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!

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.

Discovering the Magic of Edinburgh: The Potter Trail Harry Potter Tour