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In summary

  • Learn about the real history of Edinburgh on this small group family-friendly walking ghost tour
  • See artefacts found in Edinburgh’s secret underground vaults
  • Hear about the grisly things that were once commonplace in Edinburgh life
  • Mercat exclusive audio devices - be immersed and get lost in the stories...
  • Choosing Mercat is 'Good for you, Good for Edinburgh' - our team, community and planet

About this tour

A daytime ghost tour for kids full of tales of stinking streets, terrible tortures and ghostly goings-on.

This tour will take you to some of the city’s most horrible haunts including a visit to our famous Blair Street Underground Vaults. You’ll hear all about the creepy characters lurking in the past and the hideous real history of how people lived in 19th century Edinburgh. As you walk this city built on witch trials, body snatching and a gruesome past of torture, your expert guide will take you to the places where history lives.

To start, you’ll visit the winding closes of Edinburgh’s Old Town. Learn the meaning of gardyloo and hope you never hear it, grimace at the tales of Scottish witches and find out what treasure could be found buried in a 19th century graveyard (clue: it’s not gold and shiny). You’ll even hear what school children, like you, once packed in their school bags on one eventful day.

A time when living in overcrowded closes proved as frightful as the ghoulish apparitions. 

Hear what jobs were available for younger members of society and get a glimpse at what a family ‘home’ might look like. You’ll finish your excursion beneath the streets in our exclusive Blair Street Underground Vaults, once frequented by some of Edinburgh’s less appealing characters. And possibly still is…

If you’re aged 5 and over this is the tour for you!

Customer review

"My son's first vaults visit and he loved it. Thank you so much! I'm sure we will be back soon!"

Emma, Facebook

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Enquire about Gory Stories: The Kids’ Tour

Tour details

Dates & times

School holidays; mornings

  • If you are a returning visitor and booked directly through Mercat Tours, you’re eligible for our Returner’s Reward

Duration

  • 1 hours 15 minutes

Step Count

  • 900

Tour location

  • Start point: Mercat Cross, High Street
  • End point: Blair Street Underground Vaults, Blair Street, off Hunter's Square

Private group bookings

Reconnect with friends and family on a tour just for you. Book online now, or we're happy to help on email info@mercattours.com

 

Details

  • Donate to help us reconnect vulnerable communities through storytelling - learn more about Our Stories, Your City.
  • Everyone has a warm welcome from us;
  1. Local Edinburgh residents eligible for concession rates (EH postcodes)
  2. Complimentary tickets are available for carers, to book call us on 0131 225 5445.
  3. Read how we include you here
  4. See our Euan's Guide Reviews.
  • Language: English. Learn more on our FAQs.

Need help booking?

Get in touch with us and one of our experts will be able to give you advice on our tours.

Customer review

"My son's first vaults visit and he loved it. Thank you so much! I'm sure we will be back soon!"

Emma, Facebook

Gory Stories: The Kids’ Tour

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Souvenir Guidebooks

Don't forget to buy a Mercat Tours souvenir guidebook with your ticket.

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