The Niddry Street Vaults in Edinburgh hold a chilling reputation on the global stage, notorious for their relentless and intense paranormal occurrences. These shadowy vaults, lying beneath the city’s bustling streets, have become a sought-after destination for seasoned ghost hunters, drawn by the extraordinary supernatural events that have been witnessed here time and again.

It is whispered that the infamous serial killers Burke & Hare once prowled these very vaults, hunting their prey in the darkness. The echoes of the past inhabitants’ suffering still linger, a haunting reminder of a time filled with terror and despair.

A ghost hunt in the Niddry Street Vaults offers more than just thrills; it’s a chance to reach across the veil of time, to touch the spectral remnants of those who once dwelled here. The question is, do you have the courage to face what awaits in the shadows? The opportunity is yours, if you dare!

Among the ghostly residents, a figure known as “The Watcher” has been glimpsed, his presence a foreboding shadow that looms over the vaults. Visitors have recounted hearing the unsettling sounds of children’s cries, whispered conversations, soft whimpers, and the shuffling of unseen feet surrounding them in the darkness.

But the vaults hold more than just eerie sounds. Some have felt the cold grasp of invisible hands, a sensation of being pulled or touched by forces unseen. A particularly malevolent spirit seems to harbor a dark animosity towards the women who dare to explore these depths. Could this be the Cobbler, a spectral figure known to observe from the corners of the vaults, his intentions as mysterious as his gaze?

The Niddry Street Vaults invite you to experience the unexplainable, to confront the mysteries that dwell within. But be warned, for the ghosts of Niddry Street are restless, and their secrets are not easily revealed.

At the dawn of the 18th century, Edinburgh was a city gripped by fear and superstition. The unknown and the supernatural were not mere fantasies but tangible threats magnified by a deep-seated mistrust of the invading English. This fear led to the construction of the Flodden Wall, a defensive barrier built after the tragic Battle of Flodden in 1513.

The city’s unique geography, coupled with this man-made wall, forced residents into close quarters, living in towering houses, some reaching 14 stories high. This closeness bred an unsettling atmosphere of anxiety and dread.

The completion of the South Bridge in 1788 should have been a joyous occasion, but it was marred by tragedy. The first to cross this architectural marvel was not a living soul but a corpse carried in a coffin. The bridge was cursed, and the locals knew it. Fear kept them away, and superstition ruled their lives.

As the years rolled on, the bridge became a bustling hub of commerce, with shops and tenement houses crowding its arches. But dark, airless vaults were constructed beneath the surface, initially serving as workshops and storage.

Over time, these spaces began to decay. Leaks plagued the bridge, and businesses were forced to abandon the vaults. In their absence, the most desperate and disreputable found refuge in the damp darkness. Among them were the infamous body snatchers, William Burke and William Hare, whose heinous crimes still echo in the vaults’ chilling corridors.

Eventually, the vaults were abandoned, filled with rubble, and forgotten. But they were not empty. The memories lingered, the stories seeped through the cracks, and the ghosts remained.

Rediscovered in 1985, the vaults have lost none of their haunting allure. They are a place where the past is palpable, where the stones themselves seem to breathe. The BBC has called it “possibly one of the most haunted places in Britain,” and those who have dared to explore have reported sinister sightings, dark shadows, and the eerie sounds of children’s voices.

Now, with Haunted Rooms, you have the opportunity to experience the Edinburgh Vaults for yourself. Join us as we delve into the most chilling stories in history, guided by the Haunting Rooms team, who are eager to take you closer to the mysteries that await.

Spots will fill up quickly for this one, so hurry and book now!

Deposits are available for just £20.

What's Included

For just £59 per person you will enjoy:

• Use of our equipment which includes, ghost hunting gadgets and mediumship tools,
• Expert advice and discussion about the paranormal,
• Taking part in spiritual experiments including séances and glass divination,
• Ghost hunting vigils in the dark,
• Exclusive access to the location, including all the most haunted areas,
• Friendly and experienced team offering help and advice,
• Your chance to ghost hunt in a haunted location at night!

Access & Parking

Event Location: 45 Niddry street, Edinburgh, EH1 1LG

Time: 11:50 PM – 5:00 AM (Arrive from earliest 11:45 PM)

Parking: The venue does not have dedicated parking, but there is local pay and display parking.

Accessibility: Unfortunately, due to the location’s historic nature, it is unsuitable for wheelchair users or people with mobility issues.

Please Note: All guests must be 18 years or older. Not suitable for those who are heavily pregnant. Guests are strongly advised to wear comfortable shoes and warm layered clothing on colder nights.

What to Bring

You’re welcome to bring your own equipment, though we will be providing paranormal equipment to use.

The investigation will be in darkness so please bring a torch with you.

Although snacks and drinks are provided, you’re welcome to bring your own. There are also facilities to make both hot and cold drinks, which are provided also.

And of course, bring your phone/camera with you, the more pictures we have the better chance we have of capturing something!

Other than that, just yourself and an open mind!

What to Expect

On your ghost hunt with Haunted Rooms, you will have full exclusive access to the most haunted areas of this historic location. Together with our friendly team of investigators, you will join others on structured vigils, where you’ll have the chance to use some paranormal equipment and join in on group vigils such as Ouija board sessions and seance.

Our event starts at 12.00 am, but you can arrive at the earliest 11.45 pm. Structured investigations will end around 4 am. At this point, you will have the opportunity to investigate this location on your own using the techniques and information you have been provided with.

You will have the chance to look around the building before the event to familiarise yourself with its layout. Shortly before the event kicks off, we’ll run you through a quick induction and safety briefing, followed by a short talk and introduction from our team. You’ll then split into smaller groups with your family and/or friends if you’ve come together, and we’ll begin our vigils for the night!

If you have your own paranormal equipment, we encourage you to bring it, if not, we can provide them free of charge. Snacks, refreshments, and treats will be provided at intervals throughout the night, and we’ll have facilities to make hot and cold drinks too.

We do endeavour to have mediums and sensitives with us for every event, although circumstances out of our control can sometimes prevent this. Anybody with sensitive abilities, we encourage you to come forward, as it only increases the energy and enjoyment for all in attendance.

To get the most from the evening, we encourage you to try your hand at as many things as you can. If you’re feeling particularly brave, you should give a lone vigil a try, as well as join in with our table tipping experiments as we try to commune with the spirits and ghosts of the building.

Please dress weather appropriately, with extra layers of clothing if it’s cold, plus comfortable shoes and a torch if you need one.

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