Overview

This two-hour small-group walking tour explores Edinburgh’s Old Town, focusing on locations connected to Harry Potter and the city’s darker history. The tour begins with a 15-minute introduction about how J.K. Rowling started writing Harry Potter in Edinburgh and the city's influence on her work. It then moves to Grassmarket, where public executions took place, with a 10-minute discussion of its grim past. Next, the group spends 10 minutes at The Vennel viewpoint to see views of Edinburgh Castle. The tour continues with a 10-minute stop at the Flodden Wall, learning about the battle that led to its construction. At George Heriot's School, the guide explains its possible connection to Hogwarts during a 10-minute visit. The group then spends 30 minutes at Greyfriars Kirkyard, viewing three gravestones believed to have inspired Harry Potter character names and hearing local ghost stories and tales of Edinburgh’s horrible history. Afterward, the tour visits two cafes where Rowling wrote parts of the books, with a 10-minute stop to discuss their significance. The final 25-minute stop is along the Royal Mile, where participants see J.K. Rowling’s Edinburgh award handprints. The entire tour is on foot, limited to 12 people, and includes an expert guide specializing in Edinburgh’s history and Harry Potter sites. All fees and taxes are included. Participants also receive a list of local recommendations for after the tour.

Highlights

Itinerary

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Cancellation policy

• Cancel at least 24 hours before start for a full refund.

Additional info