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10 Scottish Locations Harry Potter Fans Must Visit

28 Jun, 2021

People of all ages love Harry Potter. What began as a humble collection of kids’ books has become the best-selling book series of all time and has been adapted into some of the highest-grossing films of all time.

All of this success has led to quite a few Harry Potter-themed attractions around the world, too. There are the created attractions like Harry Potter World in London and The Wizarding World of Harry Potter in Florida. But we’d like to make a case for why Scotland is, by far, the best place for Harry Potter fans to visit.

In fact, there are tonnes of Scotland TV and film locations to visit, with Harry Potter being only one of many such draws for fans. Without further ado, here are 10 locations in Scotland Harry Potter fans must visit!

1. Hogwarts in the Scottish Highlands

In the Harry Potter books, Hogwarts is set in the Scottish Highlands, which is one of the main reasons why there are so many Scottish locations in the films.

If you see a beautiful vista in one of the films, with rolling hills or jagged mountains, chances are it’s in the Scottish Highlands. Loch Arkaig, Clachaig Gully, and Glencoe all served as filming locations for the Harry Potter movies.

There are extraordinary hiking trails in the Highlands, as well as scenic drives and jaw-dropping viewpoints. Keep an eye out for Hogwarts wherever you go! It’s supposed to have a secret protective barrier around it to keep it hidden from muggles, but you never know…

We have a pre-packaged Scottish Highlands tour if you’re keen on seeing this epic scenery, but we can also adapt any of our tour itineraries to include a trip to the Highlands.

2. Victoria Street in Edinburgh: The Real Diagon Alley?

While York claims that its street ‘The Shambles’ was the inspiration for Harry Potter and London’s Leadenhall Market provided the exterior shots for the film, Edinburgh has a solid claim for the real Diagon Alley.

J. K. Rowling lived in Edinburgh the entire time she wrote the Harry Potter books and it’s rumoured that Edinburgh’s eccentrically beautiful Victoria Street was the true inspiration for Diagon Alley.

Victoria Street has a multicoloured mixture of storefronts selling all kinds of wares. While the street’s unique curving shape isn’t quite diagonal, it’s certainly not straight either!

There is actually a Diagon Alley plaque on Candlemaker’s Row, an alley just off Victoria Street. Whether true or not, it’s easy to see why this Edinburgh road is popular with Harry Potter fans!

3. The Glenfinnan Viaduct for the Harry Potter Train

The Glenfinnan Viaduct is a beautiful railway viaduct on the West Highland Line that any self-respecting Harry Potter fans are guaranteed to recognise.

It is the set of one the most iconic shots in all of the movies, as the Hogwarts Express in Chamber of Secrets is making its way to the school and Ron and Harry are flying overhead in Arthur Weasley’s flying Ford Anglia.

But that’s not all: the Glenfinnan Viaduct was also where the train stopped in Prisoner of Azkaban when the dementors searched for Sirius Black.

For Harry Potter fans and history fans alike, the Jacobite Express (the real name for the “Harry Potter train”) is a view worthy of a photo op.

Timing your visit to see the train crossing the viaduct is easy enough, especially when you have a local expert guiding your journey through the Highlands and beyond!

If you’re visiting with the whole family, take a look at our suggestion for the best itinerary for touring Scotland with kids to see how you could fit in a sighting of the Hogwarts Express!

4. Greyfriars Kirkyard: Visit Tom Riddle’s Grave in Edinburgh

J. K. Rowling has been very open about how much inspiration she has taken from her adopted city (Edinburgh). Some of that inspiration has come from Greyfriars Kirkyard — a hauntingly beautiful old graveyard close to The Elephant House Café (more on that Harry Potter location later).

Authors often cite gravestones as a great resource for choosing characters’ names. Rowling claims to have found the name for her greatest villain in Greyfriars Kirkyard.

Take a visit to the graveyard and look for Tom Riddle’s grave, but be prepared for a slightly different spelling: Thomas Riddell Esquire.

There is also a gravestone with ‘William McGonagall’ on it. Perhaps this was the inspiration for Hogwarts’ great transfiguration professor?

You won’t be alone in your Harry Potter fan search here; there are frequent tour groups and Potterheads marking fairly clear paths to the most prominent names in the graveyard.

5. Give J.K. Rowling a High-Five at Edinburgh City Chambers

The Edinburgh City Chambers, on the Royal Mile, is an impressive building in its own right. But it might be especially appealing to Harry Potter fans keen to see its tribute to J. K. Rowling.

Edinburgh gives the ‘Edinburgh Award’ to outstanding residents of the city and J. K. Rowling certainly matches that description! Rowling won the award in 2008 and an impression of her hands has been immortalised in bronze in the City Chambers courtyard.

This is definitely a Scotland destination for Harry Potter fans to catch a glimpse of the hands that created your favourite fictional world! Go ahead and give her handprints a high-five to thank her for these stories.

6. The Final Harry Potter Chapter: The Balmoral Hotel in Edinburgh

The Balmoral Hotel is a really swanky establishment on Edinburgh’s gorgeous Princes Street, and it’s worth visiting if you want your stay in Edinburgh to be particularly extravagant!

However, it has a special attraction for Harry Potter fans. This was where J. K. Rowling stayed while she was writing The Deathly Hallows , the final book in the Harry Potter series.

Rowling apparently stayed in the hotel to get away from any day-to-day distractions while she finished her series. The room she stayed in is now called The J. K. Rowling Suite.

Don’t worry if the Balmoral is out of your budget. We have plenty of suggestions for hotels in Edinburgh and you’ll also want to get some inspiration from our recommended things to do in Edinburgh .

7. Hogwarts in Glasgow? The University of Glasgow

Whilst it was actually Alnwick Castle in the North East of England that was used for the exterior shots of Hogwarts in the first few films, pretty much everyone who sees the University of Glasgow’s main building is struck by its uncanny resemblance to Hogwarts.

Not only does it look the part from the outside, but it also has a courtyard inside that looks a lot like the spot where Harry first learned to fly his broomstick in the first film.

You can visit both Glasgow and Edinburgh as part of our Two Cities tour !

8. Hogwarts in Edinburgh? George Heriot’s School

The University of Glasgow bears a striking resemblance to Hogwarts in the films, but George Heriot’s School is actually the school that inspired J. K. Rowling for her books. It was visible from her preferred writing spot in The Elephant House café (more on that below).

George Heriot’s School is a beautiful old building with turrets that make it look a lot like a castle, and it dates back to the early 1600s. Rowling has also said that she based Hogwarts’ different houses on the house system used at George Heriots.

The school isn’t usually open to visitors, but you can certainly get a good look at it from The Elephant House café.

9. Steall Falls from the  Goblet of Fire

Whilst exploring the stunning Scottish Highlands, enjoying a short walk to Steall Falls might remind you of a particular moment in the film  Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire .  

There are many other locations in the Highlands to visit for Harry Potter scenery, including Loch Etive, Loch Morar, and Loch Eilt, and Rannoch Moor.

10. Birthplace of Harry Potter: The Elephant House in Edinburgh

This charming little café has a pretty great claim to fame: it is, arguably, the ‘birthplace of Harry Potter’. It has even written this on its window!

There’s actually a lot of truth to this claim as The Elephant House was the café J. K. Rowling escaped to when she was writing the first Harry Potter novel.

Some writers need to get away from home to get their creative juices flowing and Rowling has said in the past that the café was a great place for her to write Harry Potter.

If you want to visit the place where the entire Harry Potter World was first built, then The Elephant House is an absolute must. Don’t miss out on the Harry Potter-themed graffiti in the toilets!

There are so many different reasons to visit Scotland, but we think a dedicated Harry Potter tour is as good a reason as any!

If this kind of trip interests you, please check out our tailor-made Scottish tours page . On it, you can tell us about your ideal tour of Scotland. If you want to see a few of the locations mentioned in this blog, make sure you include them. And if you have any questions for us, please don’t hesitate to get in touch . Plan your perfect Harry Potter holiday with Inspiring Travel Scotland!

This post was originally published in August 2018 and was updated in June 2021.

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• 15 Scottish Destinations Every Harry...

15 Scottish Destinations Every Harry Potter Fan Needs to Visit

You don’t need the Sorting Hat to explain the links between Scotland and Harry Potter. This magical world of witchcraft and wizardry is immortalised both by Rowling’s books, her sources of inspiration and through the spellbinding Scottish filming locations. For nostalgia’s sake, dust off that trusty old Nimbus 2000 or whip out that floo powder and make way for Scotland to live out all HP dreams. Accio Firebolt!

1. the elephant house.

Cafe, Restaurant, Coffee Shop, British

2. Victoria St

Even muggles can see why Rowling sought writing inspiration from her adopted home town of Edinburgh — the world’s first city of literature — and the rest of bonnie Scotland. Dotted around the capital are a myriad of HP places, including the real Diagon Alley in the form of Victoria Street, with its hodge podge of alluring shops and kaleidoscopic colours, and also the nearby Candlemaker Row. Both streets are a stone’s throw from George Heriot’s School, a dramatic architectural masterpiece with ancient school houses. Both Heriot’s and Hogwarts bear an uncanny resemblance.

Victoria Street, Edinburgh, Scotland

Victoria Street | © beyondboundariesphotography/Flickr

Tom Riddle’s Grave

Greyfriars Kirkyard is a known respite spot for Rowling. It is also home to the real-life grave of Thomas Riddell Esquire. Could it be that Rowling found Voldemort’s true name, Tom Riddle, while wandering the grounds of this ancient graveyard? Greyfriars also hosts the resting places of Elizabeth Moodie and William McGonagall, aka Mad-Eye Moody and Professor McGonagall.

Greyfriars Kirkyard, Candlemaker Row, Edinburgh, Scotland

3. The Balmoral Hotel

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4. Loch Shiel

Natural Feature

6. Loch Eilt

A pocket of peace and unparalleled beauty, the wee island of Eilean na Mòine encompassed by the freshwaters of Loch Eilt plays an integral role as Dumbledore’s grave. Adding to the atmospheric shots, this compact island was digitally situated upon the ever-so scenic Loch Arkaig for the films. Loch Eilt also features in some exterior shots of the grounds at Hogwarts.

Loch Eilt, Loch Aber, Scotland

Loch Eilt | © Matze Schmidt/Flickr

7. Glenfinnan Viaduct

Rannoch Moor

Those who find themselves spellbound with the Hogwarts Express will recognise Rannoch Moor, an area of untamed wilderness awash with an eclectic array of wildlife, lochans, and rocky patches, from the journey. This breathtaking place can be seen from the West Highland Line and was infiltrated by Death Eaters in the Deathly Hallows Part 1 when they appeared on the train.

Rannoch Moor, Pitlochry, Scotland

8. Steall Falls

A cascading ribbon of white water following the ways of the slope it caresses, Steall Falls is a picture-perfect waterfall situated in Glen Nevis. Its beauty is showcased, along with the all-encompassing scenery, in the Triwizard Tournament in the Goblet of Fire when Harry faces the Hungarian horntail dragon. More alluring than a golden snitch, the falls are also the backdrop for many Quidditch matches.

Steall Falls, Old Military Rd, Fort William, Scotland

Steall Falls | © WikiCommons

9. Black Rock Gorge

10. Glen Etive

One of the many glens embellishing the Highlands, Glen Etive welcomes film buffs and book worms eager to explore its mystical ways. This iconic glen was used for numerous shots throughout the Deathly Hallows films and is a playground for those overcome with a sense of adventure.

Glen Etive, Ballachulish, Scotland

Glen Etive | © Petr Meissner/Flickr

11. Loch Etive

Although no muggle could ever fully understand the bond between BFFs Hermione, Harry and Ron, Loch Etive is a good place to start! This sea loch and its bonnie banks made a cameo in the film as the setting for the camping trip.

Loch Etive & Ben Cruachan, Argyll and Bute, Scotland

Loch Etive & Ben Cruachan | © john mcsporran/Flickr

12. Scottish Owl Centre

Every witch and wizard needs an owl. Those intent on getting into Hogwarts should swing by the Scottish Owl Centre and learn a trick or two from Oulu, a delightful 15-year-old Great Grey Owl who happens to be the real sister of Errol, Ron’s famous bird. Witnessing the owls partake in handling sessions and flying displays is almost simple magical!

Scottish Owl Centre, Bathgate, Scotland

Scottish Owl Centre | © Andy Morffew/Flickr

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Harry Potter Filming Locations in Scotland: A Complete Guide

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Where is the most magical place for Harry Potter fans to visit? Some would argue London, what with the Harry Potter Studios just a short train ride north and all of those fantastic filming locations in London like Piccadilly Circus and Grimmauld Place. Others might say Edinburgh , the “Birthplace” of the books. Personally, I would say the Highlands of Scotland. And seeking out some of the Harry Potter locations in Scotland should be on every Potterhead’s Bucket List.

Scotland’s cinematic and epic landscapes are weaved throughout all eight films , particularly as the Hogwarts Express steams through the Highlands en route to Hogwarts School in almost every movie. Several lochs, waterfalls and moors around Scotland were used to heighten the awe and excitement already found in these adaptations and you can absolutely visit every single one for yourself!

I’ve visited all of these Harry Potter Scotland locations (except one!) including a ride on The Jacobite Steam Train over Glenfinnan Viaduct . This guide will detail exactly where all of the Harry Potter locations are in Scotland , which films and scenes they appeared in and how to get there via car and public transport (where possible!) including a map. Basically, everything you need to know so you can visit the Scotland Harry Potter locations too!

Harry Potter Locations Scotland: Where was Harry Potter filmed in Scotland?

Every Single Harry Potter Filming Location in Scotland

1. rannoch moor, bridge of orchy.

Which Films?  Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince (2009) and  Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1  (2010).

Which Scenes?  Hogwarts Express briefly travels through this area in  Half-Blood Prince  and the Dementors stop the train in this area at the beginning of  Deathly Hallows Part 1. 

Would you believe this Harry Potter location in Scotland isn’t most known for its appearance in the wizard boy series? Corrour Station in Rannoch Moor played a prominent role in the 1996 British cult classic Trainspotting  and it’s 2017 sequel. But the moor’s burnt orange and strangely flat landscape (for Scotland, anyway, which is basically one giant hill) offer an eery setting for the later, darker Harry Potter films. 

How to Get There

Via Car –  Rannoch Moor Viewpoint is on the A82, the main road between Glasgow and Fort William. I started off using the postcode PA36 4AG but our Sat Nav/GPS directed us to turn right down some random side road which is very incorrect. Keep on the A82 until you reach the Rannoch Moor Viewpoint (pinned on the map) and there is a small layby you can pull into to park which might be tricky if the road is particularly busy. And it sometimes is during summer but in spring/winter it’ll be really quiet!

Via Public Transport –  Though it’s not the  exact  Harry Potter location, taking the train from Fort William or Glasgow to Corrour Station as I mentioned above is the best way to visit the general Rannoch Moor area via public transport. I’ve written a whole separate guide on visiting Corrour Station from Glasgow which you can find below…

Corrour Station in Scotland: How to Visit the Trainspotting Location

Trainspotting and T2 Trainspotting Filming Locations in Scotland

2. Loch Etive in Glen Etive

Which Films?  Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix  (2005) and  Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1  (2010).

Which Scenes?  The loch can be seen briefly in the background when the Hogwarts Express travels through the Highlands in Order of the Phoenix  and Harry, Ron and Hermione camp on the shores of this loch while searching for Horcruxes when Ron decides to leave the group and Hermione ties her scarf on a tree in Deathly Hallows Part 1. 

There are some seriously gorgeous lochs featured in the Harry Potter series. Prepare for loch overload! Over-loch! Anyway… The first loch on the list is Loch Etive , not a million miles away from Glen Coe . It’s a sea loch stretching 30km which is why it has a thin sliver of beach around its banks. When we visited in August 2020, the loch was surprisingly busy with families camping in the area so despite the extremely remote location, it’s beauty still seems to draw people there.

