Explore Edinburgh’s dark history of witch hunts, demonology, and occultists. Walk the Royal Mile and Calton Hill, uncovering secrets and stories from the 16th and 17th centuries.
- Palace of Holyroodhouse - Uncover the secrets and legends tied to the Palace of Holyrood and its association with witchcraft. This grand location has been the backdrop for captivating tales over the centuries. It’s believed that within its ancient walls, the murmurs of witches and wizards can be heard. Join us for our Akelarre here!
- Edinburgh Old Town - Dive into the mystical and historic ambiance of the Old Town as we explore its corners, known for supernatural occurrences. We’ll admire the medieval architecture and the charm of its streets while discussing the witches of Edinburgh.
- Royal Mile - For centuries, the Royal Mile was the stage for trials and persecutions of supposed witches, where harsh sentences and punishments were meted out. In this Akelarre, we’ll delve into these topics.
- Castle Street - Castle Street offers a journey through time, rich with legends of witches and wizards.
- Calton Hill - Stories from the 17th century recount that Calton Hill was the site of modernity’s bonfires, where witches were burned after grueling trials. We’ll visit its surroundings to learn more about these tales.
- Our guides are equipped with microphones and company merchandise to be easily visible to our clients.
- Tip is not included.
During the 16th and 17th centuries, Europe was engulfed in a wave of persecution, hysteria, and superstition. Thousands of women were accused of witchcraft for transgressing the societal norms of their time and were executed on charges of witchcraft. Many of these women possessed medical knowledge, were skilled politicians, or knew how to manage their finances. Scotland was no exception, and on this tour, we will explore how the witch hunt affected Edinburgh. We will learn about the origins of the Witch Hunts; the North Berwick trials that inspired Shakespeare to write Macbeth; King James and his studies on demonology; some witches who inspired characters in the series Outlander, and much more.
We will walk through the alleys of the Royal Mile, as well as Calton Hill, to learn about the symbolism of bonfires and the role of the Presbyterian John Knox. Additionally, we will delve into the lives of some occultists and finish near the castle to understand the end of a historical process that claimed the lives of thousands of innocent people.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
