Overview
On this fantastic Harry Potter-inspired walking tour of Edinburgh, you will visit some of the haunts where J. K. Rowling would sip coffee and put pen to paper writing the first Harry Potter books as her baby daughter slept in her pram. Learn about this extraordinary author, see the places she drew inspiration from, and purchase novelties from Potter-themed shops.
Your tour takes you through the parts of Edinburgh that may well have inspired J.K. Rowling’s magical world - the cobblestone streets around the Grassmarket, evocative of a certain Diagon Alley. Stop outside Edinburgh City Chambers, where you’ll see J.K. Rowling’s handprints and the McEwan Hall, where she was awarded an honorary degree from the prestigious Edinburgh University.
You’ll also wander through the eerie Greyfriars Kirkyard where Rowling may have picked up some of the more famous names in the books - you will see the real Tom Riddle’s grave!
- Recommended by 98% of travelers
- Badge of Excellence
- Free cancellation up to 24 hours before
- Mobile ticket
What's included
Scottish whisky ice cream or butter brew flavour if available (1 per guest)
Plenty of time to take photos of your favourite places
A friendly, professional English-speaking tour guide for your own private group
Additional food and drink
Hotel pick up, we do recommend a centrally located start point
Transportation throughout experience
Gratuities
Meeting and pickup
Travelers meet at the meeting point.
Meeting point
Your guide will meet you outside the Balmoral Hotel, 1 Princes St, Edinburgh EH2 2EQ, United Kingdom.
End point
Finish at EH8 9DH- Harry's maternity ward.
What to expect
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30 min
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.
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Edinburgh City Chambers
30 min
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.
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Writers' Museum
15 min
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.
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30 min
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.
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Greyfriars
30 min
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.
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George Heriot's School
15 min
Admire the medieval gothic architecture and house names of Edinburgh’s George Heriot's School, does it remind you of… Hogwarts?
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McEwan Hall
15 min
Stop outside the McEwan Hall - the graduation venue for the University of Edinburgh, and where J.K.Rowling received her honorary degree.
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15 min
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!
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the start time.
Times are local to the experience (Europe/London).
Additional Information
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- Mobile or paper ticket accepted
- Up to 12 travelers per booking
- Each booking must include at least one adult.
FAQs about Harry Potter Locations: Private Half-Day Tour in Edinburgh
Can I cancel Harry Potter Locations: Private Half-Day Tour in Edinburgh for free?
Yes. For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the start time.
How long does it take?
It takes about 3 hours.
Where does it start?
Your guide will meet you outside the Balmoral Hotel, 1 Princes St, Edinburgh EH2 2EQ, United Kingdom.
What's included?
- Scottish whisky ice cream or butter brew flavour if available (1 per guest)
- Plenty of time to take photos of your favourite places
- A friendly, professional English-speaking tour guide for your own private group
What's not included?
- Additional food and drink
- Hotel pick up, we do recommend a centrally located start point
- Transportation throughout experience
- Gratuities
Which places does it visit?
It visits Edinburgh City Chambers, Writers' Museum, Greyfriars, George Heriot's School, McEwan Hall.
Which languages is it offered in?
It is offered in English.
What fitness level is needed?
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness.
Is it suitable for children?
Children must be accompanied by an adult.
Operated by Travel Curious
