Tours, sightseeing tours, activities & things to do | Viator.comEdinburgh Historic Vaults Afternoon Walking Tour
based on 9 reviews
Duration: 60 minutes (approx.)
Location: Edinburgh, United Kingdom
Product code: 293404VAULTS
Discover the underground vaults of Edinburgh city if you dare! Far below the busy, bustling Edinburgh streets there lies a dark, quiet and forgotten place. These wonderful dark rooms of arched ceilings, fireplaces and 18th century wine vaults lie beneath the South Bridge, one of the city's main thoroughfares.
The late 18th century was a time of great expansion and innovation in Edinburgh. To improve access from the Old Town to the new developments two enormous structures were built, the North and South Bridges. By 1790 there were almost one hundred businesses active on the South Bridge with their workshops in the underground Vaults below.
As well as lack of natural light, the Vaults suffered from water seeping from the South Bridge above, stalactites are evidence of this.
But, there was a darker side too. To the immediate south stands Infirmary Street, where Edinburgh's medical school used to be. It was here that the notorious pair, Burke and Hare, sold the bodies of their murdered victims. Could the vaults have stored a different sort of merchandise?
Paranormal studies have been conducted on the vaults and have indicated a high level of poltergeist activity. Several cases have been reported by tour participants who have experienced punching, bruising, scratching, hair-pulling and ankle-grabbing. If you're lucky you may even feel an icy breath on the back of your neck. An experience to remember!
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Tour options:
Walking Tour of Edinburgh - Walking The Vaults
12:00pm, 2:00pm and 4:00pm
October - March
4:00pm Duration: 60 minutes (approx.) Return details: Concludes at the Interpretation Centre, off the Royal Mile.
- Walking tour
- Local guide
- Gratuities (optional)
- Hotel pickup and drop off
- Food and drinks, unless specified
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Not recommended for child aged 8 and under
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The guide was highly knowledgeable, open to questions and very inspiring. I am very glad I booked this!!! ... Read more ›
Michael V, Germany, July 2008
