Discovering the Magic of Edinburgh: The Potter Trail Harry Potter Tour
Looking for something fun to do in Edinburgh, Scotland, and you’re an avid Harry Potter fan? The Potter Trail tour is a must-do. Check this out to learn all about it
Nestled among the cobbled streets and historic buildings of Edinburgh, Scotland, lies a world of enchantment that has captured the hearts of millions worldwide.
This city, rich in history and charm, also serves as a magical backdrop for the world of Harry Potter. As a passionate traveller and obsessive Potterhead (Ravenclaw here!), I couldn't resist the allure of The Potter Trail, a guided tour that promised to unravel the spells and secrets behind the beloved series.
A Magical Start
The adventure began at the iconic Greyfriar Bobby statue, a charming little dog that symbolizes loyalty and devotion. Tourists from all over the world come to rub his nose because it’s said to bring them luck. But the guides ask you not to do that as it’s wearing down Bobby’s nose. Here, I joined a group of fellow enthusiasts and our guide, dressed in a wizarding cloak, ready to take us on a magical journey. The Potter Trail, offered on a by-donation basis, was a wonderful touch, allowing everyone to contribute what they could and making the magic accessible to all. They also asked for donations at the end of the tour so people could pay based on what they felt the tour was worth (It is worth a ton, guys!).
The guide wanted it to be as interactive as possible and brought a handful of wands. First come first serve… You better believe I got in there. Sorry kids.
Greyfriars Kirkyard: A Stroll Through Inspiration
Our first stop was Greyfriars Kirkyard, a historic cemetery that holds more than just gravestones. This eerie yet fascinating place is where Rowling found the names of some of her most memorable characters. As we wandered through the kirkyard, our guide pointed out the tombstone of Thomas Riddell, the inspiration for the Dark Lord himself, Voldemort. It was both thrilling and chilling to stand in front of the grave that sparked the creation of such an iconic villain.
The kirkyard also features the grave of William McGonagall, a poet known for his notoriously bad verse, whose surname Rowling bestowed upon Hogwarts' stern yet beloved professor, Minerva McGonagall. Each gravestone told a story, weaving together the threads of history and fiction in a way that only Edinburgh could.
The photo op in front of Tom Riddell’s grave was also pretty fun!
George Heriot's School: The Hogwarts Connection
From within the Kirkyard, we saw George Heriot's School, a prestigious private school that served as the inspiration for Hogwarts. While we didn’t get to go inside the guide provided incredible insight about the school, so it was easy to see the parallels. The school's four houses and impressive structure echoed the very essence of Hogwarts, making it a fitting muse for the creation of the school we know and love.
I don’t think I was the only person on the tour who was a wee-bit jealous of the students who have actually attended that school!
Many believe that Edinburgh Castle was the inspiration for Hogwarts, but this is not true. However, it’s still a beautiful castle and fun to spot all around the city. I highly recommend if you’re in Edinburgh, touring the castle just to see the castle!
The University of Edinburgh and Potterrow Port
Our journey continued to the University of Edinburgh, specifically George Square. JK Rowling received a postgraduate certificate from the University of Edinburgh in 1996 in modern languages. But this stop was a means to an end, as it was on the way to an important underpass. We walked under Potterrow Port, a site that inspired the scene where Harry and Dudley encounter the Dementors. The dimly lit, tunnel-like atmosphere felt eerily similar to the book's description, adding a layer of authenticity to the tour.
While walking through the tunnel, you can definitely see the similarities, and it’s conveniently in the middle of the town.
The Elephant House and Nicholson's Café
As we moved towards the famous Elephant House, our guide shared an interesting fun fact: while the Elephant House is popularly known as the birthplace of Harry Potter, Rowling actually wrote much of the series in an old café called Nicholson's (now called Spoons). This nugget of information added a fascinating twist to the narrative and highlighted the often-overlooked spots that played a crucial role in the creation of Harry Potter.
But shh, don’t tell people about Spoons, or it’ll get too busy!
Photo from “OutdoorActive.com”
Victoria Street: The Real Diagon Alley
Our final major stop was the bustling Victoria Street, a vibrant and winding road that served as the inspiration for Diagon Alley. Lined with colourful shopfronts and quirky boutiques, Victoria Street exudes a sense of wonder and whimsy that is perfectly suited to the magical shopping district of Rowling's imagination. As our guide explained why this street was chosen, it was easy to imagine witches and wizards bustling about, purchasing their wands and spellbooks.
