Edinburgh: Haunted Underground Vaults & Torture Exhibition Tour

Summary

Edinburgh’s shadowy vaults, midnight chills & whispered legends

You’ll follow your local guide deep beneath Edinburgh’s Old Town into haunted underground vaults, hear chilling stories by torchlight, see real torture devices from the “Burning Times”, and step into a working Wiccan temple. Expect uneasy laughter, goosebumps in the dark, and maybe something you can’t quite explain lingering after you leave.

What’s the experience like?

“You’ll want to keep close together down here,” our guide grinned as we squeezed through the narrow stone arch under South Bridge. I remember the way his torchlight bounced off the damp walls — it smelled like old earth and something sharper, maybe candle wax or just centuries of secrets. There were six of us in the group, all pretending not to be nervous, but I could see someone’s hands shaking a little when he mentioned the poltergeist. The air felt heavier than outside, almost sticky.

I didn’t expect to laugh so much on a terror walking tour in Edinburgh, honestly. Our guide (I think his name was Jamie?) had this dry way of telling stories — like when he described the “Burning Times” and pointed out these rusted torture instruments behind glass. He let us linger there longer than I wanted; you could almost feel how cold those shackles must’ve been. Someone asked if people really confessed under that kind of pressure and Jamie just nodded, quiet for a second. That silence stuck with me more than any jump scare.

The haunted vaults are supposed to be busiest with spirits late at night — we went just before midnight, which made every creak echo louder. There’s a Wiccan temple tucked away in one corner (the smell of incense still hung in the air), and a circle of stones people say is cursed. Jamie told us about mediums who refuse to step inside. I tried not to look too long at the shadows moving in my peripheral vision; maybe it was just my imagination running wild after all those stories. Or maybe not.

Leaving those vaults, I felt weirdly lighter — but even now, weeks later, sometimes I remember that cold spot near the stone circle and wonder what else is waiting down there. So yeah, if you’re up for it… just don’t go alone.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Edinburgh's haunted underground vaults

• Join over-18s only walking tour
• Descend into South Bridge Vaults
• Learn about infamous historical characters
• Hear guide's paranormal experiences
• Visit haunted vaults near witching hour
• Access torture exhibition from Burning Times

Top questions

Is this terror walking tour in Edinburgh suitable for children?

No, this tour is strictly for over 18s only due to its content and setting.

How long does the haunted underground vaults tour last?

The experience lasts approximately 75 minutes from start to finish.

Are hotel pickups included for this Edinburgh ghost tour?

No hotel pickup is included; you meet at the designated starting point near South Bridge.

What should I wear or bring for an underground vault tour?

Wear comfortable shoes and bring a jacket—it can get chilly and damp underground.

Is public transportation available nearby?

Yes, there are public transportation options close to the meeting point in Edinburgh Old Town.

Can I bring my service animal on this tour?

Service animals are allowed on this tour.

Are photos or videos allowed during the tour?

No filming or live streaming is permitted during the experience; you may be ejected if you do so.

Is lunch or food provided on this terror walking tour?

No meals are included; it’s a focused evening experience underground with your guide.

What’s included

Your evening includes guided entry into Edinburgh’s infamous haunted underground vaults below South Bridge with a professional local guide leading every step (and scare), plus free access to an authentic torture exhibition featuring instruments from Scotland’s “Burning Times”. All stories are shared live—no recordings or staged effects—and public transport is nearby if you need an escape route back above ground after your visit.