Via Car –  There is a car park at the northern tip of the loch (which is where Harry Potter scenes take place, luckily!) called Glen Etive Estate Parking. It’s free but we visited on a Sunday afternoon in August so the car park was very  busy. In winter, I imagine it’ll be completely deserted. Use the postcode PH49 4JA which will direct you straight to the car park. Unfortunately, it’s a 30/40 minute drive down a single track road and then back up again to the A82 so not the most convenient location.

Via Public Transport –  I don’t think there is any way you can reach this Harry Potter in Scotland location without a taxi fare costing you £££!

3. Clachaig Gully in Glen Coe

Which Films?  Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (2004),  Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix (2007) and  Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince  (2009).

Which Scenes?  Hagrid’s hut is set here and the students visit Hagrid after Divination and for Buckbeak’s execution in  Prisoner of Azkaban , Harry visits Hagrid and witnesses the thestrals for the first time and the three students visit Hagrid before Umbridge fires him in Order of the Phoenix and Slughorn and Harry mourn Aragog with Hagrid here in  Half-Blood Prince.

One of the top Harry Potter locations in Scotland for me, hands down. Hagrid’s hut was moved from the edges of Black Park in Slough to Clachaig Gully by director Alfonso Cuarón in Prisoner of Azkaban.  That man changed so much about the series for the better. It’s a  much  more dramatic location with a little lochen in the background and mist settling on the hilltops. Fern has taken over where the hut used to stand but you can still imagine the scenes unfolding in that location.

Via Car –  You can park at the Clachaig Inn, so follow the postcode PH49 4HX which is a short detour off the A82. Continue by walking up the road to the left of the pub and you’ll see a narrow path next to the road (picture below) that you can walk up into the fern. The exact site of Hagrid’s Hut is pinned on the map above. It’s literally no more than a 10-minute walk from the car park to the filming location.

Via Public Transport – If you’re already staying in the general Glen Coe area, either on an organised trip or you’ve taken a CityLink bus from Glasgow, it’s definitely not impossible. You could actually stay at the Clachaig Inn for starters, or take a taxi from another local hotel or lodge provided it’s not 50 miles away.

Read next:  8 Epic Isle of Skye Filming Locations to Discover in Scotland

4. Steall Waterfall in Glen Nevis

Which Films?  Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone (2001),  Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (2002),  Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (2004),  Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire (2005) and  Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince  (2009).

Which Scenes?  The background scenery for all Quidditch matches in the films listed and the setting of the first Triwizard Tournament in Goblet of Fire  (2005).

I secretly love it when a popular activity or “top thing to do” in a city or region is also a filming location. Because even though I look  like a regular tourist, I’m actually  an undercover, super nerdy location hunter. AKA a really cool person. Steall Waterfall in Glen Nevis is one of the top activities to do in Fort William (aside from climbing Ben Nevis , the tallest peak in the UK). It’s a 120m tall waterfall, the second tallest in Scotland, and it’s a lovely way to spend a morning . The trek is a bit tricky because there are a few waterfalls and rocks to clamber over but there’s basically no elevation so you don’t need an amazing level of fitness.

Via Car –  It’s only a 20-minute drive from Fort William to Glen Nevis Car Park (postcode PH33 6SY) and the parking is free. It’s a sizeable car park but I recommend getting there fairly early. We arrived between 9:00-9:30 in the morning on an August Bank Holiday and that was a great time to go. Not just because the car park was full by midday, but the path to the waterfall is quite narrow and you don’t want to have to constantly stop to pass tonnes of people on your walk.

The hike takes around 30/40 minutes (depending on how many times you stop for photos) and begins at the car park, so you’ll find it really easily.

Via Public Transport –  Definitely doable! If you’re already staying in Fort William for The Jacobite Steam Train, putting aside a morning for this hike is a great idea. You’ll need to arrange a taxi from Fort William and back again, but I actually saw a couple of women get out of a taxi at Glen Nevis Car Park so people clearly do it.

5. Loch Arkaig

Which Films?  Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2  (2011).

Which Scenes?  After stealing from Bellatrix Lestrange’s vault at Gringotts, Harry, Ron and Hermione hitch a ride on the back of a dragon and are dropped off in this loch at the start of Deathly Hallows Part 2.  Also featured in some scenes via CGI with the Eilean na Moine island as it’s a bigger, wider loch than Loch Eilt (see N.7).

Definitely one of the most remote, off-the-beaten-path Harry Potter filming locations in Scotland.  By Far.  Which might make it the most remote Harry Potter location ever ! Loch Arkaig is a long, secluded freshwater loch just north of Fort William measuring 12 miles total in length.

Via Car –  As with Loch Etive, the ‘Parking Place’ is actually right next to the precise filming location, so that’s perfect. Use the postcode PH34 4EL for Murlaggan but you’ll need to continue driving until you reach the Parking Place (photo below) which is about 15 minutes further. I’m not going to lie, it’s a 90-minute drive from Fort William to the Parking Place and much of that is a single track, bumpy road. It ain’t fun. Then you’ve got to drive it back again.

This location is beautiful, but I’ll put a “diehard Harry Potter fans only” sticker on it because the long drive might not be worth it to most.

Via Public Transport –  You ain’t getting here by bus or train, pal. Maybe someone has a Nimbus 2000 you can borrow?

6. Loch Morar

Which Films?  Various  Harry Potter  films. Most likely all the same films that Loch Shiel featured in (see N.9).

Which Scenes?  Unknown.

This is a bit of a ‘meh’ Harry Potter location because the only reason it features on this list is due to its use as a second unit location. Meaning it’s not one of the big boy Harry Potter locations but was used for sporadic CGI/special effects shots. While Loch Shiel is the main loch that stood in as Hogwarts’ Great Lake, Loch Morar was utilised for some close-up shots, as needed. It’s the deepest loch in Scotland though, so that’s a fun fact. You might need that little tidbit for a pub quiz.

It’s probably a very beautiful loch, but I just paid it a quick visit on an  extremely  wet and misty day. So my photos aren’t that great!

Via Car –  It’s not too far off the A830, which is the main road between Mallaig and Fort William. We parked quite close to the town of Morar itself at the Our Lady of Perpetual Succour & St Cumin’s RC Church (great name) which has the postcode PH40 4PB. The church has quite a big car park (picture below) and it was easy for me to just nip out and take a few snaps of the loch opposite before returning to shelter.

Via Public Transport –  Morar has a train station on the West Highland train line between Fort William and Mallaig, so you can absolutely visit this loch via public transport. Check out ScotRail’s website for timetable and ticket information.

Read next: 22 Fantastic Films set in Scotland to Inspire You to Visit

7. Eilean na Moine in Loch Eilt

Which Films?  Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (2004),  Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire (2005),  Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1  (2010) and  Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2  (2011).

Which Scenes?  Harry and Lupin take a walk next to this island whilst chatting about Dementors and Hagrid skips stones here after attending Buckbeak’s sentencing in Prisoner of Azkaban , briefly seen from the window of the Hogwarts Express in Goblet of Fire and the island is the setting of Dumbledore’s grave in Deathly Hallows Part 1  and  Deathly Hallows Part 2.

I love these tiny little islands covered in trees dotted around in some Scottish lochs. I think if pixies exist, they’d live somewhere like these tiny islands. Eilean na Moine in Loch Eilt was the picturesque wee island used in the Harry Potter movies, though you might not remember it being in such a small loch close to the banks! That’s because Eilean na Moine was often CGI’d into Loch Arkaig in the later Harry Potter films , which is a much bigger, wider loch.

Via Car –  Very similar to Loch Morar, the loch is just off the A830 road using postcode PH38 4LZ but parking is a lot trickier. There is a very  slim gravelly layby that has obviously just been worn down by people parking up there. But it’s not an actual layby. Or there is a very small place for a car to park next to a gate. I’ve pinned on my map above where you can park near the island, but I recommend checking out the road on Google Street View first so you know what you’re dealing with.

Then, it’s just a short walk down a worn path through the trees to see the island up close.

Via Public Transport –  The closest train station to Eilean na Moine is Lochailort Station and its also on the West Highland train line like Morar Station. It’s a 30-minute walk from the station and I’m not 100% sure there’s a decent path or pavement. However, if you’re travelling on The Jacobite Steam Train from Fort William to Mallaig during your trip, you can spot it from the right side of the train! The second photo below is proof of this, so that might be a convenient alternative.

8. Glenfinnan Viaduct

Which Films?  Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (2002),  Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban  (2004) and  Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire  (2005).

Which Scenes?  Ron and Harry fly the Ford Anglia car over the bridge and are almost hit by the Hogwarts Express in  Chamber of Secrets , the Dementors stop the steam train over this viaduct in  Prisoner of Azkaban and the Hogwarts Express travels over the viaduct briefly in  Goblet of Fire.

You knew this one was coming, right? This Harry Potter filming location in Scotland is  the  most recognisable, iconic location in the entire series. A lot of people think Glenfinnan Viaduct features in most of the films, but it’s actually just in three! That’s how much people associate this location with the Hogwarts Express journey through the Highlands.

You simply  cannot  miss this Harry Potter location if you are on a quest to see Scotland Harry Potter locations. Try and head to the viaduct when The Jacobite Steam Train is due to be crossing, though it’s still worth visiting regardless. The viaduct is just as exciting to see in real life as you’d expect.

Via Car –  Like the previous two locations, Glenfinnan is also on the A830 road between Fort William and Mallaig and you can park at the Glenfinnan Visitors Centre Car Park using the postcode PH37 4LT. All-day parking is £3 here. There are some free car parks nearby (though the main one that people recommend is now the ‘Wee Harry Potter Bridge Project’ and you can’t enter it at time of writing)

I’ve got tonnes more information on visiting Glenfinnan including where to stand and what time the steam train crosses the viaduct on a separate blog post here .

Via Public Transport –  And like the previous two locations, Glenfinnan Station is  also  on the West Highland train line! Makes sense considering Glenfinnan Viaduct is a railway bridge.  And  by travelling on this train line, you’ll actually cross the viaduct itself. From Glenfinnan Station, you can easily hike up the Glenfinnan Viaduct Trail to the best viewpoint to watch the train cross the Harry Potter bridge.

9. Loch Shiel in Glenfinnan

Which Scenes?  When the students arrive at Hogwarts on boats in Philosopher’s Stone , during a wide shot before Oliver Wood leads the Gryffindor team out for Quidditch practice in Chamber of Secrets , when the students arrive at Hogwarts via carriages and when Harry rides Buckbeak over the Great Lake in Prisoner of Azkaban , when students from Hogwarts, Durmstrang and Beauxbaton all arrive at Hogwarts and when they leave at the end and also during the second Triwizard Tournament in Goblet of Fire , briefly seen when the students arrive at Hogwarts in  Order of the Phoenix and in the background of Harry talking to Hermione on the balcony next to the Astronomy tower at the end of  Half-Blood Prince.

Honestly, Glenfinnan spoils us HP fans. All the best Scotland Harry Potter locations are in Glenfinnan , which is actually quite a tiny place. Ten points to Glenfinnan! Directly opposite the viaduct is a beautiful  sea loch called Loch Shiel and it appears in almost every film as the Great Lake (or Black Lake). You really can’t miss this filming location, especially if you’re wanting to see the viaduct anyway. It’s an excellent bonus feature.

Via Car – How you get to Loch Shiel is exactly how you get to the Glenfinnan Viaduct! It’s literally opposite the Glenfinnan Visitors Centre Car Park, like a 3-minute walk away. You can’t miss it. Head up to Glenfinnan Viewpoint for a panoramic vista of both Loch Shiel (pictured below) and the viaduct from a distance. But it’s worth walking up to the loch itself, too, so you can check out Glenfinnan Monument .

Via Public Transport –  Annnnd same again. Don’t say I don’t treat you!

10. Black Rock Gorge

Which Films?  Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire  (2005).

Which Scenes?  The Hungarian Horntail dragon chases Harry over this gorge in the first Triwizard Tournament in  Goblet of Fire. 

You’ll notice that the previous nine Harry Potter locations were all concentrated in one area of the West Highlands near Glen Coe, Fort William and Mallaig. Which is why it was (relatively) easy to tick them all off in one trip.

However, if you look at the map at the beginning of this blog post, you’ll see Black Rock Gorge is waaaay up north above Inverness and not remotely near any of the other filming locations. So sadly, this is the only Harry Potter film location I’ve not actually visited yet! Maybe if I do the North Coast 500 I can squeeze in a quick visit.

Via Car –  The gorge is (apparently) easy to find via marked paths in Evanton Wood which is just off the A9 road roughly a 30-minute drive north of Inverness. I think the car park is either at or near Blackrock Caravan & Camping Park (postcode IV16 IUN) and there is probably a small fee. I believe the gorge is an easy, yet often muddy, 2.5-mile walk from the car park and there are bridges running over the gorge so you can look down into it.

Via Public Transport –  The nearest train station is a 90-minute walk away (Alness) which is a bit far! It’s probably not very accessible without a car I’m afraid.

11. The Jacobite Steam Train

This is a “Harry Potter location that’s not really a filming location but Harry Potter fans love it so I’m including it anyway” entry. The Jacobite Steam Train travels from Fort William to Mallaig during the summer months over the famous Glenfinnan Viaduct. Though it wasn’t used as the Hogwarts Express train (that train is sitting on the backlot at the Harry Potter Studios ), the journey still attracts probably hundreds of Potterheads every year to recreate the magical experience we’ve seen in the films.

I’ve written a whole separate guide detailing exactly when and how to get tickets for the steam train, everything you need to know about riding the real-life Hogwarts Express including how and when to photograph the train crossing Glenfinnan Viaduct. It’s all in the post below!

Read next: Harry Potter Steam Train in Scotland: How to Ride AND Photograph

How to Plan a Trip to Visit the Harry Potter Locations in Scotland

How many days will i need.

I’m going to assume you’re travelling to the locations from the south. This isn’t exactly how I saw the filming locations but it’s very close and will provide a rough idea of how much time you need to see them all. Also, we stayed in Fort William .

• Day 1 –  Drive up to Fort William and visit Rannoch Moor, Loch Etive and Clachaig Gully on the way.
• Day 2 –  Hike to Steall Waterfall in the morning. And drive to Loch Arkaig in the afternoon.
• Day 3 –  Ride The Jacobite Steam Train from Fort William to Mallaig and back.
• Day 4 –  Watch the train cross Glenfinnan Viaduct and visit Loch Shiel in the morning. Drive to Eilean na Moine in Loch Eilt and Loch Morar in the afternoon.
• Day 5 –  Leave Fort William and drive back home!

Obviously, I’ve not included Black Rock Gorge. And even though the filming locations are concentrated in one area, many of the roads are single track and rough because its such a remote and mountainous region. So, if you want to visit all of the locations including a ride on the Jacobite Steam Train, I’d recommend four nights in Fort William. But if you don’t have that amount of time you could skip Eilean na Moine in Loch Eilt (especially if you make the effort to see it from the Jacobite train), Loch Morar and Loch Arkaig and squeeze it down to three nights.

How to Travel: Car or Public Transport?

I think you’ve already figured out that if you want to visit  every  Harry Potter Scotland location, you need a car. And I hate giving that as an answer because I wish places were more accessible by public transport as I do not like driving! I’d travel everywhere by train if I could.

You could still visit some of the Harry Potter locations in Scotland by public transport and have an AMAZING time. Take a train up to Glasgow and then either a ScotRail train or CityLink bus to Fort William. If you’re travelling from London, you could even take a Caledonian Sleeper train overnight and arrive in Fort William in the morning. Wouldn’t that be awesome?! Or is it just me that’s itching to take a journey on a sleeper train…?

Make Fort William your base. Spend one day of your trip on The Jacobite Steam Train which will be easy enough because the journey starts and begins in Fort William. And you can see Eilean na Moine in Loch Eilt during your journey. The next day, you can take the train to Glenfinnan and watch the steam train cross the Viaduct and also see Loch Shiel . Then in the afternoon, take a taxi and hike to  Steall Waterfall.

