Edinburgh is undeniably entwined with the wizarding world of Harry Potter, and guests can discover quite a few areas from J.Okay. Rowling’s beloved books! In spite of everything, Edinburgh was residence to Rowling when she wrote a lot of the iconic collection we all know in the present day.
Allow us to solemnly swear we’re as much as no good and go on a tour of Edinburgh!
In case you’re a fellow Potter Head, Edinburgh, Scotland needs to be on the highest of your journey listing. You possibly can see the place she drew inspiration for names within the graveyard, see the boarding college which additionally had 4 homes, see the cafe and lodges the place she wrote, and seize your personal Wizarding World memorabilia at Harry Potter themed retailers.
It is simple to see how Rowling was impressed to write down Harry Potter right here. There’s magic within the air! And Edinburgh is apparent gorgeous.Whether or not you hope to get a style of Butterbeer on the pub J.Okay Rowling probably visited whereas writing Harry Potter, discover turreted buildings that might have impressed Hogwarts, or uncover streets and graves which may be chargeable for naming characters – it is all right here!
Whereas Rowling wrote lots of the books right here, and was clearly influenced by Edinburgh, not one of the motion pictures have been filmed in Edinburgh. However the movie crew and artists did go to to get an concept of the right way to create the Hogwarts everyone knows and love from the movies!
In the beginning you must know that there’s a guided tour of all of the Harry Potter areas in Edinburgh! We went with this guided tour and it was unbelievable. Our information gave us so many fascinating tidbits alongside the way in which.
I’ve a information right here with all the very best locations to journey for those who love Harry Potter!
10 Harry Potter Areas in Edinburgh
Whether or not you are a witch, wizard, or muggle, listed below are the very best Edinburgh Harry Potter areas it’s worthwhile to go to when you’re in Scotland. I’m going to present you these locations in a strolling tour manner. Which means, I recommend you begin right here (on the graveyard) and make your technique to every cease. That is the very best route to seek out all of the Harry Potter Websites with an entire information to why every is a should go to.
You will not want a Remembrall for all these locations, this is a useful map!
Greyfriars Kirkyard – The Harry Potter Graveyard
The historical past of Greyfriars Kirkyard is wealthy and different, crammed with tales of Covenanters, grave robbers, spooky poltergeists – even Scotland’s beloved Greyfriar’s Bobby! However not too long ago it has turn into a preferred vacation spot for Harry Potter followers on the hunt to seek out Tom Riddle’s headstone amongst different iconic names from the books.
One of the crucial iconic Harry Potter areas in Edinburgh is the Greyfriars Kirkyard. This graveyard holds the graves of many notable figures from Edinburgh’s historical past, together with Greyfriar’s Bobby, a loyal canine who guarded his proprietor’s grave for fourteen years. Nonetheless, it is Tom Riddle’s grave that has captured the eye of Harry Potter followers. Many imagine that this grave impressed J.Okay. Rowling to create the character of Lord Voldemort. Strolling by the graveyard, you will really feel such as you’re in a Harry Potter film, surrounded by gothic headstones and the eerie silence of the lifeless.
You’ll discover gravestones with acquainted names like McGonnagal, Potter, Moodie, Scrymgeour, Black, Cruikshanks, and, sure, Tom Riddle!
To get to Tom Riddle’s Grave: To find the grave, enter Greyfriars Kirkyard by finding the Kirk first. Then proceed over to Flodden Wall arch and take a right-hand flip. Observe this path all the way in which down till you attain its finish.
It is a cemetery, so it is essential to be respectful! There’s additionally a card faucet to go away a small donation, which I like to recommend.
You too can get a view of George Heriot College. This was a college for orphans the place there are 4 homes the place pupil get sorted into homes. Coincidence a lot?!
Potterrow Port and Potterrow Avenue
Potterrow Port, located close to the College of Edinburgh, is an fascinating Harry Potter web site you will not need to miss. In keeping with native legend, this underground passageway served as J.Okay Rowling’s inspiration for her iconic protagonist’s final identify – and rightly so!Whereas this connection has but to be substantiated, it definitely appears much like the scene in Harry Potter and the Order of Phoenix when Dudley and Harry come throughout Dementors within the underground. So be sure to take a fast snap whereas out in your Edinburgh Harry Potter tour.