In the 90’s (when Rowling was writing the books) Victoria Street was bright and vibrant (much like it is today), but off the street there was a dim and spooky alley, which became the inspiration for the eeriness of Knockturn Alley. The two together created the shopping districts we know and love from the series.
To cap off the magical experience, we snuck into the official Harry Potter store in “Diagon Alley”. It was like stepping into a shop in the real deal, filled with all manner of wizarding wonders. I couldn't resist buying Professor McGonagall's wand, a perfect souvenir to remember this magical adventure.
Personal Reflections and Final Thoughts
As the tour drew to a close, I found myself reflecting on the magic of Edinburgh and the profound impact it had on J.K. Rowling's work. The Potter Trail was more than just a walk through the city; it was a journey through the imagination and creativity of an author’s mind.
As someone who is also a writer, it provided me with a lot to reflect on for my own work. JK Rowling was just an average person with an idea. She wrote in small coffee shops, was a single mom, didn’t have a lot of money, was an average student and got a slew of no’s before the one yes that changed her life. And her work changed the lives of millions of people. These tours are jam-packed with people.
Edinburgh's charm lies not only in its historic sites and stunning architecture but also in its ability to inspire and nurture creativity. For any Harry Potter fan, this tour is a must-do experience, offering a deeper understanding of the world that has enchanted readers for over two decades.
Whether you’re a die-hard Potterhead or simply a lover of history and literature, The Potter Trail in Edinburgh promises a magical adventure that will leave you spellbound. So grab your wand, don your cloak and step into the world of Harry Potter–the magic awaits.
To book your Potter Trail tour, head to their website and grab your FREE ticket.
5 Tips For Travelling As An Introvert
Are you an introvert who loves travelling but finds you get drained on trips with other people? Here are my top 5 tips to help you both have a great time and take care of your energy when and how you need it.
Get ready for your introvert travelling survival guide.
Are you like me?
I’m an introvert, INFJ, Enneagram 6, sensitive soul and HSP. All things quiet, sensitive and introverted.
If you are like me you’ll know that travelling to another country where there are new people and things, especially if you’re travelling with other people or even a group, can be daunting and challenging and ultimately draining.
But if you create a great plan that allows for some flexibility, while also taking care of your needs, then you’ll have the trip of a lifetime every time!
Here are 5 tips for having a great time travelling as an introvert:
Always have an escape route
If you are travelling with a group or in a place that is typically a really social place such as an all-inclusive somewhere having an escape plan for activities or wherever you’re going is key.
Research the city, place or activity you’re planning on doing that day and see what is around. Green spaces and nature work best sometimes even just having a couple of minutes of a breather in the street can help. Popping into a library, museum or coffee shop can also help. Even though a coffee shop is typically full of people you can still find quieter ones.
Even if you don’t use your escape route sometimes it helps your brain to simply know that you have one, that you’re willing to take care of yourself if you need it. But I highly recommend having one.
Sarah wandering through Santorini for a break
Photo taken on iPhone 14 Pro2. Build quiet time into your day
Plan ahead and build this in as a proactive tip. Try to add this into the middle of your day if you can.
This can include sightseeing by yourself in quieter sections of the town you’re in, going to the beach and decompressing if you’re in a place where there’s a beach nearby, grabbing a book, podcast, audiobook, etc. and spending an hour reading on your own either in your accommodation or in a green space, including meditation or mindfulness activities, etc.
But build it into the day. It can be tough with a group or other person but if you are upfront about your needs most of the time the other person will understand and may even want to do it with you. My husband always agrees to include downtime in our day and even as an extrovert he enjoys a quieter moment.
Sarah relaxing in Santorini reading a book
Photo taken on iPhone 14 Pro3. Bring your escape item with you
An escape item is a comfort item, something you can use to escape from the world for a few minutes such as a book or headphones, etc.
Keep those items close to you wherever you go. Even if you don’t think you’ll need them or have time to use them, trust me. Bring them with you. Sometimes having it nearby helps you feel better but it can also work if you find time to execute your escape route.
You might wander into a cafe or find a park for a couple of minutes and reading some pages of your book or plugging into a good playlist or podcast can be enough to help your energy last through the rest of the day. You might also use the headphones to do a quick meditation if you can find the space to do that but don’t get stuck without your escape item. They can also provide a great photo op!
Harry Potter and the Goblet Of Fire posing in the Elephant House cafe with Edinburgh Castle in the background
Photo taken on iPhone XR4. Try choosing vacays where you don’t have to be social all the time
This is always nice to throw into your travel schedule. Mix things up. If you’re always going with a group or a particular person try out solo travelling. If you’re always going to bigger cities with a lot of sightseeing try going somewhere smaller or more relaxing.
