The Witchery by the Castle

The Witchery by the Castle is a luxury hotel and restaurant on Castlehill, at the top of the Royal Mile beside Edinburgh Castle.

It’s one of Edinburgh’s most expensive places to stay or eat, but also one of the city’s most distinctive. The setting is old, dark, theatrical, and very Old Town. Think candlelit dining rooms, gothic interiors, antique furniture, and individually designed suites rather than standard hotel rooms.

This is best for a special meal, anniversary, proposal, luxury stay, or one-off Edinburgh treat. It won’t suit every budget, but that’s part of the point. The Witchery is for people looking for something memorable rather than just somewhere practical.

Key Details

What To Expect

The Witchery is split between a small luxury hotel and a restaurant. The hotel has a limited number of suites, each with its own style, so it feels closer to a private Old Town hideaway than a normal city hotel.

The restaurant is just as much of a draw. Dining takes place in the Original Dining Room or the Secret Garden, both known for their candlelit, historic interiors. Menus focus on Scottish produce, with lunch, dinner, and afternoon tea available at set times.

The location is hard to miss. You’re right beside Edinburgh Castle, near the top of the Royal Mile, with Victoria Street, the Grassmarket, and the rest of the Old Town a short walk away.

Good To Know

The Witchery is not really a casual drop-in place. Booking ahead is sensible, especially for dinner, weekends, afternoon tea, and busy visitor periods.

It’s also worth checking the latest terms before booking. The venue states that restaurant reservations are for a maximum of six people and that it cannot accommodate children under 10, including infants.

Prices are at the luxury end of the scale, so this is more of a special-occasion choice than a regular night out.

Getting There

The Witchery is easy to reach on foot from central Edinburgh, although the walk up from Princes Street or Waverley is steep.

Edinburgh Waverley is the nearest main train station. If you’re driving, the closest major car park is Castle Terrace NCP, but parking in this part of the city can be awkward, especially during busy periods.

Our Take

The Witchery by the Castle belongs in any serious Edinburgh directory. It’s expensive, yes, but it offers something very specific: a luxury Old Town setting that feels tied to the Castle, the Royal Mile, and the older side of the city.

Best suited to: anniversaries, proposals, birthdays, special dinners, luxury weekends, and visitors who want a hotel or restaurant that feels unmistakably Edinburgh.