Small Group Edinburgh Underground Vaults & Graveyard Ghost Tour

Step into the shadowy realms of Edinburgh’s haunted past on this small group ghost tour. Led by award-winning storytellers, this adults-only experience delves into the city’s dark history as you explore the eerie Blair Street vaults and the historic Canongate Kirkyard. With a maximum of 18 participants, you’ll have an intimate atmosphere to navigate the cobblestone streets and narrow passageways, where chilling tales of torture, cannibalism, and murder come to life. The journey has only just begun.

Key Points

• This small group tour (max 18 adults) offers an immersive experience at two haunted locations in Edinburgh, guided by award-winning local storytellers.
• Guests explore the Blair Street vaults and Canongate Kirkyard, hearing tales of torture, cannibalism, and murder in a distanced storytelling format.
• The tour includes 30 minutes at the Royal Mile and Canongate Kirk, with a 15-minute stop at the Mercat Cross.
• Highly recommended by 95% of travelers, with a 4.8-star rating, the tour is praised for its engaging guides and intimate, adults-only experience.
• Practical tips include wearing comfortable shoes, bringing a small flashlight, and dressing in layers for the cool, damp underground conditions.

Tour Overview

The small group Edinburgh Underground Vaults & Graveyard Ghost Tour offers visitors an immersive experience exploring two of the city’s most haunted locations.

With a maximum group size of 18 adults, the tour provides an intimate setting for hearing tales of torture, cannibalism, and murder. Guided by award-winning local storytellers, participants use TourTalk radio receivers to ensure safe, distanced storytelling.

The tour includes 30 minutes at the Royal Mile and Canongate Kirk, and 15 minutes at the Mercat Cross. Evening departure times are available, and the tour is highly recommended by 95% of travelers, with a 4.8-star rating.

Tour Highlights

Visitors on the Edinburgh Underground Vaults & Graveyard Ghost Tour explore two haunted locations – the Blair Street vaults and Canongate Kirkyard.

They’ll listen to tales of torture, cannibalism, and murder, guided by award-winning local storytellers. The tour includes the use of TourTalk radio receivers for immersive storytelling at a safe distance. Evening departure times are available.

At the Canongate Kirkyard, guests visit the final resting place of notable Scottish figures. Guides are praised for their engaging storytelling and humor, providing a thrilling and informative experience for adults-only (18+) groups of up to 18 people.

Meeting and End Points

The meeting point for the Edinburgh Underground Vaults & Graveyard Ghost Tour is the Mercat Cross, located on High Street in Edinburgh’s city center.

From there, the tour takes guests to the Canongate Kirkyard, the final resting place of notable Scottish figures.

The tour’s duration includes 30 minutes at the Royal Mile and Canongate Kirk, as well as 15 minutes at the Mercat Cross.

At the end of the tour, guests are returned to the Canongate Kirk, situated in the heart of the historic Canongate district.

Tour Experience

How does the tour experience unfold? Guests greet their award-winning guide at the Mercat Cross in central Edinburgh.

The guide shares terrifying tales as the group descends into the Blair Street vaults, known for restless souls. Visitors explore the narrow passageways, hearing stories of body snatchers and pacts with devils.

The tour then heads to Canongate Kirkyard, the final resting place of notable Scottish figures. Throughout the experience, guides are praised for their engaging storytelling and humor.

The tour concludes with 30 minutes at the Royal Mile and Canongate Kirk, and 15 minutes at the Mercat Cross.

Three key aspects of the tour experience:

1. Explore two haunted locations: Blair Street vaults and Canongate Kirkyard.
2. Listen to tales of torture, cannibalism, and murder from award-winning local storytellers.
3. Utilize TourTalk radio receivers for immersive storytelling at a safe distance.

Customer Reviews and Feedback

Based on the 362 reviews, the tour has an impressive 4.8 rating.

Positive comments highlight the engaging guides and fascinating stories they share.

However, some travelers reported mixed experiences, with concerns about the extent of vault exploration and the overall experience.

A few also mentioned issues with customer service and cancellations.

Recommendations suggest wearing comfortable shoes due to the uneven floors in the vaults.

Haunted Vaults Exploration

Descending into the Blair Street vaults, the tour explores these infamous underground passageways, known for their haunted history.

Visitors navigate narrow walkways while hearing tales of body snatchers and pacts with the devil. The tour highlights three key elements of the vault exploration:

1. Uneven, cobblestone floors that require caution and sturdy footwear.
2. Dimly lit, claustrophobic spaces that heighten the sense of unease.
3. Guides’ dramatic storytelling, which brings the vaults’ grim past to life.

Throughout the experience, the tour immerses guests in the vaults’ unsettling atmosphere, offering a chilling glimpse into Edinburgh’s dark history.

Eerie Graveyard Encounters

After exploring the haunted Blair Street vaults, the tour then ventures to the eerie Canongate Kirkyard.

This historic cemetery is the final resting place of many notable Scottish figures, including philosophers, authors, and political leaders.

As the guide leads the group through the narrow pathways, they share stories of the restless souls said to haunt the graveyard.

Visitors learn about the dark history and supernatural occurrences associated with the Kirkyard, sending chills down their spines.

The combination of the dimly lit setting and the guide’s engaging storytelling creates an immersive and unforgettable experience for participants.

Practical Tips for Attendees

Though the tour promises a chilling exploration of Edinburgh’s haunted underground vaults and graveyard, attendees should come prepared for the experience.

Comfortable, sturdy shoes are a must, as the uneven floors in the vaults can be treacherous. Plus, bringing a small flashlight or headlamp can enhance the immersive atmosphere.

Lastly, dress in layers, as the underground spaces can be cool and damp.

Since You Asked

Is the Tour Wheelchair Accessible?

The tour is not wheelchair accessible. The underground vaults and uneven terrain in the graveyard would make it difficult for those using wheelchairs to fully participate in the experience.

Can Children Under 18 Attend the Tour?

No, the tour is adults-only and not suitable for children under 18. The description states the tour is for "Adults-only (18+)" with a maximum group size of 18 people.

Can I Bring My Camera or Flashlight Into the Vaults?

Cameras and flashlights are generally allowed on the tour, as they can help visitors navigate the dark, narrow vaults. However, guides may ask guests to refrain from using them at certain points to maintain the immersive experience.

Will There Be Opportunities to Take Photos During the Tour?

The tour allows guests to take photos during the experience. However, the use of flash photography is generally discouraged as it may interfere with the storytelling and atmosphere. Guests are advised to check with the tour guide for any specific restrictions.

How Much Walking Is Involved, and Is It Strenuous?

The tour involves a moderate amount of walking, with uneven floors in the underground vaults. While not overly strenuous, guests should wear comfortable shoes and be prepared for some physical activity during the experience.

The Sum Up

The Edinburgh Underground Vaults & Graveyard Ghost Tour offers an immersive and intimate exploration of the city’s haunted history. Led by award-winning storytellers, the tour takes visitors through the eerie Blair Street vaults and the historic Canongate Kirkyard, where chilling tales of the past come to life. With a maximum of 18 participants, the small group experience ensures a memorable and spooky adventure.