witchery tours edinburgh review

The Cadies & Witchery Tours

Review Highlights

“ Had so much fun with Adam Lyal (deceased) during the murder & mystery walking tour when I was recently in Scotland on vacation! ” in 4 reviews

“ Our host was this man who called himself Alexander Clapperton (decreased). ” in 2 reviews

“ Adam (deceased!) was great and kept my wife and I laughing the entire tour while walking around the heart of Edinburgh. ” in 2 reviews

Location & Hours

Suggest an edit

84 West Bow

Victoria Street

Edinburgh EH1 2HH

United Kingdom

Grassmarket, Old Town

Serving Edinburgh Area

Amenities and More

About the business.

Business owner information

The award-winning Cadies & Witchery Tours invite you to join our fearless phantoms for a suspenseful and mirth-filled tour of Edinburgh's Old Town. Step back a few hundred years as Adam Lyal (deceased) and his spooky chums bring the Capital's grisly past vividly to life. …

Recommended Reviews

• 1 star rating Not good
• 2 star rating Could’ve been better
• 3 star rating OK
• 4 star rating Good
• 5 star rating Great

Select your rating

Overall rating

I thoroughly enjoyed my tour with The Cadies & Witchery Tours. I was looking for an intimate experience where I felt comfortable asking questions and this was it!!! From the moment I walked into their storefront to inquire about the tour options... I met with Robin and felt right at home. She mentioned that this was a newer tour that Robert researched and put together in 2020. It was rich in history, unique stories, and we had the ability to ask questions along the way (while exploring Greyfriars Kirkyard). If you are looking for a tour that gives you a genuine feel for the souls that have been laid to rest in Greyfriars, this is it.

See all photos from Tricia W. for The Cadies & Witchery Tours

We had fun on this tour and for us that is what matters. The tour guides were fun, they dressed up as characters, got into it and were fun. One person did the tour as one character and the other came in as a character and surprised us coming in as different characters every so often. This was about the tour guides being fun and the story told around different streets. If you are wanting serious ghostly locations and happenings this maybe is not for you. It may also good for older children. We had good fun and for £10 per person was good value.

I agree with Elizabeth H.'s review. I usually like ghost tours but this was pretty bad. During most tours I get to see cool architecture, learn interesting history and get a few goose bumps. This tour had none of those things. It was more of a slap stick routine with 2 would-be actors. "Dracula" took us on a short loop through the back streets near the Edinburgh Castle. He stopped at random places and told short stories that lacked depth and interest. Several times throughout the walk another young man ran around us screaming and throwing up his arms. It was neither scary nor funny - just kinda pathetic. - Word of caution- they tell several inappropriate jokes even when they know there are children in the group.

Elizabeth H is pretty accurate. Most of the stories are the same as on the buses and other tours. They do show you around the town and it is good for the first day in Edinburgh. I learned a little bit about the city and history but too much time was wasted goofing off with the sidekick tour guide. Overall this tour is just ok.

Adam (deceased!) was great and kept my wife and I laughing the entire tour while walking around the heart of Edinburgh. Perfect bit of humor and history to make this a very enjoyable experience for this couple from Detroit, USA. Great Halloween activity!

I can see why people either love it or hate it.... It's probably more rare for someone to give this tour an "A-OK" rating. Did I enjoy it, yeah, I did. There were some good laughs. Did I think it was soooo funny and great? Well, not really. Was it way over priced and not worth it? No, I think it was a fair price. So overall, yeah, it's "A-OK" for me. If you don't like practical jokes, don't come. If you want a detailed historical serious kinda story telling, don't come. You won't like it. If you are a bit goofy, had a few to drink, and just want to hear little bit of story but don't really care too much about the historical details or facts, then yeah, you'll probably like it.

Had so much fun with Adam Lyal (deceased) during the murder & mystery walking tour when I was recently in Scotland on vacation! Him and his partner put on a great show for us - both amusing and a little scary. Can't say I learned a lot of factual information but definitely had fun.

