Living the Magic of Harry Potter With Kids in Edinburgh, Scotland: Self-Guided Tour
Living the Magic of Harry Potter With Kids in Edinburgh, Scotland: Self-Guided Tour
Last updated: . Clarified Edinburgh’s Harry Potter biography and local lore, attraction and tour details, UK entry guidance, and linked lodging resources while preserving the family’s visit and souvenirs. Date information added October 31, 2026.
Article first published September 29, 2023: The outing, places, and souvenirs below describe our family’s visit. Attraction details, tours, menus, prices, opening status, and UK entry rules can change. For current planning, use the linked venue, tour, and UK government pages.
Embarrassing as it is to admit this, when we arrived in Scotland, I didn’t even know there were Harry Potter-related places to explore! We’ve enjoyed seeing the Lello Library in Porto, Portugal, explored several Harry Potter spots in London, and traveled to Universal Studios to immerse ourselves in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter. So when I learned Edinburgh had Potter-related sights, I immediately hijacked our plans for a self-guided tour. Some Edinburgh stops are part of Rowling’s own story: her official account says she moved to the city with the first three chapters and wrote in local cafés while her daughter slept.
Throughout our exploration, Edinburgh quickly climbed up our list of favorite cities. We found it charming and enjoyed exploring on foot. Scotland’s national animal is the unicorn; how cool is that? It’s a mythical creature, but we may even have spotted one around the city at sunset!
There are plenty of guided tours as well, some of which I’ll share below. However, in case you are like me and are only now finding this information out without enough time to plan ahead and book a guided tour (or, also like me, your partner hates guided tours), here’s a breakdown of how to explore on your own!
A self-guided Harry Potter tour can mix places from Rowling’s own story with Edinburgh locations that fans have connected to the books over time. Some stops are documented biography; others are local Potter lore. Check access rules before entering shops or other private venues.
Catching the sunset at Downtown Edinburgh
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UK entry update (checked October 2026): Most visitors need either an ETA or a visa, depending on nationality and purpose of travel. A UK ETA currently costs £20; each traveler, including children, needs their own if required. An ETA permits travel to the UK but does not guarantee entry. For landside airport transit, check the current rule and your airline’s instructions. Apply through the official UK government website, then use the current ETA overview and eligibility guidance for the fee, who needs one, and how to apply.
How to Plan a Self-Guided Harry Potter Tour With Kids in Edinburgh
Research and Planning
Familiarize yourself with the key Harry Potter locations and their connections to the series. You can find detailed guides and information online.
I like to flag the locations on Google Maps by making a saved list. This is key when you are out walking around. Kids hate extra walking, so even a few minutes of planning goes a long way!
Plot the locations on a map, and roughly decide on your path around the city.
Starting Point
Fans may include The Elephant House as a stop. It was closed after a 2021 fire and its own history page says it reopened in December 2025. The café is a popular stop on Edinburgh’s Potter-themed trail. The series began with Rowling’s idea on a train in 1990, before her time in Edinburgh. Check the café’s current updates before visiting.
Check opening hours before choosing a starting time for your walk.
Victoria Street is a colorful Old Town street that fans often compare with Diagon Alley. The connection is a popular association rather than a confirmed statement from Rowling; see Forever Edinburgh’s Harry Potter guide for local context.
Harry Potter Walking Tour Ideas
Here are some of the notable Harry Potter-related spots to include in your self-guided tour:
The Elephant House: The café reopened in December 2025, according to its current history page. Its association with Rowling is part of Edinburgh’s Potter lore; check the café for current hours and details.
Greyfriars Kirkyard: Visitors often point out names that resemble Harry Potter characters, including Thomas Riddell. These are commonly discussed as possible inspirations; they do not prove which names Rowling used as sources. The kirkyard is a burial ground, so follow posted guidance and be respectful.
Greyfriars Kirkyard, a graveyard where many names also show up in the books, such as McGonagall, Pettigrew, and more
Victoria Street: Fans often compare the colorful street and shopfronts with Diagon Alley; treat this as a popular Potter association.
Museum Context was one of our Harry Potter shopping stops on Victoria Street. Opening hours, stock, and queues vary; check the shop’s current information before visiting.
George Heriot’s School: Fans often compare the school’s four towers and architecture with Hogwarts. The school’s own foundation history says it was founded in 1628 to educate Edinburgh’s fatherless children. Please admire it from public areas and respect school grounds.
Arm Chair Books: A bookshop stop for readers, sometimes linked in local Potter lore with the Hogwarts library. Check the shop’s own site for its current location and hours.
The Museum Context, a famous Harry Potter memorabilia store on Victoria Street
Potterrow: Edinburgh guides and Potter fans sometimes connect the place name with Harry Potter, but this remains an unconfirmed theory.