You can even add smaller/less social trips into your travel schedule. Tropical places are often nice for this. All-inclusive’s do tend to be pretty busy but you can find smaller ones, go during less busy times or find a nice Airbnb of your own.
These vacations often allow you to decompress and fill your introvert cup up!
Sarah having a relaxing/anti-social tropical vacation
Photo taken on iPhone 65. Be okay with exploring on your own
Honestly, I love exploring on my own. And I am considered an anxious traveller (funny hey, since I love travelling so much I created a travel blog and vlog!). But in the right setting, this can be great.
You need to know the location you’re travelling to. If you’re going to a place that isn’t safe to be alone then make sure you take that into consideration but if you’re heading to a safe place definitely do this.
Plan activities you can do on your own. Take your time, don’t go by anyone’s timing but yours, do what you want when you want. I guarantee you’ll have a great time!
You don’t have to spend an entire trip doing this but have a day in the middle or a couple of days and watch how you transform the rest of the trip. Do what you need to do to keep your energy high!
Sarah posing by the Beheading Stone in Stirling, Scotland
Photo taken on early 2000’s digital cameraAs an introvert, your energy decreases when you’re around people. It doesn’t mean you don’t like people or don’t enjoy spending time with people, it just means you’ll need a bit of alone time to bring yourself back up.
Spending some time alone on your vacation can be exactly what you need to feel relaxed and fulfilled. As introverts, we often notice the small things that most people miss. This can provide us with a deeper way of experiencing the world. Travelling can allow you to learn more about who you are so you come back with vigour and a deeper love for yourself and the world.
Happy travels!
The Life Changing Experience of Your First International Travel- Stirling, Scotland
Have you considered trying travelling or doing a solo travel experience? Take it from me, travelling has a way of changing your life. My first international travel experience to Stirling, Scotland was amazing.
My mother-in-law said something to me recently that really impacted me. She said, “You cannot travel internationally and come back the same person.”
And honestly, how true is that?
Especially your first international travel experience.
Growing up we didn’t travel, especially to other countries. My mother is not the best traveller; severe motion sickness. Not at all pleasant.
So my first international travel experience was at the age of 22 in 2014 to the small-ish town of Stirling, Scotland.
Beautiful green rolling hills in Stirling, Scotland. The Old Stirling Bridge in the bottom and the Wallace Monument on the hill.
Taken with early 2000’s digital camera (type unknown)
The moment I stepped off the bus in Stirling after flying into Glasgow airport I fell in love.
Stirling was everything I had dreamed Scotland to be. It was a small town but big enough to have an important castle and a university. It had beautiful stone buildings, a monument, enough sights to fill an entire 10 days and cobblestone roads (oh, did I ever love those cobblestone roads).
Buildings in Stirling, Scotland featuring an example of Cobblestone roads
Taken with early 2000’s digital camera (type unknown)
But there was something that amazed me the most…
It was how I felt.
Now I might have been expecting to feel different so the self-fulfilling prophecy made it so but honestly, I felt everything lift off of my shoulders immediately. I felt free. I felt empowered. I felt at home.
We got off the bus in front of a watering hole (I soon found out this meant that they did not serve food, only drinks and I was sober at this time so when I ordered an ice tea that request was met with a very strange look). Our accommodations weren’t ready yet so my entire band filed into this little tavern (taking up the entire place) at about 2 in the afternoon. There we met a young girl with her parents.
It turned out she was from the US but had been going to school at Strathclyde University in Stirling, conveniently that was where we were staying, and her parents were there to watch her graduate.
I remember thinking that she had exactly what I wanted. I had always wanted to study abroad. I had even started making plans for it. Those plans didn’t end up working out but these things happen for a reason.
Photo of Stirling, Scotland and the Stirling Castle Graveyard taken from Stirling Castle
Taken with early 2000’s digital camera (type unknown)
Here’s what I love the most about Stirling (and why it’s my favourite city in the world (so far)):
The greenness.
Okay, so this is all of Scotland and the UK thing in general. It’s very green.
The historicness.
I was so intrigued by the cobblestone roads (that is until I had to march and drum in a parade up them and almost ate it) and fell in love with the look of the buildings and the “old town” part. There is a lot of that all around Scotland but Stirling felt like all of it was this way. If you go to Glasgow there are a decent amount of old-looking buildings but it honestly is like any other big modern city.
The small and safe feeling.
