Harry Potter was one of the books that introduced me to a love of reading at a young age. Being able to live in Scotland, the birthplace of the series, is absolutely magical (haha please laugh). I’ve visited so many sights that inspired the books and so many sights that were used for filming. If you’re looking to step away from the muggle world, follow this tour!
Harry Potter fans, this post is for you! Scotland is the birthplace of the series, and the filming location for so many scenes of the films! Have a spare day or two? Rent a car and go on this tour!
[googlemaps https://www.google.com/maps/d/embed?mid=1vdzY4ac_4LKOnA0TVuiFN-71wE8&w=640&h=480]Start in Edinburgh!
Edinburgh is where the Harry Potter series was born. Have coffee at The Elephant House Cafe, where JK Rowling wrote the books, or have a stroll in Grassmarket past Ahahaha Joke Shop, the inspiration behind Fred & George’s Zonko’s Joke Shop.
You can also walk up Victoria Street if you want to feel like you’re walking up Diagon Alley.
Behind Grassmarket, have a stroll in Greyfriar’s Kirk to have a look at the graves that inspired some famous names – McGonagall and Thomas Riddell!
If you’re looking for more things to do in Edinburgh, here’s a 5-day itinerary!
Then, drive into the Highlands!
Glencoe was used for filming loads of Harry Potter scenes! The bridge entering Hogwarts is here, as well as Hagrid’s hut. The hut was moved after filming, but you can still spot where it was! It’s also where Hermione gave Malfoy the most satisfying punch.
Loch Shiel, used as Black Lake in Harry Potter, is located in Glenfinnan. Black Lake is where the Triwizard Tournament contestants had their second task.
Just cross the road from the banks of Loch Shiel and you’ll catch a glimpse of the Glenfinnan Viaduct, more commonly known as the Harry Potter Bridge. You can walk right up to it, or just before reaching it, turn left along the trail and hike up the path for a great view!
At the end of the hike is Glenfinnan Station, where you can find some Harry Potter luggage, as well as the old train cars the crew stayed in during filming. The hike takes about half an hour.
In the Summertime, you can catch the Jacobite Express, or the Hogwarts Express.
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I am a Harry fan! I love seeing these places, thank you!
Thanks for reading! ❤️
I’m a fan of Harry Potter, would love to visit these places. My friend is actually planning to go to Edinburgh soon, so I’ll share this with her.
That’s great! I hope she has a blast!
I’m not a Harry Potter fan at all.. but I am a local Edinburgh girl and love seeing people promote our fantastic country! I actually didn’t know you could hike to the bridge!!!!
I just moved to Edinburgh last September and I’m loving it!
I’m desperate to see more of Scotland – Glen Coe looks so beautiful!! I went to the Isle of Skye last year and absolutely loved every minute.
I love the highlands! It’s absolutely magical!
So cool! I’m actually planning to go to Scotland and absolutely love HP, so this is one for me 😉 I’ve pinned it for later. Thank you for the tips!
Ah when are you coming?! Scotland is amazing! Give me a shout when you’re in Edinburgh!
Glenfinnan Viaduct is soooo pretty! I love that you had a bit of a hike, rather than just snapping a piccy and zooming on to the next place!
Do you think you’d be up for going back and riding one of the Harry Potter trains? It would be pretty amazing for the views.
Glenfinnan lake looks stunning too. I love that you got to see it with a sprinkling of snow!
p.s. I wonder if they sell chcocolate frogs on those trains!? If they don’t, they really should!
I would LOVE to go on the Jacobite express! I’ll definitely be back during the summertime when it’s running!
It does look amazing. I think my main problem is I’d be seeing all those hills from the train window and wanting to be out hiking over them!
I actually had no idea that they filmed so much in Scotland! Great itinerary for people who want to experience that magic of Harry Potter in the real world.
It’s just as magical as you’d think! Scotland is incredible.
I am not much of a Harry Potter fan to be honest, but I will admit to seeing most of them either way haha. This post is great for those looking for Harry Potter vibes, or great scenery around Scotland in general.
I agree! Some of the most beautiful parts of Scotland are in the films and it’s a great way to see the highlands!
I’m not a huge HP fan, but I would still love to do this tour. I especially want to go to The Elephant House Cafe where all the magic began 🙂
Honestly, just being in Edinburgh is quite magical! It’s a great city!
OMG! this is exactly what I needed! 😀 Have only been to Edinburgh so far been but wanting to tour Scottish countryside for a while and wanted to hit Harry Potter spots. Thanks so much for putting this together!
I hope you get to go soon! The highlands are incredible ?
This looks so amazing! I love Scotland (and Harry Poter haha). Edinburgh is beautiful and I would love to visit the Highlands!
Sarah
http://www.moonandforest.co.uk
You must visit the Highlands! Edinburgh is great, I’m so glad I’m living here!