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The World Famous Underground Ghost Tour

Edinburgh, Scotland

1 hours 15 minutes City of Edinburgh Tours From £18.00 4.6 (8788 reviews)

Tour Images

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Meeting Point

Location Details

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Tour Information

What's Not Included

None, No under 5s

Tour Stops

1

Royal Mile - Old Town Closes and Wynds

Duration: 20 minutes

Stop Details

The narrow closes and wynds of Edinburgh's Old Town date back to medieval times. These cramped alleyways were once home to thousands of residents living in squalid conditions, where disease, murder, and executions were commonplace.

Ghost Stories

Many of these closes are said to be haunted by victims of the plague, murderers, and those executed for witchcraft. The tour explores the dark history of these atmospheric passages.

Accessibility: Cobblestone streets, some uneven surfaces

2

Greyfriars Kirkyard

Duration: 25 minutes

Stop Details

Greyfriars cemetery has been in use since the 17th century and is the final resting place for many notable Edinburgh residents, including some who died under tragic or untimely circumstances.

Ghost Stories

Home to the infamous Cutting Ghost - a malevolent spirit believed to be most upset about how it was treated in life. This vengeful entity reportedly causes cuts and bruises on visitors. Numerous reports of strange occurrences and unexplained injuries have been documented within the cemetery.

Accessibility: Uneven ground, grass and gravel paths

3

South Bridge Vaults

Duration: 30 minutes

Stop Details

The South Bridge vaults date back to the 18th century, a network of underground tunnels and chambers built to provide storage and workshops for the bustling streets above. These hidden spaces have accumulated a notorious reputation for paranormal activity.

Ghost Stories

In experiments conducted by Dr Richard Wiseman in April 2000, participants reported terrifying experiences. One person was reduced to tears after hearing heavy breathing in an empty room. Another claimed to have seen a ghostly figure clad in an apron walking past. The atmosphere in these vaults is thick with tension and unexplained phenomena.

Accessibility: Steep stairs descending underground, low ceilings in places, not wheelchair accessible

Ghost Stories & History

Primary Ghosts

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Paranormal Activity

Physical attacks (cuts and bruises)Disembodied breathingFull-body apparitionsOverwhelming emotional responsesTemperature dropsUnexplained sounds

Most Active Locations

South Bridge Vaults - particularly the deepest chambersGreyfriars Kirkyard - near the Covenanters' PrisonThe closes and wynds of the Old Town

Historical Context

The South Bridge vaults date back to the 18th century, originally built as storage and workshops beneath Edinburgh's streets. Over time, they became home to the city's poorest residents, criminals, and illicit activities. Greyfriars cemetery has been in use since the 17th century, serving as the final resting place for plague victims, executed criminals, and Covenanters who suffered persecution.

Other Nearby Haunted Sites

Mary King's Close

Underground streets sealed off during the plague, now one of Edinburgh's most haunted locations

Edinburgh Castle

Scotland's most haunted castle with numerous documented ghost sightings

The Real Mary King's Close

Another underground tour exploring the sealed streets beneath the Royal Mile

Canongate Kirkyard

Historic cemetery with numerous reported paranormal encounters

Practical Information

Tour Details

Age Restrictions: Ages 5 and up, no under 5s

Tour Style: Theatrical storytelling with costumed guides playing historical characters. The tour balances entertainment with genuine historical education, using dramatic narrative techniques to bring Edinburgh's dark past to life.

Photography: Photography permitted throughout the tour, including in the underground vaults. Flash photography allowed. Some visitors have reported capturing unexplained anomalies in their photos.

Seasonal Notes:

Pricing: Per person pricing

Booking Information

Cancellation Policy: For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Route Distance:

Terrain: Urban walking

Accessibility: Not wheelchair accessible. Service animals allowed. Tour involves walking on cobblestones, grass, and uneven surfaces, plus descending steep stairs into the underground vaults. Low ceilings in some vault areas. No lights in graveyard - may not be appropriate for those requiring lighting for safe walking. Comfortable walking shoes essential.

Last updated: 2025-11-23 14:35:17

Weather Considerations

All-weather tour

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Price: £18.00
Duration: 1 hours 15 minutes
Group Size: Up to 30 travellers
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Meeting Point

Address:

124 High Street, Edinburgh EH1 1QS

Instructions:

Meet at the Old Police Box directly in front of Starbucks on the Royal Mile. Look for your guide dressed in period costume - they will be playing a character from Scotland's dark history.

Tour Details

Operator: City of Edinburgh Tours
Type: Walking tour
Ages: Ages 5 and up, no under 5s

Cancellation:

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Tour Highlights

Exclusive access to section of the underground South Bridge Vaults

Visit to Greyfriars Kirkyard - one of Scotland's most haunted cemeteries

Costumed guide playing a character from Scotland's dark history

Stories of Burke and Hare, witch trials, and plague victims

Atmospheric evening exploration of Edinburgh's hidden dark side

What's Included

Hear terrifying stories of hauntings, murders, executions and cannibalism., 6.45pm Evening tour is suitable for families., Guide plays a real, distinct and infamous character from Scotland’s history., Travel back in time and descend into our section of underground street., Walk through the Old Town’s distinctive closes, wynds and secluded squares., 75 Minute evening walking tour of Edinburgh’s Old Town and South Bridge vaults., Visit the world-famous, eerie, unforgettable Greyfriars Kirkyard.

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