5 Spots in Edinburgh for Harry Potter Fans

How could I live in Scotland and NOT be a Harry Potter fan? Honestly there’s so much magic in this city it’s not a surprise that a lot of the Harry Potter series was written here.

Now I know there’s lots going on with JK Rowling and the trans community at the moment, but I want to take her out of the equation and just focus on the magic of Harry Potter itself that so many of us grew up obsessed with!

Here’s a wee list for all my HP enthusiasts that want to feel like they’re straight out of Hogwarts when visiting this magical city.

1. Victoria Street
   Victoria street or Diagon Alley? You be the judge! The whimsical painted streets make for an amazing IG worthy snap and there’s some quirky shops along here that are worth a peep! Museum Context has three levels of Harry Potter goodies, make sure you pop upstairs for a surprise.

2. Dean Village
   This old milling village is such a picturesque spot but also reminds me so much of Hogwarts, make sure you walk down to the bridge across the water for a beautiful shot of the water and turret pointed buildings.

3. Greyfriars Kirkyard
   A lot of inspiration was taken from tomb stones in this graveyard including McGonngal and there’s even a stone for Tome Riddell (spelt differently though!) You can even find his grave on google maps. On Halloween eve, HP fans head down here dressed in wizard attire and have wand fights (seriously, i’m going this year!)

4. The Harry Potter walking tour
   This free Harry Potter walking tour is definitely worth it (make sure you do tip the guides at the end, they’re amazing) they’ll take you to all the core spots around town where JK Rowling wrote the books, show where inspiration was found for characters and will share all about the Balmoral Hotel and Hermes incident (worth the tour just to find this out!)

5. Jacobite Steamtrain at the Glenfinnan Viaduct
   Okay I know this isn’t in Edinburgh, but if you happen to be travelling through the highlands when you’re here then it’s worth stopping through to either take the steam train or watch it go past! Check out the Glenfinnan Viaduct website to find out what time the trains go by to watch it! It leaves from Fort William.

To be honest when walking through Old Town and most of Edinburgh you’ll feel like you’ve been transported right into the wizarding world anyway, so enjoy your time, don’t be shy to wear a robe and make sure you have your patronus charm at the ready (you never know when you may need it!)

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