If you are an avid Potterhead, then there is a good chance that you will be dreaming of a vacation to London. The home of platform nine ¾ and Harry Potter studios and the West End Stage Show, Harry Potter, and the Cursed Child. Or maybe you want to head to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studios in Orlando and taste some Butterbeer, ride a rollercoaster and get a Wand from Ollivanders. But why not consider Scotland, the home of author JK Rowling and arguably the inspiration for many of Harry Potter’s most iconic locations. Scotland has a magic all of its own, and a well-planned trip can make you feel you a little sprinkle of magic, and you have entered into the birthplace of wizard schools, Diagon alley, and quidditch.
Get the Harry Potter Look
You can obviously achieve the perfect look with a pair of classic round glasses when you shop online. The stylish spectacles are a must for any Harry Potter wannabe. But if you want to style out those glasses with some of Hogwarts famous scarves or jumpers, then Edinburgh is the place to come. Museum Context is an officially licensed Harry Potter shop in Edinburgh with all the apparel you will need. You can even select your wand of choice in this store, which is stuffed full of magical curiosities and wonders. There are also several unlicensed shops selling merchandise around the city, so you will never need to walk very far to find a bit of Harry Potter merchandise.
Glenfinnan Viaduct
This iconic location was made famous after stunning shots of the Hogwarts Express were filmed there for Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone movie. If you want the authentic experience book the Fort William to Mallaig trip on the Jacobite Steam Train. The Jacobite is the actual train used in the movie, and it is just as impressive in real life. The train will pause on the viaduct and at other destinations so you can take all the pictures you want of your Hogwarts journey. The train was also used for the carriage scenes, so why not pack a lunch of chocolate frogs and recreate the famous moment Harry meets his best friend Ron for the first time.
The Elephant House Cafe
Located on George IV Bridge in Edinburgh, this bustling cafe was where many of the Harry Potter story elements were first dreamt up. J.K Rowling sat in the backroom of this cafe for many hours, writing the books. If you are a literature fan, it may excite you to know Ian Rankin and Alexander McCall Smith also have typed up many of their manuscripts over a cup of tea here. When you sit in the cafe, you realize that there is also a great view of George Heriot’s, a private school in Edinburgh with four turrets, four schoolhouses, and even a sacred silver cup. The cafe does coffee and cake and still encourages writers to come and enjoy its relaxed atmosphere. Perhaps you will spot a budding author penning the next best-seller when you visit.
Victoria Street and Candlemakers Row
Victoria Street is not precisely diagonal, but it certainly isn’t straight either. This narrow curved cobblestone street winds down from the famous Royal Mile to the Grassmarket area. Full of brightly colored shops, including a joke shop, just off this street is Candlemaker’s Row. There is even a Diagon Alley plaque commemorating its resemblance to the famous fictional street. While many streets claim to be the inspiration, few can boast that they are only a few hundred meters away from where J.K Rowling wrote the books. There is no doubt that she will have wandered up and down this street daydreaming about Harry’s adventures.
Greyfriars Graveyard
A spooky graveyard might not sound like it is an ideal tourist destination. Still, Greyfriars Graveyard is just around the corner from Elephant Cafe, and J.K Rowling has said that this is where she discovered the name Tom Riddle, although it is spelled Thomas Riddell on the gravestone. The site is worth spending some time because it is also the home of the famous Greyfriar’s Bobby. A dog that was so committed to his owner that he used to sleep by his graveside. The story is so well known in Scotland’s capital that there is a statue in the dog’s honor on George IV Bridge.
Glen Coe
There are few places in the world as visually stunning as this little corner of Scotland. Situated in the Highlands, this ancient Glen was formed from volcanic activity millennia ago. It comes as no surprise that film scouts selected the breathtaking beauty as a location used for multiple scenes for The Prisoner of Azkaban, including Hagrid’s Hut. The Glen is steeped in history and has some great nature walks that will get you away from the road and give you another perspective on the magical scenery.
Balmoral Hotel
Unless you have the big bucks and you are willing to splash the cash on making your holiday luxurious, then this might seem too expensive to visit. But the Balmoral Hotel also offers meals, a champagne bar, and a high tea service. You don’t need to be a hotel guest to use the spa either, as it offers one-off treatments. The Balmoral Hotel is where JK Rowling completed the seventh book and finished the story between Harry Potter and Voldemort. It has stunning views over the capital situated on Edinburgh’s main street, between the historic old town and a more modern new town location. If you want to spend a bit more, you can even book the actual room the writer stayed in, which is now named after her in honor of her time writing. Who knows, maybe inspiration will strike, and you will pen the next multi-million dollar book series?
Loch Etive
Loch Etive is a gorgeous sea lock situated in the Argyll and Bute area of Scotland and has it’s very own ruined castle on its banks. You can’t get more magically Scottish than that. It has links to Harry Potter, as Harry, Ron, and Hermoine’s campsite location from the Deathly Hallows Part One. Scotland has specific laws that protect the right to roam, which means visitors can camp in the wild. So if you are particularly adventurous, you can even recreate the scene with your camping trip.
Loch Arkaig and Loch Elit
Sticking with Scotland’s lochs are these two charming natural beauty spots. Dumbledore has a place in the hearts of many Harry Potter’s biggest fans. So it comes as no surprise that the wizard’s death is one of the most moving moments in both the books and the films. Dumbledore’s final resting place was filmed across two lochs in Scotland. If you want to pay your respects to the fictional headmaster, then head to one of the lochs and admire their beauty while you shed a tear or two.
Steall Falls
Remember the moment in Harry Potter and The Goblet of Fire, where our protagonist faces the dragon? Well mixed into that battle are shots of Steall Falls. Steall Falls is situated near Scotland’s tallest mountain, Ben Nevis, which is well worth the hike if you want to conquer the legendary peak. They are a spectacular sight, and the falls also have a three-wire bridge at their base, which you can cross if you feel brave enough. Just be careful. You don’t want to fall in. Scotland is famed for its chilly temperatures.
Guided Tours
If you want to use your vacation to meet like-minded fans of the franchise, why not take one of the guided tours available throughout Scotland that promises to transport you into the Harry Potter universe. There are a plethora of tour types out there, from the multi-day tours that will take you across the country to the many walking tours that will guide you around the castle. These are brilliant excursions to exchange tips and make friends with fellow fans from all over the world. They are also great if you are the type of traveler who wants to ask questions. As many of these locations are stunning natural beauty spots or hidden alleyways, they do not come with much-written information. A guide should be knowledgeable and stocked up with facts and trivia to ensure that you learn as you go.
You Might Meet The Author
While J.K Rowling is famously private, and it is highly unlikely you will bump into her walking down the street, there is a possibility you might catch a glimpse of the author on your travels. According to her official website, J.K.Rowling lives in Edinburgh with her family. She has been known to make appearances at the Edinburgh International Book Festival and once even showed up at the book club run by Orkney Library. Orkney is a remote Scottish island, and it was not expecting the visit. So who knows, maybe you will get incredibly lucky, and JK Rowling might pop up at the location in Scotland that you happen to be visiting.
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