Chinese language Restaurant AKA Nicholson Cafe (3 S Faculty Avenue)
This is not fairly what it appears, it was a restaurant when Rowling wrote right here.
Mid Nineteen Nineties – JK Rowling wrote right here (when it was Nicolsons Cafe)
2003 – Nicolsons closes and turns into a Chinese language buffet restaurant
2009 – Chinese language buffet restaurant closes and turns into Spoon
2021 – Spoon closes and turns into Nicolsons Cafe once more
2022 – Nicolsons closes once more and turns into a Chinese language restaurant once more
Rowling wrote a lot of Harry Potter and Thinker Stone. And, a journalist wouldn’t go away right here alone within the cafe and that is the place she got here up with the concept of Rita Skeeter. Simply exterior the store lies a small granite plaque with a picture of J. Okay. Rowling and gold lettering to commemorate her writing of some early chapters right here.
Rowling at all times loved the buzzing ambiance, and for the price of a latte she had a heat place to write down.
College of Edinburgh
It is a great place to waltz round in. The courtyard appears much like Hogwarts. significantly after they get flying classes with Madam Hooch in Harry Potter and The Sorcerer’s Stone.
The College of Edinburgh is a must-visit spot in your Harry Potter tour of Edinburgh. The college was based in 1582, making it one of many oldest universities in Scotland. Additionally it is residence to among the most spectacular structure within the metropolis.
One of the crucial iconic components of the college is the Previous Faculty, which was constructed within the 1780s. The constructing’s grand facade and imposing towers make it appear like a citadel straight out of the Harry Potter books. The Previous Faculty was used because the inspiration for Hogwarts College of Witchcraft and Wizardry within the movies, and it is easy to see why.
One other spotlight of the college is the McEwan Corridor, which was constructed within the Nineties. It’s like getting into a Harry Potter college of magic. The constructing is gorgeous and mystical, and you may simply get misplaced in it.
Nationwide Museum of Scotland
Inside, you will discover the chess items from first film, Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone! Within the collection Harry and Ron play Wizard’s Chess, then they play a life measurement model on the finish of the film. Taking inspiration from the Isle of Lewis’ well-liked medieval set, The Wizard Chess items have turn into a beloved attraction amongst guests. This works might be discovered throughout the Kingdom of Scots part of their very personal show case. That is additionally the place Dolly the Sheep was cloned!
The Elephant Home Cafe
AKA the “birthplace of Harry Potter” solely opened in 1995, after she wrote the primary e book. However, she completely wrote lots of the different books right here and it is turn into an iconic Harry Potter spot in Edinburgh. There’s even an arrow pointing all the way down to the bathrooms that exclaims “This technique to the Ministry of Magic.” You will need to get right here early because it will get busy!
Victoria Avenue AKA Diagon Alley
No Harry Potter Information to Edinburgh can be full with out mentioning Victoria Avenue! This colourful road was an inspiration for the wizarding retailers in Diagon Alley. From its curved and winding alleyways, to its vibrant store fronts it is easy to see why J.Okay Rowling took inspiration from this quaint location. There are lots of retailers that echo what you would possibly see on Diagon Alley, and your subsequent cease is on this road!
Along with procuring, Victoria Avenue is residence to a number of nice eating places and bars. Oink is a well-liked spot for scrumptious pulled pork sandwiches, and The Bow Bar is a comfortable pub with an important choice of craft beers.
Total, Victoria Avenue is a must-visit for anybody seeking to expertise the magical allure of Edinburgh. Whether or not you are a Harry Potter fan or simply searching for a singular procuring and eating expertise, this road has one thing for everybody.
Museum Context
This was the very first place to promote Harry Potter Merch! You will discover three flooring bursting with wands, posters, collectible figurines, notebooks, and a lot extra. Initially, in 1873, this was Robert Cresser Brush Store, the long-lasting constructing is believed to be the location of inspiration for Ollivander’s Wand Store. After closing its doorways in 2004, it underwent a change and was rechristened Diagon Home earlier than being renamed Museum Context. Now three flooring of mystical souvenirs await wanderers who go to this enchanting vacation spot! There are lots of Harry Potter retailers all through Edinburgh, however that is the unique.
See extra presents for Harry Potter followers right here!
