Edinburgh Harry Potter Self-Guided Private Tour

Edinburgh, GB
75% of travellers recommend this
Very Good (15 reviews)
Self-guided - entry to attractions not included

Included

  • inclusion
    Other
    Jule will guide you through an audio guide (no computer-generated voice!)
  • inclusion
    Other
    Audio guide, videos, pictures, recommendations and all the info you need
  • inclusion
    Other
    You will get an email with instructions to activate your tour
  • inclusion
    Other
    Unlimited access to this Self-Guided Tour on the app
  • inclusion
    Other
    Map, directions, GPS route and stops of each tour

Excluded

  • exclusion
    Other
    Live Guide
  • exclusion
    Other
    Any entrance fee for the attractions mentioned during the tour

Meeting Point

All our tours are self-guided. You will be led by the GPS in the app. Remember to check the "Before You Go" Section of your ticket and give Pandemic Tours App access to your location!

Meeting point

Edinburgh EH1 2QE , United Kingdom

End point

End Point

The tour finishes at City Chambers, near Edinburgh's Old Town Centre.

Meeting point

253 High St, Edinburgh EH1 1YJ , United Kingdom

End point

What to expect

1

The Elephant House

Welcome to the “birthplace of Harry Potter” – You can hardly fail to notice the prominent slogan above the entrance of the Elephant House Café. This is where JK Rowling spent a great deal of time writing the first Harry Potter book in, and even parts of the second and the third.

2

Greyfriars

This is the graveyard that can be seen from the back of the Elephant House Café, and it is believed to have inspired the graveyard of Little Hangleton in ‘Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire. Step in with Jule to discover all it's haunted attractions and why is this place so related to the novels J.K. Rowling wrote.

Duration 20 minutes
3

Thomas Riddell's Grave

The graves of Thomas Riddell, Esq. and Thomas Riddell, Esq., his son, are probably the most well-visited graves in all of Edinburgh. This is ironic, as we know very little about the actual Riddell family that lies buried here. Discover the story behind this character and more!

Duration 5 minutes
4

Greyfriars Bobby Statue

Discover all headstones from famous (and not so famous) characters of the Harry Potter Sagas that are scattered around all over this amazing graveyard.

Duration 10 minutes
5

William McGonagall Tombstone

On the wall to the left of the gates, you can see a black tombstone with the portrait of a man on it. This is William Topaz McGonagall – otherwise known as the worst poet in English-speaking history. Learn why this character is related to a famous Harry Potter Character

6

George Heriot's School

Learn the history behind one of the buildings that were the inspiration of Hogwarts, the school of wizards, in Harry Potter history.

7
Edinburgh Castle

Hogwarts is also described as a castle-like school, situated on top of a hill, with a giant lake to one side. Guess what, Edinburgh Castle is just like that! Learn the history behind the castle and its relation with Harry Potter's Hogwarts, another stepping stone of the story and a must-visit of Edinburgh's attractions.

Duration 10 minutes
Admission Admission Not Included
8

St James Quarter

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Diagon Alley in the books is described as a cobblestone street, lined with coloured shopfronts on either side. While strolling about Victoria Street, Jule will tell you all the secrets and similarities between both magical places.

9
Museum CONTEXT

Museum Context is the first Harry Potter Shop that was opened in Edinburgh. This shop is a must-see for Harry Potter fans, with a great photo opportunity on the third floor as an added bonus!

Duration 5 minutes
10

Victoria Ter

Enjoy the amazing view of this spot while imagining the whole story of Harry Potter taking place right in front of you.

Duration 5 minutes
11

New College, The University of Edinburgh

This is part of the University of Edinburgh and is where you will find the School of Theology and Divinity. Inside, they have an old library that resembles the one of Hogwarts, and they even have a great hall where students have their meals.

Duration 5 minutes
Admission Admission Not Included
12

The Balmoral

The building with the clock tower across the valley is the Balmoral Hotel, the most expensive hotel in Edinburgh. This is also the place where JK Rowling finished writing Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. This is obviously a big change from her humble beginnings of writing in cafes across the city and really emphasises how much Harry Potter changed her life.

