Lets discover ‘all things Harry Potter in Edinburg’. Edinburg is magical enough, but when you explore the city as a Harry Potter Fan, it takes its magic to a whole new level. Discovering the stories and places that inspired the genius J.K. Rowling to create some of the most iconic wizards is one of the best things to do in Edinburg. Although you’ll not find any of the harry potter filming locations here. Edinburgh wasn’t used to film any of the scenes in Harry Potter, it is where J K Rowling wrote the books and found a lot of inspiration for characters and locations.
And once you step foot in Edinburgh, you see why this city was the inspiration. The majestic Edinburgh Castle, the cozy nooks reminiscent of Diagon Alley, the towering Gothic building. Beyond this the dingy wynds and medieval alleyways. Every corner seems to whisper tales of magic and mystery. It’s like stepping back in time to a world where magic is real. So let’s dig in and and look at all the harry potter spots in edinburgh
The Link Between Harry Potter & Edinburgh
The link between Harry Potter and Edinburgh is deeply intertwined between J.K. Rowling’s life. Her circumstances and the love she developed for the city’s rich architecture. J.K. Rowling moved to Edinburgh in the early 1990s. At the time, she was a struggling single mother. Grappling with personal challenges and the pressures of trying to establish herself as a writer. Despite facing numerous rejections for her manuscript of “Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone,” Rowling remained determined.
Seeking a fresh start and inspired by the attraction of Edinburgh, Rowling decided to make the Scottish capital her home. It was during her time in Edinburgh that she found solace, pouring her creativity into the pages of the legendary Harry Potter book series. It was here that she penned much of the early drafts of the series.
Rowling’s connection with Edinburgh deepened as she immersed herself in its culture and history. Share drew inspiration from its streets, landmarks, and folklore. The city provided her with the perfect backdrop to bring the magical world of Harry Potter to life.
Harry Potter in Edinburgh: Locations & Inspirations
The Handprints Of J.K. Rowling in Edinburgh
Do check out the bronze handprints that commemorate Rowling’s contributions to the world of literature. Located outside the City Chambers on the Royal Mile in Edinburgh, these celebrate her creation of the iconic Harry Potter series.
The handprints were unveiled in 2008 during the Edinburgh Award ceremony. Rowling was honored for her outstanding achievements and her significant ties to the city. The ceremony celebrated her remarkable success as an author and her enduring connection with Edinburgh. As this is where she wrote much of the early Harry Potter books.
Greyfriars Kirkyard
Greyfriars Kirkyard, in Edinburgh, is a historic graveyard with a fascinating history and atmospheric surroundings. It’s linked to Harry Potter due to various names and places that are seen on grave stones here.
You’ll see Thomas Riddell’s grave here, that’s said to have inspired Voldemort’s name, Tom Marvolo Riddle. Similarly, William McGonagall, a poet known for terrible poetry, is buried there. It’s speculated that Rowling borrowed the surname McGonagall from William McGonagall. It’s said that J.K. Rowling would frequently visit Greyfriars Kirkyard graveyard for walks, pushing her baby in a stroller.
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George Heriot’s School
The Kirkyard is adjacent to George Heriot’s School, a prestigious institution that is said to have provided inspiration for Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Rowling lived near Greyfriars Kirkyard during the time she was writing the early Harry Potter books, and it’s believed that she drew inspiration from the area’s surroundings and history.
The school’s impressive turrets, towers, and Gothic façade bear a resemblance to the fictional castle described in Rowling’s books. Additionally, George Heriot’s School is divided into four houses, a structure that mirrors the house system at Hogwarts, where students are sorted into Gryffindor, Slytherin, Ravenclaw, and Hufflepuff.
The Balmoral Hotel
The Balmoral Hotel’s Room 552 and its iconic clock tower played significant roles in inspiring J.K. Rowling during the writing of the Harry Potter series, making it a notable location for fans of the books and the author. She reportedly stayed in Room 552, now known as the “J.K. Rowling Suite,” where she finished writing the saga’s conclusion. The Balmoral Hotel’s distinctive clock tower, which stands prominently above the Edinburgh skyline, is said to have influenced the creation of the Hogwarts Express.