You will at least pass through Glen Coe and Rannoch Moor on your way to Fort William from Glasgow. So you can probably see more of the filming locations than you might think!

Where to Stay in Scotland to Explore the Harry Potter Locations

You could technically stay in Mallaig , Fort William or even Glen Coe for part of your trip to explore the Harry Potter locations in the area, but staying in Fort William definitely makes the most logistical sense. Here are some great options for accommodation in Fort William depending on your budget.

Fort William

• The Jacobite View AirBnB – This is the apartment we booked for our trip to scout out the Harry Potter locations and it was perfect! Really clean, well-decorated and couldn’t be better located. Fort William Train Station was literally right outside our window so we could watch The Jacobite Steam Train roll in every morning and roll out every night. Plus, Morrison’s supermarket is within walking distance and you could self-check-in.
• Fort William Backpackers   – If I were solo travelling, I’d choose to stay at this hostel. And I always book my hostels through HostelWorld to take advantage of their flexible booking and accurate reviews. Fort William Backpackers is in a really central location and even provides Free WiFi and parking.
• Lime Tree An Ealdhain Hotel & Restaurant   – And if I wanted to splash out on a cosy BnB, Lime Tree seems to have a quintessential cottage vibe but with a fresh modern interior. The log fire, four-poster beds and reading nooks would surely make anyone want to stay forever!

Other Harry Potter Sites in Scotland

A short city break in Scotland’s capital city of Edinburgh is a fantastic way to bookend your Harry Potter Scotland trip. It might not have been used as a filming location, but there are many inspirational and pop culture locations relating to the Wizarding World in this beautiful medieval city.

Grab a hearty lunch at Elephant House café, the supposed “birthplace of Harry Potter” where J.K. Rowling wrote some of the chapters featured in the early books. Book a night in the Rowling Suite at the swanky Balmoral Hotel where she finished writing Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows and walk up Victoria Street , one of the inspirations behind Diagon Alley.

And there are so many more fantastic inspirational Harry Potter locations in Edinburgh! I’ve written a complete self-guided tour of them all in a separate blog post below (including a map).

Read next: The Ultimate Self-Guided Harry Potter Tour in Edinburgh

Tours of Harry Potter Locations in Scotland

There are so many great Harry Potter Scotland tours if you’d rather someone else do all the effort and planning. Day tours from cities like Inverness and Edinburgh are a great option if you’d rather stay in a bigger city than Fort William and explore a Scottish city on the same trip.

Or, you could check out the main Harry Potter locations  as part of a multi-day trip  around other parts of the Scottish Highlands! I recently spent  one month working on the Isle of Skye  and it was a fantastic experience.

I love  GetYourGuide  for day tours and multi-day trips because they always have a great selection and their refund policy is  amazing.  Check out this  day trip from Edinburgh  and this  day trip from Inverness . And this  three-day Scottish Highlands adventure will guide you around the mythical Loch Ness and the Battlefield of Culloden, the epic scenery of the Isle of Skye as well as a ride on the Jacobite steam train and Harry Potter tour of Scotland!

More Harry Potter Locations and Scotland Information

As well as my four day trip around the Harry Potter filming locations in the West Highlands, I’ve spent a fair bit of time in Scotland. Specifically, Edinburgh, Glasgow and the Isle of Skye . Edinburgh is my favourite city in the world (upon the last count, I’ve visited seven times) and I’ve written this three days in Edinburgh guide for first-time visitors.

If you’re looking for other filming locations to visit around Edinburgh and you love  The Da Vinci Code  (2006), check out my guide to visiting  Rosslyn Chapel . I’ve visited the Edinburgh Fringe Festival a few times too as well as the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo .

Read my other Harry Potter Filming Location Guides: 

I Harry Potter Filming Locations at Alnwick Castle, Northumberland

J Harry Potter Filming Locations at Malham Cove, Yorkshire

I Harry Potter Filming Locations at Goathland Station, Yorkshire

J Harry Potter Filming Locations at Durham Catherdral and York Station

I Harry Potter Filming Locations in London: A Walking Tour with Brit Movie Tours

J Harry Potter Studios Extensive Guide: Tips, Travel + Secret Filming Location!

And that’s my definitive, complete guide to visiting all the Harry Potter locations Scotland! Have you visited or planned to visit any of the Harry Potter Scotland sites or joined a Harry Potter Scotland tour? Let me know in the comments below!

Read next: Harry Potter Filming Locations in Yorkshire & North East England (ALL 5!)

Hey! I wrote this. And I'm the human (and hair) behind Almost Ginger. I live for visiting filming locations, attending top film festivals and binge-watching travel inspiring films. I'm here to inspire you to do the same! Get in touch by leaving a comment or contacting me directly: [email protected] .

6 thoughts on “ Harry Potter Filming Locations in Scotland: A Complete Guide ”

I had to check this out after seeing your “Quiet Man” guide just to see if you covered the Harry Potter sites in Scotland. We rode the Jacobite Steam Train on a Scottish holiday in 2018 and loved the country. I’m going to be spending some time going through all your European mainland and UK posts to see how many great sites that we missed. Thanks for all your time and effort putting these guides together! through and how

Thank you so much Frank! That’s such a lovely comment and amazing that you got to see the Scottish Highlands! Scotland’s one of my absolute favourite countries so I’ve tried my best to cover all the top filming locations there though I’ve still got a few to get to haha.

Hello Rebecca, I came across your blog because I am planning a holiday in Scotland with my family and wanted to take them to a few Potter filming locations. Thank you so much for this post. I have read a few more pages and it has made me want to watch again some films and to visit more places. Your blog is a lovely read, in a nice layout and beautiful pictures. Thanks a lot! 🙂

Thanks so much for your comment, Emi! I’m so pleased you liked my post – searching for Harry Potter locations is one of my favourite things to do in the world haha so let me know if you have any questions and have an amazing trip! 😀

Your Scotland Harry Potter guides are wonderful. You’ve put so much thought into them and they are so detailed. Thanks to you we had a great view of the Jacobite Steam Train crossing the Glenfinnan viaduct and managed to get tickets fir the train on the day. Thank you so much for taking the time to put these together.

Hi Claire! I can’t tell you how much I appreciate your comment – I worked really hard on these Harry Potter posts so that they would be helpful for people and I’m so glad you found them helpful. I’m so chuffed you had an amazing time!!

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Activities , For Locals

15 must-see magical harry potter sites in edinburgh.

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Have you read all the books and watched the films? Growing up in Edinburgh meant that I got as close as I could to my dream of being a real-life boy wizard. Not only did J.K.

Rowling write the books in cafes in Edinburgh, but many of the sights, sounds and smells of the city inspired her characters and locations.  If, like me, you’re a major Harry Potter fan, you’ll need to check out the inspiration for Diagon Alley, Gringotts Bank and even the name of The Dark Lord himself. 

If you’re visiting Edinburgh, or are a local looking to learn more about the inspiration behind the novels, check out our guide and plan your own Harry Potter walk of Edinburgh. 

There are plenty Harry Potter things to do in Edinburgh to keep you entertained on a trip to the capital, so whether your planning a self-guided Harry Potter tour of Edinburgh, or are planning to book a professional Harry Potter walking tour of Edinburgh, keep reading to learn about the sites that inspired J.K. Rowling in Edinburgh.

Harry Potter Things to Do in Edinburgh

1. the elephant house.

Known as the Harry Potter café in Edinburgh, it’s hard to miss this bright red eatery on George IV Bridge.  It’s one of the most well-known Harry Potter locations in Edinburgh.

You’ll see a sign in the window that says this is the “birthplace of Harry Potter.”

Whilst this is partially true, this is not actually the place where Rowling wrote the first book, The Philosopher’s Stone (or Sorcerer’s Stone for our US audience!).  

The first book was written at the other end of Chambers Street, in the Nicolsons Café, above Black Medicine.

When you visit the Elephant House, check out the bathroom walls, which are scrawled with Dumbledore’s Army signups.

There’s even a (tiny) plaque dedicated to the first chapters outside Black Medicine Coffee. 

See if you can find it!

Luckily, this is a Harry Potter landmark that Rowling herself has confirmed as true! Huzzah!

That one’s true! I used to write in Nicolsons all the time. I once wrote an entire chapter in there in one sitting and barely changed a word afterwards. Those are the days you remember. I think Nicolsons is now a Chinese Restaurant. pic.twitter.com/JNKDP0ywJK — J.K. Rowling (@jk_rowling) May 21, 2020

Just across the road from The Elephant House is McGonagalls Gin & Whisky Emporium, which has a little Potter vibe to it.

You may also like – Where to eat in Edinburgh .

2. Artisan Roast

“J.K. Rowling Never Wrote Here” – or so the sign says. In a comical nod to The Elephant House, Artisan Roast plastered this handwritten chalk sign on its wall.

But Rowling did write something here, one time – look carefully at the bottom of the sign and you’ll notice Rowling has appended it with  “And I never will.” This is an example of a classier version of ‘J.K. Rowling woz ‘ere. ‘

Check out Artisan Roast on Broughton Street in the New Town .

I saw that sign when I was in there a couple of years ago and it made me laugh. I’m thinking of going and writing in there one day so they have to correct it: ‘…. except that one time.’ https://t.co/IEGFWsVoJ6 — J.K. Rowling (@jk_rowling) May 21, 2020

3. Potterrow

Home to the University of Edinburgh’s student’s union, it could be that Rowling took inspiration for Harry’s family name from this street name.

Just behind the union, there’s an underpass called ‘Potterrow Port’ which is spookily similar to the dingey location of Harry and Dudley’s Dementor attack, complete with blinking lights and graffiti.

4. Greyfriars Kirkyard Edinburgh Graveyard

No Harry Potter experience of Edinburgh would be complete without a visit to Greyfriars Kirkyard.

Not only will you find a whole host of famous character names here, but the owl-eyed might notice this graveyard shares a lot of similarities with the scene from Goblet of Fire.  

In the scene, Harry and Voldemort engage in an epic battle located in a misty graveyard with a little church in the background. 

Not convincing enough for you?  There’s even a brief moment when the grave of Thomas, Mary and Tom Riddle comes into shot, which closely resembles one of the graves in Edinburgh’s Greyfriars Cemetary.

The graveyard at Greyfriars is teeming with names you’ll recognise from the books:

• Anne and Robert Potter – the Potter family
• William McGonagall – Minerva McGonagall (Professor of Transfiguration)
• Elizabeth Moodie – Mad Eye Moodie (Professor of the Dark Arts)
• Margaret Louisa Scrymegeour Wedderburn – Rufus Scrimgeour (Minister of Magic)
• Thomas Riddell – Tom Marvolo Riddle (Lord Voldemort)

Notice some spelling differences? 

There are a few theories here. 

One is that Rowling wanted to prevent tourists from associating the graves directly with the characters (that didn’t seem to work out!) 

Another reason might be spelling differences in old names.

The Riddells are believed to have lived just ten minutes away, off the Lawnmarket and Royal Mile, in Riddle’s Court—notice the spelling difference?

5. Victoria Street & Cockburn Street

A tip for non-locals – it’s pronounced Co-burn street. 

Don’t get that one wrong!

These two sweeping streets located in Edinburgh’s Old Town are said to inspire Diagon Alley.

Wizards and witches can purchase wands, broomsticks and butterbeer on this magical shopping street.

Anyone walking these streets, with their hodgepodge and higgledy-piggledy layout, will feel like they are walking down Diagon Alley.

Even some shops on these streets might remind you of their magical counterparts.

• The Old Town Bookshop – Flourish & Blotts
• The Bow Bar – The Leaky Cauldron
• Aha Ha Ha Jokes and Novelties – Weasleys’ Wizard Wheezes 
• Robert Cresser Brush Shop – Quality Quidditch Supplies (no longer there – it’s now a Harry Potter museum and Edinburgh’s Harry Potter shop!  There’s no Harry Potter shop at Edinburgh Airport, so make sure to buy your Potter presents here!)

However, She Who CanNot Be Named has never confirmed whether Victoria Street or Cockburn Street inspired Diagon Alley.

Good news for Edinburgh, however!

Rumours that the Harry Potter author has debunked Gandy Street in Exeter.

Even though Rowling still has not confirmed or denied that Edinburgh inspired Diagon Alley, this adds more weight to the argument!

Read next – Most Instagrammable Places in Edinburgh .

Yes, both of these are untrue, I'm afraid. I can't remember ever going to the Old Firehouse when I was a student and Gandy Street is nothing like the Diagon Alley in my head. pic.twitter.com/6kR0EmGrLq — J.K. Rowling (@jk_rowling) May 21, 2020

6. The Bank of Scotland Headquarters

This grand building at the top of The Mound is home to the Bank of Scotland. 

Its domed roof and imposing facade will remind you of Gringotts Bank.  I don’t think any tellers would be too happy to be called goblins, though!

While you’re here, visit the Museum on the Mound , which is under headquarters.  You’ll be able to see a million pounds in real life among many historical artefacts!

7. J.K. Rowling’s Handprints

Check out the prints of the very hands that wrote the books.

Head down to the City Chambers on the High Street/Royal Mile to see how closely your hands match! Could you be the next literary hero?

8. George Heriot’s School/Hogwarts School Scotland

Just up from Greyfriars on Lauriston Place is George Heriot’s School, a prestigious private school that Rowling’s children attended.

Although some say the building resembles Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, Rowling has confirmed that this building is not the inspiration for the magical school.

I sometimes hear Hogwarts was based on one or other of Edinburgh’s schools, but that’s 100% false, too. Hogwarts was created long before I clapped eyes on any of them! I did finish Hallows in the Balmoral, though, & I can’t lie, I’d rate it a smidge higher than the Bournville. pic.twitter.com/Evt0ttqfYH — J.K. Rowling (@jk_rowling) May 21, 2020

Although it may not look as imposing as the version in the movies, Rowling’s drawings match the shape of this building.

It’s hard to imagine that, when writing the books and gazing out of the window of The Elephant or Nicolson’s, Rowling didn’t notice the incredible architecture of Heriot’s—even if it wasn’t the original inspiration.

The quad inside is similar to where Harry, Hermione and Ron hang out, with tall and grand stone pillars.

The colours of the houses—Lauriston (Green), Greyfriars (white/yellow), Raeburn (red), and Castle (blue)—match those of the houses at Hogwarts.

So, even if it isn’t entirely accurate to say that Hogwarts is based on Heriot’s, it’s still worth walking past to get a feel for what Hogwarts might be like.

9. Edinburgh Castle

Edinburgh Castle and Harry Potter also have connections. 

Many point to Edinburgh’s famous castle as the inspiration for the Hogwarts school building. 

Perched atop a rock, it looks very grand from all around.

During the Military Tattoo, the Castle Esplanade is transformed into an event venue with spectators towering steeply around the show. 

Anyone who has watched Harry snatch the Golden Snitch will recognise this as inspiration for the Quidditch Stadium.

Many people are unaware that Princes Street Gardens, located at the foot of the Castle Rock between the Castle and Princes Street, was once the ‘Nor Loch,’ a body of black water.  Many have likened this appearance to the Black Lake at the foot of Hogwarts.

Rowling even tipped a nod at these connections by launching her sixth and penultimate novel, Half-Blood Prince, here.

Visit Edinburgh Castle from your sofa on a virtual tour of Edinburgh .

10. The Balmoral Hotel

Arguably the most prestigious hotel in Edinburgh, Rowling stayed here in Room 552 and finished her final book, the Deathly Hallows, in this very suite.

The suite door is painted purple and has an owl door knocker!

To mark the occasion, Rowling signed a marble bust of Hermes within the room. 

The bust has since been safely locked in a glass cabinet in the room.

Now, visitors with some serious cash to splash can book into this very room – now named the J.K. Rowling Suite – and sit in the very chair where Rowling finished writing her final book.

If you’d like to find out more about The Balmoral, you can read our Balmoral Hotel review .

