Edinburgh is undeniably entwined with the wizarding world of Harry Potter, and guests can discover quite a few places from J.Ok. Rowling’s beloved books! In spite of everything, Edinburgh was dwelling to Rowling when she wrote many 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 ought to be on the highest of your journey record. 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 resorts the place she wrote, and seize your individual Wizarding World memorabilia at Harry Potter themed outlets.
To offer a extra immersive expertise, I created a Tome which is an interactive information of all of the places for Harry Potter in Edinburgh! Together with all of the hidden gems you simply can’t miss. There’s even a useful map characteristic so that you gained’t miss a factor. This information is mobile-friendly and I even offer you a video information to why I like sure places!
With the assistance of Tome, the story of Harry Potter in Edinburgh involves life! Tome empowers anybody to construct and share compelling narratives with any sort of content material, making it the proper software for weaving your individual Harry Potter-inspired journey story.
As you embark in your journey by the enchanting streets of Edinburgh, think about using Tome to doc your experiences, share your insights, and create a singular narrative that captures the essence of the wizarding world that J.Ok. Rowling delivered to life.
It is simple to see how Rowling was impressed to jot down Harry Potter right here. There’s magic within the air! And Edinburgh is obvious beautiful. Whether or not you hope to get a style of Butterbeer on the pub J.Ok Rowling possible visited whereas writing Harry Potter, discover turreted buildings that would have impressed Hogwarts, or uncover streets and graves that could be accountable 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 had been filmed in Edinburgh. However the movie crew and artists did go to to get an concept of find out how to create the Hogwarts everyone knows and love from the movies!
At the start you must know that there’s a guided tour of all of the Harry Potter places in Edinburgh! We went with this guided tour and it was unbelievable. Our information gave us so many fascinating tidbits alongside the best way.
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 places it is advisable go to whilst you’re in Scotland. I’m going to provide you these locations in a strolling tour method. That means, I recommend you begin right here (on the graveyard) and make your approach to every cease. That is the most effective 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 my useful Tome that walks your by all of it! Additionally there’s an interactive map!
Greyfriars Kirkyard – The Harry Potter Graveyard
The historical past of Greyfriars Kirkyard is wealthy and diverse, crammed with tales of Covenanters, grave robbers, spooky poltergeists – even Scotland’s beloved Greyfriar’s Bobby! However lately it has turn out to be 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.
Some of the iconic Harry Potter places 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 imagine that this grave impressed J.Ok. Rowling to create the character of Lord Voldemort. Strolling by 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 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 best way down till you attain its finish.
It is 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 can too get a view of George Heriot College. This was a faculty for orphans the place there are 4 homes the place scholar get sorted into homes. Coincidence a lot?!
Potterrow Port and Potterrow Road
Potterrow Port, located close to the College of Edinburgh, is an fascinating Harry Potter website you will not need to miss. In keeping with native legend, this underground passageway served as J.Ok Rowling’s inspiration for her iconic protagonist’s final title – and rightly so!Whereas this connection has but to be substantiated, it actually 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 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. Ok. Rowling and gold lettering to commemorate her writing of some early chapters right here.
Rowling all the time loved the buzzing ambiance, and for the price of a latte she had a heat place to jot down.
College of Edinburgh
It is a great place to waltz round in. The courtyard seems just like Hogwarts. notably 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. It is usually dwelling to a number of the most spectacular structure within the metropolis.
Some of the 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 seem like a fortress straight out of the Harry Potter books. The Previous School 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 Eighteen Nineties. It’s like getting into a Harry Potter college of magic. The constructing is gorgeous and mystical, and you’ll simply get misplaced in it.
Nationwide Museum of Scotland
See an interactive information with my Tome!
Inside, you may 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’ widespread medieval set, The Wizard Chess items have turn out to be a beloved attraction amongst guests. This works may 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 out to be an iconic Harry Potter spot in Edinburgh. There’s even an arrow pointing right down to the bogs that exclaims “This approach to the Ministry of Magic.” You will need 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 lots of outlets that echo what you may see on Diagon Alley, and your subsequent cease is on this road!
Along with procuring, Victoria Road is dwelling 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 comfy pub with an important collection of craft beers.
See this spot come to life in my Tome!
Total, Victoria Road is a must-visit for anybody seeking to expertise the magical appeal of Edinburgh. Whether or not you are a Harry Potter fan or simply on the lookout 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 positioning of inspiration for Ollivander’s Wand Store. After closing its doorways in 2004, it underwent a metamorphosis 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 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 called “Deviation Alley.” In case you head to the underside of Victoria Road in 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 can too discover a novelties store that sells magic gadgets known 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 numerous distinctive outlets and boutiques. You will discover every little thing 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 certainly one of Europe’s oldest fortified websites. I like to recommend going inside so you may see the you may 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 competition and multi-colored flags are displayed throughout the fortress!
