If you step into Edinburgh’s Old Town, you’ll not only be in the heart of the city, but also the main inspiration for much of the atmosphere of the Harry Potter novels and movies.
Whether by day or by night, as you walk down the cobblestone roads and pass centuries-old buildings, you’ll instantly be transported into the pages of these forever-popular books.
Together, let’s wander through some of the most powerful stopping points in this ancient city and see if the winds of fate will sweep you into Hogwarts, even if just for the day.
Victoria Street
We need to begin with the most colorful and unique street in all of Edinburgh: Victoria Street. It’s no surprise that this winding lane would inspire J.K. Rowling, or anyone else lucky enough to stroll its cobblestone lanes.
As soon as the street comes into sight, Diagon Alley will quickly come to mind. It makes perfect sense that this would serve as the magical street for wizards to purchase all their potions and lotions.
Museum Context
While on Victoria Street, you can step further into the pages of the books by visiting Museum Context. This amazing little shop sells a variety of Harry Potter memorabilia, including officially licensed goods like striped scarves and magical broomsticks.
You never know when a magic wand will come in handy, especially as you venture through the misty streets of Edinburgh.
National Museum of Scotland
Do you remember when Ron taught Harry how to play Wizard Chess in the first book, Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone? If you visit the National Museum of Scotland, which is enchanting in its own right, there’s one exhibit you might want to seek out: the Lewis Chess Pieces.
These artifacts were discovered in the Isle of Lewis in the early 19th century, but date all the way back to the 13th century. Their intricate carvings are not only astounding, but so is their current condition.
When you get a gander, you’ll see how these could easily be Rowling’s inspiration for the slightly more violent version of the classic game.
Greyfriars Kirkyard
J.K. Rowling is said to have spent many afternoons strolling through this historic graveyard, located in Edinburgh.
Like the city, some of the tombstones are ancient and tell their own, unique story. She may have even borrowed a name or two from the tombstones, including Thomas Riddell, who later went on to become Lord Voldemort.
George Heriot’s School
From Greyfriars Kirkyard, you may catch a glimpse of a large building with four towers and a Gothic design. That’s George Heriot’s School, a private working school that’s rarely open to the public.
However, if you seem to be having visions of Harry flying through the grounds playing Quidditch, you may be onto something. Although it’s never been confirmed, some Potterheads believe it’s the inspiration for Hogwarts.
Edinburgh Castle
Alternatively, visions of Edinburgh Castle may have been dancing through Rowling’s head when she was crafting those Quidditch scenes.
In a courtyard just outside the castle – where the world-famous Military Tattoo takes place – you may get a sense that this could’ve served as her inspiration, as well.
All in its own right, the castle is worth a visit when you’re in town. Dating all the way back to the 11th century, it has a rich history that will easily explain the innate fighting spirit the Scots seem to possess.
The Elephant House
When Rowling wasn’t roaming through Greyfriars, she was tucked into The Elephant House, one of Edinburgh’s many cafes. She wrote a lot of her early manuscripts, seated at their tables.
Before you go, you can watch an interview with Rowling, posted on their website. When you arrive, you won’t be the only one seeking a selfie at what’s been dubbed the birthplace of Harry Potter.
As of the date of this publication, the coffee shop is still closed, due to a fire. However, everyone’s hopeful it will re-open in late 2024.
The Balmoral Hotel
While The Elephant House was home to most of Rowling’s writings, she completed the last scenes of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows in one of this hotel’s grandest suites. If you time it right, you can even spend a night here!
What was formerly Room 552 is now The J.K. Rowling Suite. It’s the pinnacle of luxury and has many nods to the famous author, including an owl knocker, the writing desk she sat at, and an autographed marble bust of Hermes, the Greek god of travel.
The Writers’ Museum
For whatever reason, Scotland seems to have birthed more than a few literary giants and The Writers’ Museum pays homage to that fact.
With relics from the late greats like Robert Burns, Sir Walter Scott, and Robert Louis Stevenson, this museum is a fascination for even the most peripheral book lover.
You can be almost certain Ms. Rowling strolled through these corridors a time or two, perhaps after a session at The Elephant House.
The Jacobite Steam Train
Although not in Edinburgh, we have to come to a close with an honorable mention for the Jacobite Steam Train, or Hogwarts Express. To get there, you’ll need to travel from Edinburgh to Glasgow, and from Glasgow to Fort William. You’ll end your journey in Mallaig.
This gorgeous steam train will help you escape to the Highlands and the beautiful railway bridge, Glenfinnan Viaduct, will be instantly recognizable to you.
As you take in the magical views of the Scottish countryside, you can continue your journey deep into the Highlands and visit some of the filming locations of another immersive series, Outlander.
Alnwick Castle
We’ll officially close with one more honorable mention for Alnwick Castle, a heavenly treasure south of the border in England. It served as the filming location for Hogwarts Castle in the first two films.
After you’ve been filled with all that muggled magic, it would be an extraordinary way to end your journey with a trip to one of the most poignant filming locations, where Harry first learned to fly on a broomstick.
The train system linking Scotland and England is very smooth. So, you could easily find a line on the ScotRail to take you down to Alnwich before flying out of Heathrow or Gatwick.
Start Your Flying Lessons Now
Dust off your broomstick. If this series has touched your heart or changed your life in any way, Edinburgh will wrap you in its warm embrace (well, maybe cold and damp embrace – but an embrace, nonetheless) and usher you through the streets where it all began.
Whether you’re headed to Scotland, England, Ireland, or further abroad, we have a destination guide to help you make every moment as magical as the ones in Edinburgh.