We stayed in the Deluxe Castle View room, 314.

Read next – Where to Stay in Edinburgh – by a Local .

11. The Rowling Parking Meter

Sorry, folks.

One thing we can be sure of is that Rowling did not utilise the services of a parking meter when she was writing The Deathly Hallows.

This may be one of the more comical ‘landmarks’ attributed to the Potter series. And, although a tour was overheard purporting that Rowling used an Edinburgh parking meter, she has confirmed that she cannot drive!

My favourite bit of utter nonsense about Potter landmarks is still this one. I can’t drive. pic.twitter.com/szugSAkIOA — J.K. Rowling (@jk_rowling) May 21, 2020

It’s unrelated to the books, but The Dene in Stockbridge will give you all the Potter vibes. Stockbridge is a pretty neighbourhood that is well worth spending an afternoon in if you have more than a day in Edinburgh.

Second-time visitors might even want to stay here !

If you are into architecture, walk along the Water of Leith from Stockbridge to Dean Village to see the old mill buildings in the city. You won’t believe it is Edinburgh!

12. The Cauldron (Frederick Street)

Want To Try Out Being a Wizard For Yourself?

Alcoholic Harry Potter drinks and Harry Potter-themed bar in Edinburgh. 

The Cauldron is an immersive magical experience. 

Don a cloak, wave your wand and utter those magic words to brew your potions (cocktails.)

View this post on Instagram A post shared by The Cauldron Magical Pub (@thecauldronpub) on Mar 5, 2020 at 1:30am PST

13. Juniper (Princes Street)

If you prefer a muggle to brew your cocktail, head to Juniper and order a ‘Strawberries and Steam’ smoking cocktail teapot. You may also like our guides on what to eat in Edinburgh and which restaurants to visit .

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Juniper Edinburgh (@juniperedinburgh) on Mar 13, 2020 at 6:43am PDT

14. Monteith’s

Fancy a butterbeer?  Get to Monteith’s and order a Hot Buttered Beer.

15. Tattu (West Register Street)

Shiny new Chinese restaurant. 

Order the magical ‘Dragon Egg Nest’ or smoking ‘Cherry Blossom’ for dessert. 

Harry Potter Tours Edinburgh

Potter trail: harry potter walking tour edinburgh.

Both private and group tours are offered to visit the very important landmarks that influenced She Who Cannot Be Named’s writings.

Take a tour of Greyfriars Kirk to find Voldemort’s grave, look at the loos inside The Elephant Cafe, and discover Scotland’s very own Diagon Alley with your very own tour guide, wizard.

Richard, our wizard, and his team are all performers and trained tour guides so you are guaranteed a good show whether you are a Potterhead or not.

Quote everythingedinburgh5 at checkout for 5% off. Reserve your slot here . Any referral we receive will be added to The Potter Trail’s donation to the Scottish Trans Alliance, which was made in response to JK Rowling’s recent actions.

Harry Potter Magical Guided Walking Tour Edinburgh

Take this magical 2-hour walking tour of Edinburgh to discover the sights that inspired the novels.

Get sorted into your Hogwarts House, visit Tom Riddle’s (Riddell’s) grave and take part in a fun audio-visual quiz!

Read next | Some of the best walking tours in Edinburgh .

Harry Potter Airbnb in Edinburgh

Hey, Muggles, do you want to stay at the Edinburgh Wizarding Residence on Grassmarket? This one-of-a-kind Airbnb  will make you believe you’re in Diagon Alley.

Located on West Bow, Victoria Street, aka Diagon Alley, this one-bedroom apartment offers a magical stay for up to four guests.

It overlooks the Grassmarket in the centre of  Edinburgh’s Old Town  and city centre, making it easy to walk to The Royal Mile and Princes Street.

Amenities include heating, washing facilities, a fully-equipped kitchen, and Wi-Fi.

The host has designed each room to resemble an area of the Wizarding World and even created a hidden storage space in the hallway.

Harry Potter Train From Edinburgh

Want to experience the journey to Hogwarts for yourself?  Take this one-day tour to experience some of Scotland’s stunning scenery, visit the sites in the Highlands that inspired Rowling and take the Hogwarts Express from Fort William! The tour leaves very early in the morning from Edinburgh, and the price includes the train ride from Fort William to Mallaig over the Glenfinnan Viaduct. The train itself is a smoking Jacobite Train! History and Harry Potter rolled into one.

Here’s our guide to tours that leave Edinburgh for the Highlands .

Our Old Town Edinburgh Guides

• The Ultimate Guide to Edinburgh’s Old Town
• 50 Things to Fo for All the Family
• Where to Stay in the Old Town
• Best Old Town Airbnbs incl. Harry Potter apartment
• Old Town Edinburgh Restaurants for Every Budget
• Our Fave Old Town Pubs
• Walking Tours
• Spooky Ghost Tours

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13 Magical Harry Potter Locations in Scotland

This post may contain affiliate links, which means I’ll receive a commission if you purchase through my links, at no extra cost to you. Please read  full disclosure  for more information.

You’ve come to the right place if you’re looking for Harry Potter locations in Scotland !

The magical world of Harry Potter has captured the hearts of millions of fans, and what better way to immerse yourself in the wizarding world than to visit some of the film’s iconic filming locations?

Luckily, while studying abroad in Ireland, I was able to make it out to Scotland, of course, to explore some of the Harry Potter locations throughout the country. We even made an entire road trip out of it!

Scotland’s dramatic and awe-inspiring scenery makes it a magical place for most visitors, but even more so for Harry Potter fans. Each one of the films contained scenes shot in Scotland, and it was the country author J.K Rowling lived in when she wrote most of the books. 

There are dozens of Harry Potter locations in Scotland, and visiting this mystical country gives Potterheads a chance to step right into the wizarding world. 

🚗 Click here to check rates on Scotland rental cars.

Table of Contents

Harry Potter Locations in Scotland

Glenfinnan viaduct.

Nestled deep within the rolling hills of the Scottish highlands lies an iconic viaduct that Harry Potter fans will instantly recognize. Glenfinnan Viaduct is seen multiple times during the film when the Hogwarts Express is seen trundling over the bridge on its way to Hogwarts.

The viaduct is perhaps most famous for the scene in Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets , where it was used for the flying car scene when Ron and Harry find themselves in a thrilling encounter with the Hogwarts Express. 

You can visit Glenfinnan Viaduct for free, and it’s accessible by car, train, and bus. There is a short hike involved to reach the viewpoint, but it only takes about 10/15 minutes.

The imposing dark concrete viaduct is set into a backdrop of verdant green hills, and the viewpoint makes a great photo spot. If you time your visit right, you can even catch a view of the Jacobite train (the Hogwarts Express train!) crashing over the bridge, just like in the films.

It’s easily one of the top Harry Potter locations in Scotland.

This dramatic volcanic glen located in the Scottish highlands is an area of vast scenic beauty and is a popular spot for hiking. Glen Coe boasts sparkling reflecting pools, fierce cascading waterfalls, and dramatic mountains.

It’s an enchantingly beautiful area, so it makes sense that it has been used frequently as a filming location in films such as Braveheart, Skyfall, and of course… the Harry Potter films. 

Probably the most notable use of Glen Coe as a Harry Potter filming location was in Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, where the glen became the home of Hagrid’s Hut. The whole set for Hagrid’s Hut was built in this location and was sadly removed after filming, but the background is still incredibly recognizable.

Signal Rock Forest and Torren Lochan are two spots that fans will be well familiar with, and spending some time in the area is a fantastic way to feel as if you’re part of the wizarding world. 

Notable scenes shot here include when Hermoine confronted and punched Draco at the sundial circle, as well as multiple forest scenes and shots of Hagrid’s Hut.

As well as visiting the area and spotting views you recognize, Glen Coe is a fantastic place for hiking, and there are many scenic routes to enjoy. A visitors center is nearby, which displays information about the area and a brilliant video exhibition. 

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Loch Arkaig

Loch Arkaig in Fort William is a hidden gem that isn’t as frequently noted as a Harry Potter filming location in Scotland. This 12-mile-long freshwater loch plays a massive role in Scottish legend, as it’s said to be the place where a large bounty of stolen gold is buried. 

The beady-eyed traveler might just recognize Loch Arkaig from the Harry Potter films. When the director of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 1 was deciding upon a location for Dumbledore’s resting place, he liked the look of Loch Eilt because of its mystical tree-filled island.

However, the size and the shape of the Loch weren’t the right fit for his vision. The director’s solution was to merge both Loch Eilt and Loch Arkaig to create the perfect final resting place for Dumbledore. If you visit Loch Arkaig, the shape and size of the Loch set within a backdrop of tumbling mossy mountains is definitely recognizable from the film.

Loch Arkaig was also used in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 2 when its filmmakers used the Loch for some of the wide shots of the dragon escape flight. 

The surrounding Caledonian forests and the serene natural beauty of the Loch make this a great place to visit. There is an abundance of wildlife to enjoy here; the forest is home to many native Scottish wildlife like osprey and red deer.

There is also a butterfly conservation reserve on the Loch’s north side, which is a fascinating and enjoyable place to visit. 

Loch Arkaig, Glen Coe, and Glenfinnan Viaduct are all located near one another – it’s about an hour’s drive between each site. This means that the trio forms an excellent itinerary for anyone interested in making a trip out of visiting Harry Potter filming locations in Scotland! 

Edinburgh might just be the best city in the world for Harry Potter fans. It’s here that author J.K. Rowling lived when she wrote most of her books, and walking through the city, it’s impossible not to notice where she got her inspiration from.

Edinburgh is home to some of the best Harry Potter sites in Scotland, and you won’t struggle to find things to do here. 

Victoria Street, located in Edinburgh’s Old Town, is known by fans as “Harry Potter Street” – and for good reason. This winding cobbled street is lined with historic dark stone buildings, with assorted shaped roofs and mismatched brightly colored shops below… remind you of anything?

It looks remarkably similar to Diagon Alley! Rowling has never explicitly stated that she took inspiration from Victoria Street when writing the books, but the two certainly have a similar feel to one another. 

Shopkeepers have capitalized upon this similarity, and Victoria Street contains an array of brilliant Potter-themed shops where you can pick up everything from wizarding wands to tasty chocolate frogs.

Museum Context is one of Victoria Streets’ coolest potter-themed shops – it’s spread over two stone vaults and has been designed to resemble Ollivanders Wand Shop.

J.K Rowling has never confirmed where she got the inspiration for Hogwarts, but Edinburgh is home to one school that’s a pretty strong contender. The school’s gothic architecture and towering black turrets bear real resemblance to Hogwarts, and a stroll past the school is a must-do for any Potterheads visiting Edinburgh. 

The school is located very near Greyfriars Kirkyard, an ancient cemetery where you might spot a familiar name or two. It’s believed that Rowling used many names found on these cemetery headstones as inspiration for characters in the book, and fans love to explore the cemetery and see what names they can spot.

Look out for the tombstones of Robert Potter, William McGonagall, Elizabeth Moodie, and most famously – Thomas Riddle. 

One of the most famous Harry Potter places in Edinburgh is the Elephant House Cafe . This is the spot J.K. Rowling used to do lots of her writing, back in her broke cafe hopping days before she found money and fame from the books.

The Cafe proudly displays a sign in their window, claiming themselves as the ‘birthplace of Harry Potter’, and over the years, fans have filled the bathrooms with Potter-themed graffiti. 

Edinburgh is very proud of its links to the wizarding world, and there is a ton of Harry Potter-themed activities for fans to enjoy in the city.

The Department of Magic offers two wizard-themed escape rooms, where teams conquer a series of magical puzzles, brain teasers, and challenges to defeat the dark lord and save the wizarding world. There’s even an onsite Magic Potions Tavern for you to enjoy after the escape room, where you can create your own magical elixir to drink. 

University of Glasgow

The University of Glasgow isn’t actually one of the many Harry Potter filming locations in the UK. However, it bears a stark resemblance to Hogwarts. There’s even a courtyard inside the campus that looks exactly like the spot Harry learned to ride his broomstick!

This university is a must-visit for Harry Potter fans traveling through Scotland. The gothic architecture of the buildings makes it a magical place to wander around, and the university is open to public visiting both as part of a tour or independently.

While there, you could also check out the university’s world-class museums and art galleries. 

Jacobite Train

Arguably the best Harry Potter location in Scotland is the Jacobite Steam Train . This train journey is regarded as one of the most beautiful train rides in the world, but even better than that – it’s the same train used as the Hogwarts Express! 

The journey begins close to Ben Nevis (the highest mountain in the UK) in Fort William. The vintage locomotive trundles through breathtaking Scottish scenery for two hours before reaching the fishing town of Mallaig.

Part of the journey even takes you over the famous Glenfinnan Viaduct (mentioned above) – it’s a truly magical experience. 

There are three seating classes on this train, varying in price accordingly. The highest class is in one of the Harry Potter carriages, where the seating layout is identical to that of the Hogwarts Express in the film. This is quite a splurge at £146 per table, but for superfans, it’s worth every penny. 

While onboard the Jacobite, you can opt to enjoy a quintessentially British cream tea – the dainty cakes and scones served are the perfect thing to nibble on while enjoying the stunning views.

You’re given two hours to explore the quaint fishing town of Mallaig, where you can sample some delicious Scottish seafood and admire the beautiful colored buildings, before heading back to the train for the return journey. 

Steall Falls

Scotland’s second-highest waterfall, Steall Falls, has been featured in multiple Harry Potter movies, and when you visit, you won’t wonder why it was chosen as a filming location.

The dramatic falls have a 390 feet drop and cascade violently from this height, creating a booming sound. The waterfall is located in the beautiful Nevis Gorge, and the scenery is stunning. 

The falls are most recognizable from Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire , where they were used in several scenes during the Triwizard tournament – Nevis Gorge and Steall Falls are the backdrops to the arena.

It’s a great place to visit as a Harry Potter place in Scotland due to its recognizability, but equally, the hike up the falls is very enjoyable. 

The hike to the iconic viewpoint of the falls – which you’ll recognize from the film – is about 1.2 miles over varying terrain. You’ll need to cross a steel wire bridge to reach the viewpoint, and the hike is quite the adventure! 

Loch Shiel is located near Glenfinnan Viaduct, so if you’re visiting the viaduct, you shouldn’t miss a stop at this iconic Loch. Harry Potter lovers will instantly recognize the lake – it features in almost every film. It’s truly one of the best Harry Potter locations in Scotland.

Loch Shiel is the lake that Hogwarts was superimposed atop, so although you might have to use your imagination to picture Hogwarts since it’s (sadly!) not an actual building – you’ll undoubtedly recognize the lake. 

Loch Shiel has a few notable appearances, like in Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets in the scene where Harry sits with Hedwig, asking, “Who am I, Hedwig? What am I?” Hogwarts and the lake can be seen in the distance.

You’ll also recognize Loch Shiel from many Hogwarts Express sequences, particularly in Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban when Harry flies on Buckbeak the Hippogriff. 

The loch spans a whopping 17 miles, and the surrounding pathways and forests make the area a great place to walk around.

You can also jump aboard a cruise on Loch Shiel to learn about its fascinating history and geology. While onboard, you’ll be treated to great commentary and some of Scotland’s best bird-watching. 

Clachaig Gully

Located in the Scottish Highlands near Glencoe, Clachaig Gully is a picturesque ravine that Harry Potter fans will recognize from many films. It featured as the location of Hagrid’s Hut in three of the films.

The location of Hagrid’s Hut actually changed multiple times in the different films, as different directors had differing visions as to where the hut was best set. 

Scenes featuring Hagrid’s Hut shot in Clachaig Gully include when Harry, Hermoine, and Ron visit Hagrid when Buckbeak is executed in Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban .

Clachaig Gully also features when Harry sees the thestrals for the first time in Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix and in Harry Potter and the Half-blood Prince when Harry, Hagrid, and Slughorn say farewell to Aragog. 

