The Lap of Scottish Luxury

Location:
United Kingdom, Edinburgh

romantic, getaway, historical

V!VA User‘s Description

Edinburgh Scotland is notably untouched by time. The entire city is steeped in a mysterious medieval romance. Shadowy nooks and hidden alley ways all allude to dirty deeds taking place hundreds of years ago. The main drag through town is called the Royal Mile, well named considering there is literally with a palace at each end. At the north end, the medieval Edinburgh Castle looks out over her city, at the South end sits the Queen's Scottish abode, Holyrood House.

When taking a stroll down the Royal Mile from Edinburgh Castle dark and narrow alley ways start to line this royal walk way. The average American would be hesitant to venture down these alley ways- they are dimly lit and from the street show no signs of what to expect at the end. Have no fear however, you'll be pleased (depending on what your looking for) to see they are usually public walk ways that open into gardens, shops or quaint side walk style cafes, Others however, lead to much more than you bargained when out for a Celtic constitutional.

While out for such a stroll on the Royal Mile, keep an eye out for a rather small gilded sign overhead that reads "The Witchery."

Take a quick right down the nearest stone alley way. Coming up on your right will be a small medieval style wooden door that you will miss if you are not looking carefully. If you chance upon this door with perfect timing (between 11am and 12 pm most days) you may be lucky enough to find it propped open! Now, if everything comes together flawlessly, you will be greeted warmly by a local Scot and invited inside for a visit.

The wooden door leads to a winding, dark and musky stone staircase (duck or you could bump your head). It should clear by this point in your journey you are about to be locked away in a tower as an ancient prisoner of war- but don't worry! The room that you will find at the top of the intimidating stairs directly resembles a boudoir fit for Mary Queen of Scots. The suite is romantically lit by ornate hanging chandlers, and smothered in shades maroon, velvet, and gold detailing. The centerpiece of one particular suite (there are currently 6) is naturally a bed fit for a king which engulfs its patron in a dramatic tasseled canopy. In the corner stands an authentic knight-in-shining's amour, there to protect you from The Witchery's resident ghosts which seem to fit in so naturally in this hauntingly romantic setting.

Have you ever visited an art museum's historical furniture wing and wished you could climb into the embellished satin sheets of a princess's gothic style bed? This is just the opportunity. However, it will cost about 300 pounds per night.

Where the sleeping quarters will fulfill your most creative damsel in distress fantasies, simply walking around the corner guides you straight into a Taj Mahal style water closet, complete with fully mirrored walls, purple and gold ceiling murals. This decedent Scottish fantasy is with out a doubt worth going out of your way to see for an instant self-indulgent trip back in time.

Further Information

Other helpful information: Save up if you want to book a room!

Must see/do at this place: See below.

You should avoid here: It's really an issue of timing. If you can fall into a window of time between check in and check out when rooms are being cleaned- they will let you visit.