Email The Witchery by the Castle enquiries & reservations: bookscotland@madbookings.com
Other places to stay in and around Edinburgh
The
Witchery is located at the top of the Royal Mile, you'll see us on the
left hand side of the road as you approach Edinburgh Castle.
We are hidden in a collection of ancient buildings in the heart of Edinburgh's historic Old Town.
The entrance is though an ancient 'close' below a gilded heraldic sign.
The Witchery by the Castle has developed a world-wide reputation for its exceptional dining experience, showcasing the very best of Scotland's produce in the most magical of settings.
Now in its fourth decade, the Witchery is a Scottish dining landmark, much loved by loyal locals, its celebrity fans and visitors to the city alike.
Alongside the Scottish seafood, beef, lamb and game you'd expect to find, you'll also see the Witchery's legendary Angus beef steak tartar, briny-fresh seafood platters and even some haggis featuring on the menu.
The Witchery is open seven days for Lunch, Dinner and Theatre Supper.
Dark, gothic and thoroughly theatrical...if you can get a room –
the Witchery is the place to indulge yourself.
The Witchery by the castle Accommodation
Enjoy Timeout:
Hidden in a collection of buildings at the Witchery by the Castle are
just eight fabulously original and indulgent suites. Frequently described
as one of the world's most romantic destinations and as one of the seven
wonders of the hotel world by Cosmopolitan, each has its own unique quirks
and charms.
Whichever suite you choose you'll find glamour, indulgence, luxury and
roll top baths for two.
Rates includes a bottle of Champagne, cookies, mineral water, turn down
service, newspaper and our renowned breakfast hamper served in your suite
each day.
In a world of identikit could-be-anywhere hotels, thank goodness for the
Witchery.
The rooms include:
The Vestry
The most flamboyantly gothic of the Witchery suites, the Vestry is a riot
of red, gold and black with a decadently-draped bathroom.
This very theatrically Gothic and romantic second floor suite is decorated
with outrageously-ecclesiastical red, gold and black fabrics and furnishings.
Overlooking the Royal Mile, the Vestry is filled with antiques and features
a wonderfully draped bathroom that is passionately red, red, red! Other
features include French gilded furniture, ecclesiastical vestments and
a huge roll-top bath and shower in the marble-floored bathroom.
• Lavishly-draped bed with organ pipe headboard and hidden TV
• Tromp l'oeil draped bathroom with large bateau bath
• Red and gold gothic décor throughout
• Three windows overlooking the Royal Mile
• Separate dressing room & WC
• Hidden private kitchen
• Second floor suite hidden in private Sempill's Close
A full a la Carte Breakfast Menu is available daily in the original Witchery from 8.30 - 10.30am
Sempill
An operatic fantasy, gloriously camp suites, these dreamlike hideaways
have been inhabited by Hollywood stars
Condé Nast Traveller
An extravagantly velvet-draped four-poster bed is the centrepiece of this
large suite with its red velvet bedroom, separate sitting room and panelled
dining hall.
Named after the aristocratic Sempill family, they purchased the property
in 1743 as their Edinburgh residence. Now in the Witchery's trademark
style, it is full of interesting antiques, objects and fantastically indulgent
finishes such a velvet-upholstered bedroom and leather panelled walls.
The Sempill Suite has a similar layout to the Guard Room and Armoury suites,
with a dining hall, galley kitchen, sitting room, and bathroom with a
large bedroom at the rear. The décor includes a gothic panelled
hall with Paisley-lined walls, a sitting room panelled with antique leather,
and an oak four-poster bed in the romantically dark and dramatic red bedroom
hung with masses of antique velvet.
• Sumptuous four-poster draped in masses of vintage fabrics
• Velvet-lined bedroom with antiques, seating area and media cabinet
• Dramatic panelled entrance and dining hall
• Bathroom with large bateau bath
• Separate salon-style panelled sitting room
• Hidden private kitchen
• Raised ground floor suite hidden in private Sempill's Close.
The price includes: breakfast hamper for two served in your suite, newspaper,
mineral water and a bottle of Champagne in your suite on arrival.