The area boasts picturesque mountain scenery, and when you visit, you’re guaranteed to be awestruck by its natural beauty. The rocky gorge is framed by towering mossy green mountains, and the sparkling waters of the River Spean run through.

There is a range of hiking routes throughout the area where you can spot an abundance of wildlife like golden eagles, deer, and red squirrels. 

There are multiple companies offering guided tours of Clachaig Gully, and this is a great way to explore one of the most iconic Harry Potter locations in Scotland.

Knowledgeable guides can share their expertise of the history and stories surrounding the area, and a tour means you can truly make the most of Clachaig Gulley’s unique beauty. 

Loch Etive & Glen Etive

Many iconic scenes in the Harry Potter films were shot in the stunning areas of Loch and Glen Etive. The lake and glen are set against a backdrop of majestic mountains and pine forests, and their dramatic setting makes it easy to imagine the wizarding world that Harry and his friends inhabit.

These are some of Scotland’s most beautiful natural wonders, and like many of the most famous Harry Potter locations in Scotland, they’re located in the Highlands. 

Loch Etive, with its picturesque landscapes and crystal clear waters, featured in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1 as the location where Harry, Ron, and Hermione camped overnight before Harry destroyed the locket Horcrux.

To find the exact location of filming, just head to the north part of the loch at Gualachulain.

The sparkling waters of Glen Etive, which is located just a few miles away, was used as one of the settings for Hagrid’s hut in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 1 during the scene where James Potter and his friends were ambushed by Death Eaters. 

Loch Etive and Glen Etive are two must-visit destinations in Scotland for not only Potterheads but nature lovers and adrenaline junkies alike. The area boasts a multitude of scenic trails which wind through rugged terrain, past cascading waterfalls, and alongside sparkling lochs.

For those seeking a bigger challenge, the towering peaks of Buachaille Etive Mor and Ben Starav offer exhilarating summit hikes that provide stunning panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. 

Nestled in the Scottish Highlands lies Loch Eilt, a tranquil lake made popular with tourists due to its role in the world of Harry Potter. It’s easy to see why the filmmakers chose this stunning location – the tall mountains surrounding the tranquil lake create a jaw-dropping backdrop.

Loch Eilt is recognizable as the majestic lake surrounding Hogwarts, and the island in the middle (Eilean na Moine) was superimposed into the aforementioned Loch Arkaig to create Dumbledore’s grave.

It’s hard not to feel a sense of wonder and excitement as you stand on the banks of the lake, imagining yourself in the world of Harry Potter – mainly if you visit on a misty day. 

But Loch Eilt is not just a destination for Harry Potter fans – it’s also a breathtakingly beautiful location in its own right. The lake’s still waters reflect the mountains on calm days, creating a picture-perfect scene that photographers and nature lovers alike will appreciate.

And for those who love to hike, plenty of trails in the area offer incredible views of the Scottish Highlands.

Black Rock Gorge

Black Rock Gorge is a dramatic box canyon that has a thin but fierce waterfall cascading through it, and it’s easily one of the best Harry Potter locations in Scotland. Situated in the Scottish Highlands, this natural wonder served as a filming location for the iconic Triwizard Tournament scene in Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, where Harry battles a dragon to retrieve the golden egg.

Walking along the area surrounding the gorge, you can almost feel the magic of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry pulsing through the air. 

Black Rock Gorge is a truly breathtaking place to visit. With its dark, towering cliffs and rushing waterfalls, it’s easy to see why this hidden gem has been a favorite amongst outdoor enthusiasts for years.

Take a hike along the winding trails, breathe in the fresh mountain air, and soak up incredible views of this magnificent landscape. The gorge holds an ancient Scottish myth – legend has it that a woman was lured here by the devil, and her cries can still be heard from the top.

Whether the legend is true or not, Black Rock Gorge has a mythical atmosphere. 

Rannoch Moor

Nestled in the Scottish Highlands near Glencoe, Rannoch Moor is a truly breathtaking sight to behold. As you drive through winding roads surrounded by glens and lochs, you’ll be amazed at the views of this vast moor with a serene beauty that seems almost otherworldly. The moorland’s undulating hills, deep valleys, and scattered bogs create a landscape that is both rugged and serene.

Rannoch Moor will be familiar to avid Harry Potter fans, as it’s where the Death Eaters raided the Hogwarts Express in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 1 . The barren landscape of the moor was the perfect choice for this scary scene, and a visit to this Harry Potter location is a must-do. 

It’s a very easy stop to make on your Scotland adventure, particularly if you’re traveling by car – head to the Rannoch Moor viewpoint by following road signs on the A82. It’s a very quick place to visit as there isn’t much to do here, and you could combine your visit with a trip to nearby Glen and Loch Etive. 

Final Thoughts: Scotland Harry Potter Locations

Whether you take a magical journey on the Hogwarts Express or soak up the mystical landscape of Glen Coe, you’ll be sure to agree that the many Harry Potter locations in Scotland are simply spellbinding sites. So, pack your wand on your next trip to Scotland! 

Explore Edinburgh & Scotland

Be sure to check out the rest of Scotland while you’re visiting! See more of our posts below.

• 12 Fun Edinburgh Harry Potter Tours for Literary Muggles
• 16 Best Edinburgh Instagram Spots
• 8 Captivating Isle of Skye Tours from Inverness
• 13 Best Things to do in Dornoch, Scotland
• 13 Best Restaurants in Edinburgh Scotland
• How to Spend One Day in Edinburgh, Scotland
• 19 Most Beautiful Towns in Scotland
• 10 Edinburgh Ghost Tours That Will Freak You Out
• 17 Enchanting London Harry Potter Places that Potterheads HAVE to Visit

KP is the head blogger and founder behind Volumes & Voyages. After studying abroad in Dublin for a semester, KP got bitten by the travel bug. Now, she writes articles to help other travelers in between trips where she chases her wanderlust. KP has lived in many different places, including Boston MA, Denver CO, Las Vegas NV, southern VT, and Dublin IE.

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I’ve only managed to visit a few of these but there are so many great Harry Potter locations in Scotland that are absolutely beautiful!

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A Guide to Harry Potter Filming Locations in Scotland

Last updated: May 29, 2024 - Written by Jessica Norah 16 Comments

Scotland is a magical destination for several reasons, one being that you can find many Harry Potter filming locations in Scotland. As any fan of the Harry Potter films will know, Hogwarts is located in Scotland and thus it is not surprising that a number of exterior scenes for the movies were shot in Scotland.

Some of the most iconic are the Hogwarts Express train scenes and the location of Hagrid’s hut. Lots of scenes involving lakes were also filmed in Scotland with several Scottish lochs appearing across the eight movies.

The dramatic Scottish scenery often provides a great backdrop for Hogwarts and the time the students spend at and around the school. The film crew often came to Scotland to shoot beautiful landscapes for the Harry Potter films as well as more wild and eerie locations.

We provide a guide to all the top Harry Potter filming locations in Scotland, including the Hogwarts Express train (The Jacobite), the dramatic scenery seen from train, the location of Hagrid’s hut ( Glencoe ) and the location of Dumbledore’s grave (Eilean na Moine). We tell you where each Harry Potter movie location is located, how to get there, and other relevant information to visit.

So let’s get started!

Table of Contents:

Harry Potter Filming Locations in Scotland

J.K. Rowling never specifically stated in the books that Hogwarts was in Scotland, but she has stated in interviews that she always imagined Hogwarts to be in Scotland.

For instance, Rowling noted the following in a 2002 interview with 60 minutes:

“Hogwarts is a very real place to me, and although I wasn’t then living in Scotland, I’ve always imagined it to be in Scotland… which… it was never made explicit in the books but the British reader will know that because if you do travel for a day from King’s Cross Station in London and you go north, you end up in Scotland. So it was always supposed to be here.”

Although J. K. Rowling wrote only 7 books , there are 8 Harry Potter films as Warner Brothers decided to split the final book, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows , into two parts. Filming for the movies took place between September 2000 and December 2010.

Although most Harry Potter scenes were filmed at Warner Brothers Studio in Leavensden , England, the film team did use a number of real-life filming location throughout the UK. These primarily were in southern England, but there were also several notable scenes shot in Scotland.

Many of the scenes filmed in Scotland are related to the Hogwarts Express train journeys and the outdoor spaces around Hogwarts. The majority of these were shot around Fort William and Glenfinnan in the Lochaber area of the west Scottish Highlands.

All 8 of the films include some scenes shot in Scotland and we’ll help you find them!

Here is our list of the top 12 Harry Potter filming locations in Scotland:

1. The Jacobite Steam Train (Hogwarts Express)

As any Harry Potter fan will know, if you want to get to Hogwarts you have to take the Hogwarts Express train. Thrillingly, the Hogwarts Express is a real train and you can ride it!

But it isn’t really called the Hogwarts Express, its real name is The Jacobite. The now famous steam train has been operating since 1984 under different names and operators. The service was started as a way to boost tourism and to keep open the scenic train route between Fort William and Mallaig.

The steam train was used as the Hogwarts Express in the films, and the train and parts of its train route were shown in all 8 of the Harry Potter films. Scenes included exteriors, interiors, and scenery along the route. The most iconic is the train going over the Glenfinnan Viaduct.

Note that not all scenes featuring the Hogwarts Express were shot in Scotland. The main setting used for the London station was of course King Cross train station in London, and the main setting for the Hogsmeade stations was the Goathland train station in Yorkshire. The steam train locomotive was shot in these locations as well as in Scotland.

The locomotive used to pull the Hogwarts Express train in the movies was the GWR 4900 Class 5972  Olton Hall , and this is currently on display for those doing the Warner Bros. Studio Tour London . But the steam locomotive that is currently being used to The Jacobite is similar in appearance to the one used in the films.

The 42 mile route (84 miles round trip) taken by The Jacobite is very scenic, passing lochs, forests, mountains, and small villages. The route goes through the villages of Glenfinnan, Lochailort, Arisaig, and Morar before ending in the small port town of Mallaig. The train normally stops for a short break at the Glenfinnan station so people can take comfort breaks and visit the small railway museum here if they wish.

The Jacobite train is seasonal, running from April to October. It normally has two services a day between Fort William and Mallaig.

The best way to experience the train is of course to take a ride on it. The options are for open seating in a standard class carriage, open seating in a first class carriage, or a first class compartments “Harry Potter style”. You can purchase a one-way ticket or a return ticket. You can book online , by phone, or purchase a ticket at the station.

If you want to take the train, we recommend booking well in advance as the Harry Potter style compartments are very popular and usually sell out months in advance. A quick peek at the calendar already shows that most dates are showing as “Fully Booked” or “Limited Availability” for the rest of the year.

If you can’t get a ticket in advance, you can see if you can book a day tour that includes a ticket, such as this one . Or you can try your luck at the station on the day of departure if you are in the area. There are often a very limited number of first-come, first-serve tickets available at the Fort William station about 1 hour before departure.

Of course, you don’t have to ride the train to see it. For instance, you can see the outside of the train at the Fort William train station platform before it departs. You’ll need to check the train schedule to see when the train will be at the station.

Alternatively, you can see the train in the distance as it crosses the Glenfinnan Viaduct, our next Harry Potter filming location.

The ScotRail train service also operates regular trains over this same route, so you can book tickets for instance from Fort William to Mallaig (or Glasgow to Mallaig) to enjoy the same scenery at a lower price. You just won’t have the steam train experience.

The Fort William train station is located in the center of the town, which is easy to reach by bus, train, or car from throughout Scotland. There is limited parking at the Fort William train station itself but there are several car parks in the town for both short and long term parking, most are pay and display.

You can also experience a ride on The Jacobite by taking a day tour from Edinburgh which also includes other Harry Potter filming locations such as this tour . Or you can join a longer tour such as this one which includes the train ride as well as visits to iconic places in the Scottish Highlands like Loch Ness and the Isle of Skye .

2. Glenfinnan Viaduct

One of the most iconic scenes in the Harry Potter movies is when the Hogwarts Express crosses a rail bridge on the way to Hogwarts. This location is used in at least three of the movies, but is perhaps most well-known because of the flying car scene in Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets , when Ron and Harry find themselves being chased across the bridge by the train.

In Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, the train is also stopped here by dementors searching for Sirius Black. The experience causes Harry to pass out on the train.

The real world filming location for “the Harry Potter bridge”, is the Glenfinnan Viaduct. This is a fantastic curving rail bridge that is over 1,000 feet long (416 meters), making it the longest concrete bridge in Scotland. It first opened for rail traffic back in 1901.

The viaduct crosses a pretty valley here, and it makes for some fantastic photography opportunities, especially if the Jacobite train happens to be crossing at the same time.

You can reach Glenfinnan by bus, train, or car. To reach the viaduct and get good views of it, you need to do a short hike. There is a Glenfinnan car park (location is here ) for the hiking trail that is free from where the path to the viaduct starts, so this is where we’d recommend parking if there are open spaces.

But if that one parking area is full (which often happens in summer) there is also another parking lot nearby at the Glenfinnan Monument visitor center , which is operated by the National Trust . There is a small parking fee for those who are not National Trust members.

You can see the Glenfinnan Viaduct up close for free, and it’s around a 10 to 15 minute walk from the start of the trail up to the viaduct itself. It’s a bit uphill and steep in places, but the overall hike is not too difficult. Note that sections of the trail are often muddy and boggy so wear appropriate footwear.

The trail itself continues on and you can hike the full trail round trip in 1 to 2 hours. The higher up you go on the trail, the better the views looking back over the viaduct. You can keep following the trail for good views of Loch Shiel and the Glenfinnan Monument, which is a memorial tower erected in 1815 honoring those who died in the Jacobite uprisings.

In terms of photographing the “Hogwarts Express” crossing the viaduct, you’ll want to check the Jacobite timetable . Usually, the train crosses the viaduct around 40 to 45 minutes after departing from Fort William on the outbound route, and around 35 to 40 minutes after departing from Mallaig on the return. There’s more information on the West Coast railways FAQ page .

Please note that railways can obviously be dangerous places, and it is illegal to walk or trespass on the viaduct or tracks of the railway itself. The best views of the viaduct are from the hill up and behind the viaduct, where you can see the full curve of it.

It’s also worth bearing in mind that the amount of steam coming from the engine will vary depending on a number of factors, including how warm it is (cooler days tend to give more of a steaming effect), and how heavily loaded the train is. The incline of the viaduct means that steam generally won’t be visible until the train is at least half way across the viaduct on the way to Mallaig, which is where it starts to ascend.

If you see photos of the train in full steam before the half-way point, these are usually taken during professional photo shoots where the driver has started to increase the steam output for photogenic reasons!

If you want to see the flying blue Ford Anglia driven by Harry Potter and Ron Weasley along the Glenfinnan Viaduct in Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets , you might want to consider a visit to the Bo’ness Motor Museum . The museum, located about 35 minutes northwest of Edinburgh, has one of the cars used in the 2002 film as well as a number of other historic cars, including several used in James Bond films.

3. Loch Shiel

Loch Shiel is a freshwater lake and is the fourth longest loch in Scotland. It is located near both the Glenfinnan Viaduct and the Glenfinnan Monument.

Within the realm of Harry Potter, Loch Shiel can often be seen as background scenery in the films and we believe it shows up at least briefly in all 8 movies. It is also the setting for many of the scenes of the Black Lake (or “Great Lake”) although directors often used several lakes to depict the same location depending on the scene.

It can often been seen in the background during Hogwarts Express sequences. For instance in Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban , you can see it both as part of the train journey as well as later when Harry Potter flies over it when riding Buckbeak the hippogriff.

Perhaps it is most recognized for being the setting for the underwater stage (Second Stage) of the Triwizard Tournament in Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire . It is where the large towers for the three schools are seen in the shots, with Hogwarts in the background. The towers and Hogwarts were digitally added to the loch so you’ll need to use your imagination!

One of our favorite scenes of the lake is in Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets . It is when Harry sits with Hedwig with a view of Hogwarts in the distance asking “Who am I, Hedwig? What am I?”.

