Harry Potter, the magical world we all adore, has a touch of Scottish charm. Imagine J.K. Rowling, nestled in an Edinburgh café, crafting the adventures of Harry, Ron, and Hermione. With its winding cobblestone streets, shops brimming with magical treasures, and plenty of butterbeer, Edinburgh became a cauldron of inspiration for the wizarding world we love.
Get ready for a magical journey through Edinburgh as we uncover the spots that fueled J.K. Rowling’s imagination!
Harry Potter Experience in Edinburgh
- Explore Harry Potter Locations on Your Own: Discover the magic at your own pace.
- Join a Walking Tour: Explore the city’s Harry Potter locations with a highly rated Guided Walking Tour here.
- Museum Context: Visit the official Harry Potter merchandise store on Victoria Street.
- Potion Making: Create your own potion at The Department of Magic or The Cauldron.
Latest News
- Magical Café: While The Elephant House Café remains closed after a fire, you can visit their new Magic Café at 30 Victoria Street. Enjoy butterbeer or hot chocolate with a view of ‘Diagon Alley’.
- The Potions Cauldron: Located on Rose Street, this spot offers a magical experience for kids and a gift shop with chocolate frogs, rainbow bath bombs, and the best butterscotch beer ever!
Looking for more family-friendly fun? Check out my comprehensive guide on 20+ things to do with kids in Edinburgh!
Must-Visit Harry Potter Locations in Edinburgh (Explore Harry Potter Locations on Your Own)
1.Greyfriars Kirkyard
Famous for Greyfriars Bobby, the loyal dog guarding his master’s grave, this charming churchyard reveals a bit of Edinburgh’s past. You’ll spot Thomas Riddell’s intriguing grave among the stones, possibly influencing the name of Lord Voldemort. It is believed that J.K. Rowling found inspiration for her famous Harry Potter characters here. The graveyard is almost always open to visitors.
2.George Heriot’s School
George Heriot’s School is believed by many to have served as an inspiration for Hogwarts School.
3.The Elephant House Café
The Elephant House Café is the most well-known of the cafes in which author J.K. Rowling wrote Potter novels and is probably one of the best-known Harry Potter locations in Edinburgh. (Note: The Elephant House Cafe was sadly struck by a huge fire in August 2021. It is unclear when the cafe will be able to reopen.)
News: While The Elephant House Cafe is still closed, visit their brand new Magic Cafe on 30 Victoria Street and enjoy some butterbeer or a tasty hot chocolate with your very own view of ‘Diagon Alley’.
4.Victoria Street aka Diagon Alley
Victoria Street is considered the real-life Diagon Alley, a cobblestone shopping street with stores selling wizardly supplies. It is believed by some that it is where J.K. Rowling got her inspiration for Diagon Alley. Also, you can visit Museum Context on 40 Victoria Street (a 3-storeyed narrow shop that sells official Harry Potter merchandise).
Enhance Your Wizarding Experience
- The Department of Magic: This Magic Potion Tavern and Escape Room lets you brew your own magical drink. The Leaky Cauldron-like interior makes it a fantastic end to your Harry Potter tour.
- J.K. Rowling’s Handprints: On the Royal Mile near the City Chambers, you’ll find J.K. Rowling’s golden handprints, commemorating her Edinburgh Award in 2008. A popular spot for Potterheads!
The Department of Magic
And to enhance the wizard experience, you can go to The Department of Magic – it is a Magic Potion Tavern and Escape Room. You can choose and create your own magical drink, which is fun to create.
During the one-hour session, follow instructions to create your special potion, and at the end, you’ll be given a shot in a smoking chest. The place looks a lot like the Leaky Cauldron inside, making it a perfect way to finish your Harry Potter tour.
J. K. Rowling’s Handprints
When on the Royal Mile, stop by the City Chambers near Mary King’s Close. J.K. Rowling, after finishing the Harry Potter series, received The Edinburgh Award in 2008 through a city vote. Look for her slightly faded golden handprints on the flagged floor just outside the City Chambers, touched by countless Potterheads.
Visit these spots on a self-guided Harry Potter tour in Edinburgh. If you prefer a guided experience, I suggest joining an Edinburgh Harry Potter walking tour with an expert guide.
Whether you choose a self-guided tour or join an expert-led Harry Potter walking tour, these enchanting locations in Edinburgh will make your magical adventure unforgettable.
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