Join me on a magical journey through Edinburgh’s enchanting Harry Potter hotspots!
As an avid Harry Potter fan and a seasoned writer, I have decided to embark on a journey to explore the magical world of Edinburgh, from where J.K Rowling drew inspiration for many of her Harry Potter characters, creatures and locations. In this article titled, “An Edinburgh Harry Potter Guide”, I will take you on a tour of the must-visit places, activities and souvenirs for any Potterhead visiting this city.
Edinburgh holds a special place in every Harry Potter fan’s heart as it is where J.K. Rowling began writing this phenomenal series. In this article, I will guide you through some of the most iconic locations that served as inspiration for the Wizarding World.
To start, we will explore the Hogwarts-inspired buildings and landmarks in Edinburgh, including the Elephant House – a cafe where J.K. Rowling sat and wrote many Harry Potter books. We’ll also discover Riddles Court, the site where the Order of Phoenix headquarters was inspired, and Greyfriars Kirkyard,
Places to Visit
As an avid Harry Potter fan, I made sure to visit all the Hogwarts-inspired buildings and landmarks in Edinburgh. My first stop was the iconic Edinburgh Castle, which served as the inspiration for Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Walking through the castle’s halls, I couldn’t help but imagine the characters going about their daily lives in the castle’s grandeur.
One of my favourite spots was The Elephant House, a cafe where J.K. Rowling penned many of her Harry Potter books. Sitting in the same spot where she once sat, I felt a sense of awe and inspiration. The decor is adorned with pictures of Harry Potter, and the atmosphere is magical.
Another must-visit spot is Riddle’s Court, which inspired the headquarters of the Order of the Phoenix. The building dates back to the 16th century and exudes a sense of mystery and intrigue. I couldn’t help but feel like a part of the wizarding world as I explored the old building.
Lastly, Greyfriars Kirkyard, a cemetery that served as a source of inspiration for some character names, is a must-visit for Harry Potter fans. The gravestone of Thomas Riddell provided inspiration for the name of Voldemort’s real name, Tom Marvolo Riddle. It was surreal to see the real-life inspiration for one of the most iconic characters in the series.
Harry Potter-themed Activities
As an avid Harry Potter fan and a writer, I knew that visiting Edinburgh had to be on my to-do list. After all, it is the city where J.K. Rowling lived and wrote the majority of the Harry Potter books. There are so many activities to do in Edinburgh to experience the Harry Potter world, and I made sure to try them all.
First, I went on a city walking tour that took me to all the iconic Harry Potter sites in Edinburgh. The tour was informative and fun, and I got to see all the Hogwarts-inspired buildings and landmarks in the city. It was fascinating to see how J.K. Rowling was inspired by the city’s architecture and incorporated it into the Harry Potter universe.
Next, I booked a private chauffeur tour by Harry Potter Tours. It was a bit pricey, but it was worth every penny. The tour took me to some of the locations used in the filming of Harry Potter movies, such as Glenfinnan Viaduct and the Highlands. It was a dream come true to see these places in person and imagine the characters walking around.
I also tried the Harry Potter Escape Room, which was challenging and exciting. The room was decorated to look like a Hogwarts classroom, and the puzzles were all Harry Potter-themed. It was a great way to immerse myself in the wizarding world and test my knowledge.
Lastly, I couldn’t leave Edinburgh without trying the Harry Potter-themed Afternoon Tea. The tea was held at The Balmoral hotel and was an elegant experience with a twist of Harry Potter. The food was delicious and creatively presented, with treats inspired by the books and movies.
Overall, my trip to Edinburgh was a magical adventure that any Harry Potter fan would enjoy. The city has so much to offer, and I highly recommend trying all these activities.
Harry Potter Souvenirs
As a huge Harry Potter fan, I couldn’t leave Edinburgh without bringing home some magical souvenirs. My top recommendation is a visit to Diagon House, a Harry Potter shop located in the heart of Edinburgh. From wands to robes, you can find everything you need to feel like a true wizard. I couldn’t resist buying a Gryffindor scarf and a replica of Hermione’s Time-Turner. The attention to detail in every item sold at Diagon House is impressive, and it’s clear that the shop owners are true fans themselves. Make sure to take plenty of photos and bring a little piece of Hogwarts home with you from Diagon House.
Dining in Harry Potter Style
Whenever I visit Edinburgh, one of the things I always look forward to is dining in Harry Potter style. There are a number of cafes and restaurants in the city that offer Harry Potter inspired menus, and I’ve tried almost all of them! One of my favorites is The Elephant House, which is famously known as the cafe where J.K. Rowling wrote much of the first Harry Potter book. The hot chocolate there is absolutely amazing and the view of Edinburgh Castle is unbeatable.
Another great spot for Harry Potter fans is The Witchery by the Castle. This restaurant is located in an atmospheric 16th-century building and features a menu filled with Scottish specialties. The decor is also straight out of the wizarding world, with gothic-style furniture, stained glass windows, and plenty of flickering candlelight.
If you’re looking for a truly magical experience, I highly recommend booking a stay in the J.K. Rowling Suite at The Balmoral Hotel. This room is where Rowling finished writing the final Harry Potter book, and it’s filled with Harry Potter memorabilia and themed touches. Plus, the view of Edinburgh from the suite is simply breathtaking.
Overall, dining in Harry Potter style is a must-do for any fan of the series visiting Edinburgh. The attention to detail and the atmosphere in these establishments is truly something special.
Accommodation Options
As a die-hard Harry Potter fan, I knew that I had to find accommodation options that fully embrace the wizarding world. During my trip to Edinburgh, I stayed in a hotel that offered Harry Potter themed rooms, and I was blown away by the attention to detail.
The room was decorated with Hogwarts house banners, wizarding textbooks, and even a replica of the flying broomstick. I felt like I was transported to the Gryffindor common room! The hotel also had a themed cocktail bar, where I sipped on potions like “Polyjuice Potion” and “Amortentia”.
Another option to consider is The Balmoral Hotel’s ‘J.K. Rowling Suite’, which is actually the room where J.K. Rowling finished writing the final Harry Potter book. Imagine sleeping in the same room where the magic was created!
Whether you’re a fan of Gryffindor, Slytherin, Hufflepuff, or Ravenclaw, there are plenty of accommodation options in Edinburgh that will transport you to the wizarding world. It’s an experience that no true Harry Potter fan should miss!