There’s an excellent view of the loch from atop of the Glenfinnan Monument, from the Glenfinnan Monument viewpoint, and from the Glenfinnan Viaduct hiking trail (described in prior section).

There is a fee to climb the Glenfinnan monument which you can pay for at the visitor center next to the parking area. It is free to visit the Glenfinnan Monument viewpoint but there’s a small parking fee to use the National Trust for Scotland parking lot here. Parking and entry is free for National Trust members.

4. West Highland train line

The West Highland train line was opened in 1901 to connect rather remote parts of western Scotland. The train line runs from Glasgow and then branches off to terminate in either Oban or Mallaig.

This is considered one of the most scenic rail journeys in the UK, and even the world, as the train travels through scenic landscapes of mountains, lochs, rural farmland, heather moors, and small villages. 

In Harry Potter, many of the filming locations we list can be seen from or are located near this train route including Rannoch Moor, Loch Shiel, the Glenfinnan Viaduct, and Loch Eilt. Scenes shot from and along this line were used throughout the films, especially in shots of the Hogwarts Express.

For instance in the movie Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince , the Hogwarts Express is seen traveling between Corrour and Rannoch stations through Rannoch Moor. In Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1 , the Death Eaters board the train around this same area.

Corrour train station features in the 1996 movie Trainspotting . Corrour is an interesting spot just because it is the highest railway point in the UK and it is also one of the most remote train stations. Corrour is only accessible by train, or by hiking as the nearest road is 17 miles away!

There is an unmanned train station at Corrour and a seasonal cafe called Corrour Station . It is a jumping off point for hikes in the area and there is a youth hostel a s well as several guesthouses and cottages in this remote area. A perfect destination for hikers, hillwalkers, and those who want to enjoy some remote scenery for a night or so.

If you decide to stop here, a couple hikes you might consider are this one to Loch Ossian  or this one which includes a climb of one of Scotland’s munros Bein Na Lap. If you want to set off hiking from Corrour or Rannoch, we recommend getting an Ordnance hiking map of the area.

The best way to experience the West Highland route is to of course take a train. There are multiple trains that travel this route, and we’ve already talked about The Jacobite steam train (“Harry Potter train”). The Jacobite runs the section of this route between Fort William and Mallaig.

Regular trains travel the full West Highland line, including the branches to both Oban and Mallaig. The West Highland route takes about 5 hours and 30 minutes to go by train from Glasgow to Mallaig, or approximately 3 hours and 30 minutes if taking the shorter branch from Glasgow to Oban. You can of course also book to stop at any of the stations in between. You can check on route information and book tickets from Trainline or ScotRail .

Another option is to take the Caledonian Sleeper train as some services travel the stretch between Glasgow and Fort William. The overnight sleeper train travels as far south as London and as far north as Inverness. You can check the latest rates and schedules here .

5. Steall Falls in Glen Nevis

Steall Falls has a 390 feet (120 meters) single drop, making it Scotland’s second highest waterfall. The waterfall is located at Nevis Gorge within Glen Nevis, about 7 miles from Fort William. Behind Steall Falls is the mountain An Gearanach and in the distance looms the highest mountain on the British Isles, the mighty Ben Nevis .

Steall Falls featured in a number of the Harry Potter movies, primarily as a backdrop to broomstick flying scenes including some of the Quidditch matches. The waterfall is probably best recognized from being in several scenes during the Triwizard Tournament in Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire.

During the Triwizard Tournament in Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire , Nevis Gorge and Steall Falls can be seen as the backdrop to the arena. It is particularly featured in the background as Harry battles with the Hungarian Horntail dragon. The tournament arena itself is not real, but the falls certainly are!

It requires a short hike (about 1.2 miles) to reach a good viewpoint for the falls (about 20 to 40 minutes). There’s a clear view of the falls crashing down the side of the mountain.

The hike is short but rocky and steep in places and requires small stream crossings. It can be slippery, particularly after rain and in winter, so bring appropriate hiking gear. Hike may not be appropriate for younger children.

You get a view of the waterfall from a bit of a distance as the glen first opens up into view. But you can continue as close as you wish further into the glen, and you’ll eventually come to the steel wire-bridge that hikers need to cross if you wish to go across the river. When you are done hiking, just return the way you came.

For keen and fit hillwalkers looking for a more challenging hike, you can continue on to do the Ring of Steall hike , which is a rewarding 10 mile hike across four munros.

This area is a center of hiking activity, so expect to see lots of hikers and climbers in the area as the famous Ben Nevis hike is also nearby. You have a full range of hikes to choose from, from short and easy hikes to more challenging multi-day ones. For those interested in doing more hiking beyond the Steall Falls hike which is a well-marked track, you might want to get a copy of a good hiking guidebook and OS map for this popular area.

The parking area for the Steall Falls hike is at the end of the single track road to Glen Nevis, it is around a 15 minute drive from Fort William. If this is full, there are a few other parking areas along the road before that which you would have passed.

Those wanting to get here by public transit can take a seasonal local bus to Polldubh Falls Visitor Center and then walk about 30 minutes to the start of the described hike. Or you can take a quick taxi from Fort William to the start of the hike.

6. Rannoch Moor

Rannoch Moor is a wide expanse of highland wilderness near Glen Coe. It’s a boggy moor area covering about 50 square miles, full of peat bog and lochans (small lakes). Get away from the road, and you’ll find yourself in a scenic, wild, and desolate area. Although a challenging place to thrive, it still support a variety of flora and fauna, including red deer.

Rannoch Moor was also a Harry Potter filming location. In Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1 , this was where the Death Eaters board the train in search of Harry. The scene starts with a wide shot of the Hogwarts Express train crossing the moor and then blurs of Death Eaters in the air before closing in on a male Death Eater standing on the tracks to stop the train. They then apparate aboard.

A great way to get a good view of Rannoch Moor is by taking a train along the West Highland Line as the line goes through a section of Rannoch Moor. This includes The Jacobite steam train as well as the regular trains that run that route.

It is a popular place for hikers and those who wish to fish, especially for brown trout, in the lochs and rivers here. If you are thinking of hiking here, we recommend getting the local OS map as it can be easy to get lost out here. Kinloch Rannoch is one of the local villages here that is popular with tourists, and provides good access to outdoor activities.

If you want to fish in Scotland, you don’t need a license in most places, but you do need written permission from the landowner. See this guide for more information. If you are staying locally, accommodation staff can often help you figure out who you’d need to contact before your trip, or you can hire a local fishing guide.

Note that Rannoch Moor area is filled with marshy and wet areas (in fact the majority of the area is wet!), so expect mud and bog along the hiking trails and bring appropriate hiking gear.

Although we’ve thankfully not encountered any Death Eaters at Rannoch Moor, there is a very annoying flying creature often present in the warmer months (usually May to September): the Highland midge. The area can attract a lot of midges and mosquitoes in the warmer months due to its peaty soil and abundance of marsh and lochs. Ticks can also be an issue.

Midges are a nuisance throughout much of the Highlands (especially the western Highlands) in the summer months, but they seem to be particularly annoying at Rannoch Moor. Unlike mosquitoes and ticks, they don’t carry viruses that are harmful to humans, so they are more an annoyance than danger. But their bite is unpleasant and you are often left with a bunch of red bumps.

To help repeal midges and mosquitoes, we recommend Smidge (what we use) or Avon So Soft (many also recommend this). If you are planning to be standing in one place for long periods of time in midge season (e.g., fishing, camping), you might consider a midge head net . Bringing some sort of insect repellent (including something to protect against ticks) is recommended for anyone planning to hike in the Highlands in summer.

You can reach Rannoch Moor by car, train, or day tour. If you are traveling by train and want to hike in the area, you might want to stop at Rannoch Station. If trying to reach Kinloch Rannoch, you can arrange for a local shuttle in advance to pick you up at Rannoch Station and take you to the village.

If driving, you can get nice views as you drive along the A82 and there are a few parking places where you can stop for quick views of the area.

7. Glen Coe

The fantastic Glen Coe valley is a dramatic volcanic glen in the Scottish Highlands near the village of Glencoe. It was the site of  a terrible massacre in 1692 and it is also a National Scenic Area.

Glen Coe is a very popular hiking and tourist destination. It’s wonderfully photogenic , with steep mountains, reflecting pools, and waterfalls to discover, and is one of our favorite photography locations in Scotland. It has been featured in a number of films, including Braveheart , Rob Roy , Skyfall , and of course the Harry Potter films.

The Harry Potter filming team used Glen Coe for a number of shots in several of the movies, including scenes in Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban and Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince.

The film with the most recognizable scenes from Glen Coe is probably Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban , with Glen Coe serving as the location for Hagrid’s Hut. For the filming, a full set was built on location at Glen Coe complete with the surrounding pumpkin patch, gate house, bridge, and sundial stone circle. This is probably the best known Harry Potter film set that was built in Scotland.

Scenes here include many shots of Hagrid’s Hut, the place where Buckbeak is chained up prior to his sentence, forest scenes, and where Hermione confronts and punches Draco at the sundial stone circle. The area was also used for the bridge leading to Hogwarts.

Although the Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban film set was only temporary and is sadly long gone, the background is still very recognizable. Most of the filming was done across from Clachaig Inn in Clachaig Gulley. You can see Signal Rock forest, surrounding hills, and Torren Lochan (the lake) in many of the scenes.

There are many lovely hikes you can take in the Glen Coe area. If you are planning to do some hiking here, you may want to get a good OS map of the area and/or a hiking guidebook . As in Rannoch Moor (and most in the Highlands), we’d recommend midge and mosquito repellent if visiting during midge season (approx May to September) and planning to spend a lot of time outdoors.

Many travelers here make a stop at the visitor center (fee for non-members), which is run by the National Trust for Scotland . Here you’ll find visitor information about the area as well as an exhibition and video, toilets, a viewing platform, a shop, and a cafe.

In the village of Glencoe, there is also the Glencoe Folk Museum (seasonal) which presents local history in a thatched cottages.

Glen Coe is about a 30 minute drive from Fort William and about 3 hours from Edinburgh. It can be reached by car, bus, or day tour. The nearest train station is in Fort William.

There are a number of guided tours that visit Glen Coe, including this Harry Potter themed day tour from Edinburgh, this one by Rabbie’s from Edinburgh which also visits Loch Ness, or this one that departs from Glasgow .

If you are looking for a longer tour, you might consider this 3 day one or this 5 day tour , both of which explore more of the Highlands and visit the Isle of Skye.

8. Loch Etive & Glen Etive

Loch Etive, known in Scottish Gaelic as Loch Eite, is a sea loch in the Argyll and Bute area of Scotland. The loch is fairly narrow and shaped a bit like a snake, stretching over 30 miles (18 km).  The loch is located within Glen Etive which is a scenic glen that is popular with outdoor enthusiasts.

Glen Etive and Loch Etive were used as a filming location for at least two Harry Potter films. In the Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2 movie, Loch Etive is the lake where Harry, Ron and Hermione end up being deposited after jumping off the back of a dragon following their daring escape from Gringotts in London.

The northern section of Loch Etive in Gualachulain was also the setting for the camp that the trio set up near the lake in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1. After Ron leaves following the argument with Harry, Hermione ties a scarf around a tree near the lake to let Ron know they left if he returned.

The Glen Etive area is a scenic one and offers great hiking opportunities. The River Etive and other local rivers here are popular with kayakers. Many people stop by on their way to visit the coastal town of Oban.

A couple of attractions around Loch Etive are Dunstaffnage Castle (a 13th century castle) and Bonawe Historic Iron Furnace (18th century pig iron furnace). Both are open to visitors and run by Historic Scotland. There is a fee to visit but they are free to Historic Scotland members.

The loch stretches over 30 miles so it depends a bit on where you want to stop, but the easiest way to reach it is by car. It is about a 40 minute drive from the coastal town of Oban, 1 hour and 20 minute drive from Fort William, or a 3 hour and 15 minute drive from Edinburgh.

The nearest train stations to the loch are in Taynuilt and Connel, and buses run to both of these villages as well.

9. Black Rock Gorge

Black Rock Gorge is a narrow canyon cut into red sandstone that is just outside the town of Evanton in the area of Easter Ross in Scotland. It is about 1.5 km in length and 36 metres (120 feet) in depth.

In the Harry Potter films, Black Rock Gorge is shown during the Triwizard Tournament in Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire . The canyon is shown in the dragon challenge sequence when Harry is trying to escape from the dragon.

When Harry tackles the dragon challenge he is chased into a spectacular gorge with oddly shaped rocks. In real life, this is the Black Rock Gorge at Evanton, which can be found around 15 miles north of Inverness.

Views of the gorge can be accessed via a relatively easy 2.5 mile round-trip hike which will take you around 1.5 hours or so. The hike is fairly level and easy, although there are a few rough and slippery bits so do take care. If it has rained lately, parts of the trail can be quite soggy so good waterproof hiking shoes are recommended.

You can see the gorge by crossing two bridges across the gorge along the hike. The gorge is not easy to photograph and looks much more impressive in person than in a photo or video as it is very difficult to get a sense of the scale in a photo.

The walk is scenic and there was no one else on it when we did it. In addition to seeing the gorge, there are also some nice woodlands, a water power plant, a river, and a waterfall to see along the route. You can find a good description of this hike, as well as information on where to start and where to park, here .

The trail starts in the village of Evanton which can be reached by car or public bus. Evanton is located about a 30 minute drive from Inverness. Evanton is located just along the popular North Coast 500 driving route .

If you are looking for another fairly easy hike in the area, there are several paths around the community-owned Evanton Woods (you’ll walk through a section to get to the gorge). There is also a very nice woodland playground here if you are traveling with kids. You might also consider a hike up to the nearby Fyrish Monument . There are nice views from the monument on a clear day.

If you are looking for a drink or pub meal after the Black Gorge hike or a place to stay the night, the Novar Arms Hotel is conveniently located right across from the parking area.

10. Loch Eilt

Loch Eilt is a freshwater loch located in the Scottish Highlands between the villages of Glenfinnan and Lochailort. The loch has a number of small islands.

Loch Eilt has been used in several of the Harry Potter films including Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire , Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, and Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1.

The best known Harry Potter filming location here is the tiny island of Eilean na Moine on Loch Eilt. The little island serves as the place where Dumbledore is buried after his death in Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince . Shots of the island are featured in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1 , when Voldemort comes here to steal the Elder Wand.

Loch Eilt is also used for a number of other scenes in the movies, including in Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban . In that movie, following Buckbeak’s sentencing, Hagrid is shown at the loch looking depressed and throwing stones when Harry, Hermione, and Ron find him.

It also appears in various other general shots of the Hogwarts exterior in Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire and Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets .

The most recognizable filming location is definitely Eilean na Moine island. This can be found at the western point of the loch off the A830. This is the same road from which you can see the Glenfinnan Viaduct—the loch location is around 8 miles past the bridge or a 10 to 15 minute drive.

If you are taking a train along the West Highland Line to Mallaig, you will be able to see Loch Eilt from the train as you pass by.

The loch can be reached by train, bus, day tour, or car. Loch Eilt is about a 3 minute drive from Lochailort and a 40 minute from Fort William. The nearest train station and bus stops are in Lochailort.

If you are driving, there’s no designated parking, so you will need to look for safe places to fully pull of the road. There is a vague track that leads to the Loch shore for a view of the island. The island can be seen on Google maps here , for reference of where you are going.

11. Loch Arkaig

Loch Arkaig is a 12 mile (19 km) long freshwater loch located north of Fort William. One of the lake’s islands, Eilean Loch Airceig, has a ruined chapel dedicated to St. Columba. Loch Arkaig is also rumored to be where a large amount of stolen French gold coins (often called the Jacobite treasure ) is buried.

Loch Arkaig appears in a few of the Harry Potter films. When you visit Loch Eilt (described above) to see Eilean na Moine, you might think you are in the wrong place. The loch in the film looks a lot wider and bigger than Loch Eilt. This is indeed the case.

