Discover the dark and captivating history of witchcraft in Edinburgh on the city’s renowned Witches Tour. This 3-hour guided exploration delves into the city’s troubled past, uncovering the sites associated with alleged witches and the infamous witch trials. From the iconic Witches Well to hidden Outlander filming locations, the tour offers a unique opportunity to take in Edinburgh’s somber and fascinating legacy. Led by knowledgeable guides, the experience promises chilling tales and historical details that will leave visitors with a deeper understanding of this complex and often-overlooked aspect of the city’s past.
Key Points
- The 3-hour guided walking tour explores Edinburgh’s dark history with witchcraft, including visiting sites associated with alleged witches and the city’s witch trials.
- Highlights include visiting Outlander filming locations, the Witches’ Well, and Calton Hill, where a monument stands in honor of the persecuted.
- The tour provides a captivating glimpse into Edinburgh’s witch-related history, with the guide sharing chilling tales of the accused, often vulnerable women.
- Visitors have the opportunity to book optional readings and massages for a more mystical experience, catering to those seeking guidance, balance, or relaxation.
- The weather-dependent activities, such as a Birds of Prey display and accessing the roof of the National Museum of Scotland, add to the otherworldly atmosphere of the tour.
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Tour Overview
The Edinburgh Witches Tour is a 3-hour guided walking exploration of the city’s dark history with witchcraft.
Visitors can discover sites associated with alleged witches, including the iconic Witches Well. The tour provides a fascinating glimpse into Edinburgh’s witch trials and executions, with the guide sharing captivating stories and historical details.
Throughout the journey, you will traverse parts of the city, learning about the role witchcraft played in the region’s past.
The tour also offers the chance to book additional readings and massages, allowing guests to further enjoy the mystical elements of the experience.
With a live guide leading the way, this tour promises an engaging and informative look at Edinburgh’s witchy legacy.
Highlights of the Tour
Visitors on the Edinburgh Witches Tour can explore Outlander filming locations, stroll through parts of the historic city, and witness Birds of Prey depending on weather conditions. The tour offers a unique opportunity to explore the city’s witchcraft history.
Highlights include:
- Exploring sites related to Edinburgh’s witch trials and executions, including the eerie Witches’ Well.
- Discovering the atmospheric old town and visiting the National Museum of Scotland, where weather permitting, guests can venture onto the rooftop.
Booking optional chakra readings, fortune-telling, and even a sensual yoni massage for those seeking a more mystical experience.
Whether you’re a fan of the supernatural or simply curious about the city’s past, the Edinburgh Witches Tour promises an unforgettable journey.
Visiting Witches’ Sites
On the Edinburgh Witches Tour, guests explore the city’s dark history by visiting sites connected to its notorious witch trials and executions.
One of the key stops is the Witches’ Well, a memorial to the hundreds of alleged witches who were hanged, drowned, or burned at the stake in the 16th and 17th centuries.
The tour also takes visitors to Calton Hill, where a monument stands in honor of those who were persecuted.
Throughout the journey, the guide shares chilling tales of the accused, many of whom were vulnerable women targeted for their nonconformist beliefs or social status.
These haunting locations provide a somber reminder of Edinburgh’s troubled past and the persecution faced by those accused of witchcraft.
Outlander Filming Locations
Along With exploring Edinburgh’s historic witch trial sites, the Witches Tour also stops at notable filming locations used in the popular Outlander television series.
Fans of the show will be delighted to visit key spots from the time-traveling drama, including:
- The Grassmarket, which stood in for 18th-century Edinburgh
- Bakehouse Close, a charming alleyway that appeared in several scenes
- Signet Library, whose grand halls doubled as the palace of Versailles
These Outlander-themed stops offer a unique opportunity for tour-goers to enjoy the world of the show while also learning about Edinburgh’s dark and fascinating witch history.
It’s a can’t-miss experience for both witchcraft enthusiasts and Outlander aficionados alike.
