Edinburgh Old Town Treasure Hunt with Local Folklore

Summary

Discover magical creatures in Edinburgh’s historic streets

You’ll wander Edinburgh’s Old Town solving clues about local folklore, spot hidden creatures carved into ancient buildings, share laughs with your team (and maybe some strangers), and finish with a small prize to remember it by. It’s playful, surprising, and you’ll see the city through new eyes.

What’s the experience like?

I didn’t expect to be squinting at gargoyles above shop windows or arguing about whether that shadowy thing was supposed to be a kelpie or just a pigeon, but here we were — somewhere off the Royal Mile, clutching our treasure hunt kit and laughing at ourselves. We’d picked up our pack from Hot Toddy (the place smells like cinnamon and coffee, by the way) and met one of the guides who gave us this knowing grin, like he knew we’d get lost at least once. He was right.

The clues pulled us through these winding Old Town alleys I’d never noticed before, even though I thought I knew Edinburgh pretty well. There’s something about following riddles that makes you look up — literally up — at carvings and odd little faces peeking out from stonework. Our phones buzzed with hints, but it was mostly our own bickering and wild guesses that got us moving. The air smelled damp (classic Scotland), and there was this moment near St Giles’ when a busker started playing something haunting on the fiddle — felt oddly fitting for a day trip hunting fantastic creatures in Edinburgh.

We bumped into another team by Greyfriars Kirkyard — they were stuck on the same clue as us, so we traded theories over the low wall. I tried saying “selkie” in my best Scottish accent; Li laughed so hard she nearly dropped her phone. By the time we reached the final spot (not telling where), it was almost dusk and my shoes were muddy but I didn’t care. We showed our screenshot back at Hot Toddy for our little souvenir prize — nothing fancy but honestly, it felt earned.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Fantasy Treasure Hunt in Edinburgh

• Outdoor fantasy treasure hunt
• Pick up treasure hunt pack at Hot Toddy
• Start near the Royal Mile
• Explore Old Town following clues
• Finish at secret location near Royal Mile
• Collect souvenir prize at Hot Toddy or Grassmarket Project

Top questions

How long does the Edinburgh treasure hunt take?

The game usually takes around 1.5 hours to complete, depending on your pace.

Where do I pick up the treasure hunt kit?

You collect your pack at Hot Toddy on 15-19 Jeffrey Street during opening hours (10am-7pm).

Is there a guide during the treasure hunt?

A local guide provides your kit and instructions at pickup, but you explore independently using clues provided.

Can children join the Edinburgh fantasy treasure hunt?

Yes, children can join and infants or small kids can ride in prams or strollers.

Do I need internet access for this activity?

Yes, you’ll need internet access on your phone to follow clues during the game.

What happens when we finish the treasure hunt?

You show your result screenshot at Hot Toddy or The Grassmarket Project to collect your completion souvenir prize.

Is public transportation nearby?

Yes, there are public transportation options close to both start and finish points.

When is the best time to start the treasure hunt?

The game works best during daylight hours; it won’t work in the dark.

What’s included

Your day includes all materials needed for the fantasy treasure hunt—clues, instructions, and a completion souvenir—plus support from friendly local guides when you pick up your pack before setting off through Edinburgh’s Old Town on foot.