Edinburgh - Magical Harry Potter Highlights & Wizards Tour

Explore the enchanting world of Harry Potter in the historic city of Edinburgh. This guided tour takes you through the Old Town and Royal Mile, where you’ll uncover the magical connections between the Scottish capital and the beloved wizarding world. Led by a local expert, you’ll visit iconic sites, enjoy captivating storytelling, and discover the hidden gems that inspired J.K. Rowling’s imagination. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or simply curious, this tour promises an unforgettable experience that will leave you spellbound.

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Key Points

This guided 2.5-hour tour explores Edinburgh’s Old Town and Royal Mile, highlighting key Harry Potter locations and connections.
Participants will visit iconic sites like John Knox House, Mercat Cross, and St. Giles Cathedral, and learn about the origins of the Harry Potter series.
The tour includes a dedicated hour at the National Museum of Scotland to dive deeper into the magical world of Harry Potter.
Led by a local expert with extensive Harry Potter knowledge, the small-group experience allows for immersive storytelling and memorable photography.
The tour is available in English, has a free cancellation policy, and does not require upfront payment for reservations.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview and Pricing

The "Edinburgh – Magical Harry Potter Highlights & Wizards Tour" offers a 2.5-hour guided experience for £63.57 per person.

The tour is available in English and features a free cancellation policy if canceled up to 24 hours in advance. Guests can reserve their spot without making an upfront payment.

The tour covers key locations in Edinburgh’s Old Town and Royal Mile, including the National Museum of Scotland, where participants can learn about Harry Potter’s origins.

The small-group experience is led by a local expert with in-depth Harry Potter knowledge, providing an interactive and immersive tour.

Looking for more options in Edinburgh? We've reviewed plenty of other experiences.

Itinerary and Highlights

The tour starts at The Balmoral and takes visitors on a captivating journey through Edinburgh’s Old Town and Royal Mile. Over 2.5 hours, guests explore key locations like the John Knox House Museum, Mercat Cross, and St. Giles Cathedral. They’ll visit Deacon Brodies Tavern, The Elephant House, and the Greyfriars Bobby Statue before spending an hour at the National Museum of Scotland to learn about Harry Potter’s origins.

| Stop | Duration |

| — | — |

| John Knox House Museum | 10 minutes |

| Mercat Cross | 10 minutes |

| St. Giles Cathedral | 15 minutes |

| Deacon Brodies Tavern | 5 minutes |

| The Elephant House | 30 minutes |

Tour Features

This tour is guided by a first-class local expert with extensive knowledge of Harry Potter lore.

The small group experience allows for a more intimate tour, with storytelling and humor to engage participants. Guests will have the opportunity to capture memorable photos in the vibrant streets of Edinburgh’s Old Town and Royal Mile.

The interactive walking tour features key highlights, including the National Museum of Scotland where visitors can learn about the origins of the beloved wizarding world.

Discover the origins of the beloved wizarding world at the National Museum of Scotland on this interactive walking tour.

This tour provides an immersive and enchanting way to explore Edinburgh’s magical connections.

Inclusions and Exclusions

Included in the tour price is entrance to the National Museum of Scotland, as well as a fully guided experience highlighting top Edinburgh attractions.

However, the tour doesn’t include food, drinks, or hotel pick-up/drop-off. Plus, alcoholic beverages aren’t part of the package.

Participants should come prepared with comfortable shoes and weather-appropriate clothing, as the tour operates rain or shine.

Certain items aren’t allowed, such as oversize luggage, strollers, and mobility devices, so guests need to be mindful of these restrictions.

