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What should Harry Potters fans do in Edinburgh?
Edinburgh is a magical city for any Harry Potter fan. It’s where JK Rowling wrote many of the books in the series, and she took much inspiration from her surroundings. Here are some must-see locations and attractions for Harry Potters fans …
The Potter Trail
The Potter Trail is a special walking tour of Edinburgh, which takes you around the locations that inspired the Harry Potter stories. The tour is free, but they accept contributions. You will need to book in advance to secure your place. The meeting point is near the Greyfriars Bobby monument on George IV Bridge.
Harry Potter locations
Edinburgh Castle, sitting high on Castle Rock certainly bears a striking resemblance to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.
The quirky Victoria Street, Candlemaker Row and Grassmarket area are very reminiscent of the magical shopping street, Diagon Alley.
In Greyfriars Kirkyard, keep your eyes peeled for the graves of William McGonagall (a relative of Minerva’s perhaps?) and Tom Riddell (the original Lord Voldemort?).
Rowling’s writing spots
The Elephant House is one of Rowling’s most well-known writing spots. She sat in the back room of the café, overlooking Edinburgh Castle, and wrote parts of her first few novels. Nicolsons Café on Nicolson Street was another favourite hang-out for the writer in the early days, but this has now closed down.
As the series became a hit, her writing locations became more glamorous. She finished the last book in a luxury suite at the five star Balmoral Hotel on Princes Street. The suite will set you back over £1000 a night and contains a marble bust, which Rowling signed on the day she finished writing.
You can also visit the City Chambers, where JK Rowling’s handprints are imprinted into the floor.
Shops and attractions
There are several Harry Potter themed shops in Edinburgh. Museum Context is an official stockist of all things Harry Potter, from Hogwarts house scarves to Nimbus 2000 broomsticks. It has two branches located on Victoria Street and Cockburn Street in Edinburgh’s Old Town.
Visit the Department of Magic for a Harry Potter style escape room activity, and book a table at the Magic Potions Tavern to concoct your own delicious potions or tuck into a wizarding afternoon tea. You can also enjoy immersive cocktail experiences at The Cauldron on Frederick Street.
Edinburgh MagicFest
Edinburgh International Magic Festival holds a summer and winter programme of magical events, perfect for Harry Potter fans. In the past this has included activities such as magic training, wand making and spellbinding workshops. Take a look at what’s on this year.
Themed accommodation
If you’re looking for accommodation, there’s even a witchcraft and wizardry themed holiday apartment on the Royal Mile!