I agree so hard with Wendy. Thank you for giving it the perfect adjective: obnoxious. This isn't a scary tour. You get a lamely costumed "actor" running around with plastic masks and thin robes, acting like an imbecile. It's not an informative tour. You get poorly told summaries of watered down stories, butchered from other more interesting websites and books. It's not a sightseeing tour. You see dumpsters, walk down an alley for a lame scare, go nowhere in particular, and stop at no actual "sights." If you want to be scared, go on a different tour. If you want to hear ghost stories, go elsewhere. If you want to see some haunted or interesting sights at night, definitely GO ELSEWHERE. This "tour" is made up of two annoying and immature fellows who are not at all entertaining or interesting. The experience accomplishes nothing in particular, except for wasting an hour and taking your money. AVOID.

In 2005 I went on a Witchery Tour. In 2006 I moved to Scotland. From California. Coincidence? I think not. The Witchery Tours are led by a range of actors, historians and various other characters who lead you through Edinburgh's back streets and tell you interesting/comedy/dirty stories that revolve around Edinburgh's seedy past. The tours are kitchy without being (in my opinion) obnoxious and tend to be best when they're attended by a group who have had a drink or eight and try their hand at heckling the guide who is inevitably much more clever than the heckler. A definite must-visit.

Absolutely LOVED it. We went on a few tours, and this was by far my favorite. If you are the type who only wants a tour like this to be serious or scary, this is not the one for you. This tour is a bit different in that while it gives you some history and stories, the actors also throw in quite a bit of humour. The actors antics are meant to make you jump on occasion, and simply make you laugh at other times. I certainly did both. We had a great time, and everyone in the group we were with seemed to really enjoy it as well. The atmosphere for the evening was fantastic. Don't take this tour for seeing the sites, for getting an in-depth history, or for being terrified. Take this tour for a fun evening romp.

Collections Including The Cadies & Witchery Tours

36 Hours in Edinburgh

By Emily H.

By Norma J.

People Also Viewed

Mercat Tours

City of the Dead Graveyard Tour

Real Mary Kings Close

Auld Reekie Tours

Edinburgh Ghost Tour

Mercat Walking Tours

Sandeman’s New Edinburgh Tours

Rabbie’s Tours

Ghost Bus Tours

Camera Obscura and World of Illusions

Christmas Things to Do Near Me

Local Flavor Near Me

Mines Near Me

Tours Near Me

Other Places Nearby

Find more Local Flavour near The Cadies & Witchery Tours

Find more Tours near The Cadies & Witchery Tours

Related Cost Guides

Town Car Service

• Twitter / X
• Readers' Choice
• Food & Drink
• Arts & Culture
• Travel Guides

The Cadies and Witchery Tours

Type: Tours and Excursions

Last updated on January 19, 2020

10Best Says

84 West Bow Edinburgh, EH1 2JP

+44 (0)131 2256745

EXPERT TIPS BY: Simon Hill Edinburgh Local Expert

• Romantic Things to Do , Tours and Excursions : "This is a great way to explore some of the back alleys and courtyards of the Old Town which are so much more atmospheric at night."
• Best for Romantic Things to Do Because: What better way to spark romance than to explore the fascinating Old Town and brave the ghosts with your beloved?
• Best for Tours and Excursions Because: The Caddies and Witchery Tour gives a great insight into the often macabre history of Edinburgh

things to do

restaurants

Explore Edinburgh

Cadies & Witchery Tours

• See all photos

Ghost and Gore Walking Tour of Edinburgh

Small-Group 90-minute Tour in Greyfriars Kirkyard

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

CADIES & WITCHERY TOURS (Edinburgh) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go

The Cadies & Witchery Tours

The award-winning cadies & witchery tours invite you to join their fearless phantoms for a suspenseful and mirth-filled tour of edinburgh's old town.

