Fantastic Creatures of Edinburgh, and where to find them!

If you’re exploring Edinburgh and craving a way to blend sightseeing with a bit of playful adventure, the Fantastic Creatures of Edinburgh tour promises just that. Designed as a gamified treasure hunt, it takes you through the historic streets of the Old Town, uncovering tales of faeries and mythical beasts while giving your feet and minds a workout. It’s a unique way to see the city beyond the usual landmarks, especially suited for families, groups of friends, or anyone who loves stories with a bit of magic.

What makes this experience stand out? The focus on interactive exploration, the inclusion of a treasure-hunting kit, and the chance to learn quirky folklore while solving clues. Plus, the fact that it’s designed to be family-friendly means it appeals to a broad age range, making it an excellent choice for those traveling with children of various ages.

One thing to keep in mind is that the game relies heavily on your phone’s internet connection and good visibility — the clues won’t work well in darkness, so the daytime is best. If you’re after a more involved guided tour with lots of commentary and interaction, this might not fulfill that need. But if you enjoy self-guided adventures with a bit of storytelling, you’ll find this treasure hunt a charming and memorable way to experience Edinburgh’s mysterious side.

Ideal for families, curious explorers, and those who love a bit of fantasy mixed into their sightseeing. It’s also perfect for visitors wanting a budget-friendly activity that offers more than just walking around with a guide.

Key Points

• Interactive treasure hunt blending Edinburgh’s history with fantasy stories
• Suitable for families and mixed-age groups
• Clues sent via smartphone, with optional WhatsApp support
• The tour starts at Jeffrey Street and ends at a secret location, finishing with a souvenir
• Approx. 1.5 hours, exploring the historic Old Town and folklore sites
• All materials are provided on site; just bring your curiosity and walking shoes

What Is the Fantastic Creatures of Edinburgh Tour?

This isn’t your typical city walk. The Fantastic Creatures of Edinburgh tour is a gamified outdoor treasure hunt designed by local enthusiasts who love Edinburgh’s stories and mythologies. Over roughly 1 hour 30 minutes, your team of 2-5 players will follow clues that take you through some of the most iconic and mysterious parts of the Old Town, uncovering tales about faeries, magical beasts, and other folklore characters that supposedly inhabit Edinburgh’s streets.

The idea is straightforward: pick up your treasure-hunting kit from Hot Toddy, a cozy spot on Jeffrey Street, and start whenever you’re ready, preferably near the Royal Mile. The tour isn’t guided in the traditional sense — there’s no constant commentary — but you’ll be able to reconnect with your guide at certain points via WhatsApp if you need help or a nudge in the right direction.

The adventure ends in a secret location a short walk from the Royal Mile. Finishing the hunt grants you a souvenir, typically a magnet, which you can collect by showing a screenshot of your progress at Hot Toddy or The Grassmarket Project.

The Route and Clues

The walk covers a significant portion of Edinburgh’s historic Old Town. As you follow the clues, you’ll explore streets, alleys, and squares, each with its own story and charm. Some reviewers noted that “we just went round together and worked as a big team,” emphasizing how the game encourages camaraderie and collective problem-solving.

The clues are designed to unravel Edinburgh’s quirks and folklore, making it as much a storytelling experience as a puzzle. You’ll learn about the city’s lesser-known tales and hidden gems, making it ideal for those who want to go beyond the usual tourist spots.

The game finishes at a secret location, about 10 minutes walking distance** from the starting point, adding a sense of discovery and anticipation. After completing the hunt, you can claim your souvenir at designated spots, enhancing the feeling of achievement.

A Closer Look at the Experience

Starting Point and Materials

You’ll collect your treasure hunt pack at Hot Toddy between 10 am and 7 pm, showing your booking confirmation. The pack contains all necessary materials, so you don’t need to bring anything but your phone with internet access, your eyes, and your legs. The flexibility to start anytime during opening hours means you can choose a time that suits your sightseeing schedule.