Candlemaker Row
That is additionally, alas, one other Diagon Alley? Often known as “Deviation Alley.” In case you head to the underside of Victoria Avenue in the direction of Grassmarket and take a left, you’ll discover the well-known Candlemaker Row.
The Grassmarket space is a well-liked place for vacationers to discover. You too can discover a novelties store that sells magic gadgets referred to as AHA HA HA Jokes & Novelties at 99 West Bow in addition to the Museum Context retailer on Victoria Avenue, West Bow can be a road is claimed to be the inspiration for Diagon Alley! It is a charming, winding road with plenty of distinctive retailers and boutiques. You will discover the whole lot from classic clothes to handmade soaps to wizarding provides.
Edinburgh Fortress
As a stronghold of Scottish royalty for hundreds of years and later developed into an armed garrison, this historic fortress constructed atop the stays of an extinct volcano is considered one of Europe’s oldest fortified websites. I like to recommend going inside so you possibly can see the you possibly can see the ‘Honours of Scotland’ crown jewels inside!
It particularly appears like a Quidditch sport is about to start when, in July, there’s the annual competition and multi-colored flags are displayed throughout the citadel!
Better of all, you needn’t take the Hogwarts Categorical to get there, it is a straightforward stroll up.
The Witches Nicely
The Witches Nicely is positioned within the coronary heart of Edinburgh. It is a distinctive and spooky monument with an fascinating historical past. The nicely is a forged iron fountain and plaque and honors the Scottish individuals who have been burned on the stake between the fifteenth and 18th centuries. In the course of the Sixteenth century, extra girls have been murdered at this web site than wherever else in Scotland.
Scotland’s King James VI believed witchcraft was a type of Satanism and that anybody who possessed these talents was tainted by the satan. Consequently, within the seventeenth and 18th centuries, greater than 4,000 alleged witches (largely feminine) have been put to dying.
The small monument includes a bronze reduction of witches’ heads ensnared by a snake, makes use of juxtaposition of fine and evil and to indicate that each story has two sides.
The Witches’ Nicely is on the wall of the Tartan Weaving Mill and Expertise that faces the citadel esplanade. It is vitally straightforward to overlook. Whereas heading towards the citadel, as you go the Tartan Weaving Mill, look on to your proper and you may see it.
The Writers’ Museum
The Writers’ Museum is only a gorgeous constructing and since J.Okay. Rowling is without doubt one of the many writers who made Edinburgh her residence, this appears becoming. It celebrates the lives of Robert Louis Stevenson, Robert Burns, and Sir Walter Scott and has memorabilia from their writing- reminiscent of pens, desks, and extra.
You will really feel impressed strolling round right here and I extremely suggest a tour of the museum.
Balmoral Lodge
In case you’re searching for the proper place to remain whereas in Edinburgh, I extremely suggest trying out the Balmoral Lodge. It is the place JK Rowling famously completed her final Harry Potter e book – “Harry Potter and The Deathly Hallows”. She was caught in a writers block at residence, so she headed over to this luxury resort and stayed in room 552 – which has now turn into an iconic location! As a reminder of her accomplishment, there may be even nonetheless a marble bust with graffiti studying “JK Rowling Completed Harry Potter In The Deathly Hallows” in addition to an owl knocker on considered one of its doorways. And although it could be extravagant at $3500 per night time, there are different rooms which are far decrease in value.
Different Locations to Cease in Edinburgh if You Love Harry Potter and Harry Potter Themed Eating places
The Witchery by the Fortress – Positioned close to the citadel, that is the proper place to eat! It appears magical inside and outside. This upscale restaurant is housed in an atmospheric Sixteenth-century constructing and options dishes like “Haggis, neeps, and tatties with whisky sauce” (a nod to the Scottish delicacies that evokes a lot of the Harry Potter universe). The decor is gothic and atmospheric, and there are delicate nods to the collection all through.
The Three Sisters – This pub within the Cowgate space of Edinburgh hosts a weekly Harry Potter quiz night time, full with themed cocktails and snacks like butterbeer and chocolate frogs. It is a enjoyable technique to immerse your self on the planet of Hogwarts whereas having fun with an evening out with associates.
Division of Magic – That is an escape room problem for witches and wizards. Designed for teams of two to six, this can be a enjoyable expertise. OR, The right spot for Harry Potter in cocktail type. You possibly can fake such as you’re in Snape’s potion’s class and order one thing scrumptious.