Better of all, you need not take the Hogwarts Specific to get there, it is a straightforward stroll up.
The Witches Properly
The Witches Properly is positioned within the coronary heart of Edinburgh. It is a distinctive and spooky monument with an fascinating historical past. The properly is a forged iron fountain and plaque and honors the Scottish individuals who had been burned on the stake between the fifteenth and 18th centuries. Through the Sixteenth century, extra girls had been murdered at this website than anyplace else in Scotland.
Scotland’s King James VI believed witchcraft was a type of Satanism and that anybody who possessed these skills was tainted by the satan. Consequently, within the seventeenth and 18th centuries, greater than 4,000 alleged witches (principally feminine) had been put to demise.
The small monument incorporates a bronze reduction of witches’ heads ensnared by a snake, makes use of juxtaposition of excellent and evil and to point out 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 will see it.
The Writers’ Museum
The Writers’ Museum is only a beautiful constructing and since J.Ok. Rowling is likely one of the many writers who made Edinburgh her dwelling, this appears becoming. It celebrates the lives of Robert Louis Stevenson, Robert Burns, and Sir Walter Scott and has memorabilia from their writing- resembling pens, desks, and extra.
You will really feel impressed strolling round right here and I extremely suggest a tour of the museum.
Balmoral Resort
In case you’re on the lookout for the proper place to remain whereas in Edinburgh, I extremely suggest trying out the Balmoral Resort. 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 dwelling, so she headed over to this luxury resort and stayed in room 552 – which has now turn out to be an iconic location! As a reminder of her accomplishment, there’s even nonetheless a marble bust with graffiti studying “JK Rowling Completed Harry Potter In The Deathly Hallows” in addition to an owl knocker on certainly one of its doorways. And although it might be extravagant at $3500 per night time, there are different rooms which can be far decrease in value.
Take a video walkthrough on my Tome!
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Take a look at my Tome Right here!
OtherPlaces to Cease in Edinburgh if You Love Harry Potter and Harry Potter Themed Eating places
The Witchery by the Fortress – Situated close to the fortress, that is the proper place to eat! It seems magical in and out. 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 approach to immerse your self on this planet of Hogwarts whereas having fun with an evening out with pals.
Division of Magic – That is an escape room problem for witches and wizards. Designed for teams of two to six, it is a enjoyable expertise. OR, The right spot for Harry Potter in cocktail kind. You possibly can faux such as you’re in Snape’s potion’s class and order one thing scrumptious.
Canine Home – Right here you may attempt the true wizard’s go-to drink Butterbeer. This funky bar is a superb 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 – Situated 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 gorgeous Dean Village that appears prefer it is likely to be Godric’s Hole!
Harry Potter Strolling tour – I extremely suggest this magical guided strolling tour in order for you a guided tour of the well-known websites round Edinburgh with tales alongside the best way! There are lots of Harry Potter excursions however this one is the most effective. They will additionally offer you recommendations on the place to seek out much more Harry Potter websites.
Are there any themed Harry Potter resorts in Edinburgh?
Sure, there are themed Harry Potter resorts in Edinburgh. Town is known for being the birthplace of J.Ok. Rowling and for uplifting lots of the places within the Harry Potter collection. Consequently, there are a number of resorts in Edinburgh that cater to followers of the collection.
Some of the well-known Harry Potter resorts in Edinburgh is the Balmoral Resort. This luxury resort is the place J.Ok. Rowling completed writing the ultimate e-book within the collection, and it even has a collection named after her. The suite is embellished in a mode 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 model that’s harking back to the Hogwarts College of Witchcraft and Wizardry. The resort’s restaurant serves dishes impressed by the Harry Potter books, resembling pumpkin soup and roast beef with Yorkshire pudding.
However if you happen to really need an expertise, try this superb Harry potter impressed flat! This artfully embellished, one bed room flat is the proper place to calm down 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 after all many websites to see Harry Potter exterior of Edinburgh! I’ve bought 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 Specific 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. You’ll want to e-book early as this practice trip may be very widespread!
Or, take the Hogwarts Specific to the Highlands. Akak The Jacobite Steam Prepare, often known as the Hogwarts Specific, takes Harry Potter fans 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 places 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 may even attempt your hand at some wizarding actions, resembling 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.
Finest Presents for Harry Potter Followers
Information to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter in Orlando
Information to Harry Potter Studio Tour in London
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