The director liked the look of island in Loch Eilt and it fit his artistic vision; however, the size and shape of the lake did not. So shots from Loch Arkaig and Loch Eilt were blended together to give the overall effect, such as the shots of Dumbledore’s resting place in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1 .

Loch Arkaig was also used for some of the wider shots of the dragon escape flight in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallow Part 2 .

The best way to reach Loch Arkaig is by car. If you are traveling by public transit, you can head to Fort William (or Spean Bridge) and then take a cab from there.

Just note that much of the lake is well off the beaten path and roads can be a bit rough around the lake and forest. When we were there recently, some of the roads were closed due to flooding and many of the single track near the lake were torn up from recent bad weather.

This is not a typical international tourist destination, but if you are looking for a peaceful place to enjoy nature and wildlife this may be a great place to stop for a day or two. The lake is surrounded by forest and hills, and the Loch Arkaig Pine Forest is one of the last remaining areas of native Caledonian pinewood in the UK.

It is a great place for scenic walks, birdwatching, and wildlife spotting. You have the opportunity to spot lots of Scottish wildlife from red deer to osprey to rare butterflies. Fishing on the loch is also possible with a permit. If you enjoy butterflies, there is a butterfly conservation reserve located along the north side of the loch called Allt Mhuic .

If you are interested in Scottish clan history, you can make a stop at the Clan Cameron Museum which is located in Achnacarry near the loch. The museum covers the clan history and includes information on the Clan Cameron’s role in the Jacobite uprising and the mystery of the Jacobite Treasure (perhaps the French gold is buried nearby!). The museum has seasonal hours but you can arrange a visit outside of the seasonal hours by contacting the museum in advance.

12. Loch Morar

Loch Morar is a large freshwater loch located east of the coastal village of Mallaig. It is the deepest freshwater body of water in the British Isles, even deeper than Loch Ness, with depths reaching over 1,000 feet! It is also one of the largest lochs in Scotland.

Yes, there are a lot of lochs in the Harry Potter movies, but don’t worry this is the last one we are going to include!

Loch Morar was one of the many lochs used for shots of Hogwarts Lake. Loch Morar was used  primarily for close up scenes throughout the movies. None are super distinctive though.

It’s a big loch, with the best views available from the west end. To learn more about the area you can check out the Loch Morar local website .

Trains going along the West Highland Line to Mallaig, including The Jacobite, pass by the western side of lake on their journey. So if you taking the train, you should get a look at the lake from the window.

The loch can be reached by car, train, or bus. The nearest train station (and bus stop) is in the small village of Morar and it is less than a 15 minute walk to the western shores of the loch.

Planning your Visit to the Harry Potter Movie Sites in Scotland

Now that you know where Harry Potter was filmed in Scotland and a bit about each location, we thought you might also want some tips for planning your visit to these sites and to Scotland in general.

We include transport tips, a list of Harry Potter tours in Scotland, lodging tips, and additional attractions that may be of interest to Harry Potter fans.

Best Way to Get to Harry Potter Filming Locations

The best way to get around to most of the filming locations is by car as it gives you the most flexibility. You can also visit the most popular locations by taking a day tour, such as this one from Edinburgh , which is great for those limited on time but want to see the highlights.

Car hire is available in a number of locations in Scotland with the most selection in the larger cities like Edinburgh, Glasgow, Aberdeen, and Inverness. There are a lot of car rental companies, we normally use  Enterprise  for rental cars.

But many of the Harry Potter movie locations can also be visited by taking a public bus or train. Some are a short walking distance away from a public transit stop, but some do require longer walks to reach or a taxi ride. So plan ahead if you want to travel by public transportation to find out what’s possible.

If you want to travel by public transit in Scotland (and the rest of the UK), we recommend using the Traveline website to help plan your journey.

Map of Harry Potter Filming Locations in Scotland

Below is a map of all the Harry Potter movie locations mentioned earlier.

We’ve also included Edinburgh and Alnwick Castle (see next section for more information about both) on the map, two other places with Harry Potter connections that are not too far away. 

Other Harry Potter Sites You can Visit

If you are in Scotland, you may also want to consider the Harry Potter related sites in Edinburgh Scotland. You might also want to consider a day trip to Alnwick Castle, one of the more dramatic Harry Potter locations located in northern England, which is located less than 2 hour drive from Edinburgh.

Edinburgh was not actually used as a filming location for any of the Harry Potter movies; however, it was the city where J.K. Rowling wrote many of the Harry Potter books and she has lived here since 1993. There are many locations across the city that will be of interest to Harry Potter fans.

These includes some of the cafes where Rowling wrote Harry Potter , as well as a number of places that are believed to have served as inspiration for characters and locations in the books. These include the Greyfriar’s Kirkyard, where you’ll find graves that include the names of Tom Riddle and McGonagall, as well as a local school that looks a bit like Hogwarts!

If you want to tour Edinburgh in search of Harry Potter, take a look at our detailed guide to finding Harry Potter in Edinburgh for more inspiration. You can explore on your own or you can take one of the Harry Potter themed walking tours, such as this popular 2 hour tour .

Alnwick Castle

Alnwick Castle is found in Northumberland, the most northerly county in England, and as such, is obviously not in Scotland! However, we wanted to include it as it’s actually one of the closest Harry Potter filming locations to Edinburgh, and is easily visited as a day trip from the city.

Alnwick Castle was used in the first two Harry Potter films as the outside of Hogwarts, and is most recognizable as the location for the broomstick training in Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone . This took place at the Outer Bailey. When you visit Alnwick Castle, you can take a broomstick flying lessons in this exact spot!

In Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets , various scenes were filmed around the castle, primarily showing students and staff of Hogwarts moving between locations in the school. They were also seen going in and out of the Lion Arch when visiting Hagrid’s forest cabin.

The castle has also been used as a filming location for a number of other films and TV shows, including Downton Abbey ,  Transformers: The Last Knight , and Elizabeth .

Even without the Harry Potter connection, the castle is still worth a visit. You can purchase tickets at the castle or you can pre-book your tickets online here .

The adjacent gardens (next to but not part of the castle property) are stunning and definitely worth a visit, especially if traveling in Spring or Summer.

How Many Days to See Harry Potter Movie Locations

You could visit all the Harry Potter filming locations in 2 days if you concentrated just on visiting these sites and didn’t mind driving around a lot. However, since there is a lot more to see in Scotland, we’d recommend a 5 day trip or longer so you can mix Harry Potter sites with lots of other of Scotland’s great attractions.

It is not realistic to visit all the filming location in one day, but you can see several if you head to the northwestern part of Scotland (around Fort William). You can see many of these same attractions by taking a train along the West Highland Line.

If you want to visit Black Rock Gorge, you have to go 2 hours further north in Scotland. If you also want to see Alnwick Castle, it is located just across the border in northern England, but in the opposite direction from the other filming locations.

Our favorites are The Jacobite train ride (a fun experience and nice scenery), Alnwick Castle (iconic castle with broomstick lessons and beautiful gardens), and Glen Coe (dramatic landscape and great area for hiking). Rannoch Moor, Glen Etive, and Steall Falls are also great for those who like hiking and scenic landscapes.

The lochs in general are the least interesting places in our opinion. There are over 30,000 lochs and lochans here in Scotland, and several of them made their way in the Harry Potter films. However, without the characters, props, and CGI enhancement, most are just going to look like another lake. The most recognizable loch location to Harry Potter film fans is probably Eilean na Moine in Loch Eilt.

Tours to Harry Potter Film Locations

Below are several tours that depart from Edinburgh. If you don’t see what you are looking for, feel free to ask us for a suggestion.

• This full day trip from Edinburgh takes visitors to see several filming locations (including Rannoch Moor, Glenfinnan viaduct, Glencoe, and Loch Shiel) and features a ride on The Jacobite train (Hogwarts Express). Best bet if you want to see as much as possible in a single day.
• This full day small group tour features a visit to the impressive Alnwick Castle, a filming location for Hogwarts in Harry Potter (as well as Downton Abbey  and  Transformers) . The tour also stops in a Scottish Borders market town and along the scenic Northumberland coast. We’ve done this Rabbie’s tour and can recommend it.
• This 4 day West Highlands tour isn’t Harry Potter focused but includes stops at some of the most iconic filming locations, which include Glenfinnan Viaduct, Glencoe, and Rannoch Moor. Tour visits many of the highlands of the Scottish Highlands and visits the Isle of Skye.
• This 5 day guided tour from Edinburgh includes a visit to the Isle of Skye, several Scottish Highlands locations (including Glencoe ), and includes a ride on the Jacobite steam train.

**Note: The Jacobite only regularly runs from April to October so many of the tours that include the train ride are seasonal or operate without the steam train ride from November to March.

Where to Stay When Exploring Harry Potter Sites

The majority of the filming locations are in northwestern Scotland, around the Highlands town of Fort William. This is where we would recommend basing yourself if you want to explore a number of these locations over a couple of days.

Fort William is also where The Jacobite steam train starts its journey. It is a pleasant town offering museums, a historical fort park, restaurants, and a pleasant walkable city center area. It is within a relatively short drive of Glencoe and Ben Nevis, and there are a number of hiking, skiing, and water activities in the area.

The town is easy to access by car, bus, or train, and is even a stop on the Caledonian Sleeper .

You can also search a full list of lodging options here , but here are a few suggested accommodation options to check out in and around Fort William across budgets:

• Fort William Backpackers – This well-rated hostel offers dormitory style rooms, comfortable common areas, and free WiFi. Centrally located and about a 5 minute walk from both the city center and train station.
• Fassfern Guesthouse – This cozy B&B offers comfortable rooms and a full English breakfast situated near L och Linnhe, just outside the city center. A 13 minute walk to city center.
• Cruachan Hotel – This 3-star hotel next to L och Linnhe offers a variety of room types, some with loch and hill views, as well as a terraced dining area. Offers breakfast as well as dinner, late night snacks, and drinks.  A 15 minute walk to city center.
• Glenlochy Apartments – These well-rated self-catering apartments offer fully equipped kitchens, siting/dining areas, and free parking. Great option for families. A 15 minute walk to city center.
• Inverlochy Castle – If you have a car, are looking for a luxury treat, and don’t mind staying a bit further away, we recommend considering a stay at Inverlochy Castle Hotel. This mid-19th century luxury castle hotel offers historic and well-decorated rooms, excellent service, and on-site restaurant.The service here sets it apart and it is one of the best places we’ve stayed in Scotland (and we’ve stayed in a A LOT of places!). About a 1 hour drive from Fort William city center.

Edinburgh can be a good base if you are just looking to do a day trip from Edinburgh to see some of the Harry Potter filming spot highlights. If you are wanting to explore by taking a tour, the majority of tours (both day tours and multi-day tours) leave from Edinburgh although you can also find tours from Glasgow and Inverness.

Here are a several lodging options in Edinburgh we recommend for Harry Potter fans (all located in city center within walking distance of Edinburgh’s Harry Potter attractions ):

• Castle Rock Hostel – Popular adults-only hostel with a castle theme, offering both dormitory style and private rooms. Located within the Grassmarket area near Victoria Street and about a 3 minute walk to The Elephant House. 
• Motel One – A popular modern good value design hotel centrally located in Edinburgh’s Old Town. Located only a few minute walk from the Royal Mile and about a 6 minute walk from Victoria Street. 
• The Grassmarket Hotel – This 3-star modern and quirky decorated hotel is located within the Grassmarket area and just a couple of minutes walk to Victoria Street and The Elephant House. 
• Canongate Luxury Apartment – This 2-bedroom apartments has been nicknamed the “Harry Potter apartment”. It is decorated with a witchery and Harry Potter theme, and has a number of Harry Potter related details and vintage items. Located just off the Royal Mile.
• Holiday Inn Express – This 3-star hotel offers well-priced rooms in the Old Town. Located near the Royal Mile, it is a 5 minute walk from Spoon and about a 10 minute walk from Victoria Street.
• The Balmoral – This 5-star historic luxury hotel opened in 1902 as a traditional railway hotel and has become a city landmark. This hotel is a mix of traditional and modern decor and has some beautiful suites, including the J K Rowling Grand Suite where Rowling finished writing the final Harry Potter book! Located next to the Waverley train station.
• The Witchery – This popular boutique luxury hotel is named after the witches who were burned at Castlehill in the 16th and 17th centuries. The hotel offers 9 different themed suites which are lavishly decorated with Gothic touches, large 4-poster oak beds, and antiques. Located just below Edinburgh Castle along the Royal Mile. A 5 minute walk to Edinburgh Castle and a 2 minute walk to Victoria Street.

More Information for Visiting Scotland

If you are looking for more Harry Potter content, we also have a comprehensive guide to Harry Potter locations in Edinburgh as well as a guide to cafes where J.K. Rowling wrote the Harry Potter books .

If your trip is also taking you to London, we have a guide to Harry Potter in London as well as how to visit the Warner Bros Studio in Leavesden which was where most of the filming took place.

We have lots and lots of other information on Scotland across our two travel blogs which you can view here and here . For instance we have guides to things to do in Edinburgh , things to do in Glasgow , best day trips from Inverness , visiting Loch Lomond , photographing Glen Coe , skiing in Scotland , planning a North Coast 500 road trip , and much more!

So that’s our guide to Harry Potter filming locations in Scotland, and we hope it will help you plan your own magical trip to Scotland!

Which of these spots would you want to visit? Have you been to any of these Harry Potter film locations in Scotland? Are there any other Harry Potter sites in Scotland that you think should be added to this list? Tell us in the Comments section below. 

As always, we love your comments and feel free to ask us any questions about Harry Potter filming locations or any other question you may have about visiting Scotland in general!

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Jenna Post author

July 14, 2022 at 3:55 pm

I have read a few articles of filming locations and this is by far the most thorough, especially filled with logistics tips. Thank you!

Jessica & Laurence Norah Post author

July 15, 2022 at 6:57 am

Glad you enjoyed it and if you have a question about any of the Harry Potter filming locations in Scotland just let us know.

My husband has also written about the Harry Potter filming locations elsewhere in the UK as well in a separate article that might be useful if you are also visiting England.

Best, Jessica

Esther Post author

April 21, 2021 at 2:30 pm

Hi, I am from Texas, and I was wondering if you have any updates on visiting Eilean na Moine. I have looked at Google maps/street view at the road that goes along Loch Eilt, and there is some type of heavy road equipment in a gravel area near the island that appears to be suitable for parking. Are you familiar with this area? Is there another area you recommend for parking? Have you hiked down to the shore to see the island, and if so, can you describe what sort of terrain we are likely to encounter? Thanks! We plan to visit Harry Potter sites in Scotland next year.

April 22, 2021 at 11:35 am

Yes, we’ve been to all the Harry Potter filming locations in Scotland and have walked down to see the island.

We haven’t been up there this year so I can’t say for certain and it is possible that there could be road construction and that you may need to park further away, but normally there are a few places where you can safely park in that area off the road.

The island can be seen from just off the road and it is a short walk. But I would recommend proper shoes as you may need to walk on muddy/boggy land (this is really a given for anywhere in the Highlands and we almost always wear hiking shoes). It rains a lot and if you go in summer, I’d be prepared for the possibility of ticks and midges.

Hope that helps, and hope you get a chance to visit next year! Jessica

shauna Post author

November 21, 2020 at 7:59 pm

Where is the castle that the Dursleys take Harry to In order to avoid his letter from Hogwarts, the one that is on an island and Hagrid breaks down the door? Is that in Scotland? I would love to go there.

November 22, 2020 at 8:33 am

Unfortunately, that is not a real filming location. I think it was all CGI and studio filming. It is actually supposed to be a small wooden hut (per the books), but it does appear more like a small stone house or castle in the film.