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Important Information and Recommendations

Participants should arrive 15 minutes before the scheduled tour start time and meet the guide outside The Balmoral, located at 1 Princes Street in Edinburgh. Comfortable shoes and weather-appropriate clothing are recommended. Due to accessibility limitations, the tour is not suitable for people with mobility impairments, and wheelchair access is not guaranteed. However, the tour operates in all weather conditions. Participants under 18 must be accompanied by an adult, and oversize luggage, baby strollers, large bags, mobility scooters, non-folding wheelchairs, baby carriages, and electric wheelchairs are not allowed.

| Requirements | Recommended | Not Allowed |

| — | — | — |

| Arrive 15 minutes early | Comfortable shoes | Oversize luggage |

| Meet at The Balmoral | Weather-appropriate clothing | Large bags |

| Under 18 with adult | – | Mobility scooters |

| Good health | – | Non-folding wheelchairs |

| – | – | Electric wheelchairs |

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Exploring Edinburgh’s Old Town and Royal Mile

As the tour commences, visitors embark on an exploration of Edinburgh’s captivating Old Town and the iconic Royal Mile.

They discover the John Knox House Museum, a historic landmark associated with the influential Protestant Reformer.

Next, the Mercat Cross, a ceremonial mercat (market) symbol, showcases the city’s commercial heritage.

At St. Giles Cathedral, the group admires the stunning Gothic architecture and learns about its significance in Scottish history.

Passing by Deacon Brodies Tavern, the story of the 18th-century cabinet maker who inspired Robert Louis Stevenson’s Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde is revealed, adding to the tour’s magical atmosphere.

Visiting the National Museum of Scotland

After exploring the historic landmarks of Edinburgh’s Old Town, the tour then leads visitors to the impressive National Museum of Scotland.

Here, guests spend an hour seeing the museum’s extensive collection related to Harry Potter’s origins. The knowledgeable guide provides insights into the museum’s displays, highlighting J.K. Rowling’s inspiration and the real-life influences behind the wizarding world.

Visitors are free to wander the exhibits independently, capturing memorable photos and uncovering the fascinating connections between Edinburgh and the beloved Harry Potter series.

The tour concludes at the museum, allowing guests to further discover Scotland’s rich cultural heritage.

Experiencing the Historical Heart of Edinburgh

Visitors embark on a captivating journey through Edinburgh’s historical heart, seeing the city’s rich cultural tapestry.

The tour explores iconic sites, each with its own captivating tale:

Witnessing the grandeur of St. Giles Cathedral, a renowned Gothic masterpiece that has stood witness to centuries of Scottish history.
Discovering the hidden gem of Deacon Brodies Tavern, a pub with a colorful past that inspired the literary classic "Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde."
Paying homage to the enduring spirit of Greyfriars Bobby, the faithful Skye Terrier whose loyalty has become a beloved Edinburgh legend.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Take Photos During the Tour?

Photography is generally allowed on the tour. Visitors can capture memorable photos in the vibrant streets and at the tour’s highlights, providing they follow the guide’s instructions and avoid disrupting the experience for others.

Do I Need to Bring Any Special Equipment?

The tour doesn’t require any special equipment. Participants just need to bring comfortable shoes and weather-appropriate clothing. However, oversize luggage, strollers, and large bags aren’t allowed on the tour for safety and convenience reasons.

Is the Tour Suitable for Children?

The tour is suitable for children, but they must be accompanied by an adult. Children under 18 are welcome on the tour, which provides a fun and interactive experience exploring Edinburgh’s Harry Potter-related highlights.

What Is the Group Size for This Tour?

This tour is a small group experience, allowing for a more intimate exploration. According to the details provided, the group size is not specified, but it is described as a "small group" for a more personalized tour.

Can I Customize the Tour Itinerary?

The tour itinerary can’t be customized. It’s a set tour with a fixed list of stops and activities. Customers don’t have the option to modify the itinerary or add/remove specific locations based on their preferences.

The Sum Up

The "Edinburgh – Magical Harry Potter Highlights & Wizards Tour" offers a captivating and immersive journey through the historic heart of Edinburgh. Led by a local expert, the tour takes visitors to iconic sites that inspired the beloved wizarding world, providing enchanting storytelling and breathtaking photo opportunities. Whether you’re a Harry Potter fan or simply seeking to explore Edinburgh’s rich history, this tour promises an unforgettable magical experience.

You can check availability for your dates here: