Itinerary
Morning: The Magic of Edinburgh
Victoria Street – The Real Diagon Alley
Our journey begins in Victoria Street, the winding, colorful lane that became the inspiration for Diagon Alley. This enchanting street is packed with quirky shops, much like the wizarding world's shopping district. You’ll have time to explore and browse curiosities, from spellbooks to wands.
The Elephant House & J.K. Rowling’s Edinburgh
Next, we’ll visit The Elephant House, the café where J.K. Rowling sat overlooking Edinburgh Castle as she began crafting the world of Harry Potter. We'll also stop by some of the author's secret writing spots and hear the tales of how Scotland shaped her imagination.
Greyfriars Kirkyard – The Graveyard of Dark Wizards
A short stroll takes us to Greyfriars Kirkyard, where you’ll discover the real-life tombstone of Tom Riddle. Many of Rowling’s character names were inspired by these very gravestones, and the eerie atmosphere of the cemetery echoes through the darker parts of Harry Potter’s world.
George Heriot’s School – The Real-Life Hogwarts?
Overlooking the city, George Heriot’s School is said to have inspired Hogwarts with its grand towers, four houses, and long history of academic excellence. As we pass by, we’ll discuss how the architecture of Edinburgh influenced Rowling’s vision of the magical school.
Midday: Into the Highlands – The Real Hogwarts & Beyond
Leaving the city behind, we travel north into the Scottish Highlands, where the landscapes of Harry Potter unfold in breathtaking detail.
The Forbidden Forest & Hagrid’s Hut (Glencoe)
Our first stop in the Highlands is the Forbidden Forest, where the eerie, misty landscape set the scene for countless moments in the films. Nearby lies the very spot where Hagrid’s Hut was built for The Prisoner of Azkaban, with Glencoe’s towering mountains rising behind it. While the hut itself was a set, the dramatic surroundings remain as magical as ever.
The Hogwarts Express Route & The Viaduct (Glenfinnan Viaduct & Loch Shiel)
No wizarding adventure would be complete without seeing the Hogwarts Express in action. At the Glenfinnan Viaduct, you’ll stand where Harry and Ron flew the Ford Anglia in The Chamber of Secrets.
Hogwarts Location on The Black Lake
Below, Loch Shiel is instantly recognizable as The Black Lake, where Buckbeak soared and students rowed towards their first year at Hogwarts. We'll be able to show you the exact location of Hogwarts on this stunning landscape.
Dumbledore’s Resting Place (Loch Eilt)
A hidden gem in the Highlands, Loch Eilt is known in the Harry Potter universe as Dumbledore’s Grave. This tiny, tree-covered island was used as the final resting place of the beloved headmaster in The Half-Blood Prince and later seen in The Deathly Hallows. The loch also served as the backdrop for several other moments in the series, including the skipping stone scene between Harry and Hagrid. Standing here, you’ll feel the quiet, powerful presence of Hogwarts’ greatest headmaster.
Finally, we’ll stop in a quaint Scottish village, where you can enjoy a warm meal and raise a butterbeer (or a fine Highland whisky) to the end of an unforgettable journey.
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