As October descends upon Scotland’s capital, The Balmoral, a Rocco Forte Hotel, invites guests to experience the shadowed splendour of gothic Edinburgh through a cinematic lens. With scenes from Guillermo del Toro’s Frankenstein filmed just steps from its storied doors, the hotel becomes the perfect base for a journey that blurs the line between myth and modernity — where the flicker of candlelight and the echo of cobblestones awaken a city rich in mystery.
The Balmoral’s concierge team curates an itinerary that traces the path of Shelley’s legendary creation through Edinburgh’s most atmospheric streets. Guests can follow the creature’s imagined footsteps along the Royal Mile and Parliament Square, their gothic façades transformed into living film sets, or venture to Gosford House in East Lothian, whose stately halls and moody opulence provide the backdrop for pivotal scenes in del Toro’s adaptation. Each stop reveals a city both timeless and theatrical, steeped in the same haunting romance that inspired Shelley herself.
For those seeking to uncover the legends beyond the lens, Mercat Tours’ Secrets of the Royal Mile offers storytelling-led explorations into the city’s darker past. Guided by expert narrators, guests delve into tales of Burke and Hare, the Playhouse Ghost, and the hidden closes that whisper of centuries gone by. Private tours can be arranged through the hotel for a bespoke experience, where history and imagination intertwine beneath flickering lanterns.
Families and younger travellers are invited to explore a lighter side of the city’s eerie charm at The Edinburgh Dungeon, just minutes from The Balmoral. Here, live actors and special effects turn folklore into spectacle, blending fright with fun. For adults, after-dark sessions heighten the suspense, offering a taste of true Scottish horror beneath the city’s ancient arches.
Within the hotel itself, Bar Prince serves the spirit of the season with The Electric Revival — a Frankenstein-inspired cocktail crafted from X Muse Vodka, Midori, mint cordial, and soda, crowned with a black salt rim and liquorice twist. Its vivid green hue and electric flavour evoke the creature’s awakening, a striking prelude to an evening of ghostly exploration.
For younger guests, The Balmoral brings a playful touch to the festivities with a Halloween cookie decorating experience, where children can create edible works of spooky art using colourful icing and sprinkles. This family-friendly moment of creativity balances the city’s darker tales with warmth and delight, turning Halloween into a celebration for all ages.
After a day spent wandering between history and legend, guests can retreat to The Balmoral’s cinematic suites, where sweeping views of Arthur’s Seat and the Old Town skyline offer the perfect close to an autumn evening. With indulgent dining at Number One, Afternoon Tea beneath the glass dome of Palm Court, and whisky tastings at SCOTCH, The Balmoral transforms the season’s mystery into something exquisitely refined — a gothic escape infused with elegance, atmosphere, and the eternal allure of Edinburgh.
