The Witchery’s Guide to Edinburgh Festival Fringe 2024

With over 3,000 shows taking place in iconic venues across the capital city, the Edinburgh Festival Fringe Festival guarantees an experience like no other. 

The renowned annual event transforms Edinburgh into a hub of entertainment, drawing visitors in from across the globe and shining a spotlight on theatre, comedy, music, and more. In fact, every year the Festival Fringe attracts upwards of three million people creating a uniquely vibrant atmosphere on the streets of the capital. 

However, with such popularity comes the challenge of finding the perfect place to stay, especially if you find yourself booking at the last minute. With an incredible amount of things to do and see, even if you are a seasoned Fringe-goer, it can be a challenge to plan ahead and get the most out of your festival experience. 

From where to stay to what to do, this in-depth guide to the Edinburgh Festival Fringe will help you plan your accommodation and soak up all the city has to offer during this time. 

Where to Stay

To truly immerse yourself in the electric atmosphere of the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, choosing the right accommodation is crucial to elevate your visit.

There are a number of areas in the capital that serve as an excellent base, but Edinburgh’s Old Town offers historic charm and magnetic energy, offering the perfect backdrop for your festival experience.

The Witchery Luxury Suites

Of course, we think no visit to Edinburgh is complete without visiting The Witchery by the Castle. The opulent suites at The Witchery provide a haven of sophistication, with each room dripped in luxury and gothic elegance. The Vestry suite, for instance, captures the spirit of the Fringe with its theatrical ambience and unique decor. 

The Vestry provides visitors with a dramatic yet immersive stay that is the epitome of creativity and vibrancy. Step into a world of performance, and keep the art of the Fringe alive even after the day is over. 

Prestonfield House

For those seeking a retreat of tranquility after the festival fun has been had, Prestonfield House is an exceptional choice. Located just a short taxi ride from the heart of Edinburgh City, this stunning country estate offers a restful escape from the bustling crowds of the Fringe. 

With luxurious rooms, exquisite dining, and enchanting gardens, Prestonfield House provides a perfect contrast to lively festival activities. Staying at The Witchery or Prestonfield House places you in the best area to stay for the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, and guarantees an experience marked by elegance, comfort, and charm. 

Whether you prefer the historic glamour of Old Town or the tranquillity of the countryside, these accommodations provide the perfect overnight experience for an unforgettable festival adventure. 

Explore the beauty of the suites at Prestonfield House and book today for the perfect Edinburgh Festival Fringe accommodation.

Getting Around Edinburgh

With Edinburgh’s excellent transportation system, navigating the city during the Edinburgh Fringe Festival is a delightful experience. Getting around Edinburgh is convenient and enjoyable for everyone, regardless of where you choose to stay in the capital. 

Public Transport

The city’s efficient public transport system includes buses and trams, allowing you to travel across key areas, including festival venues. Edinburgh Trams also covers city centre areas to Edinburgh Airport, ensuring a fast and convenient journey for visitors travelling internationally.

Taxis

Taxi services are available all over the city. Edinburgh black cabs can be hailed on the street or booked in advance, providing festival-goers with a comfortable way to navigate the city. For guests staying at The Witchery and Prestonfield, taxis offer efficient transportation to key festival venues and areas, ensuring you travel in style and optimal comfort.

Travelling from The Witchery

Guests of The Witchery are at the heart of the action. Many festival venues are within walking distance and bus stops are nearby for quick and efficient travel arrangements to further venues.

Travelling from Prestonfield House

Prestonfield House offers complimentary parking and access to taxi services, allowing you to enjoy the peaceful tranquillity of the countryside estate while remaining close to the atmosphere of the festival. 

Links from the Airport

Travelling from Edinburgh Airport to the city centre has never been easier. The Airlink 100 bus provides direct services from the airport to central locations in the city. This includes both The Witchery and Prestonfield House.

Where to Eat

Edinburgh is a culinary delight during the Fringe Festival, offering a delicious variety of food and drink pop-up venues throughout the city. 

These venues provide decadent dishes for guests looking for a quick bite between events, or those who long for a sit-down meal after a day of festivities to savour every bite.

