Edinburgh is undeniably entwined with the wizarding world of Harry Potter, and guests can discover quite a few areas from J.Ok. Rowling’s beloved books! In any case, Edinburgh was house to Rowling when she wrote many of the iconic sequence we all know at this time.
Allow us to solemnly swear we’re as much as no good and go on a tour of Edinburgh!
Should you’re a fellow Potter Head, Edinburgh, Scotland ought to be on the highest of your journey record. You may see the place she drew inspiration for names within the graveyard, see the boarding faculty which additionally had 4 homes, see the cafe and resorts the place she wrote, and seize your individual Wizarding World memorabilia at Harry Potter themed outlets.
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 beautiful.Whether or not you hope to get a style of Butterbeer on the pub J.Ok Rowling probably visited whereas writing Harry Potter, discover turreted buildings that would have impressed Hogwarts, or uncover streets and graves which may be accountable for naming characters – it is all right here!
Whereas Rowling wrote most 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 thought of the best way to create the Hogwarts everyone knows and love from the movies!
At the beginning it is best to 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 unimaginable. Our information gave us so many attention-grabbing tidbits alongside the way in which.
I’ve a information right here with all the most effective locations to journey when you love Harry Potter!
10 Harry Potter Areas in Edinburgh
Whether or not you are a witch, wizard, or muggle, listed here are the most effective Edinburgh Harry Potter areas it is advisable to go to when you’re in Scotland. I’m going to provide you these locations in a strolling tour approach. Which means, I recommend you begin right here (on the graveyard) and make your strategy to every cease. That is the most effective route to search out all of the Harry Potter Websites with a whole 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 diverse, stuffed with tales of Covenanters, grave robbers, spooky poltergeists – even Scotland’s beloved Greyfriar’s Bobby! However lately it has turn into a preferred vacation spot for Harry Potter followers on the hunt to search out Tom Riddle’s headstone amongst different iconic names from the books.
One of the vital 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. Nevertheless, it is Tom Riddle’s grave that has captured the eye of Harry Potter followers. Many consider that this grave impressed J.Ok. Rowling to create the character of Lord Voldemort. Strolling via the graveyard, you may really feel such as you’re in a Harry Potter film, surrounded by gothic headstones and the eerie silence of the useless.
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.
This can be a cemetery, so it is vital to be respectful! There’s additionally a card faucet to go away a small donation, which I like to recommend.
You may as well get a view of George Heriot Faculty. This was a faculty for orphans the place there are 4 homes the place pupil get sorted into homes. Coincidence a lot?!
Potterrow Port and Potterrow Road
Potterrow Port, located close to the College of Edinburgh, is an attention-grabbing Harry Potter web site you will not wish to miss. In keeping with native legend, this underground passageway served as J.Ok Rowling’s inspiration for her iconic protagonist’s final identify – and rightly so!Whereas this connection has but to be substantiated, it definitely seems just 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 School Road)
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 depart right here alone within the cafe and that is the place she got here up with the concept of Rita Skeeter. Simply outdoors the store lies a small granite plaque with a picture of J. Ok. Rowling and gold lettering to commemorate her writing of some early chapters right here.
Rowling at all times loved the buzzing environment, and for the price of a latte she had a heat place to write down.
College of Edinburgh
This can be a great spot to waltz round in. The courtyard seems just like Hogwarts. notably once 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. It’s also house to a number of the most spectacular structure within the metropolis.
One of the vital iconic components of the college is the Previous School, which was constructed within the 1780s. The constructing’s grand facade and imposing towers make it appear like a fortress straight out of the Harry Potter books. The Previous School was used because the inspiration for Hogwarts Faculty 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 Eighteen Nineties. It’s like coming into a Harry Potter faculty of magic. The constructing is gorgeous and mystical, and you’ll simply get misplaced in it.
Nationwide Museum of Scotland
Inside, you may discover the chess items from first film, Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone! Within the sequence 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’ standard medieval set, The Wizard Chess items have turn into a beloved attraction amongst guests. This works might be discovered inside 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 ebook. However, she completely wrote most of the different books right here and it is turn into an iconic Harry Potter spot in Edinburgh. There’s even an arrow pointing right down to the bogs that exclaims “This strategy to the Ministry of Magic.” You will wish to get right here early because it will get busy!
Victoria Road AKA Diagon Alley
No Harry Potter Information to Edinburgh could be full with out mentioning Victoria Road! This colourful road was an inspiration for the wizarding outlets in Diagon Alley. From its curved and winding alleyways, to its vibrant store fronts it is easy to see why J.Ok Rowling took inspiration from this quaint location. There are various outlets that echo what you may see on Diagon Alley, and your subsequent cease is on this road!
Along with purchasing, Victoria Road is house 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 excellent collection of craft beers.
General, Victoria Road is a must-visit for anybody trying to expertise the magical appeal of Edinburgh. Whether or not you are a Harry Potter fan or simply searching for a novel purchasing 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 enduring 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 various Harry Potter outlets all through Edinburgh, however that is the unique.
See extra items for Harry Potter followers right here!
