Edinburgh treasure hunt: Fantastic creatures in Old Town
Uncover hidden legends through a game that turns Old Town into your playground
A fantasy treasure hunt through Edinburgh's Old Town where you follow clues to find fantastic creatures and learn Scottish folklore, working as a team of 2–5 people with a kit and your phone. You pick up the game pack anytime during opening hours at Hot Toddy on Jeffrey Street, start whenever suits you (before dark), and finish at a secret location about 10 minutes from the Royal Mile. Completing the hunt earns you a souvenir prize.
What’s included
- All the material and clues required for the game.
- a completion souvenir prize when you finish and show your screenshot at either collection point.
Next departure: 3 Jun 2027
Information
Outdoor fantasy treasure hunt through Edinburgh's Old Town with clues, folklore and a completion prize. Pick up your kit anytime.
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Traveler reviews
The experience
This is not a guided walk with someone talking at the front. You get a kit with all the clues and materials, your phone for internet access, and the freedom to move through the Old Town at your own pace, solving puzzles that lead you from one spot to the next. The game takes around 90 minutes, though it can stretch longer depending on how deep you dig into the folklore and how many wrong turns you take. Your team of 2 to 5 people will be interacting with the streets themselves (looking, reading, thinking) rather than listening to a script.
The logistics are simple: show your booking at Hot Toddy (15–19 Jeffrey Street, open 10am–7pm) to collect your pack, then start the hunt whenever you're ready. The game works best in daylight, so plan accordingly. The clues take you through the historic Old Town, uncovering the traditional beliefs and quirks that live in Edinburgh's corners: the fantastic creatures that inhabit the city according to Scottish folklore and beyond. It's designed by local tour guides who love games, so the puzzle design is tight and the route is built into the clues themselves.
When you finish at the secret location, take a screenshot of your result. Return to either Hot Toddy or The Grassmarket Project (86 Candlemaker Row, 10am–4pm) with that screenshot to collect your completion souvenir. The whole experience is built around curiosity and exploration rather than being herded. If you have a pram or stroller, infants and small children can come along, and the game suits all fitness levels.
Top questions
What happens if it rains?
It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.
How does the treasure hunt actually work if there's no guide leading the way?
You receive a kit with all the clues and materials needed to solve the hunt. Your team follows the clues from one location to the next through the Old Town, using your phone for internet access and your eyes to spot the details the game is asking you to find. The clues themselves guide your route. You're solving puzzles rather than following someone's commentary.
Can I do this treasure hunt on my own, or do I need a full team of five people?
You need a team of 2 to 5 people to play. A pair works fine. You don't need to fill all five spots. The game is designed around teamwork and discussion, so having at least one other person makes it more fun.
What happens if I don't finish the hunt in 90 minutes?
The game typically takes around 90 minutes, but it can run longer depending on how you approach it. There's no time limit. You can take as long as you need. Just make sure you start early enough to finish before dark, since the game won't work without daylight.
Where do I pick up the treasure hunt kit, and when can I start?
Pick up your kit at Hot Toddy on 15–19 Jeffrey Street anytime between 10am and 7pm by showing your booking. You can start the hunt whenever you're ready after that, though the game recommends beginning near the Royal Mile. Start early enough to finish before sunset.
What do I get if I complete the hunt?
Completing the hunt earns you a souvenir prize. When you finish at the secret location, take a screenshot of your result and show it at either Hot Toddy (10am–7pm) or The Grassmarket Project on Candlemaker Row (10am–4pm) to collect it.
What's the difference between this and a regular walking tour of Edinburgh?
A regular tour follows a guide's route and commentary. This treasure hunt puts you in control: you solve puzzles, move at your own pace, and interact with the city itself to uncover the fantastic creatures and folklore hidden in the Old Town. It's exploration and problem-solving rather than listening and watching.
Operated by Edinburgh Treasure Hunts. Explorevia does not run this tour: we compare it with similar options, and you book it with our booking partner.
Prices and times updated 13 days ago
Edinburgh treasure hunt: Fantastic creatures in Old Town
1h 30m · EN
from £ 25 per group
≈ US$ 34 in your currency
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