Dive into Edinburgh’s haunted history with a 90-minute tour through ghostly graveyards and underground vaults. Discover stories of folklore, legends, and chilling pasts—perfect for thrill-seekers and history buffs alike.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
Hang tight — photos are loading
This usually takes just a second.
Difficulty
easy
Duration
1.5–2 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for most visitors, accommodates those with moderate mobility
Wildlife
History
Edinburgh’s Old Town has been a site of both royal history and dark folklore since medieval times. Many stories from the city’s past have contributed to its ghostly reputation.
Conservation
The tour supports preservation efforts by promoting awareness of Edinburgh’s historical sites and ensuring their stories continue to be shared responsibly.
Auld Reekie Tours
Dive into Edinburgh’s haunted history with a 90-minute tour through ghostly graveyards and underground vaults. Discover stories of folklore, legends, and chilling pasts—perfect for thrill-seekers and history buffs alike.
Auld Reekie Tours is a specialist tour operator based in Edinburgh, Scotland, offering guided ghost and history tours focused on the city's underground vaults and haunted landmarks. The company leads visitors through authentic sites in Edinburgh's Old Town, including the South Bridge vaults, the Niddry Street vaults, Greyfriars Graveyard, and routes along the Royal Mile. Each tour is guided by an expert who presents documented history, local folklore, and first-hand accounts to place guests in the historical context of 18th- and 19th-century Edinburgh.
Tours are structured as short, focused experiences lasting between 60 and 90 minutes, designed to appeal to both visitors seeking historical insight and those drawn to paranormal stories. Offerings include the Haunted Vaults Tour (60 minutes), the Vaults & Graveyard Tour (90 minutes), The Terror Tour (75 minutes), and The Vaults Tour. Guides point out architectural details, documented events, and preserved features of the vaults while explaining how slum dwellings, crime, and social conditions shaped the area’s reputation.
Auld Reekie Tours operates solely in Edinburgh and emphasizes factual storytelling rooted in known sites and local tradition. The company’s itineraries consistently highlight the physical locations named in tour descriptions—Greyfriars Graveyard, South Bridge vaults, Niddry Street vaults, and the Royal Mile—ensuring guests see the same historic places referenced in promotional material.
Visitors can expect guided, on-foot tours suitable for those able to navigate narrow underground spaces and historic streets.
Location
Edinburgh, Scotland
Historic Old Town setting
Tour Lengths
60–90 minutes
Short, guided experiences
Tours Offered
4 tours
Varied haunted routes
Key Sites
Greyfriars, Royal Mile, Vaults
Famous Edinburgh locations
Reserve a 60–90 minute guided experience through Edinburgh’s vaults and graveyard legends — limited group sizes, expert guides, unforgettable stories.
Wear comfortable, weather-appropriate footwear
The tour involves walking through uneven underground vaults and historic streets, so sturdy shoes are recommended.
Bring a flashlight or use your phone’s light
Some vaults have low visibility, so extra lighting can enhance your experience and safety.
Hold onto your belongings tightly
Underground areas can be crowded and dim, so keep personal items secure.
Book tickets in advance
Popular tours fill up quickly, especially during peak season, so reserve ahead to secure your spot.
Comfortable walking shoes
Proper footwear ensures safety and comfort on uneven surfaces and cobblestones.
Small flashlight or phone with flashlight
Lighting helps navigate dark areas of the vaults and graveyard.
Warm layers
Underground areas and evenings can be cool, so dressing in layers is wise.
Pocket camera or smartphone
Capture the spooky sights and share memorable moments.