About The Cadies & Witchery Tours

Step back a few hundred years as Adam Lyal (deceased) and his spooky chums bring the Capital's grisly past vividly to life. Established in 1984, with our Murder & Mystery Tour (the original Edinburgh ghost tour) debuting the following year, the Cadies have been scaring people from all over the world (and Kirkcaldy!) almost every single night since, and our walking tours have become one of Edinburgh's must-see attractions. Our multi-talented ghosts have also written and shot a number of books and films, to bring their humorous knowledge of Edinburgh and Scotland to those less keen on walking. You can find them, along with a collection of other fine freakish fare, in our online shop.

Upcoming Events at The Cadies & Witchery Tours

Heartland Travel Tours of Scotland

Heartland travel provide small group tours of Scotland travelling in style in our luxury mini coach.

Historic Edinburgh Tours Ltd

There’s nothing quite like a bit of local knowledge to give you an even better understanding of a city and your guide has that in abundance. Robert...

The Hairy Coo Tours of Scotland

Enjoy a great family day out with The Hairy Coo. We offer day trips, multi-day tours and private tours of Scotland from Edinburgh.

Maid of the Forth

See the best of the Firth of Forth Bridges and Inchcolm Island on board the acclaimed Maid of the Forth.

Red Bus Bistro

Get on board and enjoy either an Afternoon tea tour or Gin Tea Tour on our vintage 1966 Routemaster Bus, while you take in the stunning sights and historic culture of the city of Edinburgh!

Edinburgh Music Tours

These entertaining and informative guided walking tours tell the story of the musicians who have stayed, played and made music in Edinburgh.

Holyrood Distillery

Holyrood Distillery is the product of Canadians Rob & Kelly Carpenter and Scot David Robertson, who collectively share a love for Edinburgh, Scotch Whisky and interesting challenges.

Museum Collections Centre

The Museums Collections Centre is an amazing treasure trove of objects spanning a wide range of subjects.

Silent Disco Tours

Whether a local resident or a visitor to the City our tours have something special for you and your friends.

Mercat Tours

The best way to really experience medieval Edinburgh is to follow your feet – and your guide! Join Edinburgh's award-Winning storytellers Mercat Tours for one of their history walks or ghost tours!

The Royal Yacht Britannia

Rated Scotland’s Best Visitor Attraction for 12 years by national tourism agency VisitScotland, Britannia was home to Her Majesty The Queen and the Royal Family for over 40 years.

Blubale Free Tours

Blubale Free Tours (formerly Edintours), a company based in Edinburgh, is a tour operator that provides the best free walking tours in Edinburgh.The selection...

Sponsored Links

Popular Events

Exhibition preview - castle mills: then & now | whose gallery is it anyway and this... i like it, jam coding club, castle street market, il pomo d’oro & jakub józef orliński, popular listings, advertise with us.

Looking to reach new customers? We offer a variety of advertising options with prices starting from just £30 per month !

Click here to find out more »

Cadies & Witchery Tours

• See all photos

Ghost and Gore Walking Tour of Edinburgh

Small-Group 90-minute Tour in Greyfriars Kirkyard

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

Cadies & Witchery Tours - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

Cadies & Witchery Tours

• See all photos

Ghost and Gore Walking Tour of Edinburgh

Small-Group 90-minute Tour in Greyfriars Kirkyard

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

Cadies & Witchery Tours - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024) - Tripadvisor

The Witchery

View prices for your travel dates

Reviews we perform checks on reviews. tripadvisor’s approach to reviews before posting, each tripadvisor review goes through an automated tracking system, which collects information, answering the following questions: how, what, where and when. if the system detects something that potentially contradicts our community guidelines , the review is not published. when the system detects a problem, a review may be automatically rejected, sent to the reviewer for validation, or manually reviewed by our team of content specialists, who work 24/7 to maintain the quality of the reviews on our site. our team checks each review posted on the site disputed by our community as not meeting our community guidelines . learn more about our review moderation..

