Overview
Set off on a fun tour of Edinburgh with our Potter-head guide, and see the places that inspired JK Rowling to create her wizarding universe. Then, explore more top Edinburgh attractions on the famous Ghost Bus! This magical spooky combo tour is great for families and all Potter fans!
Starting on The Royal Mile, we see historic Waverley Station and Edinburgh University Old College - a famous old campus that inspired JK Rowling’s creations. We continue through the atmospheric Old Town, visiting Greyfriars Kirkyard to see Tom Riddle's Grave, and the Elephant Café where JK Rowling dreamed up Harry Potter's world!
Get amazing views of Edinburgh Castle on our way to Victoria Street - said to be the inspiration for Diagon Alley. We finish near Edinburgh City Chambers where you’ll learn about JK Rowling’s impact on the city. Later on, hop on the Ghost Bus Tour – a thrilling way to explore a city’s dark and haunted history, with entertaining live actors!
- Recommended by 98% of travelers
- Badge of Excellence
- Free cancellation up to 24 hours before
- Mobile ticket
What's included
See Edinburgh's top Harry Potter sights
2-hour walking tour with a small group
Tickets for the Ghost Bus Tour
Licensed guide
Fun local guide!
Food & Drinks (please bring any water or snacks you need along with you)
Hotel pickup / drop-off (please make your own way to the meeting point)
Meeting and pickup
Travelers meet at the meeting point.
Meeting point
We meet outside of the Tron Kirk (The Royal Mile Market). Opposite Bella Italia on the world-famous Royal Mile. The nearest train station is Waverly Station, a 10-minute walk away.
End point
After your Ghost Bus tour, you'll be dropped off on Lawnmarket (Old Town)
Good to know
Please show your booking confirmation to your walking tour guide. You’ll be given your Edinburgh Ghost Bus ticket at the end of your walking tour.
The tour will commence on time : so please do not be late!
We won’t be able to answer our cell phones once the tour has started. It is essential that you arrive 10 minutes before the start and unfortunately, we will not be able to provide a refund due to lateness or delay. Please use a journey planner to ensure you leave enough time to get to the starting point.
What to expect
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Royal Mile
15 min
After meeting your guide and fellow Potter-heads near Tron Kirk Market, your tour starts with a stroll along Edinburgh’s world-famous Royal Mile!
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Edinburgh Waverley Station
10 min
We’ll stop at a great viewpoint to see the historical Waverley Train station, much used by JK Rowling and an inspiration for trains being an iconic part of a young wizard's journey.
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New Town
10 min
Looking over Edinburgh New Town, your guide will point out some key features that played a major part in the creation of the magical Harry Potter world.
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University of Edinburgh
10 min
Next, we’ll pass by this famous old campus which provided lots of inspiration to JK Rowling’s creations…. This place might remind you of Hogwarts!
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Old Town
20 min
We continue through the atmospheric streets of the Old Town, where your guide will show you many of the city’s most famous historical landmarks.
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Greyfriars
20 min
In this spooky graveyard you will see many recognisable names from the Potter world - this is the site of Tom Riddell’s grave and a number of other names used for JK Rowling’s characters.
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Edinburgh Castle
10 min
You’ll enjoy wonderful views of this beautiful old castle, which plays a huge part in Scottish history as well as inspiring JK Rowling's Potter Universe.
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Victoria street
15 min
With its colourful independent shops, overhanging street signs and the cobbled street that twists and turns out of view, it's easy to see why this is said to be the inspiration for Diagon Alley!
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Edinburgh City Chambers
10 min
We end the tour at the City Chambers where we see the impact that JK Rowling has had on Edinburgh itself, and her huge contributions to the local community.
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1 hour 30 min
After the tour, you’ll be given your tickets for the Ghost Bus Tour which starts early in the evening. It’s a thrilling way to explore a city’s dark and haunted history, with live actors to bring the entertainment to Edinburgh sightseeing!
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
- Please be aware that this walking tour covers some uneven terrain
- Mobile or paper ticket accepted
- Up to 15 travelers per booking
- Each booking must include at least one adult.
FAQs about Harry Potter Origins Tour with the Edinburgh Ghost Bus
Can I cancel Harry Potter Origins Tour with the Edinburgh Ghost Bus 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 30 min.
Where does it start?
We meet outside of the Tron Kirk (The Royal Mile Market). Opposite Bella Italia on the world-famous Royal Mile. The nearest train station is Waverly Station, a 10-minute walk away.
What's included?
- See Edinburgh's top Harry Potter sights
- 2-hour walking tour with a small group
- Tickets for the Ghost Bus Tour
- Licensed guide
- Fun local guide!
What's not included?
- Food & Drinks (please bring any water or snacks you need along with you)
- Hotel pickup / drop-off (please make your own way to the meeting point)
Which places does it visit?
It visits Royal Mile, Edinburgh Waverley Station, New Town, University of Edinburgh, Old Town, Greyfriars, Edinburgh Castle, Victoria street.
Which languages is it offered in?
It is offered in English.
Is it suitable for children?
Children must be accompanied by an adult.
Operated by Top Sights Tours Group LLC
