Edinburgh: Haunted Vaults & Greyfriars Graveyard Night Walk

Summary

Greyfriars legends, haunted vaults, chills after dark in Edinburgh

You’ll walk through Edinburgh’s Greyfriars graveyard as dusk falls, hear real tales from your local guide (with a few shivers thrown in), then descend into the famously haunted South Bridge vaults. Expect laughter, uneasy silence, and stories you’ll remember long after you leave those damp stone walls behind.

What’s the experience like?

I’ll admit it — I nearly bailed when our guide, Jamie, started talking about “the Mackenzie Poltergeist” before we’d even stepped into Greyfriars Kirkyard. He had this way of pausing just long enough to make you wonder if he was serious. The air smelled like wet stone and something older — not quite musty, but close. We shuffled past leaning tombstones while Jamie pointed out names I’d only ever seen in books. There was a moment where a dog barked somewhere behind the gates, and someone joked about Greyfriars Bobby still making his rounds. I laughed, but honestly? My hands were already cold.

The walk from the graveyard to the Niddry Street vaults took maybe ten minutes, but it felt longer — partly because Jamie kept telling us about all the people who’d lived (and died) under these streets. The South Bridge vaults aren’t what I expected; you duck through a low doorway and suddenly it’s just blackness and your own footsteps echoing off damp walls. He told us about witches’ meetings and the Hellfire Club down here — said some locals still won’t go inside at night. At one point, he switched off his torch for effect (classic move), and I swear someone’s phone buzzed in the dark and half of us jumped.

I didn’t see any ghosts — unless you count my own reflection in a puddle — but there’s something about standing underground with strangers, listening to stories that have been repeated for centuries. You start to imagine things moving in the corners. When we finally climbed back up into the city lights, I felt weirdly relieved… but also kind of wanting to go back down again someday. Edinburgh does that to you.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Greyfriars Graveyard and Vaults

• Visit Greyfriars Graveyard
• Learn about famous residents
• Explore South Bridge Vaults
• Hear vaults' dark history

Top questions

How long is the Haunted Vaults & Graveyard Walking Tour?

The tour typically lasts around 1 hour 30 minutes.

Is this tour suitable for children?

Children under 5 are not allowed; those under 16 must be with an adult due to some distressing historical content.

Are service animals allowed on this tour?

Yes, service animals are permitted on the tour.

Do I need to be physically fit for this tour?

A moderate level of fitness is recommended as there are stairs and uneven terrain in the vaults.

Where does the tour visit?

The tour includes Greyfriars Kirkyard and the Niddry Street underground vaults beneath South Bridge in Edinburgh.

Is filming or live streaming allowed during the tour?

No, filming or live streaming is strictly forbidden during the tour.

What happens if I arrive intoxicated?

If you’re under the influence of alcohol or drugs, you will be turned away from the tour.

What’s included

Your evening includes a guided walk with a professional local guide through Greyfriars graveyard and exclusive access to Edinburgh’s haunted South Bridge vaults; public transport options nearby make it easy to join in even if you’re not staying right in Old Town.