• Excellent 1,261
• Very Good 265
• Average 155
• Terrible 89
• All languages ( 1,901 )
• English ( 1,844 )
• Chinese (Sim.) ( 36 )
• German ( 19 )

" Book direct through site. We stayed in the sempill suite which was opposite the Witchery restaurant and other suits and it was alot quieter "

" The Witchery is a unique experience like no other. There is no parking, so be prepared to walk, but it is in an ideal location for the city. "

" Don’t bother - lots of lovely 😊 places to eat and drink in Edinburgh that will go out of their way to provide a fabulous Customer experience "

" Parking is at the sister hotel, another place worth visiting. We had free transport to and fro. Perfect for those who love history. "

" Dress up for the experience - others may be there for special occasions, and it kinda ruined the effect to have others in hoodies and jeans! "

Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.

THE WITCHERY: 2024 Prices & Reviews (Edinburgh, Scotland) - Photos of Hotel - Tripadvisor

Kelly Prince Writes

Travel , United Kingdom | January 28th, 2024

Spend a night at The Witchery by the Castle, Edinburgh

Spend a night at the witchery by the castle.

Want to know what it’s like to spend a night like you’re living in a real life fairytale novel? Absolutely!

Staying at The Witchery in Edinburgh, Scotland is an experience that feels plucked right out of a fairytale . Nestled in the heart of Edinburgh’s historic Old Town, this boutique Edinburgh hotel is a magical gem, enchanting guests like us with romantic gothic charm and opulent designs.

A Fairytale Setting

As you step through the hotel’s entrance, you’re transported to a different era. The Witchery’s architecture dates back to the 16th century, and its lavish interiors evoke a sense of grandeur and with a little magical mystery. Each room is uniquely designed, adorned with rich fabrics, antique furniture, and tapestries that whisper tales of the past.

Unparalleled Luxury in the Guardroom Suite

Luxury knows no bounds at The Witchery. From the moment you arrive, you’re greeted with impeccable service. We stayed in the Guardroom Suite. Located in the former private townhouse of the Sempill family dating back to 1595. You’ll find it across the street from reception along the Royal Mile, tucked down it’s own secret alleyway. Also, very grateful to them for carrying our cases up a spiralling stone staircase! It really does feel like you’re staying in a royal tower!

You absolutely will feel like royalty the moment you walk through the doors. We were welcomed with chilled champagne awaiting us in our room. Truly – the dream! The Guardroom Suite includes a walk in entranceway, a sitting room, large bathroom as well as a gorgeously opulent bedroom. The attention to detail extends to the rooms, where you can expect four-poster beds, velvet drapes, and roll-top baths, creating an atmosphere of indulgence and relaxation.

It’s a maximalist’s dream – I loved it!

Things to do in Scotland:

Dining at the most romantic restaurant in edinburgh.

The hotel’s restaurant is a destination in itself and I’d absolutely recommend booking in for lunch, afternoon tea or dinner! Even if you aren’t spending the night, you can always book in for dining.

The oak-panelled Witchery main dining room with its candlelit ambiance and plush velvet upholstery, sets the stage for a culinary journey and cosy, romantic evening. And the Secret Garden offers a little more space and fairytale whimsy. At night, you certainly won’t find a more romantic restaurant in Edinburgh.

We decided to dress up for the occasion, because you really do feel like royalty staying at The Witchery.

The menu showcases Scotland’s finest produce, offering dishes that are both sumptuous and beautifully presented. Pair your meal with a selection from their extensive wine list for a truly decadent dining experience. For our starters Joe tried the shellfish bisque with rouille, Gruyère & croutons – this was unbelievably tasty! I may or may not (OK, I may have) in fact, stolen several bites. But my dish was equally wonderful, I ordered the Scallops and they were absolutely delicious.

For our main, we were recommended one of their sharing dishes that absolutely rocked our world it was so good! Please don’t hesitate to order the Cote de Boeuf! It comes alongside with creamed cauliflower and horseradish, triple cooked chips and bordelaise sauce. And of course, don’t forget to order a side or two, the brussels sprouts were the perfect addition.

And I’m not normally a dessert kind of gal… but we couldn’t resist! You have to try the Cocoa butter glazed bramble mousse, with maple granola and cinder toffee.          