A full a la Carte Breakfast Menu is available daily in the original Witchery
from 8.30 - 10.30am.
Old Rectory
This has to be Britain's most romantic love nest. Must be why it's booked
up nine months ahead for weekends
Rich red and flamboyantly gothic, a huge bedroom with gothic bed and gilded
pinnacles leads to a sitting room with daybed and a leather-lined bathroom
and its magnificent central silver bath.
A very large and theatrically decorated suite overlooks the Royal Mile
and over the coast of Fife in the distance from bedroom, sitting room
and bathroom.
The dramatically red bedroom has a huge Gothic bed and several seating
areas and there is an adjacent sitting room with a large Empire-style
day bed and a quirky collection of gothic artefacts.
The bathroom, with red and gilt leather walls, a polished silver bateau
bath, twin sinks and separate black marble shower room was previously
James Thomson's study and is the Witchery's largest and most sumptuous
bathroom.
• Flamboyant red and gold gothic décor
• Gothic oak bed created from pulpits
• Sitting room with large Empire day bed and media cabinet
• Additional seating and breakfast areas
• Seven windows overlooking the Royal Mile towards Princes Street
• Large bathroom with central free-standing bath, twin basins and
separate WC & shower
• Second floor suite reached by stone turret stair above the restaurant
The price includes: breakfast hamper for two served in your suite, newspaper, mineral water and a bottle of Champagne in your suite on arrival.
A full a la Carte Breakfast Menu is available daily in the original Witchery
from 8.30 - 10.30am.
Library
It's the perfect "lust den" according to the singer Dannii Minogue,
it would be impossible to disagree
The Times
An opulent, rich and gothic Library-styled suite on the first floor, the
Library has a dramatic book-filled bathroom with its hidden secret door
and heavily draped bed.
Filled with books, antiques and richly coloured textiles, the Library
overlooks the Royal Mile. Unique features include Gothic oak bookcases,
walls upholstered in Paisley fabrics, rich, red, antique velvet drapes,
oak and tile floors, and a seating area with Victorian sofas from Taymouth
Castle.
• Secret bookcase leads to a hidden library-style bathroom
• Large double-ended bateau bath
• Draped bed with rising TV at its foot
• Rich warm décor with windows overlooking the Royal Mile
• Separate cloakroom & loo
• Seating area at fireplace
• First floor suite hidden away in private Sempill's Close
The price includes: breakfast hamper for two served in your suite, newspaper, mineral water and a bottle of Champagne in your suite on arrival.
A full a la Carte Breakfast Menu is available daily in the original Witchery from 8.30 - 10.30am.
The Travel Editor
The Witchery's very-first suite features an antique Victorian bath in
the lacquer red bathroom, a tartan-lined study and a lavishly draped four-poster
bed in the rich red and gold bedroom.
Packed with antiques and collectibles, this spacious first floor suite
was the very first suite created by James Thomson at the Witchery.
It is exceptionally romantic and gothic, with an antique four-poster bed,
a raised dining area and a separate study/sitting room tricked out in
tartan.
A favourite with visiting celebrities, this suite features a wonderfully
restored Victorian bath and shower and a mass of antiques in the lacquer-red
bathroom. Other features include a tapestry draped four-poster bed, and
window seats overlooking the Royal Mile together with masses of antiques,
military uniforms and collectibles.
• Antique four-poster bed draped with tapestry and velvets
• Raised breakfast area overlooking the Royal Mile
• Sofa and seating area at fireplace
• Separate tartan-lined study
• Richly-decorated bathroom with antique bath
• Masses of antiques and collectables
• First floor suite reached by a stone turret stair above the restaurant.
The price includes: breakfast hamper for two served in your suite, newspaper, mineral water and a bottle of Champagne in your suite on arrival.
A full a la Carte Breakfast Menu is available daily in the original Witchery
from 8.30 - 10.30am.
Baroque over-the-top camp glamour at it's most outrageous ...
The Heriot
The Witchery's latest suite features a sumptuously-romantic four-poster
bed hung with gold-embroidered velvets, sitting room, walk-in dressing
room and a hidden gothic chapel bathroom.