Canine Home – Right here you possibly can attempt the true wizard’s go-to drink Butterbeer. This funky bar is a good cease. This sports activities bar within the New City space of Edinburgh has a Harry Potter-themed “secret bar” hidden behind a bookshelf. The decor is straight out of Hogwarts, with candles, cauldrons, and flying broomsticks adorning the partitions. The drink menu options potions like “Veritaserum” and “Amortentia.”
J.Okay. Rowling’s Handprint’s – Positioned on the Royal Mile, close to Mary King’s Shut (one thing else I like to recommend you do in Edinburgh) you will discover Rowling’s Golden handprints.
Dean Village – Barely off the crushed path, however value a cease is the gorgeous Dean Village that appears prefer it may be Godric’s Hole!
Harry Potter Strolling tour – I extremely suggest this magical guided strolling tour if you need a guided tour of the well-known websites round Edinburgh with tales alongside the way in which! There are lots of Harry Potter excursions however this one is the very best. They’re going to additionally offer you recommendations on the place to seek out much more Harry Potter websites.
Are there any themed Harry Potter lodges in Edinburgh?
Sure, there are themed Harry Potter lodges in Edinburgh. Town is legendary for being the birthplace of J.Okay. Rowling and for uplifting lots of the areas within the Harry Potter collection. Consequently, there are a number of lodges in Edinburgh that cater to followers of the collection.
One of the crucial well-known Harry Potter lodges in Edinburgh is the Balmoral Lodge. This luxury resort is the place J.Okay. Rowling completed writing the ultimate e book within the collection, and it even has a set named after her. The suite is embellished in a method that displays the creator’s love of the collection, with Hogwarts-themed decor and a non-public library crammed with Harry Potter books.
One other Harry Potter-themed resort in Edinburgh is the Witchery by the Fortress. This historic resort is positioned close to Edinburgh Fortress and is embellished in a gothic fashion that’s paying homage to the Hogwarts College of Witchcraft and Wizardry. The resort’s restaurant serves dishes impressed by the Harry Potter books, reminiscent of pumpkin soup and roast beef with Yorkshire pudding.
However for those who actually need an expertise, try this superb Harry potter impressed flat! This artfully embellished, one bed room flat is the proper place to loosen up in Edinburgh. You will end up gazing out the window and feeling such as you’re within the Gryffindor tower!
Websites exterior of Edinburgh
There are in fact many websites to see Harry Potter exterior of Edinburgh! I’ve received a full information right here to all of the magical locations for Harry Potter!
Glenfinnan
In case you’re a Harry Potter fan, then you will need to go to the Glenfinnan Viaduct in Scotland. That is the well-known bridge that the Hogwarts Categorical travels throughout within the motion pictures. You possibly can take the Jacobite Steam Prepare, which is the precise practice used within the motion pictures, from Fort William to Mallaig and again. You will get to see the gorgeous Scottish surroundings whereas reliving your favourite Harry Potter moments. Make sure you e book early as this practice trip could be very well-liked!
Or, take the Hogwarts Categorical to the Highlands. Akak The Jacobite Steam Prepare, also called the Hogwarts Categorical, takes Harry Potter lovers on an incredible 84 mile spherical journey to the West Coast from Fort William to Mallaig.
Glencoe
One other must-see location in Scotland for Harry Potter followers is Glencoe, a shocking valley that served because the backdrop for Hagrid’s Hut and the Quidditch pitch within the motion pictures. You possibly can take a guided tour by the valley to see the filming areas up shut and be taught concerning the particular results used to deliver the magical world of Harry Potter to life. In case you’re feeling adventurous, you possibly can even attempt your hand at some wizarding actions, reminiscent of broomstick coaching or wand fight. And for many who need to take within the surroundings at a slower tempo, there are many mountain climbing trails and picture alternatives to take pleasure in.
Discover my information to Edinburgh right here.
Full itinerary to Scotland right here.
Greatest Presents for Harry Potter Followers
Information to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter in Orlando
Information to Harry Potter Studio Tour in London
Whether or not you are a real Harry Potter fan or not, a strolling tour round Edinburgh is an absolute should. So get your magic wands prepared and let’s discover the wizarding world of Harry Potter!