Wake up to more magic

The next morning we headed over to The Witchery’s main dining room for breakfast. It’s so romantic and cosy inside with the dark wood panelled walls, and candlelight everywhere – even at breakfast. There’s also an option to dine in your room. But I wanted to experience their main restaurant at least once before we left! The main dining restaurant is super small and intimate inside – so if you ever spot a table available there for dinner when booking online… jump at the chance!

Exploring Edinburgh’s Treasures

One of the most remarkable aspects of The Witchery is its location. Situated just paces away from Edinburgh Castle, The Witchery is at home along the Royal Mile. With so many other iconic landmarks, within it’s immediate location, The Witchery serves as the perfect base for exploring the city’s historic treasures.

Wander through cobblestone streets, visit museums, or simply soak in the rich tapestry of history that surrounds this enchanting hotel.

Embracing the Otherworldly

The Witchery doesn’t just offer accommodation; it invites you into a world of enchantment. The ambiance, the decor, the history—it all weaves together to create an fairytale experience that lingers long after you’ve departed. Whether you’re a history enthusiast, a romantic at heart, or simply seeking a unique escape, The Witchery offers an unforgettable stay that transcends the ordinary.

Book a night at The Witchery here

Would you stay at the most romantic hotel in Edinburgh?

Staying at The Witchery in Edinburgh is like stepping into a dream . It’s a blend of luxury, history, and mystique that captures the essence of Scotland’s rich heritage. From the lavish rooms to the exquisite dining and magical surroundings, every aspect of the experience is curated to delight and enchant. If you seek a stay that’s beyond the ordinary—a stay that feels like a chapter from a fairytale—The Witchery awaits, ready to weave its spell and leave you enchanted.

What do you think, would you spend a night in one of Edinburgh’s most romantic hotels?

Things to do in Edinburgh

Share this:.

• Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)
• Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
• Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window)

The Witchery in Edinburgh continues to cast a spell over guests

The Witchery hotel and restaurant, housed in a 16th-century building, transports guests to a world of historical wonder

By Stephanie Bridger-Linning

Edinburgh institution The Witchery continues to cast a spell over visitors. And, with excitement around BBC series The Traitors reaching its crescendo, there’s never been a better time to visit.

Everything you need to know about the Witchery, Edinburgh

Arguably the best in the city: The Witchery is housed in a 16th-century building in the shadows of Edinburgh Castle. The hotel is split across two sites on opposite sides of the Royal Mile. The suites and dining spaces all draw inspiration from their historic surroundings.

Rooms & Suites 

There are nine suites, each with its own individual appeal. The Armoury suite, where Spear’s stayed, is the size of a London apartment and features four separate spaces: an entrance hall, dining area, bathroom and spacious bedroom with a king-sized four-poster bed.

Spear’s Weekly

• Business owner/co-owner
• Chairperson
• Non-Exec Director
• Other C-Suite
• Managing Director
• President/Partner
• Senior Executive/SVP or Corporate VP or equivalent
• Director or equivalent
• Group or Senior Manager
• Head of Department/Function
• Non-manager

Thanks for subscribing.

Dorchester Collection’s first Middle East hotel is ready for business

Original FX Mayr: in search of ‘the cure’ at the world-renowned medical spa

Spear’s reports from Necker Island as it opens for bookings

Reached via the original 16th-century turnpike stone stair, the suite is historical opulence in excelsis . Think: polished antique floors, oak-and-fabric-panelled walls, heavy drapes and a sumptuous colour palette of red, amethyst and gold. There are countless touches that bring the space to life: tapestries, gilt detailing, and even the head of a suit of armour. 

The Witchery restaurant is a favourite with locals and tourists alike. The intimate atmosphere created by the candlelight and wood-panelled ceiling and walls – much of which was rescued from St Giles Cathedral and a Burgundian château – means the restaurant is a popular date night spot. 

The menu is hearty and filled with Scottish produce: Islay oysters, hand-dived Orkney scallops and Scotch beef tartare to start; Glenfeshie venison, North Sea monkfish and a winter mushroom tart for mains. The dessert menu is especially decadent, with a rhubarb custard tart or Cox’s Pippin tarte tatin ending the meal on a sweet note. 