Named after the founder of the nearby George Heriot's school, this second
floor suite looks south over the Old Town towards the glorious 17th-century
building that is Heriot's today.
Entered from a dramatic black and gold hallway, the Heriot's sitting room
is panelled with ancient oak panels and has walls hung with tapestry.
Striking antler furniture features in the breakfast area.
A sumptuous four-poster bed with huge gothic headboard is lavishly draped
with embroidered green and gold velvet hangings. Off of the bedroom is
a walk-in dressing room with dressing table and masses of wardrobe space,
leading to a gothic chapel-like bathroom.
The Heriot's bathroom features a free-standing roll-top bath, dramatic
painted ceiling and gilded and mirrored gothic panelling.
• Separate panelled sitting room leading to bedroom
• Velvet-draped gothic four-poster bed
• Seating areas in both sitting room and bedroom
• Southerly views to Heriot's and the Old Town
• Dressing room leading to gothic chapel bathroom
• Second floor suite reached by stone turret stair above the restaurant
The price includes: breakfast hamper for two served in your suite, newspaper, mineral water and a bottle of Champagne in your suite on arrival.
A full a la Carte Breakfast Menu is available daily in the original Witchery
from 8.30 - 10.30am.
Guardroom
The Witchery is perfect for seduction
The Sunday Telegraph
One of our largest suites with magical views across Old Town rooftops,
romantic four-poster bedroom, dramatic separate sitting room, dining hall
and oak-panelled bathroom with roll-top bath.
A very large and spacious panelled second floor suite.
The Guardroom features a great tapestry hung bed, and views over the Old
Town rooftops in four directions, including panoramic views to Princes
Street and the hills of Fife in the distance. Other features include a
spacious bedroom with panelled walls, a marble-floored bathroom and a
red and gilt sitting room off of the dramatic black and gold dining hall.
• Four poster bedroom
• Oak panelled bathroom
• Separate salon-style sitting room
• Panelled dining hall & hidden kitchen
• First floor suite
• One of the largest Witchery suites
The price includes: breakfast hamper for two served in your suite, newspaper,
mineral water and a bottle of Champagne in your suite on arrival.
A full a la Carte Breakfast Menu is available daily in the original Witchery
from 8.30 - 10.30am.
Delicious food in an idyllic setting, the high spot of the Royal Mile
Both the original oak-panelled Witchery and the Secret Garden, with its
delightful private terrace, are unique and memorable venues for private
dining and celebrations in the historic heart of Edinburgh.
Close to Edinburgh castle, the Witchery's unique location
and legendary food have ensured it has become an Edinburgh dining institution,
much-loved by its loyal locals, celebrity fans and visitors to the city.
For over three decades the Witchery has been renowned as the Edinburgh
restaurant for those looking to experience exceptional food Scottish food,
wine and service in the most magical setting.
Private dining in both the Witchery or Secret Garden
is on an exclusive-use basis, allowing your guests to enjoy the Witchery's
magical atmosphere undisturbed.
You can choose your menu from some of the finest produce available in
Scotland and our skilled sommeliers will help you choose wines, Champagnes
and drinks from a cellar packing with hundreds of delights.
Whether your event is corporate event or a private celebration, a breakfast, lunch or dinner, the Witchery provides the perfect venue for groups of up to 50 guests and Secret Garden 60 guests.
Private Dining in the Witchery
Located in a sixteenth-century merchant's house, the rich baroque surroundings
of the Witchery's original dining room offers one of the city's most unique
private dining experiences looking onto the Royal Mile.
Your guests can dine on red leather seats, surrounded by ancient oak panelling
and hung with tapestries. Heraldic painted ceilings are reflected in the
candlelight of dozens of antique candlesticks, whilst historic stone walls
draped with tapestries ooze with the building's history.
The Witchery can accommodate groups of up to 50 guests
Private Dining in the Secret Garden
The elegant charms of the Secret Garden are on of the city's best-kept
secrets. Hidden along an historic Old Town close, this now-enclosed historic
courtyard is the most magical dining destinations in Scotland. Entering
past the pulpit reception, your guests will descend the stone stairs to
dine under an awesome painted ceiling with French windows opening onto
a secluded private terrace.
