Where does the Underground City of the Dead tour go?

It takes groups into the South Bridge Vaults, the chambers beneath South Bridge in Edinburgh's Old Town, sometimes called Damnation Alley.

Can children go on the tour?

City of the Dead Tours says its tours are not suitable for children under 12.

Is there a combined tour with the graveyard?

Yes. The company runs a Double Dead Tour alongside its separate underground and Haunted Graveyard tours.

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Underground City of the Dead, Edinburgh

Underground City of the Dead is an evening ghost tour run by City of the Dead Tours that takes small groups beneath the Old Town into the South Bridge Vaults. It is aimed at adults who like their history with a scare, and starts from the Royal Mile near St Giles'.

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Brian

What the tour covers

The South Bridge Vaults are the chambers built into the arches of South Bridge, and they are sometimes called Damnation Alley. This tour spends its time down there, mixing Old Town history with the ghost stories the company is known for, including the presence nicknamed the South Bridge Entity. The walks were designed by Edinburgh author Jan-Andrew Henderson.

Who it suits

This is a tour for grown-ups and older teenagers who enjoy atmosphere and storytelling. The operator does not take children under 12, and it advises that the tours are not suitable for pregnant visitors, anyone with a heart condition or people who find walking difficult. If you want the graveyard side of the company's work as well, it also runs the Haunted Graveyard Tour and a combined Double Dead Tour.

Making an evening of it

The tour sits in the busiest part of the Royal Mile, so it pairs well with a daytime visit to The Real Mary King's Close or St Giles' Cathedral, both a few steps away. Book a table for dinner first, then head underground after dark, when the stories land best. Dress for cool, damp air below street level.

Highlights

Goes beneath the Old Town into the South Bridge Vaults
Run by City of the Dead Tours, also known for Greyfriars Kirkyard walks
Story-led ghost tour designed by author Jan-Andrew Henderson
Starts on the Royal Mile in Parliament Square

Good to know

Not suitable for children under 12, according to the operator.
Not recommended for pregnant visitors, people with heart conditions or those with walking difficulties.
Book ahead online; tickets are also sold through partners such as GetYourGuide and Viator.

Frequently asked questions

Nearby

The Real Mary King's Close

The Devil's Advocate

St Giles' Cathedral

Sources: cityofthedeadtours.com · edinburgh.org