Your experience

Uncover the secrets and stories of Edinburgh’s haunted Old Town on a guided walking tour that ventures beneath the city streets. Follow your guide, a skilful storyteller clad in cloak, as you set off into the narrow closes just off the Royal Mile, where history merges with legend. This atmospheric journey begins in the Old Town’s maze of shadowed alleys before leading you down to the infamous Blair Street Underground Vaults—one of the city’s most chilling historical landmarks.

Getting started

Meet at a central location near the Royal Mile, where your guide will check your ticket and provide you with an audio set so you can catch every story, even in the darkest corners. Once assembled, your group will set out on foot to explore the impressive yet eerie Old Town.

What to expect

Listen to tales of unsolved crimes, notorious figures and legends that made this historic city infamous. As you wander through winding lanes, your storyteller reveals how these streets once hosted crooks, outcasts and those seeking shelter from the law. The adventure intensifies as you descend into the Blair Street Underground Vaults, where flickering lanterns cast long shadows and the air feels heavy with years of secrets. Here you’ll hear about murders, body snatchers and unexplainable occurrences that still haunt the site today.

• Explore Blair Street Vaults: Step into hidden chambers beneath the city, once used by societies and later home to those who didn’t belong above ground

• Live storytelling: Every detail is brought to life by guides who know Edinburgh’s past intimately

• Immersive group atmosphere: Small groups ensure time for questions and an up-close look at each location

• Audio system: Equipped headsets mean you won’t miss a word, regardless of group size or location

Options and upgrades

• Royal Mile walking tour: Extend your exploration with a longer walk along the Royal Mile, stretching between the famed Palace of Holyroodhouse and Edinburgh Castle. Explore courtyards, learn about Edinburgh’s poets and kings and enjoy a broader view of city history

• Edinburgh Castle skip-the-line upgrade: With this option, bypass the queues to enter the castle and join a 45-minute guided introduction to its major highlights

Who is this for?

This experience is ideal for curious travellers, history fans and those with a passion for ghost stories. Whether it’s your first time in Edinburgh or a return visit, you get both the thrill of discovery and depth of story in an accessible group setting

Why choose this tour?

• Access to the Blair Street Underground Vaults is exclusive to guided tours, making this your only way to experience the dark heart beneath Edinburgh

• Each tour is led by knowledgeable local guides with extensive training in storytelling

• The experience balances factual history with captivating legends for a well-rounded adventure

• Easy meeting point and clear instructions provided for all guests

All tours are conducted in English, with audio devices provided. Upgrades can be selected during booking for additional experiences along the Royal Mile or Edinburgh Castle

Book your Haunted Royal Mile and Underground Walking Tour tickets now!