Family-Friendly and Inclusive

This tour is particularly popular with families, as it caters to different ages and abilities. One review mentioned that “everyone enjoyed solving the clues,” and it’s a great way for kids to learn folklore while staying active. Service animals are allowed, making it accessible for a wider range of travelers.

Support and Interaction

While the game design is such that most interaction with the guide happens at the beginning, you can message the guide via WhatsApp if you get stuck. The reviews note that the host’s instructions are basic but adequate, and the game functions mainly through your phone’s screen and clues.

Duration and Group Size

The 1.5-hour duration is perfect for a light, engaging activity without taking up your whole day. The maximum group size is five, ensuring a more personalized experience and less crowding. The small group size also allows for a more relaxed pace, giving you time to appreciate the surroundings and stories.

Cost and Value

At approximately $34.50 for a group of up to five, this adventure is quite reasonable, especially considering it offers a mix of sightseeing and storytelling. The inclusion of all materials and the souvenir adds to the value. Several reviewers mentioned that the price feels fair given the amount of fun and discovery packed into the activity.

Authentic Feedback from Past Participants

One enthusiastic reviewer noted that “everyone got something out of it and enjoyed solving the clues,” highlighting its appeal across different ages. Another pointed out that “the treasure hunt kept us very busy,” emphasizing how engaging and entertaining the experience can be.

However, not all feedback was glowing. A reviewer mentioned that interaction with the host was minimal and felt rushed, which might be a drawback for those expecting a more guided experience. Plus, some guests expressed a desire for a keepsake to commemorate their achievement, although the program does include a magnet, which may have been overlooked in some cases.

Practical Tips for a Great Experience

• Start early in the day to avoid dusk and make the most of daylight for the clues.
• Ensure your phone has reliable internet; the game depends on it.
• Wear comfortable walking shoes, as you’ll be exploring quite a bit of the Old Town.
• Bring a power bank if you’re worried about phone battery, especially if you plan to use WhatsApp support.
• Minding the timing is key: while you can start anytime during opening hours, finishing before dark is advisable for clue functionality.

The Sum Up

The Fantastic Creatures of Edinburgh tour offers a refreshing way to explore the city’s historic streets through the lens of folklore and fantasy. It’s a cost-effective, family-friendly activity that combines light walking, puzzle-solving, and storytelling. The emphasis on self-guided discovery means you can tailor your pace and experience, making it ideal for those who enjoy a bit of independence during their sightseeing.

The tour’s small group size and the inclusion of all materials, plus a souvenir, make it a well-rounded package. It’s a particularly good choice for families with children, curious couples, or groups of friends seeking a fun, interactive way to learn about Edinburgh’s secrets.

While it may lack the in-depth commentary of a guided tour, the storytelling, hidden gems, and folklore more than compensate, especially if you’re after something memorable and different. The experience’s flexibility, affordability, and focus on engaging storytelling make it a worthwhile addition to any Edinburgh itinerary.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, it’s designed to appeal to a range of ages, making it a fun activity for families with children of different ages.

Do I need to bring anything for the treasure hunt?
No, all materials are provided when you pick up your pack. Just bring your phone with internet access, eyes, and comfortable walking shoes.

Can I start the hunt at any time?
Yes, you can pick up your pack and start the game whenever it’s convenient during opening hours, but it’s best to start early to avoid darkness.

How long does the treasure hunt take?
The activity lasts approximately 1 hour 30 minutes, but you can take a little more or less depending on your pace.

Is the experience accessible with service animals?
Yes, service animals are allowed during the tour.

What’s the cost?
It’s around $34.50 per group, up to five participants, offering good value for a combined sightseeing and story experience.

Where do I collect the treasure hunt kit?
At Hot Toddy, located at 15-19 Jeffrey Street, just show your booking confirmation.

Exploring Edinburgh’s secrets through this captivating treasure hunt is perfect for those who want to combine history, folklore, and fun into one memorable outing. Whether with family, friends, or solo, you’re set for an adventure filled with stories, surprises, and a touch of magic.