Edinburgh: Double Dead Tour South Bridge Vaults & Greyfriars

Summary

Haunted vaults and graveyard chills with Edinburgh’s boldest guides

You’ll step beneath Edinburgh into its infamous South Bridge Vaults before heading by lantern light into Greyfriars Graveyard’s locked Covenanter’s Prison — home to the Mackenzie Poltergeist. With a local guide leading stories (and scares), you’ll hear real legends where they happened. If you’re anything like me, you’ll leave half-laughing, half-looking over your shoulder.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I noticed was the way our voices echoed under South Bridge — not a normal echo, but something closer, like the stones were listening. Our guide, Jamie, flicked his torch along the old brickwork and grinned when someone jumped at a sudden drip from above. “That’s just the vaults settling,” he said, but honestly, I didn’t buy it. The air down there is thick, almost damp-sweet, like old whisky barrels left too long.

We’d barely started the Double Dead Tour when someone asked about the Mackenzie Poltergeist. Jamie just nodded towards Greyfriars Graveyard and said we’d see for ourselves soon enough. Walking through those vaults made my skin prickle — it’s not just stories; you feel how close everything is. One woman in our group (I think her name was Ruth?) kept glancing over her shoulder. I caught myself doing it too. When we finally got to Covenanter’s Prison, Jamie pulled out an actual key — only City of the Dead Tours can unlock that gate, apparently — and let us inside while he told us about the prisoners who’d been held there centuries ago. The wind picked up right then, rattling something metal against stone. It was probably nothing but still…

I tried to pronounce “Covenanter” properly and Jamie laughed — “Just say ‘the haunted bit’, everyone does.” There’s a smell in Greyfriars at night that’s hard to describe; kind of earthy with a sharpness from wet grass and old stone. Someone asked if he believed in ghosts and he shrugged: “After a few years here? You stop asking.” I didn’t expect to feel so uneasy even with a group around me. My shoes got muddy but I barely noticed until later.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Edinburgh's haunted sites

• Meet local expert guide
• Visit South Bridge Vaults
• Explore Covenanter’s Prison
• Learn about Mackenzie Poltergeist
• Complete 1 hour 45 minute tour

Top questions

How long is the Double Dead Tour in Edinburgh?

The tour lasts approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes.

What haunted places do you visit on this tour?

You visit both the South Bridge Vaults and Covenanter's Prison in Greyfriars Graveyard.

Is there an age limit for this Edinburgh ghost tour?

The minimum age is 12 years old; children must be accompanied by an adult.

Is this walking tour suitable for people with health concerns?

It is not recommended for pregnant travelers or those with poor cardiovascular health or spinal injuries.

Who leads the Double Dead Tour?

The tour is led by a local expert guide familiar with Edinburgh's haunted history.

Is public transportation available near the meeting point?

Yes, public transportation options are available nearby.

What language is the tour conducted in?

The tour is conducted only in English.

Does this tour include exclusive access to any locations?

Yes, only City of the Dead Tours has access to unlock Covenanter's Prison at night.

What’s included

Your evening includes entry into Edinburgh’s South Bridge Vaults and exclusive access to Covenanter’s Prison in Greyfriars Kirkyard, all led by a local expert guide who brings every story (and scare) to life as you walk through these infamous sites together.