Ultimate Harry Potter trail in Scotland
Scotland is one of the best places for experiencing the wizarding world. J.K. Rowling lived in Edinburgh so a lot of her inspiration came from the city. You can also see a lot of filming locations all over Scotland. If you are a Potterhead, here are some must visit stops for your visit.
🏰 University of Glasgow - you will feel like you stepped straight into Hogwarts.
🪦- Dumbledore’s Grave - Eilean na Moine, used in the movies as Dumbledore’s final resting place, is located in the West Highlands. To get there, take the A830 towards Glenfinnan from Lochailort. You should be able to see the small island from the road and you can pull over and walk over to get photos close.
💀- Greyfriars Kirkyard - One of the coolest and most haunted cemeteries in Edinburgh Scotland, J.K. Rowling was said to wander here whilst she was writing her books, taking inspiration for her characters from many of the names on the tombstones here. The graveyard itself was also said to have inspired Godric’s Hollow.
🪄 - Museum Context - Harry Potter shop in the old town of Edinburgh. You can shop or browse HP merchandise, but it also feels like you stepped into one of the shops from the books or movies. The store is located on Victoria Street, there is usually a line to get in. If you don’t feel like waiting in line, there is another shop on Cockburn Street that is less busy (although less immersive).
🌈 - Victoria Street - Colorful street in Edinburgh that Diagon Alley is based off of.
🚂 Glenfinnan Viaduct - The famous bridge any HP fan will recognize from the films when the Hogwarts Express is on it’s way to the school. You can walk right up the Viaduct and the train times are listed at the visitors center. The Jacobite Steam Train is the actual train used in the filming of the movies. It is so cool to see it puffing along in person. ** You can also book rides on this train as well.
Additional spots to check out :
Elephant House (Edinburgh)
Department of Magic (Edinburgh)
Loch Shiel
If you are a fan of the books OR the movies, you can’t go wrong with a trip to Scotland. Who are you visiting this magical country with?
#potterhead #travel #lemon8travel #scotland #harrypotter
Scotland Edinburgh Glasgow Loch Shiel University of Glasgow Glenfinnan Viaduct Museum Context: Retailer of Harry Potter Merchandise Greyfriars Kirkyard Cemetery Edinburgh
If you're planning to embark on the ultimate Harry Potter trail in Scotland, there's so much more to explore beyond the well-known locations. The University of Glasgow, with its stunning Gothic architecture, truly feels like stepping into Hogwarts itself, offering a majestic backdrop that inspired many scenes in the wizarding world. Meanwhile, the Glenfinnan Viaduct is not just a picturesque bridge; it holds a special place in Harry Potter history as the route for the Hogwarts Express, and witnessing the Jacobite Steam Train crossing it is a magical experience for fans. A visit to Greyfriars Kirkyard in Edinburgh adds an eerie yet fascinating layer to your journey. This historic cemetery is famed not only for its haunting atmosphere but also as the inspiration behind Godric's Hollow and some beloved characters, thanks to the tombstone names J.K. Rowling encountered here. Nearby, Victoria Street offers a splash of color and charm, believed to have inspired the vibrant shops of Diagon Alley, making it a perfect spot for photos and magical souvenirs. Don't miss Museum Context in Edinburgh's old town, a Harry Potter merchandise store that immerses visitors in the wizarding world with its themed displays and unique collectibles. For a quieter shopping experience, the alternative shop on Cockburn Street provides a similar charm without the long lines. Additional enchanting locations include the Elephant House café, where Rowling wrote parts of the series, and Loch Shiel, a stunning loch used to depict the Black Lake in the films. Combining these sites creates a comprehensive tour filled with magic, history, and breathtaking Scottish landscapes. Traveling this trail offers fans of the books and movies a chance to connect deeply with the places that shaped the Harry Potter universe. Whether you're with friends, family, or fellow Potterheads, Scotland invites you to experience its wizarding magic firsthand. Remember, you don't need a Hogwarts letter to visit—just a ticket to this spellbinding country!
