie atmosphere, bringing whispers of restless souls and tales of witchcraft to life. With a small group size, guests can fully experience the city’s dark and intriguing past. It’s an unforgettable adventure for those seeking a thrilling glimpse into Edinburgh’s supernatural mysteries.
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