The Witchery Dining Experiences

Get lost in exquisite dining like never before at The Witchery. Dine in our Original Dining Room for a culinary experience by candlelight. The opulent decor combines class and elegance, and a menu that savours the freshest Scottish produce, where each dish is crafted to satisfy, providing a feast for the palette. 

Looking for a more intimate dining experience? The Secret Garden is our hidden gem. This dining space is an enchanting, yet secluded area that offers lush greenery as its breathtaking aesthetic. 

The perfect setting for a romantic meal, or a quiet escape from the festival’s vibrant atmosphere.

Prestonfield House Dining

Experience an unforgettable meal at the Rhubarb Restaurant at Prestonfield House. Dine like luxury with the choice of delectable gourmet delights and an atmosphere guaranteed to leave you wanting more. 

You can expect rich decor and grand surroundings, along with a menu that encapsulates classic elegance from the freshest local ingredients. Dining at the Rhubarb is an experience to be savoured.

Festival Dining

The city of Edinburgh is dotted with food and drink venues, particularly in George Square, Grassmarket, and the Royal Mile. These pop-up venues offer a range of culinary experiences, catering to all tastes and preferences. 

Commonly these dining venues will open early in the morning and remain open until late at night, ensuring you can enjoy delicious food at any time during and after the Fringe Festival.

You can also expect pubs around the city to extend their opening hours during the festival. This means you can enjoy a glass of fine wine well into the evening while soaking up the late-night energy of Edinburgh city. The magical atmosphere of the city’s dining experiences adds an extra layer of enjoyment to your overall experience. 

Staying at The Witchery or Prestonfield House provides access to the finest dining experiences the city has to offer. Whether you decide to indulge in the luxurious surroundings of our own dining rooms or you are exploring the city’s delightful dishes, your stay is guaranteed to be filled with unforgettable food, drinks, and exceptional moments you can cherish forever. 

What to See

The Edinburgh Festival Fringe offers an array of excellent performers to enrich your festival experience. 

If you’re hoping to catch free performances, take a look at The Free Edinburgh Fringe Festival for full listings. You can also find what’s on by visiting the official Edinburgh Fringe Festival website. 

Fringe at Prestonfield

Hosted at the elegant Prestonfield House, the Fringe at Prestonfield holds an impressive lineup:

• Dame Maureen Lipman in conversation with Christopher Biggins
• Katherine Ryan with her signature comedy 
• Stephen K Amos, a master of stand-up
• Jasper Carrott & Alastair McGowan delivering a night of laughter
• Lulu sharing stories in an intimate setting 

Key Festival Venues Near The Witchery 

The Witchery’s prime location on the Royal Mile offers you a place to explore at the heart of the festival. Here are some nearby venues to visit during your time at our hotel: 

• The Assembly Hall 
• The Pleasance Courtyard 
• The Underbelly 

While staying at The Witchery, why not take the time to be the master of your adventure and explore the breathtaking surroundings of Edinburgh? Visit the iconic Edinburgh Castle, or enjoy a stroll down Victoria Street. For more ideas to satisfy your adventure cravings, check out our things to do in Edinburgh guide.

Discover Edinburgh’s Top Attractions with The Witchery

Here at The Witchery, we guarantee the ultimate timeless escape. Get ready to be transported back in time, and experience an adventure from beginning to end. Indulge in the charm of our unique suites, savour every bite of exquisite dining, and ensure your festival stay is as extraordinary as the performances.

Described by The Telegraph as “the ultimate romantic hideaway”, we combine history with modern luxury, crafting experiences to impress.

Book now to immerse yourself in the magic and get lost in the celebratory spirit of the Edinburgh Fringe Festival.

Explore More of Edinburgh 

Discover more wonderful things to do in Edinburgh, and continue reading:

• Discover the top things to do in Edinburgh Old Town
• Explore our guide to art galleries in Edinburgh City Centre
• Take a look at our guide to unusual gift experiences in Edinburgh
• Treat your significant other and read our list of the most romantic things to do in Edinburgh 

Take a deep dive into the rich culture and historical elegance of Edinburgh with our curated guides, created to make your visit simply unforgettable.