Balmoral Hotel: Rowling’s official account says she completed the final book here in January 2007. Room access, tours, and rates depend on current hotel arrangements; see the author’s account for the historical detail.
Potter Trail: The operator currently lists free public tours with optional donations, advance booking, and a 75–90 minute route. Its public tour information and FAQ describe a walk of about 1.25 miles and note the tour is not affiliated with Rowling or the film studio. Check the booking calendar and whether the route suits your group.
Grassmarket and Old Town: These public historic areas can be included in a Potter-themed walk; allow time for your group’s pace and follow local signs.
We scored some butterbeer in a bottle on Victoria Street
Look for themed drinks or souvenirs: We found bottled “butterbeer” on Victoria Street, as shown in our photo. Current drinks and ingredients vary by venue, so check menus and age rules before ordering.
J.K. Rowling’s handprints: The prints are set in a flagstone near Edinburgh City Chambers, according to Forever Edinburgh’s city guide. The public site may have access rules or changes; check local information.
Department of Magic: This venue has offered themed experiences; activities, ages, availability, and booking arrangements change, so verify directly before planning around it.
Wizard-themed tea or activities: Venue offerings and age suitability change. Check the business’s current menu and booking information before making this part of your plan.
Of course, wand shopping in Diagon Alley
Harry Potter Souvenirs
Along the way, you’ll find numerous gift shops offering Harry Potter merchandise and memorabilia. Pick up a few souvenirs to remember your magical adventure. You’ll find wands, key chains, and more. I bought the Marauders Map!
We found the best souvenirs on Victoria Street at a shop across the street from Museum Context.
Photography and Imagination
Take plenty of photos to capture the magic of the places you visit.
Allow your imagination to run wild as you explore Edinburgh. Let the streets, buildings, and landmarks transport you to the world of wizards and witches.
Even better, come in your best Harry Potter costumes!
Food and Refreshments On Your Harry Potter Tour
Incorporate stops for meals or snacks at local cafés or restaurants. You might even find some that offer Potter-themed treats.
Exploring around Edinburgh Castle, which has a very Hogwarts kind of vibe
Timing of Your Harry Potter Tour With Kids
Plan your tour at a comfortable pace, allowing time for exploring, taking photos, and enjoying each location.
Respect Local Rules
Remember that some of these locations are public areas or functioning businesses, so respect the people and surroundings.
Enjoy the Journey
The most important aspect of your self-guided tour is to have fun and immerse yourself in the magic of the Harry Potter universe.
Guided Harry Potter Tour Options
There are several options for guided Harry Potter Tours in Edinburgh. With a bit of planning ahead, you can pick which one suits you best.
Potter Trail is one guided option. Check its current route, booking calendar, and family guidance; the tour is not officially connected to the books’ author or studio.
The linked Harry Potter Magical Guided Walking Tour listing gives its current route and terms. Edinburgh is associated with the books, but the series did not originate there.
For another guided option, check the current details for this Harry Potter Walking Tour. Edinburgh has no confirmed “original Hogwarts School” site; tour routes and availability can change.
Tom Riddle’s Grave in Greyfriars Kirkyard
Harry Potter: Official Biography and Local Lore
J.K. Rowling’s official account says she completed Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows at Edinburgh’s Balmoral Hotel in January 2007. Current room access and prices vary; see the hotel search listing for current booking information. Confirm current access and visitor arrangements with the hotel.
Rowling’s official biography says she moved to Portugal to teach English, then moved to Edinburgh with her daughter and the first three chapters of Harry Potter. She says she wrote in cafés while her daughter slept and completed the final book at the Balmoral Hotel in 2007.
Many specific Edinburgh sites are part of local Potter lore; the city’s official guide describes the George Heriot’s School connection as a popular belief rather than a confirmed Hogwarts location.
Rowling’s official account says the idea for Harry Potter came to her on a delayed train journey in 1990; details of that story are on her author FAQ.
Keep a Potter walk to public attractions, shops, and streets; do not seek out private homes or personal routines.
Grace brushing up on Harry Potter history during our tour
Where To Stay in Edinburgh With Kids
Edinburgh has plenty to explore, and a family day out may feel full. Browse current lodging options and compare location, cancellation terms, accessibility, and total price before booking.
Market Street Hotel; check the current listing for location, family facilities, transport, and total price.
Dakota Edinburgh; compare its location and current family facilities with the rest of your itinerary before booking.
Traveling to Edinburgh was an enjoyable experience that my young heart and kids enjoyed—definitely because of Harry Potter. Make the best of your trip and share your experiences!
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