Welcome to the Edinburgh Harry Potter Tour
Explore the magical streets of Edinburgh’s Old Town on a Harry Potter-themed walking tour! See the cafes where J.K. Rowling wrote, explore the castles and churches that inspired Hogwarts School, and wander the kirkyard that houses Tom Riddle’s headstone. This tour begins at Victoria Street, a colorful shopping area that inspired Diagon Alley, and leads you through the National Museum of Scotland, Greyfriars Kirkyard, and more, ending at Edinburgh Castle.
This is not an entrance ticket to attractions along the route. Check opening hours before your visit.
About the Edinburgh Harry Potter Tour
This tour starts on Victoria Street and West Bow, said to inspire Diagon Alley with its colorful shopfronts and tight curves. From there, you’ll head toward the National Library of Scotland and hear how Edinburgh’s stories helped shape a certain boy wizard.
Next, you’ll pass The Elephant House, where J.K. Rowling wrote much of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone. After paying a quick visit to the loyal Greyfriars Bobby Statue, you’ll enter Greyfriars Kirkyard and track down names that Potter fans know well — including Thomas Riddell’s Grave.
You’ll continue on to George Heriot’s School, a real-life look at Hogwarts-style houses and turrets, then head to the National Museum of Scotland and stroll along Lothian Street. You’ll see the grand McEwan Hall and Pleasance Dome before reaching South College Street and pausing at the former site of another cafe where Rowling did much of her writing.
From there, you’ll follow High Street along the famed Royal Mile. Along the way, you’ll have the opportunity to discover the city beneath the city at the Real Mary King’s Close. (Note that separate advance reservations are required for this activity.)
Snap some photos of the towering St Giles’ Cathedral next, then dip into the city’s dark side with a visit to the Heart of Midlothian. Duck through a narrow alleyway to check out the Writers’ Museum, then continue to the Scotch Whisky Experience, if you are so inclined.
At last, you’ll reach Edinburgh Castle, towering over the city like a fortress straight out of a fantasy novel. Your tour will conclude here, allowing you to explore the castle at your leisure.
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