Walking Through Edinburgh
The tour’s guided walking component allows visitors to explore Edinburgh’s charming streets and alleyways, providing an immersive experience into the city’s witch-related history. As the group navigates the winding lanes and closes, the guide recounts chilling tales of witch trials and executions that took place centuries ago. Stops along the way include the Witches Well, a memorial fountain honoring those accused of witchcraft, and other sites significant to the witch hunts that swept through Scotland. The walking portion of the tour offers a captivating glimpse into Edinburgh’s dark past, leaving participants with a deeper appreciation for the city’s rich supernatural legacy.
| Site | Historical Significance | Visitor Experience |
|---|---|---|
| Witches Well | Memorial fountain honoring victims of witch trials | Opportunity to reflect on the persecution faced by accused witches |
| Closes and Wynds | Narrow alleys and passageways where witch trials unfolded | Sense of being transported back in time, imagining the fear and hysteria of the past |
| Old Tollbooth | Former prison and execution site for accused witches | Solemn reflection on the injustices of the witch hunts |
| Graveyard | Resting place of those executed for witchcraft | Chance to pay respects and learn about individual stories |
Weather Dependent Activities
While the walking tour offers a captivating exploration of Edinburgh’s haunting witch history, certain weather-dependent activities may complement the experience. Depending on the conditions, participants could have the chance to witness a display of Birds of Prey, adding an extra layer of mystique to the tour.
Venture onto the roof of the National Museum of Scotland, offering panoramic views of the city (weather permitting).
Indulge in optional chakra readings or yoni sensual massages, delving deeper into the esoteric and spiritual aspects of the tour.
Embrace the unpredictable nature of the Scottish weather, allowing the elements to enhance the otherworldly atmosphere of the experience.
Optional Readings and Massages
Toward the end of the tour, participants can opt to book additional readings and massages, delving deeper into the esoteric and spiritual aspects of Edinburgh’s witch history.
Visitors can choose from a range of offerings, including fortune-telling, chakra energy readings, and even sensual yoni massages. These optional add-ons allow guests to further explore the mystical and intimate connections to the city’s witchcraft legacy.
Whether seeking guidance, balance, or relaxation, these specialized services provide a personalized experience that goes beyond the standard walking tour.
For those interested, these optional activities must be booked in advance to ensure availability during the tour’s conclusion.
Important Tour Information
This 3-hour guided walking tour of Edinburgh’s witch history starts near the Grassmarket Hotel in the Grassmarket area, just beside the old police box.
Depending on the weather, the tour may venture up onto the roof of the National Museum of Scotland.
Visitors should note that pets and smoking aren’t permitted during the tour.
Plus, guests have the opportunity to book optional fortune-telling, chakra energy readings, or even a sensual yoni massage at the conclusion of the walking tour, but these specialized services must be arranged in advance.
The tour offers:
- Chance to visit Outlander filming locations
- Possibility to see Birds of Prey (weather dependent)
- Optional chakra reading and yoni sensual massage (must be booked in advance)
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Take Photographs During the Tour?
Visitors are generally permitted to take photographs during the tour, though they may be restricted in certain areas for safety or preservation reasons. It’s best to check with the tour guide before taking photos.
Is the Tour Suitable for Children?
The tour is generally not recommended for children. It focuses on Edinburgh’s dark witch history, which may be concerning or inappropriate for younger audiences. However, families should assess if the content aligns with their child’s maturity and interests.
Do I Need to Bring Any Special Equipment?
No special equipment is required for the tour. Participants should wear comfortable walking shoes and dress appropriately for the weather, as the tour may go to the National Museum of Scotland’s roof, depending on conditions.
How Physically Demanding Is the Tour?
The tour involves a fair bit of walking, with some moderate uphill sections. It’s suitable for most fitness levels, but participants should be prepared to spend 3 hours exploring Edinburgh on foot. Comfortable shoes are recommended.
What Is the Cancellation Policy?
The tour’s cancellation policy allows participants to cancel or reschedule up to 24 hours before the start time with a full refund. Last-minute cancellations may incur a fee, so it’s best to plan ahead.
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Recap
The Edinburgh: The Witches Tour provides a captivating journey through the city’s dark past, exploring sites associated with alleged witches and uncovering chilling tales of the infamous witch trials.
Visitors can enjoy Edinburgh’s somber history, with the option to enhance the experience through additional readings and massages.
Whether a fan of Outlander or simply intrigued by the macabre, this tour offers a unique and unforgettable glimpse into the city’s bewitching legacy.
