Step into the storybook streets of Edinburgh, where history, romance, and a touch of wizarding charm await. From the baroque grandeur of Prestonfield House to the legendary allure of The Witchery by the Castle, these iconic hotels offer an enchanting escape for travelers seeking luxury, heritage, and magical experiences in the heart of Scotland’s capital.
Edinburgh, the city that inspired J.K. Rowling’s Hogwarts, is more than cobbled streets and ancient towers—it’s a place where history, magic, and romance intertwine. For travelers hoping to immerse themselves in this spellbinding atmosphere, two extraordinary hotels capture the essence of the city like no other.
Founded by visionary Scottish hotelier James Thomson, Prestonfield House and The Witchery by the Castle offer more than luxury—they are portals into Edinburgh’s storied past. The Old Town, once home to Alexander Graham Bell, Robert Louis Stevenson, and painter Allan Ramsay, hums with tales waiting to be discovered. Overlooking it all, Edinburgh Castle perches atop Castle Rock, linked by the legendary Royal Mile to the Palace of Holyrood and Princes Street Gardens—a cityscape where every turn feels like a chapter from a storybook.
Prestonfield House: Built in 1687 by Sir William Bruce, architect of Holyroodhouse, Prestonfield House became James Thomson’s own residence in 2003. After a multimillion-pound restoration, the house gleams anew, its white walls and square-paned windows hiding a world of classical Baroque splendor.
Eighteen rooms and five suites are named after distinguished guests—Sir Winston Churchill, Benjamin Franklin, Allan Ramsay—each adorned with luxurious wallpapers and warm tones, immersing visitors in a romantic, storybook atmosphere.
The gardens are equally enchanting. The Tea House within Queen Elizabeth II’s rose garden offers a serene space where blooms unfold quietly, like petals in a magical courtyard. Every stroll feels like wandering through a Hogwarts garden, where history and imagination meet.
Nightly rates: £250–£650
Just steps from Edinburgh Castle, The Witchery by the Castle occupies a cluster of 16th-century buildings, restored by James Thomson in 1979. Its name nods to the city’s legends, evoking mystery and historical intrigue without touching on the supernatural.
Inside, nine suites feature Baroque-inspired décor, gilded mirrors, roll-top baths, and sumptuous velvet fabrics. Every room feels like stepping into a wizarding tale, where history and luxury entwine, creating an atmosphere of romance and adventure.
Nightly rates: £350–£800
