This is an experience everyone should have in their lives; Take a trip into history.

Great Find: The Witchery by the Castle - Edinburgh, Scotland

One thing I've learned while traveling internationally for work is that places I thought were too far or exotic really aren't that far away. Scotland was always a place I wanted to visit and never thought I'd be able to. But after traveling to the UK quite a bit I realized that it's closer than I thought and easier to maneuver than expected. A flight from Newark NJ to California takes longer than Newark to Edinburgh! For my first foray here I decided to focus on Edinburgh and its surrounding towns, so I packed up the husband and we flew out mid-July.

June / July are great months to visit Scotland; While it does rain a bit here its generally considered less wet than other months. We did use our umbrellas but also enjoyed some great, warm days in the sun on our trip. August is a VERY BUSY month as they typically run a month-long Arts Festival which makes finding an available hotel room almost impossible.

I strongly suggest staying at one of the most original and exciting “hotels” I’ve ever seen:
The Witchery By The Castle is a collection of private themed guest apartments right on the Royal Mile next to Edinburgh Castle. It also has a 5-star restaurant across the way which is an experience in and of itself for sure.

You’ll check in at a desk at the entry way to The Witchery restaurant where they’ll give you a heavy key on a large red tassel and walk you across the street to your very own “close” or street. Your key will open the private gate and let you in to where the exclusive private residences are where you’ll be staying. NOTE: There is no elevator so be mindful of heavy baggage (they’ll help you, but still… ) and you’ll be walking up a twisting stone set of stairs - max 3 levels however.

I guarantee you’ll love any of the suites at The Witchery. This is a railroad style apartment with a main hallway that connects the front doorway to the bedroom, with offshooting kitchen, dining and bathrooms. Each is themed differently; I have been here twice so I’m including a mix of images for you to enjoy of the suite itself.

You are literally two short blocks from Edinburgh Castle which is the most beautiful thing you’ve ever seen illuminated in the evening. You will feel like you’ve stepped back in time. The entire Royal Mile is littered with shops, restaurants and closes to explore. Keep in mind however, this is a major tourist destination; I recommend leaving this main street and finding a pub or restaurant elsewhere in the city to experience better & more authentic dining.

If the city is not your scene and you’re looking for a more relaxing, countryside atmosphere, you can stay at The Witchery’s sister property called Prestonfield House which is a short taxi ride to Edinburgh City Center. I actually rented a car for this trip and parked it at Prestonfield House, then took a complimentary car to The Witchery on days when we decided to explore.

The grounds of this beautiful seventeenth-century country home are perfect for weddings and serene, romantic getaways. Here are a few pictures including the property’s animal life including peacocks and bulls to name a few: