Walking Tour of Edinburgh - Walking The Vaults |
Details Far below the busy, bustling Edinburgh streets there lies a dark, quiet and forgotten place. These wonderful dark rooms of arched ceilings, fireplaces and 18th century wine vaults lie beneath the South Bridge, one of the city's main thoroughfares. The rooms, both small and large, were used as cellars, workshops and houses by those with businesses on the bridge above. No natural light ever reached these rooms. Today, though lit safely, the unique candlelit atmosphere is retained in the vaults. The late 18th century was a time of great expansion and innovation in Edinburgh. To improve access from the Old Town to the new developments two enormous structures were built, the North and South Bridges. By 1790 there were almost one hundred businesses active on the South Bridge with their workshops in the underground Vaults below. But, there was a darker side too. To the immediate south stands Infirmary Street, where Edinburgh's medical school used to be. It was here that the notorious pair, Burke and Hare, sold the bodies of their murdered victims. Could the vaults have stored a different sort of merchandise? As well as lack of natural light, the Vaults suffered from water seeping from the South Bridge above, stalactites are evidence of this. Gradually they reverted from workspaces to storage spaces until they were abandoned altogether. They were re-discovered in the 1980's and now provide unique and unusual venues for hospitality and entertainment. Schedule Details Departure Dates: Daily Unavailable Dates: December 24 (Christmas Eve) December 25 (Christmas Day) December 26 (Boxing Day) December 31 (New Years Eve) Departure Point: Tour departs from the Mercat Cross, a substantial eight-sided monument on the Royal Mile, next to St Giles Cathedral Return details: Tour concludes at 28 Blair Street, off the Royal Mile. Hotel Pickup: Hotel pick up not available Additional Information Inclusions: Walking tour English speaking local guide Illustrated synopsis in French, German, Spanish and Italian Exclusions: Optional gratuities Hotel pick up and drop off Food and drinks, unless specified Additional Info: This tour must be booked at least 48 hours in advance of your travel date Confirmation of this product will be received at time of booking Tour is operated in English unless otherwise stated Booking Details: This tour must be booked at least 48 hours in advance of your travel date Confirmation of this product will be received at time of booking Tour is operated in English unless otherwise stated Local Operator Information: Complete Operator information, including local telephone numbers at your destination, are included on your Confirmation Voucher. Our Product Managers select only the most experienced and reliable operators in each destination, removing the guesswork for you, and ensuring your peace of mind |
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