Are you planning to discover Scotland, its history and its myths? Then come and visit the Souterrains of Edinburgh!
The Old Town of Edinburgh is criticised by dozens of underground spaces. At the time, each of the city’s corners was used by the inhabitants to stay and live. These Souterrains of Edinburgh are the witnesses of this former underground city, whose last traces are still visible today.
On the programme of a visit: ruins, underground, exciting anecdotes and ruins!
By diving into the " Edinburgh Vaults", you will learn more about the daily life of the poorest in the city in the 18th and 19th century, and of course, hear some ghost stories.
Do you want to know what awaits you in Edinburgh’s Souterrains? From its history to practical information, to time and rates, we devour everything you need to know to prepare your discovery.
History of Edinburgh’s Souterrains
During the 18th and 19th centuries, the city of Edinburgh is expanding.
The district New Town grows for the wealthiest inhabitants while the city extends beyond its fortifications. At that time, houses and floors are stacked because of the lack of space. This quickly creates a three-dimensional labyrinth that it is possible to discover today during your peregrine in the Scottish city.
While rich families live in the heights to enjoy the brightness and avoid odors, the ground floor and the cellars are devolved to the poorest families. Under pressure, they will dig deeper into the city's innards. At the same time, the authorities build the bridge South Bridge to improve traffic between the North and the South of Edinburgh. However, this bridge does not encroach on any stream! It is above another level of the city. Hidden by the buildings, only an arch is visible: the one that spans the street Cowgate .
In the other arches, a multitude of caves were first occupied by artisans and traders, who used them as storage places. Called “Vaults” by the inhabitants, a whisky distillery was even installed there in some stories. Little by little, these spaces were abandoned by traders. The poorest inhabitants elected their homes at the beginning of the 19th century, during the period of crazy construction in the heart of the city.
From this troubled time, various stories of ghosts and witches appeared. Myth or reality? You will decide after you have travelled through the Edinburgh Souterrains.
Good to know.
- The Mary King’s Close dates from the Middle Ages and lies along Royal Mile, near the Saint-Gilles Cathedral. Today it is possible to visit them like the other underground in Edinburgh.
- The closures were small passages that connected the Royal Mile to the other arteries of the city, and the poor were buried there at all times.
What to see and do to Edinburgh’s Souterrains?
Photo credit: Filckr – fw42
To discover the history of Edinburgh’s Souterrains, there are two options: visit Mary King’s Close or follow a "Underground Tour".
A " Underground Tour » frequently starts with a short walk from the Royal Mile to Cowgate. Your passionate guide will then tell you some stories about the Scottish capital. You will then enter the Souterrains of Edinburgh by one of the only passages still open, the " Edinburg Vaults "—old cellars.
Your guide will probably enjoy this last moment close to the surface to learn more about the history of the inhabitants, the circumstances of this time and can introduce some ghost stories. For remember that this hidden and hidden part of the city was the poor and red neighborhood of the city. Today’s so peaceful neighbourhood was the place of all the crimes and offences of yesterday again! From this enlivened era, many myths and legends have appeared.
Your guide will probably tell you some when you dive into the caves that form the Edinburgh Souterrains. On the ground, you will discover the heavy and disturbing atmosphere of these ancient places of life: sometimes wet and hot sometimes cold, these caves were nevertheless the “houses” of the poor inhabitants of these places.
Between scary stories, you can guess the misery that reigned in these places.
Once you get back to the surface, it will only be the memory of the myriads of cellars under your feet, as well as ghosts – real or supposed – that hide. But more than the minds have first of all the real stories that you will discover and that will mark you after visiting the Edinburgh Souterrains.
Good to know.
- Undergrounds belong to a single person and each visiting agency rents part of the underground. So you only explore a part with your private guide.
- It is impossible to visit the Edinburgh Souterrains without a private guide or via an organization.
- It is recommended to book your visit in advance by booking an online ticket. You are thus sure to benefit from the best rate and to be able to visit the Souterrains of Edinburgh during your stay.
- The visits last on average 1 hour and a half.
- Towers are not accessible to people with reduced mobility or children under the age of 5.
- Also plan practical and comfortable shoes.
How do I go to Edinburgh’s Souterrains?
Photo credit: Filckr – Nelo Hotsuma
The departures of the "Underground Tour" usually take place at the Saint-Gilles Cathedral of Edinburgh . From this place you will reach the entrance of the tunnels, indicated on the maps under the name "Edinburg Vaults".
The Cathedral is easily accessible from various parts of the city. Located at the foot of the hill, you can easily reach it from the Central Station, from the tram stop “ Princes Street » or from the South Bridge bus stop. The latter is also located a few steps from the entrance of the Edinburg Vaults .
Good to know.
- Be alert when booking at the location of the starting point to not go to the wrong place. If you’d like to visit Mary King’s Close Edinburgh Souterrains, you’ll have to go across the Cathedral to buy your ticket and discover them.
- Visits usually end in Blair StreetBetween the South Bridge and Cowgate streets.
Schedules & Rates of Edinburgh’s Souterrains
HORARI
- Visits to Edinburgh’s Souterrains with an operator tour take place throughout the day, usually in the afternoon and early evening.
- Visits to Mary King’s Close take place from 10 a.m. to 5.30 p.m. in winter and from 9:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. in summer.
RATES
To visit Edinburgh’s Souterrains, you can book your visit online and in advance on a partner site. The two main tour operators of the city are Mercat Tours and City of the Dead . Count between 15 € and 20 € to visit the Edinburgh Souterrains with a private guide.
Here are also the rates to visit Mary King’s Close Edinburgh Souterrains:
- Adult : £16.50 (18,5€)
- Reduced price (senior, student): £14.25 (16€)
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