Glenfinnan Viaduct
Harry Potter film and book locations itinerary
It's hard to believe that June 2022 was the 25th anniversary of JK Rowling publishing her debut novel, Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone. In 1997, no one could have predicted the wildly successful book sales and box office smashing blockbusters that would follow. Here in Scotland you can see where the Edinburgh-dweller found her inspiration and where the magic all began.
Still waiting for your letter to arrive by owl?
Don't worry. You can still immerse yourself in the wizarding world of Harry Potter, just by following this spellbinding four-day itinerary of the Harry Potter filming locations.
- Start / Finish
- Edinburgh / Ballachulish
- Days4
- Distance197Miles315km
- TransportCar
- Main themeTV & Film
- Highlights
- The Elephant House
- Glenfinnan Viaduct
- Jacobite Steam Train
- Glen Coe
- Areas covered
- East
- North
Day 1Edinburgh
It was in Scotland's capital city that JK Rowling started to plot the adventures of Harry and his pals. With cobbled streets, winding alleys and medieval architecture, the city certainly has a few things in common with the settings from the books and films. She wrote the early chapters in various cafés around the city's Old Town, before coming back to finish off the series from a peaceful suite in The Balmoral Hotel, away from all disruptions.
Elephant House Edinburgh
The Elephant House
© VisitScotland / Kenny Lam
The Elephant House claims that JK Rowling spent endless hours in the 1990s gazing out of the window and dreaming up her magical characters. With its beautiful views of Edinburgh Castle, the café has become known as the 'Birthplace of Harry Potter'. You can also see JK Rowling's handprints set in stone at the Edinburgh City Chambers on the Royal Mile.
Find out more about Elephant HouseGreyfriars Kirkyard Edinburgh
The graveyard of Greyfriars Kirk
© VisitScotland / Paul Tomkins
Visit this infamous, spine-tingling graveyard and burial place of several notable Edinburgh academics and writers of the past. However, also buried here are a few other notable residents: Thomas Riddell, William McGonagall and Elizabeth Moodie. A coincidence? We think not.
Find out more about Greyfriars KirkyardThe Balmoral Hotel Edinburgh
The Balmoral Hotel
© VisitScotland / Kenny Lam
Did you know?JK Rowling found some peace and quiet in this luxurious hotel, as she penned the final chapter of the last book, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows
After a day wandering the streets of the Old Town, treat yourself to a stay in The Balmoral Hotel, one of Princes Street's finest landmarks with its tall clock defining the city skyline. You can also pop into the hotel for a cocktail or perhaps some afternoon tea if you don't fancy splashing out on a night's stay.
Find out more about The Balmoral Hotel1 Princes Street,Edinburgh - City Centre,EH2 2EQ
Day 2Travel to Fort William
If "apparating" isn't an option for you, it's possible to travel by train from Edinburgh to Glasgow and from there, take the West Highland Line to Fort William. This is a great way to see some famous spots from the window, including the mystical Rannoch Moor, the place where Death Eaters board the train in the movie Harry Potter and The Deathly Hallows: Part 1.
If you'd prefer to drive, you could also hire a car in Edinburgh. Drive to the Bo'ness Motor Museum, where you can see Ron Weasley's Ford Anglia or drop in to the Scottish Owl Centre in West Lothian to say hello to some of Hedwig's friends and other exotic owl species.
Glasgow University Glasgow
The Cloisters at the University of Glasgow
© VisitScotland / Kenny Lam
Admire some of Glasgow's gorgeous gothic architecture in the West End, with a universirty which might remind you a little of Hogwarts. Founded in 1451, the University of Glasgow is the fourth-oldest in the English-speaking world, so take a guided tour around this magical space
Find out more about Glasgow UniversityFort William Fort William
Fort William
© VisitScotland
Once you arrive, there are a variety of accommodation options in the lovely Fort William, an outdoorsy town lying in the shadow of the lofty Ben Nevis, our highest mountain. If you're looking for an unusual place to stay, why not channel your inner half-giant, and stay the night in a Hagrid-style cabin?
Use the accommodation search to find something to suit you
Day 3All aboard the Hogwarts Express
Day 4Lochs and glens
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