Historic underground walking tour of Edinburgh
Activities

Historic underground walking tour of Edinburgh

5/5
Excellent
Based on 2 reviews
from
£19.16
Free cancellation
Language: English
Mobile voucher accepted
Duration: 1 hour 15 minutes
Why you’ll love this…
  • You'll descend into Edinburgh's largest and most secretive underground chambers—Blair Street Underground Vaults
  • A mix of ghostly atmosphere and rich history awaits below the city streets
  • You'll explore the vaults beneath South Bridge, sealed since the 18th century and steeped in mystery
  • You'll learn why the vaults were built, who used them, and what secrets they hold
  • This is a rare, unforgettable journey into Edinburgh's hidden underground history
What to expect

Experience an exclusive journey into Edinburgh's deepest, largest underground caverns - the Blair Street Underground Vaults. As the only walking tour company with access to these 18th-century vaults beneath South Bridge, you'll be privy to a world that has remained untouched since its creation.

Venture beneath the hustle and bustle of Edinburgh's Old Town and step into a dark, damp realm that once served as home to the city's most destitute inhabitants. This multi-sensory journey will transport you back in time, offering a vivid glimpse into the city's past. Award-winning storytellers will share compelling accounts of life within these vaulted chambers, revealing Edinburgh's history in an unforgettable manner.

This immersive experience is more than just a walking tour; it's a tale rooted in Edinburgh's Georgian past, showcasing grand feats of engineering, the expansion of the city, and those who were left behind in its darker corners. The Master Storytellers will answer all your questions about why the vaults were built and who used them, bringing the history of the underground vaults to life. Your journey concludes in the Vaults Museum, where authentic historic artefacts and informative interactive displays provide further insight into the vaults' intriguing past.

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What's included
  • check Guided walking tour
  • check Headsets (to hear the guide)
  • check Local guide
Where

Mercat Cross, The Royal Mile, Edinburgh EH1 1RF, United Kingdom

Meeting point:
The Mercat Cross is an 8 sided monument situated on the Royal Mile. The tour departs from right in front of it. Please arrive at the meeting point at least 15 minutes before the beginning of your tour to allow time to check in.
What to remember
  • Please arrive at the meeting point (Mercat Cross, Royal Mile, EH1 1RF) at least 15 minutes before the beginning of your tour to allow time to check in
  • Tour ends: Blair Street Underground Vaults, 28 Blair Street, Edinburgh, EH1 1QR
  • Concession tickets apply to seniors (aged 65+) and students (aged 16+) with a valid student ID
  • Children over five years of age are very welcome, but children under 5 are not permitted on any of our tours
  • Please bring your own set of 3.5 mm jack headphones for use with the TourTalk devices, otherwise these can be provided for you
  • Please note, anyone who appears to be under the influence of alcohol will not be permitted to join the tour
  • This tour runs in all weather conditions, please dress accordingly to the weather. Sensible walking shoes are advised
  • Please note only service dogs are welcome on this tour, no other pets
  • The maximum number of participants is 18 people
Read more
Provider
Mercat Tours
Booking fee
Good news! No extra fees are applied to this booking.
Cancellation policy
Receive a 100% refund if you cancel up to 24 hours before the experience begins.

What people say about this experience

Excellent

5/5

Based on 2 reviews from verified customers

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Review categories

Safety

5/5

Staff

5/5

Value for money

5/5

Service

5/5

  • Anonymous

    From United States of America - March 2025

    Excellent

    Overall rated

    5/5

    We thoroughly enjoyed the tour. The guides were really helpful, sociable and personable, from booking in, to the tour itself. Veni was very good, we c ...

  • Amy

    From Germany - July 2024

    Travelled with family

     

    18 - 24 years old

    Excellent

    Overall rated

    5/5

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