Edinburgh: Harry Potter Walking Tour with Edinburgh Castle Entry

Enter the wizarding world

Discover the enchanting world of Harry Potter on a walking tour in Edinburgh with a friendly guide, that kicks off at the wizard-worthy Waverley Train station.

Explore Edinburgh University Old College and its surroundings, including a mysterious graveyard with a spooky vibe. This cemetery is the final resting place of Tom Riddle (sound familiar?) and even the legendary dog Greyfriars Bobby, who guarded the grave of his owner for 14 years. At the renowned Elephant House café, discover how J.K. Rowling spent her time crafting the magical world of Harry Potter. As you continue, you'll pass by a shop on Victoria Street that inspired Diagon Alley, the hidden wizard equipment market in London.

Castle adventure & Potter's lore

This ticket also grants you access to Edinburgh Castle, a historic fortress that looms majestically over the city. Soak in Edinburgh's panoramic views, perfect for capturing stunning city photographs from the castle's elevated vantage points. Your guide will accompany you throughout the tour, sharing tales and anecdotes about Harry Potter and its connections to the sites you'll explore.

Edinburgh: Harry Potter Walking Tour with Edinburgh Castle Entry

This enchanting sightseeing tour takes you through the magical world of Harry Potter, led by an English-speaking guide who will show you the city's landmarks and hidden gems that inspired J.K. Rowling’s iconic books. You’ll visit Elephant House café in the Old Town where Rowling wrote parts of her novels on a tissue; explore the historic Edinburgh University, which features prominently in the series; stroll through the atmospheric Canongate Kirkyard to find Tom Riddle’s grave; and wander along Victoria Street, known for its whimsical shops that inspired Diagon Alley. Your tour includes entry to Edinburgh Castle, one of Scotland's most famous landmarks, where you’ll learn about its historical significance and architectural beauty. The entire walking tour lasts approximately 3 hours, covering around 2 miles at a leisurely pace, perfect for those interested in the magical world of Harry Potter and Scottish history. You can choose between audio guides available in English, German, French, Spanish, Italian, and Japanese, ensuring accessibility for all visitors.

Explore Edinburgh Castle

Your tour stops at Edinburgh Castle, one of Scotland's most iconic landmarks, built atop a volcanic rock formation that has been fortified since the 12th century. The castle covers an area of approximately 40 acres and stands 56 meters above sea level, offering stunning views over the city. Inside, you’ll see historical sites like St. Margaret’s Chapel (built in 1130), the Scottish Crown Jewels housed in the Crown Room since 1997, and the Stone of Destiny, which has been used for coronations since medieval times. Visitors spend about an hour exploring this historic fortress, learning about its role as a royal residence, military stronghold, prison, and national monument. Unlike other castles in Scotland, Edinburgh Castle is uniquely situated within the heart of the city, making it easily accessible to tourists from around the world. Its significance in both Scottish history and J.K. Rowling’s creative process makes it an essential stop for Harry Potter fans.

Discover Elephant House Café

Your tour will take you to Elephant House café in the historic Old Town of Edinburgh, where visitors can explore the charming setting that inspired parts of the Harry Potter series. The café was established in 1986 and is known for its cozy atmosphere and literary connections. It spans approximately 500 square feet and features a large window overlooking the busy street below, providing inspiration to J.K. Rowling as she wrote her first novel. Guests will spend around 30 minutes here, learning about the café's role in Harry Potter history and enjoying a cup of coffee or tea. Unlike other cafés in Edinburgh, Elephant House is particularly significant due to its direct connection to the creation of one of the world’s most beloved book series.

Visit Canongate Kirkyard

Your tour takes you through Canongate Kirkyard, a historic graveyard located near the Scottish Parliament Building in Edinburgh's Old Town. Established in 1670, it covers an area of about 2 acres and contains over 500 gravestones dating back to the late 17th century. Among these graves is one that inspired Tom Riddle’s grave from Harry Potter books. Visitors spend around 30 minutes exploring this atmospheric graveyard, learning about its historical significance and literary connections. Unlike other cemeteries in Edinburgh, Canongate Kirkyard stands out for its unique role in the Harry Potter universe and its well-preserved collection of historic memorials.

Tour Highlights

• Explore Edinburgh Castle with exclusive access
• Visit Elephant House café where Rowling wrote Harry Potter
• Stroll through Canongate Kirkyard featuring Tom Riddle’s grave
• Discover the inspiration behind Diagon Alley on Victoria Street
• Learn about Scottish history and culture at historic landmarks
• Enjoy guided commentary in English, German, French, Spanish, Italian, Japanese
• Gain entry to Edinburgh Castle housing Scottish Crown Jewels
• Walk through magical locations featured in Harry Potter books

Perfect for fans of Harry Potter, literature enthusiasts, and history buffs, this walking tour provides an immersive experience through the enchanting world of J.K. Rowling's creation while exploring historic landmarks and hidden gems in Edinburgh. You’ll have the opportunity to visit Elephant House café where Rowling wrote parts of her novels, explore Canongate Kirkyard featuring Tom Riddle’s grave, and stroll along Victoria Street inspired by Diagon Alley, giving you a unique insight into the magical world of Harry Potter while enjoying the rich history of Edinburgh.