From Edinburgh: Magical Highlands Tour With Hogwarts Express

The "Magical Highlands Tour With Hogwarts Express" from Edinburgh offers a captivating journey through Scotland’s enchanting landscapes. Travelers can experience the iconic Jacobite steam train crossing the famous Glenfinnan Viaduct, explore picturesque locations like Glencoe and Loch Shiel, and discover the charming town of Pitlochry. Whether you’re a Harry Potter fan or a nature enthusiast, this tour promises unforgettable memories. But what makes this excursion truly special lies in the experiences that await beyond the Highlands.

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Key Points

This 13-hour tour from Edinburgh takes visitors on a magical journey through the Scottish Highlands, including a ride on the Jacobite steam train, also known as the "Hogwarts Express".
The tour includes photo stops at iconic Harry Potter filming locations, such as the Glenfinnan Viaduct and Loch Shiel, as well as the stunning Glencoe.
During the tour, guests will have the opportunity to explore the Glenfinnan Monument and visit the charming town of Pitlochry in Perthshire.
The tour is highly rated by previous participants, with the guide’s knowledge and enthusiasm, as well as the scenic transportation, receiving praise.
The tour is suitable for Harry Potter fans of all ages, but not recommended for children under 6 years old.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview

This 13-hour Magical Highlands Tour takes visitors on an enchanting journey through the Scottish landscape, including a ride on the iconic Jacobite steam train.

Priced from €207.90 per person, the tour departs from The Elephant House in Edinburgh and includes transportation, a guided tour, and the Jacobite train ride.

Set out on a magical journey with a tour that departs from The Elephant House in Edinburgh, includes transportation, a guided tour, and the Jacobite train ride.

Key highlights include photo stops at Glencoe, Glenfinnan Viaduct, and Loch Shiel, as well as a break in the seaside town of Mallaig.

The tour concludes back at The Elephant House in Edinburgh.

While not exclusively Harry Potter-themed, the tour includes several filming locations from the beloved series.

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

Itinerary Highlights

The tour’s itinerary highlights an array of breathtaking locations throughout the Scottish Highlands.

Travelers will experience a photo stop at the majestic Glencoe, followed by the iconic Jacobite steam train ride across the Glenfinnan Viaduct – a filming location from the Harry Potter movies.

After a break in Mallaig, the tour explores the Glenfinnan Monument and Loch Shiel, which appeared in the Chamber of Secrets.

The final stop is Pitlochry, a charming town nestled in the Perthshire hills.

Throughout the journey, guests will enjoy the magical landscapes that inspired the wizarding world.

Key Locations

Several key locations are featured throughout the Magical Highlands Tour.

The multi-arch Glenfinnan Viaduct is a highlight, as it was used in the Harry Potter films. Participants will also visit Loch Shiel, which appeared in the Chamber of Secrets movie.

The tour ventures into the volcanic glen from The Prisoner of Azkaban, and the Triwizard Tournament site from The Goblet of Fire.

These iconic filming locations offer an immersive experience for Harry Potter fans, allowing them to step into the magical world they’ve come to love.

Inclusions

The Magical Highlands Tour includes transportation to Fort William, a single journey on the iconic Jacobite steam train, a knowledgeable guide, and a breakfast-type snack. Gratuities and lunch are not included. Plus, the tour is not suitable for children under 6 years due to its length.

| Inclusions | Exclusions |

| — | — |

| Transportation to Fort William | Gratuities |

| Jacobite steam train journey | Lunch |

| Guide and breakfast-type snack | Children under 6 years |

| Return by coach to Edinburgh | |

The tour provides an immersive experience, showcasing the stunning Scottish Highlands and its connections to the Harry Potter series. Guests can expect a well-organized itinerary and quality transportation throughout the day.

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Important Information

When visiting on the Magical Highlands Tour, guests should bring along snacks, water, and weather-appropriate clothing to ensure a comfortable experience.

Be prepared with snacks, water, and weather-appropriate gear for a comfortable Magical Highlands Tour experience.

Toilet facilities are available on the coach and train, while lunch options can be found in Mallaig.

The tour isn’t suitable for children under 5 years old due to its lengthy duration.