Dinner can be enjoyed in either the ‘secret garden’ dining space or the main dining room. Breakfast is served in the main dining room, with a full cooked menu or continental option on offer. 

Content from our partners

Meet the females leading in the FTSE

A cut above: Charles Sanford on why HNW clients choose LGT Wealth Management

How the Thuso Group’s invaluable experience and expertise shaped the Spear’s Schools Index 2024

One thing to note: on-demand room service isn’t available in the traditional sense due to the hotel’s ‘restaurant with rooms’ licence. However, drinks can be made and collected from the reception in the evening, and breakfast can be pre-ordered to be served in the room. 

There is no spa, gym, or parking, The Witchery is very much about indulging in the experience of being transported through time. 

The ‘reception’ is a small desk at the top of the ‘secret garden’ part of the restaurant. Staff are extremely helpful and happy to help with bags to the room. 

The verdict on The Witchery

Be transported to another time and place with the magic of The Witchery.

www.thewitchery.com

Stephanie Bridger-Linning

Stephanie is the Digital Director of  Spear’s.

The Witchery

View prices for your travel dates

Reviews we perform checks on reviews. tripadvisor’s approach to reviews before posting, each tripadvisor review goes through an automated tracking system, which collects information, answering the following questions: how, what, where and when. if the system detects something that potentially contradicts our community guidelines , the review is not published. when the system detects a problem, a review may be automatically rejected, sent to the reviewer for validation, or manually reviewed by our team of content specialists, who work 24/7 to maintain the quality of the reviews on our site. our team checks each review posted on the site disputed by our community as not meeting our community guidelines . learn more about our review moderation..

• Excellent 1,261
• Very Good 265
• Average 155
• Terrible 89
• All languages ( 1,901 )
• English ( 1,844 )
• Chinese (Sim.) ( 36 )
• German ( 19 )

" Book direct through site. We stayed in the sempill suite which was opposite the Witchery restaurant and other suits and it was alot quieter "

" The Witchery is a unique experience like no other. There is no parking, so be prepared to walk, but it is in an ideal location for the city. "

" Don’t bother - lots of lovely 😊 places to eat and drink in Edinburgh that will go out of their way to provide a fabulous Customer experience "

" Parking is at the sister hotel, another place worth visiting. We had free transport to and fro. Perfect for those who love history. "

" Dress up for the experience - others may be there for special occasions, and it kinda ruined the effect to have others in hoodies and jeans! "

Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.

THE WITCHERY - Updated 2024 Reviews (Edinburgh)

• Book a room
• Book a Table

Guests who book to stay with us directly will receive a complimentary bottle of chilled Champagne on arrival. 

The Witchery: One Of The Oldest Haunted Hotels in Edinburgh

October 02, 2023.

Very few hotels in Edinburgh Old Town can claim five centuries of history; let alone a history quite like The Witchery. Walk the halls of a hotel named after the infamous Castlehill, where King James VI executed suspected Witches during the 16th and 17th centuries. Indulge in the rich history of the area and period structures preserved and restored from the annals of Tudor Scotland.

But the dark history and spectacular architecture aren’t the only things The Witchery has to offer. Learn about one of the oldest haunted hotels in Edinburgh and experience the unparalleled gothic luxury we have to offer .

The Dark History of The Witchery & Castlehill

The Witchery is steeped in an infamous history as a part of Edinburgh’s Old Town and proves itself as one of the prime contenders for the best haunted places to stay in Edinburgh. 

A mere stone’s throw from the hotel sits the Castle Esplanade and The Witches Well; a stark reminder of the area’s grim history that accompanies the hauntings of Castlehill. It is thought that during the Witch Trials and King James VI’s reign, over 300 victims were put to death on Castlehill for the crime of Witchcraft; by means of burning at the stake. Scotland itself carried out five times more executions per capita than the European average.

With many of these victims subjected to torture before their eventual demise, and with more put to death on Castlehill than anywhere else in Scotland, it is no wonder that some visitors report seeing unusual sights in the dead of the night.

