Fantastic Creatures of Edinburgh, and where to find them!

Explore Edinburgh’s Hidden Creatures with a Unique Treasure Hunt

The Fantastic Creatures of Edinburgh tour offers a playful approach to discovering the city’s secrets. Priced at $34.51 per group (up to 5 people), this 1 hour and 30-minute outdoor adventure brings folklore and history together through an engaging treasure hunt. Designed for families and curious explorers, the tour guides you through the Old Town’s streets, where you’ll seek out fairy-like beings, magical beasts, and other mythical creatures.

This tour is especially appealing for those seeking a lighthearted, interactive experience. It suits a wide range of ages and abilities, making it an ideal activity for families with children. The tour features all materials needed for the hunt and offers a souvenir to finishers, adding a nice touch to the adventure. A key practical advantage is its mobile ticket system, allowing you to start the game at your convenience from Hot Toddy on Jeffrey Street.

While the experience is designed to be fun and family-friendly, keep in mind that the game requires good weather and smartphone internet access. The guide provides support mainly at the start and during the collection of materials, but the core activity is a self-guided treasure hunt. The small group size (up to 5) ensures personalized pacing, but it’s best suited for those comfortable with independent exploration.

Key Points

• Price and Group Size: Costs $34.51 for a group of up to 5, making it budget-friendly for families or small groups.
• Duration and Flexibility: The 1.5-hour tour can be started anytime during opening hours, offering flexibility in planning.
• Location and Meeting Point: Begins at Jeffrey Street, near the Royal Mile, with the end point about 10 minutes away in a secret location.
• Family-Friendly: Suitable for children of various ages, with activities that appeal to all abilities and interests.
• Guidance and Support: Minimal interaction from the host during the game, with support available via WhatsApp if needed.
• Souvenir Included: All finishers receive a special souvenir, although some reviews suggest a small memory keepsake could enhance the experience.

Starting at Jeffrey Street: The Meeting Point and Initial Setup

The tour begins at Jeffrey Street, a lively spot close to Edinburgh’s Royal Mile, making it easy to access via public transportation. You pick up your treasure hunt pack and code from Hot Toddy, which is open 10 am to 7 pm. After showing your booking, you’re free to start the game whenever suits your schedule.

The process is straightforward: collect your treasure hunting kit, connect to the provided code, and begin your exploration. The flexible start time allows for spontaneous decisions, perfect for those who want to make the most of their day. The only real limitation is the game’s dependence on daylight; it won’t work in the dark, so starting earlier in the day is recommended.

The route covers significant parts of Edinburgh’s Old Town, with clues guiding you from one historic spot to another. The final stop is a secret location about 10 minutes walk from the Royal Mile—adding an element of mystery to the adventure.

From the Old Town to the Castle District

The treasure hunt takes you through key historic streets of Edinburgh, emphasizing folklore and local quirks. As you follow clues, you’ll learn about the city’s stories while searching for fantastic creatures and magical beings. The clues lead to specific landmarks, making this tour both a puzzle and a sightseeing walk.

Exploring narrow alleyways and bustling squares, you’ll encounter the city’s atmosphere and hidden corners. The game is designed to be engaging for all ages, with clues that challenge both kids and adults. Since the activity involves walking and using a phone, comfortable shoes and good eyesight help ensure everyone can participate fully.

The route’s pacing is casual, so groups can take their time to appreciate the surroundings or solve tricky clues. The final destination, a special secret spot, offers a satisfying conclusion and a chance to reflect on your discoveries.

Using the Treasure Hunting Kit and Digital Clues

All necessary materials arrive with your pack, allowing you to focus on the fun. The kit includes a treasure hunting device and access codes, which you use to receive clues on your smartphone. The game is gamified and interactive, encouraging teamwork and problem-solving.

Support from the host is limited but accessible via WhatsApp. Guests are encouraged to message if they encounter difficulties, though the game is primarily designed to be self-guided. This format favors those who are comfortable with digital interaction and some independence.

The instructions are described as basic, which means preparation and attentiveness improve the experience. If you’re familiar with treasure hunts or outdoor puzzles, you’ll likely find this format straightforward and enjoyable.

The Final Secret Location and Souvenir Rewards

The game concludes at a secret landmark in Edinburgh, roughly 10 minutes walk from the Royal Mile. To collect your souvenir, players simply need to show a screenshot of their completed result at designated pick-up points: Hot Toddy or The Grassmarket Project.

All finishers receive a souvenir magnet, a small token of achievement and memory. Some reviews mention that a different kind of keepsake, like a badge or figurine, could elevate the experience, but the provided magnet remains a thoughtful memento.

The souvenir process is straightforward, adding a rewarding finish to the adventure. The small group size and personal touch make this feel like a special, personalized activity.

Accessibility and Practical Considerations

The tour is suitable for most travelers, including those with service animals. Since the activity involves walking and using a smartphone, good mobility and vision are helpful.

However, poor weather can impact the experience, as it is an outdoor activity. Cancellations due to weather are offered a full refund or alternative date. The activity requires good internet connection and the ability to follow digital clues, so technological familiarity helps.

The maximum group size of 5 ensures an intimate, unrushed experience but might limit larger family groups or friends wanting to participate together.

Comparing This Tour to Other Edinburgh Experiences

Unlike more traditional tours such as castle visits or ghost walks, this treasure hunt emphasizes interactive storytelling and exploration. It offers a different perspective on Edinburgh’s history, folklore, and secret corners, making it a great complement to more conventional sightseeing.

It appeals particularly to families and young explorers who enjoy puzzles and outdoor activities. While it lacks the depth of guided history tours, its lighthearted approach and playful design make it a memorable activity for a half-day outing.

Final Thoughts: A Fun and Flexible Edinburgh Adventure

The Fantastic Creatures of Edinburgh tour offers an engaging way to experience the city’s mysteries and folklore. Its affordable price, family-friendly format, and self-guided style make it accessible and enjoyable for casual explorers.

The support system, via WhatsApp, provides peace of mind, though the game’s design is mostly independent. The souvenir adds a tangible memory, and the tour’s flexibility means you can start it at your convenience during daylight hours.

While weather dependence and minimal host interaction are considerations, the overall experience delivers a playful, educational adventure through Edinburgh’s historic streets. It’s especially suited for families with children, groups seeking outdoor fun, and those looking for a different way to uncover Edinburgh’s folklore.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the price of the tour?
The tour costs $34.51 per group, accommodating up to 5 participants.

Where do I start the treasure hunt?
You pick up your treasure hunt pack at Hot Toddy on Jeffrey Street, near the Royal Mile, during opening hours from 10 am to 7 pm.

How long does the experience last?
The activity lasts approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes, but you can start at any time during opening hours.

What do I need to participate?
A team of 2-5 people, smartphone with internet access, and willingness to walk and solve clues.

Is the tour suitable for children?
Yes, it is ideal for families with children of various ages; the clues are designed to appeal to different abilities.

Are there any physical requirements?
Participants should be able to walk and use a smartphone; the activity is outdoors and involves some light movement.

Where does the tour end?
The game finishes at a secret location about 10 minutes walk from the Royal Mile, where you can claim your souvenir.

Can I cancel if I change my mind?
Yes, cancellations are free up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

What support is available if I get stuck?
You can contact the host via WhatsApp for guidance if needed during the game.

Is the experience weather-dependent?
Yes, it requires good weather; cancellations due to bad weather are fully refundable or reschedulable.

How do I receive my souvenir?
Show a screenshot of your completion at the designated pickup points to receive your magnet souvenir.