Edinburgh Ghost Tour Review: Underground Secrets Revealed

So, you are thinking about giving one of Edinburgh’s famous ghost tours a shot, right? With its creepy history and mysterious stories, Edinburgh certainly is a hotspot for those looking for something spooky. I went on the “Edinburgh Famous Underground Ghost Tour”, and, well, I figured I could share my thoughts about my experience.

What the Ghost Tour promised and what I really Experienced

The main thing the tour promised, as far as I can recall, was a creepy walk down into the Edinburgh Vaults, a network of spaces beneath the city that apparently have some paranormal activity. Also, there would be stories about all kinds of unsettling stuff that took place there way back when. And yes, it delivered just that, basically! I got to walk into some really cramped spaces, and the guide told these creepy stories. Still, there were a few things that, I suppose, made the tour what it was for me. Like, the group was bigger than I had anticipated, which made moving through those small spaces just a little awkward, if I am being honest. Furthermore, because there was a large group of us, it was quite tricky to really feel any personal connection to the tales that were being spun.

The Guide: Storyteller or Just Reading a Script?

Our guide was definitely putting in the work! All dressed up in a long, dark coat, doing their best to sound serious. The stories they told? They certainly sounded scary. You know, tales of murders, hidden bodies, and some unhappy souls. But, what I was a little unsure about, and maybe this is just me, was whether they believed it. Sometimes, it just sounded a bit scripted. I do appreciate, however, that doing several tours each night probably makes it difficult to sound like you are experiencing the emotion fresh each and every time! Anyway, when I thought about how the guide acted versus how impactful the stories seemed to be, it mattered! If you have a guide that believes those stories, well, the chill factor really skyrockets, it appears. If not, you may feel, very similarly to how I felt, that they’re just repeating stories they’ve told hundreds of times before. I suppose that either way, the creepy vaults do bring something special to the event, anyway.

The Edinburgh Vaults: Claustrophobia Alert!

Right, the vaults themselves! It’s almost as if they’re the heart of the experience, just really old and crammed beneath the streets. So, if you’re not too fond of small, closed-in spaces, then you are probably going to need to know what you are getting into before you even consider booking a ticket. Seriously, I mean some of the rooms are tiny. I will add, though, the close quarters really do add a very interesting vibe to the whole spooky deal. Walking where, is that right, so many unfortunate things supposedly happened. Very easy to believe when you are shoulder to shoulder with total strangers in some hole in the ground! On the other hand, you also can’t shake the feeling you’re in, is that right, kind of a tourist trap more than some genuine haunted place, or at least that is the impression I got!

Meeting the Ghosts: Did We See Anything?

I imagine that most folks who give a ghost tour a shot want to feel a cold spot, see something move, maybe even catch a glimpse of a ghost. Now, very few on my tour had such an experience, so too did I not get the chance to see a ghost; however, you can feel the weight of the city’s history just by being there, and the whole thing definitely made the hairs on the back of my neck stand up straight, if that says anything. It’s just really eerie being underground, thinking about everyone who walked those spots way before us, you know?

Was the Ghost Tour Worth The Fee?

Okay, was it worth my cash? It’s sort of difficult to say. If you are into spooky stuff and ancient stories, especially when you happen to be hanging out in Edinburgh, you’ll probably find something to like in it. Also, keep your expectations in check, I would argue. I mean, if you are truly expecting a super personal, genuinely terrifying experience, this very busy, somewhat touristy gig probably is not going to get you there, to be honest. Then again, if you approach it as kind of a theatrical telling of some spooky stories in an extraordinary location, then that is enjoyable! So, taking it for what it is, you’ll have an experience to remember, right? One that may even make you jump a little when you hear a weird noise later that night. Overall, in some respects, it just felt somewhat touristy to me. As I was saying, with that in mind, you won’t be disappointed.

Tips for Taking the Edinburgh Ghost Tour

Wear comfy shoes: You will be on your feet walking a lot, some of it on uneven stone floors.
Bundle up: It can get chilly in the vaults, anyway.
Don’t go expecting a full-on haunting: Approach it with a sense of wonder and fun, instead.
Think about the group size: If possible, pick a tour that caps its numbers, more or less. Smaller crowds can enhance the experience.

Other Ghostly Things To See and Do in Edinburgh

Hey, Edinburgh certainly doesn’t lack anything if you happen to be hunting some hauntings. Here are a couple more suggestions for the extremely brave.

Greyfriars Kirkyard: Thought to be one of the most haunted graveyards, this is that spooky place. Tours will let you in to explore, yet you can actually just wander by yourself too, by the way.
Real Mary King’s Close: Apparently, a number of streets beneath the city were sealed off way back when on account of the plague. Many believe that the souls of those left behind still walk there, so too did I hear.
Go on another ghost tour! There are numerous tours that promise a chilling evening in Edinburgh! So, find the right one for you and your pals.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Edinburgh Ghost Tour actually scary?

Well, “scary” is something of a matter of opinion, is that right? Most likely, the vaults are certainly creepy, and the stories can be quite disturbing. Yet, it’s almost just a bit more theatrical than terrifying. Basically, it’s what you make of it.

Are the Edinburgh Vaults really haunted?

Apparently, loads of people have claimed that they experienced some strange things in the vaults, almost as if feeling cold spots and just sensing things that aren’t there. Whether it is true or not is up to you to choose!