Seating on the Jacobite steam train is in standard class, with random allocation.

It’s important to note that this tour provides general Scottish history, and isn’t exclusively focused on the Harry Potter theme.

There's plenty more to explore in Edinburgh

Customer Reviews

Customers have broadly praised the Magical Highlands Tour, with an overall rating of 4.6 out of 5 based on 580 reviews. The tour guide’s knowledge and enthusiasm were particularly commended, earning a 4.6/5 rating. Transportation was also highly rated at 4.7/5, with travellers appreciating the scenic views and immersive experiences. While the value for money was still rated well at 4.3/5, some suggestions were made to consider the tour for limited-time visitors to Edinburgh.

| Review Metric | Rating |

|—————|——–|

| Overall | 4.6/5 |

| Guide | 4.6/5 |

| Transportation| 4.7/5 |

| Value for Money| 4.3/5 |

| Traveler Feedback| Positive comments on guide knowledge and enthusiasm. Scenic views and immersive experiences praised. Suggestions to consider tour for limited time visitors to Edinburgh. |

Exploring the Magical Highlands

Although the Magical Highlands Tour covers a range of Scottish history, its key focus lies in exploring the enchanting landscapes that served as backdrops for the Harry Potter film series.

Highlights include the multi-arch Glenfinnan Viaduct, Loch Shiel from Chamber of Secrets, and the volcanic glen from Prisoner of Azkaban.

The multi-arch Glenfinnan Viaduct, Loch Shiel from Chamber of Secrets, and the volcanic glen from Prisoner of Azkaban captivate visitors.

Visitors can stand in the Triwizard Tournament site from Goblet of Fire and enjoy the magical world of Hogwarts.

The tour offers a unique opportunity for devoted fans to visit these iconic locations and experience the wonder of the Wizarding World firsthand.

Experiencing the Hogwarts Express

The highlight of the Magical Highlands Tour is the iconic Jacobite steam train journey, colloquially known as the "Hogwarts Express". Passengers are transported through stunning Scottish landscapes, crossing the famous Glenfinnan Viaduct – a breathtaking sight featured in the Harry Potter films. The 2.17-hour ride offers a chance to take in the magical atmosphere and imagine traveling to Hogwarts.

| Departure | Duration | Arrival |

|———–|———-|———|

| Fort William | 2 hrs 17 mins | Mallaig |

| Mallaig | 1 hr | Glenfinnan Viaduct |

| Glenfinnan Viaduct | 30 mins | Pitlochry |

Disembarking in Mallaig, guests enjoy a brief stopover before continuing the tour to other Potteresque locations in the Scottish Highlands.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is There a Minimum Group Size Required for the Tour?

There is no minimum group size requirement for this tour. It is open to individual bookings, and travelers can join the scheduled departures without a need to meet a minimum group size.

Can the Tour Be Customized for Individual Preferences?

The tour can’t be customized for individual preferences. It follows a set itinerary and schedule. However, participants can bring their own snacks, water, and wear weather-appropriate clothing to personalize their experience within the tour’s structure.

Are There Any Dietary Accommodations Available on the Tour?

The tour doesn’t specify any dietary accommodations. However, travelers can bring their own snacks and meal options are available in Mallaig during the 1-hour break. It’s recommended to check with the tour operator if you have any special dietary needs.

Can the Jacobite Steam Train Tickets Be Upgraded to First Class?

The tour does not offer an option to upgrade the Jacobite steam train tickets to first class. The standard class tickets are randomly allocated, and there’s no mention of first-class seating availability on this tour.

Is There an Option to Extend the Duration of the Tour?

There does not appear to be an option to extend the duration of the tour. The itinerary and inclusions are fixed, as stated in the tour overview, which lists the 13-hour duration and specific stops along the way.

The Sum Up

Set out on a magical journey through Scotland’s breathtaking Highlands. Ride the iconic Jacobite steam train, crossing the famous Glenfinnan Viaduct. Discover stunning locations like Glencoe and Loch Shiel, and explore the charming town of Pitlochry. This tour offers an unforgettable experience for Harry Potter fans and nature enthusiasts alike, with knowledgeable guides and incredible photo opportunities.