Witch Hunt UK - A tour through the dark history, its places and people.
April 29th-May 3rd 2026
More 2026 dates available, please get in touch
Tour Overview
Embark on the only cultural holiday tour following the steps of the history of witchcraft in the United Kingdom. We offer a captivating 5-day private coach journey through England and Scotland, exploring the dark history of witchcraft trials and persecution. From the infamous Pendle Witch Trials of 1612 to Edinburgh's haunting witch memorial, discover the locations where history's most misunderstood accusations took place.
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This immersive tour takes you through ancient villages, historic castles, and atmospheric landscapes while uncovering the stories of Matthew Hopkins, the "Witchfinder General," and the tragic events that shaped an era.
Background
Witchcraft in the United Kingdom has a long and often grim history, evolving from medieval folk beliefs to a period of intense persecution between the 16th and 17th centuries. Following the Witchcraft Acts of 1542, 1563, and especially 1604, thousands of people—mostly women—were accused of making pacts with the Devil, with Scotland experiencing some of the harshest trials in Europe. Notorious figures like King James VI (later James I of England) fueled witch-hunting fervor, and witchfinders such as Matthew Hopkins intensified panics during the English Civil War. By the late 17th century, skepticism grew, and prosecutions declined, eventually leading to the repeal of witchcraft laws in 1736. Today, the history of witch persecution is remembered as a cautionary tale about fear, superstition, and injustice.
Your Holiday Essentials
5 Days 29th April - 3rd of May 2026
4 hotels, meals as indicated,
drinks with dinner, all entrance fees,
tour manager and expert historian witch guide throughout, all internal travel,
optional travel from UK.
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Flexible (Individual or Group)
Standard price: £1,250 per person
solo occupancy supplement: £200
Non-refundable deposit: £475
Detailed Itinerary
DAY 1 — Arrival in Lancaster: The Pendle Witch Trials
Lancaster Castle
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Visit the historic courtrooms where the Pendle witches were tried.
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See the old cells & learn about early modern legal systems, confessions, and superstition
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Lancaster Judges’ Lodgings Museum
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Domestic interiors showing the world of the elite figures who condemned the accused.
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Evening Option:
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Pendle Witch storytelling session or guided historic walk through Lancaster’s medieval streets.
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Overnight: Lancaster
DAY 2 — Pendle Witch Country (Lancashire Hills)​
Theme: Follow the footsteps of the accused witches
Take a short coach ride into the Pendle countryside.
Theme: The height of English witch persecutions.
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Pendle Hill — atmospheric, moody landscape central to the 1612 story.
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Barley & Newchurch Villages — home of the Demdike and Chattox families.
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Roughlee — site associated with Alice Nutter, one of the most famous accused women.
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Pendle Heritage Centre — excellent exhibition explaining the entire history of the trials.
Optional: Short scenic walk along the Pendle Witch Trail.
Total driving today (approx): 2–3 hours of driving + local short journeys.
Overnight: Lancaster
Day 3 - Travel to York and Discover York's Witchcraft Folklore and take in the sights of this stunning and ancient walled city.
Theme: The most famous witch trials in English history (1612).
​Approx. 2 hours by coach — an easy travel day.
Key Experiences:
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York Museum Gardens & Yorkshire Museum
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Displays on medieval magic, charms, talismans, and spiritual life.
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Shambles & Snickelways
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Explore York’s famous medieval lanes — hotspots for folklore and old apothecaries.
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York’s “Witches & History” Walking Tour
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Stories of cunning folk, charlatans, and the city’s darker magical legends.
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Optional "Afternoon Cheese" at York's most famous cheese shop hosted by Crow our witch guide.
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Overnight: York
Day 4: York to Edinburgh
Very early start - 4 hour journey
Theme: The Scottish witch hunts and King James VI’s obsession with witchcraft.
Highlights:
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​National Museum of Scotland. See the Witch-hunting documents from the reign of King James VI, author of Daemonologi, Protective charms, talismans & Scottish magical folk artefacts.
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Edinburgh Castle. Entry to the castle, where you can see the birthing room of King James VI, and learn about the history of Scotland and peruse the castle at your leisure.
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Attend our Penultimate Dinner `Party, a special night dedicated to highlighting the special moments on your tour and a view the recap tour video, which includes the "best moments"​ on tour. We encourage you to share your own photos with us to include in this. This is then shared as a gift and souvenir for our clients.
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Overnight: Edinburgh
Day 5: Edinburgh, Leven, Fife, North Berwick
Highlights:
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North Berwick: Visit the coastal town where the infamous 1590 witch trials took place.
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Witch Trial Memorial on Castlehill: A moving site marking those executed for witchcraft.
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Take in the beautiful Scottish Landscape with a stop at Cockburnspath Cove. ​​​
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Make your way home from Edinburgh or take the coach back to Lancaster.
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What's Included
Dedicated Tour Manager and also an expert witch guide
All transport to itinerary sites
Pre and post tour planning
4 star hotels
Dinner parties hosted by your expert historian and tour manager
The company of like-minded travelers
Helpful and friendly travel advice
Meals as indicated in the itinerary
Two drinks i,e wine or beer at each dinner and a welcome drink on first evening
Entrance fees for sites included in itinerary
Tour information booklet
Modern, comfortable, air-conditioned coach
Important Notes
level 2 fitness required. ​
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This is a standard tour type which involves a certain amount of walking. You may be exposed to the elements, so sensible shoes and outdoor clothing are needed.
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Dark Atlas Tours reserves the right to refuse to carry anyone who has failed to notify them of any disability requiring assistance, or who in The Dark Atlas's opinion is unfit to travel.
About Your Guide
My name is Crow D Thorning and I’ve been practicing witchcraft and magick for more than thirty years. I have a background in education, and I am excited to be your specialist guide for Witch Hunt UK from dark Atlas Tours.
​I’m passionate about witchcraft and magick and I enjoy helping people find their own path.
My initial training was in a Wiccan coven with direct lineage from Gerald Gardner. My craft has developed and grown with me and now I also work in a shamanic style; I use journeying to inform my life and work closely with my ally family and my deities.
​I use the runes and my own oracle cards for divination. I craft moon consecrated amulets for protection, good fortune and other more individual purposes.
Based in the magickal land of Cornwall, I work closely with the land and the trees, birds, animals, and plants of where I live.
I teach about magick and witchcraft, Gods and Goddesses, spells and visions, protection and perception; passing on what I have been taught and what I have learnt through my magickal life. So our 5 days together on tour will surely be a magickal and memorable adventure!!!
