Edinburgh Harry Potter Private Tour: Explore J.K. Rowling's Inspirations and Locations
Edinburgh
Discover the magical world of Harry Potter in Edinburgh on this private tour. Explore J.K. Rowling's inspirations and visit iconic locations from the books. Book now!
Duration: 3 hours
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights
  • The Balmoral - Meet your tour guide outside the exclusive Balmoral Hotel where J.K.Rowling finished writing the last book in the series, the Deathly Hallows. Stop by Museum Context, aka Diagon House, a shop selling all things related to Harry Potter from wands to broomsticks to stuffed Hedwigs and Harry Potter T-shirts as well as a variety of other magical goodies.

  • Edinburgh City Chambers - Walk up to Edinburgh City Chambers to see J.K.Rowling’s handprints and signature, and pause at the Heart of Midlothian mosaic where Edinburgh Old Town begins to hear how Edinburgh influenced the author - and the impact J. K. Rowling has had on the city.

  • Writers’ Museum - Pass by the Writers’ Museum, where the first edition of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone / Philosopher’s Stone that was illustrated by J.K. Rowling went on public display.

  • Victoria Street - Explore the narrow curved and cobbled Victoria Street, Candlemaker Row, and West Bow in the central Grassmarket Area - believed by some to be an inspiration for Diagon Alley (a cobblestone shopping street with stores selling wizardly supplies) in the Harry Potter books.

  • Greyfriars Kirkyard - Enjoy a famously delicious Langshaw Farmhouse Scottish whisky ice cream on us! Visit the Greyfriars Kirkyard after your icecream break, where several of the most prominent names in the series seem to have originated, including Riddle, Moodie and McGonagall.

  • George Heriot’s School - Admire the medieval gothic architecture and house names of Edinburgh’s George Heriot’s School, does it remind you of… Hogwarts?

  • McEwan Hall - Stop outside the McEwan Hall - the graduation venue for the University of Edinburgh, and where J.K.Rowling received her honorary degree.

  • EH8 9DH - End your magical tour outside the location where it all began, where Nicholson’s once stood - the cafe where J.K.Rowling famously wrote the first Harry Potter books!

What's Included
  • Scottish whisky ice cream or butter brew flavour (1 per guest)
  • Ample photo opportunities at top sights
  • Private professional English-speaking guide
What's Not Included
  • Additional food and drink
  • Hotel pick up, we do recommend a centrally located start point
  • Transportation throughout experience
  • Gratuities
Additional Information

Take part in this captivating Harry Potter-themed pedestrian excursion of Edinburgh, where you will tour the spots often frequented by J. K. Rowling for a cup of coffee and some peaceful writing time as her infant girl dozed in her stroller. Discover fascinating facts about this incredible novelist, witness first-hand the locales that sparked her creativity, and buy mementos from shops dedicated to Potter’s world.

Your tour steers you through portions of Edinburgh that likely shaped J.K. Rowling’s fantastical universe - the cobble-laden paths circling the Grassmarket, reminiscent of the renowned Diagon Alley. Pause outside Edinburgh City Chambers to view J.K. Rowling’s hand impressions and pass by the McEwan Hall, where she accepted an honorary accolade from the esteemed Edinburgh University. Stroll through the haunting Greyfriars Kirkyard, where Rowling might have discovered some well-known names for her characters - get a glimpse of the actual tomb of Tom Riddle!

Location
The Balmoral
Princes Street
Your guide will meet you outside the Balmoral Hotel, 1 Princes St, Edinburgh EH2 2EQ, United Kingdom.
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Select Date and Tickets
up to 12 guests
1 Adult
May 2024
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