Stay With The Witchery; Experience The Old Town

Declared one of the Seven Wonders of the Hotel World by Cosmopolitan, our accommodation at the gates of Edinburgh Castle is ideal for those wanting to live and breathe the history of the area.

When you choose to stay at The Witchery you can dine like royalty in our AA 5 Gold Star Restaurant with Rooms and spoil yourself with an extensive award winning wine collection .

But, of course, visiting the Old Town and everything it has to offer is an essential part of The Witchery experience;

Sneak a Peek at the Edinburgh Castle Ghost

Avid ghost hunters will scour the grounds of the Castle and the Old Town for any sign of the Edinburgh Castle Ghost - but did you know there are several notable ghosts to hunt?

Known as the Ghostly Piper, or the Missing Piper Boy, this ghost is often heard when the buzz of the city noise dies down for the day. Several hundred years ago, when the Edinburgh Underground tunnels were first discovered, a young piper was sent down to explore them. The piper would play the pipes as he progressed through the tunnels to alert those above ground of his location. This worked well until one fateful exploration where his pipes abruptly stopped. Despite many exhaustive attempts to find the piper, he was never found, and the tunnels were sealed off.

Or how about the tale of the Castle Drummer? While this ghost hasn’t been seen in centuries, legends tell that this ghost’s appearance heralds an imminent attack against the castle. The most prominent sighting of the Castle Drummer was in 1650 by the governor of the Castle at the time. After various sentries reported the Drummer, the governor investigated, only to hear the potent sound of war drums playing an ancient Scottish war song. This last sighting of the drummer happened right before Oliver Cromwell’s assault, but the faint sound of distant drums can sometimes be heard echoing through the Old Town.

A more recent haunting took place in 2003, where sightings of restless Napoleonic ghosts were reported by construction workers restoring the Queen Anne building.

If you don’t feel like ghost hunting alone, the Old Town provides a host of Edinburgh ghost tours to experience. But be warned, ghost walks in Edinburgh are not for the faint of heart!

Explore the Underground City in Edinburgh

The Old Town is the host of Edinburgh’s world renowned underground city, also known as the Underground City of The Dead.

If you are feeling particularly brave, the Edinburgh Vaults ghost tour is a fantastic way to experience the gothic wonder of these chillingly haunting locations. Gain exclusive access to some of the most haunted places in Scotland - with the tours themselves being researched by leading historians and hosted by passionate entertainers. This provides visitors with not only historically accurate details about the city, but a first-hand experience that will last a lifetime. Every tour is unique!

Edinburgh Old Town Extravagance At its Finest

The Witchery represents the Old Town of Edinburgh at its finest. With rooms tailored to specific tastes and styles, you’ll stay in a luxurious suite to match the enchanting aura of your environs. With painstakingly curated antiques from times past, each of our glamorous suites will immerse your stay in the rich history of Scottish culture.

Place a booking today to complete the experience of a lifetime with your spell in Edinburgh.

Our newsletter

Join our mailing list.

Sign up for special offers and promotions:

The Witchery

View prices for your travel dates

• Excellent 1,261
• Very Good 265
• Average 155
• Terrible 89
• All languages ( 1,901 )
• English ( 1,844 )
• Chinese (Sim.) ( 36 )
• German ( 19 )

" Book direct through site. We stayed in the sempill suite which was opposite the Witchery restaurant and other suits and it was alot quieter "

" The Witchery is a unique experience like no other. There is no parking, so be prepared to walk, but it is in an ideal location for the city. "

" Don’t bother - lots of lovely 😊 places to eat and drink in Edinburgh that will go out of their way to provide a fabulous Customer experience "

" Parking is at the sister hotel, another place worth visiting. We had free transport to and fro. Perfect for those who love history. "

" Dress up for the experience - others may be there for special occasions, and it kinda ruined the effect to have others in hoodies and jeans! "

Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.

THE WITCHERY - Hotel Reviews & Price Comparison (Edinburgh, Scotland) - Tripadvisor