13
Edinburgh City Chambers

On the ground you can see some golden handprints – these are the handprints of people who have won the Edinburgh Award. This is a prize that is given out yearly since 2007 to one person who has made Edinburgh famous around the world or has impacted the city positively in another way. In 2008, the Award went to JK Rowling, as Edinburgh is now known as the birthplace of Harry Potter thanks to her.

The experience can be subject to change due to bad weather or unforseen circumstances. We always endeavour to give you the best possible experience.

Additional Information

  • Additional information
    Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • Additional information
    Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Additional information
    Service animals allowed
  • Additional information
    Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Additional information
    This is a Self-Guided Audio Tour download the Exploro App
  • Additional information
    Wheelchair accessible
Provided by Pandemic Tours

What our experts say

  • icon
    Visit Greyfriars for haunted tales.
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    Don't miss the Harry Potter shop.
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    Consider lunch at The Elephant House.
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    Check out the views from Edinburgh Castle.
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    Bring a portable charger for your phone.

More About this Experience

Introduction:

Welcome to the world of magic and adventure in Edinburgh, the birthplace of Harry Potter! With our self-guided private tour, you can explore the enchanting streets of this historic city at your own pace. Put on your wizarding robe, grab your smartphone, and let Jule be your virtual assistant on this unforgettable journey. Immerse yourself in the captivating story of J.K. Rowling and discover the places that inspired her as she brought the world of Harry Potter to life.

What to expect?

Embark on a Harry Potter Trail like no other, where you can unleash your imagination and witness the magic come alive. Explore iconic locations such as the Elephant House Café, where Rowling wrote the first Harry Potter book, and Greyfriars Kirkyard, believed to have inspired the graveyard of Little Hangleton. Uncover the secrets behind the graves of Thomas Riddell and the headstones of famous characters scattered throughout the graveyard. Traverse the historic George Heriot's School, said to be the inspiration for Hogwarts, and marvel at Edinburgh Castle, resembling the majestic castle-like school in the books. Walk along Victoria Street, reminiscent of Diagon Alley, and visit the first Harry Potter Shop in the city.

Who is this for?

This self-guided private tour is perfect for Harry Potter enthusiasts of all ages. Whether you're a long-time fan or discovering the wizarding world for the first time, this experience will transport you into the magical realm of Harry Potter. Families, solo travelers, and groups of friends will all enjoy the adventure and opportunity to create unforgettable memories together. Join us on this captivating journey and let your imagination soar.

Why book this?

This unique self-guided tour offers an immersive and personalized experience, allowing you to explore Edinburgh's magical Harry Potter locations at your own pace. With Jule as your virtual assistant, you'll have access to insider information and fascinating stories that will bring the world of Harry Potter to life. Forget about crowds, schedules, and lines as you embark on an adventure tailored to your preferences. Capture stunning pictures along the way and enter any attraction that catches your fancy. Whether you're a die-hard Harry Potter fan or simply intrigued by the magic, this tour is a must-book experience that will leave you spellbound.

Good to know:

When booking, you'll receive an email with instructions on how to download our app and redeem your unique code. This code will be different from your booking reference number, so keep an eye out for it. The total duration of the tour is approximately 120 to 180 minutes, but you can take your time and make the most of each location. Don't worry about getting lost; the app's GPS will guide you every step of the way. Get ready to immerse yourself in the enchanting world of Harry Potter and discover the magic hiding in the streets of Edinburgh.

Reviews:

Travelers who have experienced our Edinburgh Harry Potter Self-Guided Private Tour have been enchanted by its enchanting journey through the iconic locations that inspired J.K. Rowling. They have praised the flexibility of exploring at their own pace and the convenience of having a virtual assistant like Jule. Many have expressed their satisfaction with the insightful information provided by the app and the opportunity to capture memorable photos throughout the tour. Join hundreds of happy Potterheads and embark on this magical adventure that will transport you into the world of wizardry and wonder.

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