Candlemaker Row
That is additionally, alas, one other Diagon Alley? Also referred to as “Deviation Alley.” Should you head to the underside of Victoria Road 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 may as well 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 Road, West Bow can also be a road is alleged to be the inspiration for Diagon Alley! It is a charming, winding road with a lot of distinctive outlets 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 one among Europe’s oldest fortified websites. I like to recommend going inside so you’ll be able to see the you’ll be able to see the ‘Honours of Scotland’ crown jewels inside!
It particularly seems like a Quidditch recreation is about to start when, in July, there’s the annual pageant and multi-colored flags are displayed throughout the fortress!
Better of all, you need not take the Hogwarts Categorical to get there, it is a straightforward stroll up.
The Witches Properly
The Witches Properly is situated within the coronary heart of Edinburgh. It is a distinctive and spooky monument with an attention-grabbing 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 ladies have been murdered at this web site than anyplace 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. Because of this, within the seventeenth and 18th centuries, greater than 4,000 alleged witches (largely feminine) have been put to loss of life.
The small monument includes a bronze reduction of witches’ heads ensnared by a snake, makes use of juxtaposition of excellent and evil and to indicate that each story has two sides.
The Witches’ Properly is on the wall of the Tartan Weaving Mill and Expertise that faces the fortress esplanade. It is extremely simple to overlook. Whereas heading towards the fortress, as you move the Tartan Weaving Mill, look on to your proper and you may see it.
The Writers’ Museum
The Writers’ Museum is only a beautiful constructing and since J.Ok. Rowling is without doubt one of the many writers who made Edinburgh her house, this appears becoming. It celebrates the lives of Robert Louis Stevenson, Robert Burns, and Sir Walter Scott and has memorabilia from their writing- corresponding to pens, desks, and extra.
You will really feel impressed strolling round right here and I extremely advocate a tour of the museum.
Balmoral Lodge
Should you’re searching for the right place to remain whereas in Edinburgh, I extremely advocate testing the Balmoral Lodge. It is the place JK Rowling famously completed her final Harry Potter ebook – “Harry Potter and The Deathly Hallows”. She was caught in a writers block at house, so she headed over to this luxury lodge 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 one among 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 fortress, that is the right place to eat! It seems 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 sequence 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 strategy to immerse your self on this planet of Hogwarts whereas having fun with an evening out with mates.
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 may fake such as you’re in Snape’s potion’s class and order one thing scrumptious.
Canine Home – Right here you’ll be able to strive 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.Ok. 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 may discover Rowling’s Golden handprints.
Dean Village – Barely off the overwhelmed path, however price a cease is the attractive Dean Village that appears prefer it could be Godric’s Hole!
Harry Potter Strolling tour – I extremely advocate 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 various Harry Potter excursions however this one is the most effective. They will additionally provide you with recommendations on the place to search out much more Harry Potter websites.
Are there any themed Harry Potter resorts in Edinburgh?
Sure, there are themed Harry Potter resorts in Edinburgh. The town is legendary for being the birthplace of J.Ok. Rowling and for uplifting most of the areas within the Harry Potter sequence. Because of this, there are a number of resorts in Edinburgh that cater to followers of the sequence.
One of the vital well-known Harry Potter resorts in Edinburgh is the Balmoral Lodge. This luxury lodge is the place J.Ok. Rowling completed writing the ultimate ebook within the sequence, and it even has a set named after her. The suite is adorned in a method that displays the writer’s love of the sequence, with Hogwarts-themed decor and a non-public library stuffed with Harry Potter books.
One other Harry Potter-themed lodge in Edinburgh is the Witchery by the Fortress. This historic lodge is situated close to Edinburgh Fortress and is adorned in a gothic type that’s harking back to the Hogwarts Faculty of Witchcraft and Wizardry. The lodge’s restaurant serves dishes impressed by the Harry Potter books, corresponding to pumpkin soup and roast beef with Yorkshire pudding.
However when you actually need an expertise, try this wonderful Harry potter impressed flat! This artfully adorned, one bed room flat is the right place to chill out in Edinburgh. You will end up gazing out the window and feeling such as you’re within the Gryffindor tower!
Websites outdoors of Edinburgh
There are after all many websites to see Harry Potter outdoors of Edinburgh! I’ve obtained a full information right here to all of the magical locations for Harry Potter!
Glenfinnan
Should you’re a Harry Potter fan, then you have 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 may take the Jacobite Steam Prepare, which is the precise prepare used within the motion pictures, from Fort William to Mallaig and again. You will get to see the attractive Scottish surroundings whereas reliving your favourite Harry Potter moments. Remember to ebook early as this prepare experience could be very standard!
Or, take the Hogwarts Categorical to the Highlands. Akak The Jacobite Steam Prepare, also referred to as the Hogwarts Categorical, takes Harry Potter fanatics 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 may take a guided tour via 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. Should you’re feeling adventurous, you’ll be able to even strive your hand at some wizarding actions, corresponding to broomstick coaching or wand fight. And for individuals who wish to take within the surroundings at a slower tempo, there are many mountaineering trails and picture alternatives to get pleasure from.
My full information to locations to journey all over the world when you love Harry Potter right here!
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!
