Edinburgh Old Town: Witches Walking Tour & Underground Vault

Summary

Witch stories echo through Edinburgh’s cobbled streets and hidden vaults

You’ll walk Edinburgh’s Old Town with a character guide who brings witch trial stories to life right on the Royal Mile. Explore hidden courtyards, learn odd local customs (yes, spitting!), and finish deep underground in The Lost Close vault—a place that feels both eerie and strangely intimate. It’s not just history; it gets under your skin.

What’s the experience like?

I didn’t expect to feel a chill before the sun even set, but that’s what happened as soon as our guide—dressed like he’d just stepped out of the 1700s—gathered us on the Royal Mile. He had this way of pausing mid-sentence, letting the city’s old stones do half the talking. People hurried past, but we just stood there, listening to him describe how someone could end up accused of witchcraft for nothing more than a neighbor’s grudge. I caught a whiff of roasting coffee from somewhere nearby, mixing oddly with the damp smell rising from the cobbles.

We wound through narrow closes I’d never have found alone, ducking under arches and stopping in quiet courtyards where he told stories about Mary Queen of Scots and John Knox—names I vaguely remembered from school but never really pictured until now. At one point he showed us Parliament Square and explained why it’s apparently fine to spit there (I’ll let him tell you that one). Someone in our group tried saying “North Berwick Witches” in Scots; Li laughed so hard she nearly dropped her phone. It was all a bit surreal, honestly.

The last part—the bit everyone waits for—was stepping down into The Lost Close vault. You could almost taste the centuries in the air down there, all cold stone and something musty I still can’t quite name. Our guide lowered his voice for those final tales; it felt like we were intruding on secrets that belonged to another time. When we climbed back up into daylight, I kept glancing over my shoulder at those heavy doors. Not sure why—it just stuck with me.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Edinburgh's witch history and landmarks

• Learn about St. Giles and Scottish history
• Look down Royal Mile and hear North Berwick Witches tale
• Visit hidden courtyard and learn gruesome history
• Discover Edinburgh origins and witch tales
• See a missed gem and learn about a witch
• Get bird's eye view and hear warlock story
• Hear tale of infamous Edinburgh character
• Visit The Lost Close underground vault

Top questions

How long is the Edinburgh witches walking tour?

The exact duration isn’t specified, but most Old Town walking tours last around 1.5 to 2 hours including time in The Lost Close vault.

Is entrance to The Lost Close included?

Yes, entrance to The Lost Close underground vault is included in your tour booking.

Does this tour include a local guide?

Yes, you’ll be led by an entertaining character guide throughout the experience.

Can I bring my service animal on this tour?

Service animals are allowed on this walking tour in Edinburgh’s Old Town.

Is this witches walking tour suitable for people with limited mobility?

No, it’s not recommended for travelers who can’t navigate steep streets or cobblestones.

Are infants or prams allowed on this Edinburgh witches tour?

No, prams or push-chairs are not recommended due to uneven terrain and steps.

What will I see during the day trip in Edinburgh’s Old Town?

You’ll visit places like St Giles’ Cathedral, Royal Mile, Stockbridge Market, hidden courtyards, and The Lost Close vault.

What’s included

Your day includes guided storytelling through Edinburgh’s Old Town with an entertaining character guide, exclusive access to The Lost Close underground vault dating back to 1742, and plenty of tales about Scotland’s accused witches—all wrapped into a walking route starting right on the Royal Mile.