Vaults And Graveyard Walking Tour In Edinburgh

As we edge ever closer to the grand pinnacle of spooky season only a few days away, we cannot possibly ponder any frighteningly fun activities without mentioning Scotland’s official haunted headquarters — the spooky city of Edinburgh!

The moment you step off the train onto the Edinburgh platform you can sense it. If you’ve been, you may know what I mean…

A Tour That’ll Chill You to the Bone

Hear it from someone who has actually done this tour and lived to tell the tale — it might possibly frighten the life out of you. But don’t tremble just yet; if you hold an undying adoration for the historical, the macabre, and the supernatural, then this may just be one of the best tours you’ll ever do.

Hopefully not the last tour you ever do, but no promises…

Greyfriars Kirkyard – Home to the Restless

For 90 minutes of spine-tingling frights and delights, you’ll visit one of the most infamous graveyards in the world — Greyfriars Kirkyard. This burial site contains the remains of some of Scotland’s most notorious figures that you’ll soon become familiar with.

Beware the Mackenzie Poltergeist

I’ll issue one word of warning – be very careful walking past the Mausoleum of Sir George Mackenzie. You’ll be informed that he has a better-known alias... The Mackenzie Poltergeist. And a poltergeist he most certainly is.

While living, he enforced King Charles II’s persecution of the Covenanters, imprisoning roughly 400 people in cramped, unsanitary conditions right next to the Kirkyard (the prison no longer stands). He caused havoc in the 1600s — and you guessed it — he’s still doing it 300 years later. Apparently, he just couldn’t give the job up. You’ve got to admire his determination and work ethic beyond the grave.

The Mausoleum looks very intimidating, especially when we went there at night on the tour. Even in the day it has that ominous energy surrounding it. As heavy and dark as the atmosphere was in certain places, we thoroughly enjoyed it. So much so we went back to Greyfriars Kirkyard a further five times after the tour — during day and night.

The Loyal Legend of Greyfriars Bobby

Another famous inhabitant you’ll encounter is Greyfriars Bobby. The true definition of loyal, this incredible terrier dog reportedly spent 14 years guarding the grave of his beloved owner John, a nightwatchman for Edinburgh’s police force who was sadly killed on duty. Bobby used to accompany John while on shift patrolling the streets and, in reward for his unyielding loyalty, was buried right next to him. Several memorial statues now stand to honour this touching tale of devotion.

Descend into the Edinburgh Vaults

The next part of the tour draws you to the murky depths of Edinburgh’s underground vaults in Niddry Street. Here, you’ll get a glimpse into Victorian-era Edinburgh life when the city’s overpopulation forced people underground to live in almost total darkness — amongst murderers, robbers, and body snatchers.

I won’t reveal too much, but all I’ll say is don’t be surprised if your hair is tugged or something taps your forehead when you least expect it. It happened to us, and we were told it’s not exactly a rare occurrence.

The Wiccan Stone Circle

Be sure not to miss the stone circle either! The Wiccan group who previously held their meetings in the vaults back in the 90s were said to have trapped an evil entity within it, binding it to prevent harm to others. The coven leader warned against stepping inside the circle, as it’s rumoured years of bad luck and misfortune will befall anyone who does.

Our tour guide asked if anyone was brave enough to step inside… not a chance we were doing that! Half of the tour guests did though — they’re much braver than me. I hope they’re all faring well now!

You’ll also see the original setup of the coven who used to meet in the vaults, which adds a fascinating historical touch to the chilling tales.

Dare You Face the Phantoms?

There’s so much more I could mention, but I won’t spoil all the surprises. I think it’s up to you to face the rest of the phantoms yourself — if you’re feeling brave enough!

If you’ve been to Edinburgh and had any spooky experiences, we are simply dying to hear about them!

Lucy x