It was definitely a small-town feeling. And I felt so safe there. It was almost like it was familiar. And I think honestly, for a first-time international trip that was such an important part. If I hadn’t felt so safe and comfortable I don’t know that I would be as in love with travelling as I am. I think your first one is a make-or-break-it kind of thing. No matter if it’s good or if it bombs you come back a changed person but having a good first travel experience will really set the tone for how you go about travelling in the future or if you even do.
But I’d like to tell you a story about this first experience that led to some great things in the future.
The Old Stirling Bridge, Stirling Scotland
Taken by Dave Mann - Photos By Dave
On this first trip to Scotland when we stayed in Stirling we came as a band. We had two main events; playing in a parade where we march through the streets (yes, those cobblestone streets… And yes, I did slip on the cobblestone while marching) of Stirling for a festival and playing in Queen Anne’s courtyard in Stirling Castle.
These were absolutely amazing. I cannot describe to you how exciting it was to play in the castle. The acoustics in the courtyard were unbelievable and the feeling of doing something so unique that I had never experienced before was amazing.
The band then got to tour the castle for free. We took photos and had a blast. It quickly became my favourite castle in Scotland (yes, even more than Edinburgh). My secret dream was to get married there however, that dream was soon squashed when I discovered it cost about $17k (probably more now) to get married there. I even started a fiction book which was based at the castle…
No, in case you’re wondering, I never finished it.
All photos taken at Stirling Castle in Stirling, Scotland on an early 2000’s digital camera
When the band goes to Scotland we stay at the university residence. It’s an easy way to keep band members altogether for an affordable price and our first trip to Stirling was no exception. We stayed at the University of Strathclyde residence across a bridge from the main part of town.
That bridge was the Old Stirling Bridge where the battle of Stirling Bridge took place (I know, you probably never would have guessed that name. It’s so creative).
The Battle Of Stirling Bridge was a historic victory during the first war of Scottish Independence. The forces of Andrew Moray and William Wallace (after the Wallace Monument in Stirling) defeated the combined English forces as one of the only victories the Scottish had against the English at that time.
But here’s what my bandmates and I knew about it…
Every morning for breakfast a whole herd of us would march ourselves across the bridge (it was right where we were staying) into the little bakery on the other side of it to grab ourselves a coffee and pastry for about 1 pound. And their stuff was amazing.
One thing I came back from Scotland preaching was that the coffee over there was far superior to any coffee in Canada. It’s true. I no longer drink coffee (since about 2018 but I would absolutely drink coffee there).
This little bakery made amazing coffee and their pastries were out of this world. They were in a strange part of the town and I don’t think in a touristy part but they were the best kept secret in Scotland.
The best bakery in Stirling
Taken with early 2000’s digital camera (type unknown)
Ultimately, this trip changed me.
I fell in love with the freedom and independence I felt.
At home, I was so dependent on people, yet hyper-independent at the same time. I felt like I didn’t know how to be alone yet I always suffered in silence.
I had severe depression and extreme anxiety, I had OCD, undiagnosed ADHD, undiagnosed Sensory Processing Disorder, suffered from selective mutism and shyness and I was in the middle of an Eating Disorder I didn’t want to admit. I lived in fear of everything and anything. I always felt stuck. Stuck having to be the person everyone thought I was. Stuck in perfectionism. Stuck hating life. I didn’t want to be there anymore.
But on that trip to Stirling, I was none of those things.
I no longer felt scared or anxious, actually, I felt empowered and brave. I no longer felt sad and I genuinely wanted to still be on this earth. I ate without needing to run for 10 km’s or have an hour-long workout where I told myself how disgusted I was with myself (I went to the same restaurant multiple times alone and devoured the most amazing bowl of mac n cheese). I didn’t feel obsessive I felt present in the moment. I no longer felt scattered and overwhelmed I felt grounded.
That was the trip that made me fall in love with travel and showed me a world without my “alphabet soup” of struggles.
I can’t say that my life was perfect from there on out. Once I returned home and had demands placed back on me I still struggled but that trip showed me there was another way.
It showed me that those things were not out of my control and there was something that could be done. I wasn’t hopeless anymore. Travel gave me something to live for. In those rolling green hills I chose to live.
I felt so brave that one day I went off exploring Stirling on my own.
All photos of Old Town in Stirling taken on an early 2000’s digital camera. Photo quality is poor.
If you’ve been considering a solo travel experience (or any travel experience) let this be your sign…
Travel and exploration is the thing I love most in the world.
I literally owe my life to it.
XO,
Sarah