Victoria Street
Victoria Street in Edinburgh holds a special place in the hearts of Harry Potter fans as it’s often cited as one of the key inspirations for Diagon Alley. This winding, cobblestone street with its colorful shopfronts and quirky architecture bears a striking resemblance to the bustling wizarding thoroughfare described in J.K. Rowling’s books.
Many believe that Rowling drew inspiration from Victoria Street’s charming ambiance and unique layout while envisioning Diagon Alley, where Harry and his friends embark on their magical shopping adventures. The street’s eclectic mix of independent shops, boutiques, and cafes adds to its enchanting allure, making it a must-visit destination for Potterheads exploring Edinburgh.
Edinburgh Castle and Princes Street Gardens
Edinburgh Castle’s imposing structure atop Castle Rock and the picturesque Princes Street Gardens served as prominent inspirations for J.K. Rowling’s magical universe. Edinburgh Castle, with its imposing presence atop Castle Rock, could have influenced the creation of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, which is described as being situated atop a rocky hill.. Rowling frequently strolled through these Princes gardens while writing the early Harry Potter books. It’s believed that the lush greenery and serene ambiance of Princes Street Gardens might have provided her with inspiration for the lush grounds of Hogwarts, including the Forbidden Forest and other outdoor settings where Harry and his friends often find themselves. These Edinburgh landmarks, steeped in history and natural beauty, sparked Rowling’s imagination, enriching the enchanting world of Harry Potter.
PotterRow Port
PotterRow Port, nestled in Edinburgh’s Old Town, echoes the charm of Diagon Alley with its medieval streets. J.K. Rowling found inspiration in its cafes, like The Elephant House, where she penned Harry Potter. Nearby, Greyfriars Kirkyard contributed character names and eerie ambiance to the series. The area’s literary heritage, with bookshops and libraries, adds depth to its magical allure. Look for hidden nods to Harry Potter as you explore this enchanting neighborhood, a must-visit for fans seeking to immerse themselves in Rowling’s world.
Harry Potter Walking Tours in Edinburgh – Map
Get ready for an awesome adventure with our Harry Potter Walking Tours in Edinburgh – Map! It’s like a treasure hunt, but instead of gold, you’re hunting down all things Harry Potter. We’ll show you where to find cool stuff like places J.K. Rowling got inspired, shops with wizard gear, and spots where they filmed the movies. Whether you’re a huge Harry Potter fan or just up for exploring the city, our guide will take you on a super fun journey through Edinburgh’s magical side. So grab your wand (or at least your map) and let’s go!
Harry Potter in Edinburgh: Things To Do
- Hogwarts Express Tour from Edinburgh: Embark on a magical journey aboard the Hogwarts Express, departing from Edinburgh. Experience the enchantment of iconic filming locations and relive moments from the Harry Potter series as you traverse the Scottish countryside.
- Harry Potter Shops Edinburgh: Explore a myriad of themed shops scattered throughout Edinburgh, offering a treasure trove of wizarding merchandise and memorabilia. From wands to robes, immerse yourself in the wizarding world as you browse through these enchanting stores.
- The Elephant House Café: Visit the famed birthplace of Harry Potter, The Elephant House Café, where J.K. Rowling penned the early chapters of the series. Savor a cup of coffee while soaking in the same inspiring views of Edinburgh Castle that fueled Rowling’s imagination.
- Department Of Magic: Step into the Department of Magic, a whimsical emporium filled with magical artifacts and curiosities. Browse through spellbinding souvenirs and enchanting trinkets, perfect for aspiring witches and wizards of all ages.
- The Dog House: Join The Dog House for an evening of laughter and wizardry with Spontaneous Potter, an improvised comedy show inspired by the world of Harry Potter. Be prepared for unexpected spells and uproarious adventures as talented performers bring Rowling’s beloved characters to life.
- Harry Potter Museum Edinburgh: Delve into the wizarding world at the Harry Potter Museum in Edinburgh, where fans can marvel at authentic props, costumes, and set pieces from the film series. Immerse yourself in the magic as you uncover the secrets behind the making of Harry Potter.
