Edinburgh: Witches Old Town Walking Tour & Underground Vault

Uncover Edinburgh’s dark witch trials history on a captivating walking tour of the Old Town. An entertaining guide leads you through hidden alleyways, revealing tales of witches, warlocks, and supernatural legends. Explore lesser-visited corners and hear about the persecution of the accused, culminating in a descent into the eerie underground vaults. This immersive experience brings the city’s shadowy past to life. To learn more about this uniquely haunting adventure, keep reading.

Key Points

• The walking tour provides an immersive exploration of Edinburgh’s historic Old Town, delving into its dark past of witches, warlocks, and witch trials.
• Participants learn about the persecution of so-called ‘witches’ and the superstitions that fueled the hysteria during the 16th and 17th centuries.
• The tour takes visitors through lesser-known corners of the city, revealing hidden alleyways and forgotten stories about Edinburgh’s captivating past.
• The tour includes an entry to the Vaults at The Lost Close, offering a unique and immersive experience for participants.
• The walking tour is led by an entertaining character guide, ensuring a personalized and engaging exploration of Edinburgh’s shadowy history.

Overview of the Walking Tour

The Edinburgh: Witches Old Town Walking Tour & Underground Vault provides travelers with an engaging exploration of the historic Old Town, delving into the captivating stories of witches, warlocks, and the dark history of witch trials in the city.

Led by an entertaining character guide, the tour takes visitors through lesser-visited parts of Edinburgh, revealing the city’s hidden gems and uncovering the tales of the supernatural that have haunted these streets for centuries.

From hearing about the grim fate of accused witches to descending into the eerie Vaults at The Lost Close, this walking tour offers a unique and immersive experience that brings the city’s shadowy past to life.

Witches, Warlocks, and Magic

Edinburgh’s Old Town has long been steeped in tales of witches, warlocks, and the arcane practices that captivated the city’s imagination for centuries.

The walking tour explores the darker side of Edinburgh’s history, uncovering the stories of those accused of witchcraft during the city’s notorious witch trials. Visitors will learn about the persecution of so-called ‘witches’ and the superstitions that fueled the hysteria.

From mysterious disappearances to public burnings, the guide brings these chilling events to life, transporting participants back to a time when the supernatural was a very real and feared part of everyday life.

The tour also delves into legends of powerful warlocks and the enduring belief in magic that has long haunted the winding streets of Old Town.

History of Witch Trials

Scotland’s capital witnessed a dark chapter in its history during the 16th and 17th centuries, as hundreds of suspected witches faced persecution, torture, and execution. Accusations of witchcraft swept through the city, fueled by religious fervor, political tensions, and a climate of deep-seated superstition.

The infamous North Berwick witch trials, held in 1590, resulted in the execution of over 70 people accused of consorting with the Devil.

Later, the Witch Hunts of the 1640s saw hundreds more condemned, with the majority of victims being poor, elderly women. The trials reflected the turmoil of the times, as Edinburgh grappled with religious upheaval, social unrest, and the lingering fear of the unknown.

Exploring Lesser-Visited Parts

This walking tour takes visitors through some of Edinburgh’s lesser-known corners, offering a unique perspective on the city’s rich history.

Participants will explore hidden alleyways, uncover forgotten stories, and gain insights into the more obscure aspects of Edinburgh’s past.

The guide will lead the group through Barrie’s Close, a narrow passageway that few travelers ever discover, revealing the secrets lurking in the shadows.

Venture down Advocates Close, where the city’s legal elite once resided, and hear tales of the scandals and intrigue that unfolded behind closed doors.

This off-the-beaten-path exploration provides a refreshing alternative to the typical tourist routes, allowing visitors to delve deeper into Edinburgh’s captivating past.

Tour Details and Inclusions

The walking tour begins at Caffè Nero, 1 Parliament Square, where you will meet their entertaining character guide who’ll lead them on a journey through the city’s Old Town.

Travelers will follow the guide through the winding streets, exploring lesser-visited parts of Edinburgh and learning about the history of witch trials and the occult.

The tour culminates at Barrie’s Close, where you will have the opportunity to descend into the Vaults at The Lost Close, a network of underground chambers with a dark and mysterious past.

The tour includes entrance to the Vaults at The Lost Close, offering a unique and immersive experience.

The maximum group size is 25 travelers, ensuring a more personalized and intimate exploration of the city.

The tour isn’t recommended for those with certain medical conditions or physical limitations, ensuring the safety and comfort of all participants.

Accessibility and Considerations

Accessibility and Considerations

The walking tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, but service animals are allowed. It’s not recommended for travelers with back problems, heart conditions, or serious medical conditions, as it requires a moderate level of physical fitness.

Strollers and infants aren’t advised either. The tour involves exploring lesser-visited parts of the city, which may have uneven surfaces or stairs.

Participants should be prepared for a lively experience that delves into the city’s darker history. However, the tour is designed to be enjoyable and informative for those who can comfortably participate.

Visitors should consider their own physical abilities and medical conditions before booking this tour.

Cancellation Policy and Refunds

Travelers can cancel their booking up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Any changes less than 24 hours before the experience, however, won’t be accepted.

The tour also requires a minimum number of participants, and it may be canceled with a full refund offered if this minimum isn’t met.

Cancellations made more than 24 hours before the tour are eligible for a full refund.

Changes to bookings within 24 hours of the tour aren’t permitted.

The tour may be canceled if the minimum number of participants isn’t reached, with a full refund provided.

Meeting and End Points

The tour meets at Caffè Nero, 1 Parliament Square, in Edinburgh’s Old Town, and concludes at Barrie’s Close, also in the historic city center.

This convenient starting point allows travelers to easily find the meeting location before embarking on their journey through the spooky alleyways and hidden corners of the Old Town.

The tour’s end at Barrie’s Close provides a fitting conclusion, as this lesser-known close is rumored to have connections to the city’s dark past.

Throughout the experience, the entertaining character guide leads participants on a captivating exploration of Edinburgh’s witch trials, occult history, and other chilling tales from the past.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Own Snacks on the Tour?

According to the tour details, outside food and drinks are generally not allowed. However, the tour guide may allow small snacks or water if participants have special dietary needs or restrictions. It’s best to check with the tour operator beforehand.

Is There a Discount for Senior Citizens?

Unfortunately, the tour does not offer any discounts for senior citizens. The standard ticket price applies to all travelers, regardless of age. Travelers should check the tour details and cancellation policy prior to booking.

Can I Reserve a Spot on the Tour in Advance?

Yes, you can reserve a spot on the walking tour in advance. The tour has a maximum group size of 25 travelers, so booking ahead is recommended to secure your preferred date and time.

Is Photography Allowed During the Tour?

Yes, photography is generally allowed during the tour. However, visitors should be mindful of others and avoid disruptive or flash photography. It’s best to check with the tour guide for any specific restrictions.

Are There Any Restroom Breaks During the Walking Portion?

The tour includes periodic restroom breaks during the walking portion. Participants will have the opportunity to use restroom facilities at designated stops along the route to ensure a comfortable experience throughout the guided walking tour.

Recap

This captivating walking tour offers a unique insight into Edinburgh’s dark past, delving into the city’s haunting legacy of witchcraft and witch trials.

Exploring the lesser-visited corners of the Old Town, including the eerie Vaults at The Lost Close, visitors will be transported back in time and left with a deeper appreciation for the enigmatic history that lurks beneath the cobblestone streets.