Edinburgh: Blair Street Vaults Tour & Multi-Sensory Storytelling

Summary

Edinburgh’s underground vaults tour with stories sounds and secrets

You’ll follow a master storyteller from Edinburgh’s Mercat Cross down winding closes into the Blair Street Vaults for a multi-sensory tour full of history and real-life stories. Hear city sounds from centuries ago through your headset, explore artifacts in the Vaults Museum, and come away seeing Edinburgh’s Old Town in a different light.

What’s the experience like?

I’ll be honest, I didn’t expect to start my afternoon standing at the Mercat Cross, fidgeting with a little audio device while our guide (her name was Isla) grinned at us like she knew something we didn’t. She gathered us up — just eight of us, a mix of nervous laughs and camera straps — and led us down one of those skinny closes that always smell like old stone and something faintly sweet. I kept thinking about how many people must’ve walked here before me. Isla said you could still hear echoes sometimes, if you listened close enough. Not sure if she meant ghosts or just city noise.

The first step down into the Blair Street Underground Vaults felt colder than I thought it would — sort of damp air that clings to your sleeves. Isla flicked on her torch (she called it a “wee light,” which made me smile), and suddenly we were in this pocket of 18th-century Edinburgh that honestly looked untouched. She told us stories about the people who lived here — not the fancy ones, but folks who had nowhere else to go. There was this moment when she played some old city sounds through our headphones: horses’ hooves, distant chatter, even rain hitting stone above us. It was weirdly moving. I caught myself holding my breath when she talked about families huddled in the dark for warmth.

I probably asked too many questions (sorry, Isla), but she seemed happy to answer every single one. There’s a little museum tucked away at the end with artifacts — clay pipes, bits of leather shoes, stuff people actually used down here. You can touch some of it if you want; I did, and it was rougher than I expected. Someone in our group tried reading an old bit of graffiti out loud and totally mangled the accent — everyone cracked up, even Isla.

Walking back up into daylight felt strange after all that quiet underground heaviness. The city above suddenly seemed louder and brighter than before. Even now, sometimes when I walk past those closes in Edinburgh’s Old Town, I remember that cold air on my skin and wonder what else is hiding under my feet.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Edinburgh's historic vaults

• Meet storyteller at Mercat Cross
• Walk down closes and wynds
• Enter Blair Street Underground Vaults
• Experience multi-sensory historic tour
• Visit Vaults Museum exhibits

Top questions

How long does the Blair Street Underground Vaults tour last?

The exact duration isn’t listed but most small-group tours like this typically last around 1–1.5 hours.

Is the Edinburgh vaults tour suitable for children?

Yes, but only for children over 5 years old.

Where does the historic vaults tour start?

The tour starts at Mercat Cross in Edinburgh’s Old Town.

Is public transport available near the meeting point?

Yes, there are public transportation options nearby Mercat Cross.

Are service animals allowed on this tour?

Yes, service animals are allowed during the tour.

What is included in the multi-sensory vaults tour?

You get exclusive access to Blair Street Underground Vaults, use of TourTalk audio devices with curated sounds, entry to the Vaults Museum with interactive displays, and guidance from master storytellers.

Should I wear special clothes or shoes for the vaults?

Tours run year-round so dress for the weather and wear comfortable shoes as it can be damp underground.

What’s included

Your visit includes exclusive access to Edinburgh’s Blair Street Underground Vaults led by a master storyteller guide using hand-picked city sounds delivered through audio devices along the way; plus entry to the Vaults Museum where you’ll find interactive 3D models and historic artifacts before heading back above ground again.