The Secret Garden can accommodate groups of up to 60 guests.
Location:
The closest on-street metered parking is at Johnstone Terrace, just a
few moments walk from the Witchery.
The closest long term NCP car park is at Castle Terrace.
If you are staying for a while and don't need your car on hand, let us
know and you can park for free at our five-star hotel Prestonfield which
is just a taxi ride away. EH16 5UT for sat nav.
Directions:
The Witchery by the Castle is located at the top of the Royal Mile, you'll
see us on the left as you approach Edinburgh Castle, the entrance is below
a gilded heraldic sign.The Witchery on Foot?
We are just below the entrance to Edinburgh castle, at the very top of
the Royal Mile.
The Witchery by Taxi
Every Edinburgh cabbie knows the Witchery well and they can drop you off
at the door (or very close during the Edinburgh Military Tattoo).
The Witchery by Train
We are a short, but very steep, uphill walk from Edinburgh's Waverley
Station via Waverley Bridge, North Bank Street and Ramsay Lane. If you've
luggage, jump in a taxi when arriving and enjoy the walk downhill when
you leave!
The Witchery by Bus
Lothian Buses 23, 27, 41, 55 & 67 stop nearby on George IV Bridge.
The Witchery by Air
The Witchery is about 20 minutes from Edinburgh Airport. Taxis and shuttle
services are available and the fast airport-city centre bus stops on Waverley
Bridge close to the rail station.
The Witchery by Car
Edinburgh's Old Town wasn't built with cars in mind, so parking can be
tricky. If arriving by car please drop off your luggage with us before
parking.
The closest on-street metered parking is at Johnstone Terrace, just a
few moments from the Witchery. The closest long term NCP car park is at
Castle Terrace. EH1 2EW for sat nav.
If you are staying for a while and don't need your car on hand, let us
know and you can park for free at our five-star hotel Prestonfield which
is just a taxi ride away. EH16 5UT for sat nav.
The Witchery by Ship
If your cruise brings you to Edinburgh for the day, why not combine lunch
in a landmark location at the heart of the historic Old Town with Edinburgh's
castle and some great speciality shopping right on our doorstep? We are
a 15 minute taxi from Leith or around 25 minutes if berthed in South Queensferry.
The Witchery on Foot
We are just below the entrance to Edinburgh castle at the very top of
the Royal Mile.
The Witchery by Car
Edinburgh's Old Town wasn't built with ncars in mind, so parking can be
tricky. If arriving by car please drop noff your luggage with us before
parking.
The Witchery by Taxi
Every Edinburgh cabbie knows the Witchery well and they can drop you off
at the door (or very close during the Edinburgh Military Tattoo).
The Witchery by Train
We are a short, but very steep, uphill walk from Edinburgh's Waverley
Station via Waverley Bridge, North Bank Street and Ramsay Lane. If you've
luggage, jump in a taxi when arriving and enjoy the walk when you leave!
The Witchery by Bus
Lothian Buses 23, 27, 41, 55 & 67 stop nearby on George IV Bridge.
The Witchery by Ship
If your cruise brings you to Edinburgh for the day, why not combine lunch
in a landmark location at the heart of the historic Old Town with Edinburgh's
castle and some great speciality shopping right on our doorstep? We are
a 15 minute taxin from Leith or around 25 minutes if berthed in South
Queensferry.
The Witchery by Air
The Witchery is about 20 minutes from Edinburgh Airport. There is a choice
of taxis and shuttle services. The fast airport-city centre bus stops
on Waverley Bridge close to the rail station.
If arriving by helicopter let us know. You can land at Edinburgh's only
city centre helipad, a short taxi ride away at our Prestonfield hotel.
Coordinates are 1.8 nautical miles from Edinburgh N55 degrees 56.13 W
003 degrees 09.54 Altitude +200 feet above sea level. Please advise us
in advance if you are arriving by helicopter.
Email The Witchery by the Castle enquiries & reservations: bookscotland@madbookings.com