But in the fictional world of Harry Potter, the home, call “Hut on the Rock” was a small shack located on an island just off the coast of England that was rented by the Dursleys. The Hut on the Rock made its first appearance when the Dursleys go there to try to prevent Harry being able to receive letters as you noted in the Philosopher’s Stone . It is noted in the books and the film.

Hope that helps, and just let me know if you have any further questions about Harry Potter filming location in Scotland!

Rick Haenel Post author

November 9, 2020 at 1:12 am

Is the Burnt out car park a real place, or a movie set created for the show? It always strikes me as “odd”. How did that set come to be part of the show?

November 9, 2020 at 6:21 am

I am not sure which specific scene you are referring to, but I am guessing it was probably a studio scene or a temporary movie set. I can’t think of any specific filming location like that. But if you want to let me know the specific Harry Potter film and a description of the scene I can see if I can find out anything more.

James Byrd Post author

November 17, 2019 at 9:06 pm

I love your article! Very informative! My daughter and I are planning a Harry Potter trip in the next 2-3 years and will be using your article for most of our planning.

November 17, 2019 at 9:49 pm

Sounds like a fun trip with your daughter. If you have time, I’d recommend starting (or ending) your Harry Potter trip in London and then making your way north to Scotland. There are a lot of great Harry Potter filming locations and related attractions and tours in England as well, including the Harry Potter Studio Tour (a great place to start or end a Harry Potter themed trip!).

Vimmi Sanghvi Post author

March 15, 2019 at 8:58 pm

hi jessica My daughter wants to visit the harrypotter world and the places u mentioned r also very interesting…i am cmng from India..which is the best place to put up so that we can visit all these places and also scotland and any other place..as i am planng a 10 day trip

March 16, 2019 at 9:15 am

If you are wanting to visit the Harry Potter Studio, it is located in Leavesden near London and the places in this post are all in Scotland. So I’d perhaps start your trip in London and maybe explore London and other places in England for 4-6 days and then head to Scotland where you can base yourself in Edinburgh (or Fort William) and see many of these places.

In addition to this article, you might find these articles useful in planning your trip:

-Visiting the Harry Potter Studio: https://www.findingtheuniverse.com/taking-a-harry-potter-studio-tour-everything-you-need-to-know/ -6 Day in London itinerary: https://independenttravelcats.com/london-itinerary-6-days-in-london/ -London’s Harry Potter film sites: https://www.findingtheuniverse.com/london-harry-potter-locations/ -10 Day UK trip itinerary: https://www.findingtheuniverse.com/10-day-uk-itinerary-public-transport-train-bus/ -Traveling from London to Edinburgh: https://independenttravelcats.com/how-to-get-from-london-to-edinburgh/

Hope that helps! Jessica

عطلات Post author

March 10, 2019 at 3:44 am

Hello Jessica & Laurence Norah

Do you think it’s suitable for honeymoon ?

Thanx in advance

March 10, 2019 at 8:23 am

Hi there, I am not sure that just visiting the Harry Potter filming locations in Scotland would be perhaps the best honeymoon idea, but you can easily combine this with lots of other places and attractions in Scotland. There are lovely country house and castle hotels and romantic B&Bs all over Scotland to stay in for any budget.

If you want to plan a Harry Potter themed honeymoon, I’d probably include England as well as there are a lot more filming locations in England than in Scotland, and of course the Harry Potter studio tour located outside of London.

Seana Turner Post author

March 5, 2019 at 5:03 am

Oh, I want to go! This looks like so much fun. One of my daughters has read all of the books upwards of 7 times. I’m feeling an urge for a Mom/daughter trip. Thanks for all these details. You are the BEST for these!

March 5, 2019 at 5:37 am

Hi Seana, Glad you enjoyed it. Sounds like she would love a Harry Potter tour to the UK – there are many great filming sites in England and Scotland 😉 Jessica

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12+ Magical Scotland Harry Potter Filming Locations You Must Visit (2024)!

By: Author Sophie Pearce

Posted on Last updated: January 1, 2024

Categories HARRY POTTER , SCOTLAND

This post may contain affiliate links. Please see my disclosure policy for details.

Okay muggles, did you know that there are plenty of Scotland Harry Potter filming locations you can visit from the movies?

You can see where they filmed the backdrop for Hogwarts Castle and visit the waterfall behind the Quidditch Arena. 

There’s also the location of Hagrid’s Hut, Dumbledore’s Grave, and an opportunity to ride on the Hogwarts Express! 

It’s the perfect excuse to plan a Harry Potter road trip through the Scottish Highlands and experience some of the magic. 

Here is a complete list of all the Scotland Harry Potter filming locations you can visit! 

Was Harry Potter filmed in Scotland?

YES, in fact, you’ll see Scotland Harry Potter filming locations in every single Harry Potter movie that was made. 

It features as the backdrop for Hogwarts Castle, the Hogwarts Lake, Black Lake, the Quidditch Tournaments, and when you see the Hogwarts Express too. 

Scotland truly has some of the most evocative, dramatic, and spectacular scenery. It makes sense that the production team wanted to feature these incredible places in Harry Potter and the Wizarding World.

Magical Scotland Harry Potter filming locations you must visit

1. edinburgh.

Okay, so I’ve been a bit naughty starting with this one as there are no Harry Potter filming locations in Edinburgh.

But, no Potterhead can truly visit Scotland without stopping at the Birthplace of Harry Potter! 

If you didn’t know, J. K. Rowling lived in Edinburgh and she wrote some of the very first chapters of her books in the cafés here.

She also wrote Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows book in Room 552 of the Balmoral Hotel.

So, you’ll find plenty of magical places in this city that are thought to have inspired places and character names in her books! 

Plus, there are many immersive experiences like walking tours, potion cocktail classes , escape rooms, and even sampling Butterbeer.

Make sure to check out these Harry Potter places on your visit to the Scottish capital:

• Victoria Street (Diagon Alley)
• Museum Context
• Greyfriars Kirkyard (Tom Riddles Grave)
• Elephant House Café
• And many, many others – see my comprehensive guide below for more! 

Click here to read my complete list of Harry Potter locations in Edinburgh

2. Rannoch Moor

So, the first Scotland Harry Potter filming location you’ll visit on your road trip to Fort William will be Rannoch Moor.

It is a vast, boggy landscape that sits elevated in the Highlands of Scotland in the Bridge of Orchy near Glen Coe.

The Great Moor of Rannoch is often referred to as ‘the last place of wilderness in Britain’. It’s 50-square miles of exposed moorland and has the largest area of blanket bog in the country as it’s made up of 82% water! 

You’ll recognise this location briefly in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1 . As the students make their way to Hogwarts on the Hogwarts Express, the Death Eaters appear and make the train stop mid-journey.

They board the train looking for Harry Potter and Neville then gets up and says ‘Hey losers, he isn’t here ’ .

Go Neville – honestly, he is one of the most underrated characters in the whole series!

It’s easiest to drive here in Glen Coe and you can stop at a Google Pin location called ‘ Rannoch Moor Viewpoint ’. Or use the postcode A82, Bridge of Orchy, PA36 4AG.

There is a tiny lay-by you can park in to hop out and grab a photo.

Click here to read my Harry Potter guide for Rannoch Moor

3. Loch Etive & Glen Etive

One of the must-visit Harry Potter filming locations in Glen Coe has to be Glen Etive which is famous for the ‘Skyfall road’ from James Bond. 

But, it’s also a Scotland Harry Potter filming location. Loch Etive can be found deep within the glen. 

Loch Etive features in The Order of the Phoenix when the Hogwarts Express travels through the Scottish Highlands to Hogwarts. 

It’s also where the Golden Trio camp out whilst searching for Horcruxes during Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1 . 

Unfortunately, this is not a quick stop-off location as you will need to drive for around 40 minutes down a single-track road to the loch.

Use the postcode PH49 4JA to find the Loch Etive car park or the Glen Etive Estate Parking pin. It will be the same 40 minutes drive going back to the main road that runs through Glen Coe. 

However, I would say it is worth it for Harry Potter fans. You can stop off here and go paddling, pull up a picnic or simply enjoy the spectacular views!

Click here to read a complete visitor guide for Glen Coe  

4. Clachaig Gulley aka Hagrid’s Hut 

My favourite Scotland Harry Potter filming location has to be Clachaig Gulley where they filmed the scenes for Hagrid’s Hut! 

The production team for  Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban  built Hagrid’s Hut on location at Clachaig Gully in Glen Coe. They also built the Sundial Garden and the Hogwarts Bridge sets here too.

We see Hagrid’s Hut when the Golden Trio visits Hagrid when Buckbeak is executed and then when  Harry and Hermione use the time-turner  to revisit the scene and save him.

In  Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix,  this is the place where  Harry sees the Thestrals  for the first time. Also, this is where  Umbridge fires Hagrid .

Finally, we see Slughorn, Hagrid, and Harry say  farewell to Aragog  here in  Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince.

Although the set won’t be there on your visit, you can still enjoy a walk up to the viewpoint and see the filming location for yourself. It will transport you straight into the world of Hogwarts.

You can park outside the Clachaig Inn and take a short walk up to the Torren Lochan viewpoint.

Use the postcode PH49 4HX for the Clachaig Inn. Or, there is a helpful Google Pin called ‘ The Site Where Hagrid’s Hut was Filmed ’ to follow.

Click here for a complete guide on how to find the location of Hagrid’s Hut

5. Steall Falls in Glen Nevis

Steall Waterfall is Scotland’s second-highest waterfall with a single drop cascade of 120-metres or 390 feet! 

It’s also one of the most popular things to do in Fort William and a Scotland Harry Potter filming location.

You will recognise this magical cascade in the backdrop of various Quidditch matches in five of the Harry Potter movies but most recognisably in the Triwizard Tournament during  Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire .

This is when Harry is being chased around Hogwarts grounds by the ferocious Hungarian Horntail for the Dragon Egg. 

This waterfall is also in the background when Harry catches the Golden Snitch in the Philosopher’s Stone , battles it out with Draco in the Chamber of Secrets, and where Ron gets a little help from Hermione in the  Quidditch Tryouts  of Half-Blood Prince .

Millions of people around the world have probably already seen this waterfall in Scotland without knowing that it’s a real-life location you can visit.

You can easily hike to Steall Falls within Glen Nevis in around 30-40 minutes from the Upper Falls Car Park . The closest postcode is PH33 6SY but you will need to keep on driving through Glen Nevis until you reach the very top car park.

You will need to drive here to access the start of the walk. There is no bus but you can arrange a taxi from Fort William.

Click here for my complete Harry Potter waterfall walk guide

6. The Jacobite Steam Train aka Hogwarts Express

Did you know that it is totally possible to ride the Hogwarts Express on your visit to Scotland that features in the movies? The Jacobite Steam Train has services that run from April – October.

The whole experience will take you 84 miles from Fort William to Mallaig and will take approximately 2 hours.

On the way, you’ll see many Scotland Harry Potter filming locations from your window like Loch Eilt, Eilean Na Moine, Loch Shiel, Glenfinnan Viaduct, and Loch Morar! 

There will even be a sweetie trolley where you will find Chocolate Frogs, Jelly Slugs, and Bertie Botts Every Flavour Beans. They even have a gift shop selling Harry Potter souvenirs and serve up Butterbeer cocktails.

Click here to read how to ride the real life Hogwarts Express in Scotland!

If you’d rather, you can upgrade to first-class and add on a cream tea! It is pricey but, if you’re a die-hard Potter fan, I’d say the experience was priceless.

You can even book a First Class compartment carriages like Harry, Ron, and Hermione travel in.

I cannot stress this enough, it is one of the most popular train journeys in Scotland and you must book your tickets well in advance! 

If you didn’t want to book an expensive train journey you can book a regular ScotRail train service from Fort William to Mallaig. It travels on the exact same train line but it’s a fraction of the cost.  

Click here to book your tickets for The Jacobite aka Hogwarts Express

7. Loch Shiel in Glenfinnan

If you’re heading to the Glenfinnan Viaduct you must head over to Loch Shiel that’s nearby the Glenfinnan Monument.

It’s a gorgeous Scotland Harry Potter filming location that was Hogwarts Lake and the Black Lake in five of the Harry Potter movies. 

We first see this location in Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone when the students arrive at Hogwarts by boat and again when they travel by carriage in Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban.

The Durmstrang Institute arrives by boat and the Beauxbatons arrive by flying carriage over this lake during Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire . And there are many other scenes where we see this lake in the movies too! 

You can get the best views of this lake from the Glenfinnan Viaduct Viewpoint (see below) and also if you’re on The Jacobite heading over the viaduct.

If you’re visiting by car, there is the National Trust Glenfinnan car park or the ‘Wee Harry Potter Bridge Project’ car park. Use the postcode PH37 4LT.

There is also a direct train to Glenfinnan from Fort William via the West Highland Railway if you wanted to head here by public transport. 

8. Glenfinnan Viaduct 

Another one of my favourite Scotland Harry Potter filming locations has to be the Glenfinnan Viaduct. 

It’s the most recognisable and popular location to visit in Scotland and it featured in three of the Harry Potter movies. 

You’ll remember it most when Harry and Ron miss the Hogwarts Express in Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets . So, they try to catch up with the train in Ron’s flying Ford Anglia and nearly get hit!

We also see it again during Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban when the Dementors stop the Hogwarts Express and briefly in Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire.  

You can park up in Glenfinnan near the Glenfinnan Monument and walk over to see this location from the Glenfinnan Viaduct Viewpoint. 

Make sure to plan your trip at the right time to see The Jacobite aka The Hogwarts Express make its way over the Harry Potter train bridge! 

Click here for my Harry Potter guide for Glenfinnan Viaduct Viewpoint

9. Loch Eilt

Loch Eilt is a couple of miles drive down the road from Glenfinnan Viaduct and another location you will see on The Jacobite steam train.

It featured in both Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban and  Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire . 

You’ll see this when Harry and Lupin discuss Dementors and when Hagrid skips stones after Buckbeak has been sentenced during the Prisoner of Azkaban.

We only see this loch very briefly on the Hogwarts Express journey during Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire . 

The thing that Potterheads will instantly recognise when they see Loch Eilt is the little island called Eilean Na Moine where Dumbledore is buried.

10. Eilean Na Moine aka Dumbledore’s Grave 

Another one of my favourite Scotland Harry Potter filming locations has to be the small island found on Loch Eilt called Eilean Na Moine.

This is where Dumbledore is buried after his death in Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince. 

We also see it again during Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1 when Voldemort steals the Elder Wand.

You may notice that the loch where this island is in the movies looks different in person. That’s because they superimposed this island onto Loch Arkaig (see below) using CGI as David Yates thought Loch Eilt wasn’t big enough. 

You can see this filming location easily on The Jacobite or the ScotRail journey from Fort William to Mallaig. The line runs right beside the loch and so you can easily see it from the window.

If you wanted to visit yourself, it’s best to drive to Loch Eilt from Fort William/Glenfinnan and there is a small off-road parking spot where you can park up to walk over to the island. You can use the closest postcode of PH38 4LZ.

I will warn you now that the ground here can get seriously boggy and wet so take some good shoes to protect your feet! I didn’t get the memo and completely ruined my trainers (worth it though). 

Click here to read a complete guide for visiting Dumbledore’s Grave 

11. Loch Morar

You will catch a glimpse of Loch Morar on The Jacobite or the West Highland Railway line when you’re heading up towards Mallaig. 

This is the deepest freshwater loch in the British Isles and is one of the largest lochs in all of Scotland.

It is featured as part of Hogwarts Lake in most of the Harry Potter movies. Although you can’t really pinpoint any specific scenes this loch was used for. It was supposedly used for closeups. 

If you wanted to visit yourself, you can do this on a short drive from Mallaig to Morar. Use postcode PH40 4PB to park up at Our Lady of Perpetual Succour . Or, stop at Morar train station and access the loch on a short walk. 

Nearby is the famous Silver Sands of Morar featured in the movie Highlander. It’s a great place to plan a day trip from Fort William.

On a sunny day, the white sands and crystal blue water make it look like you’re in the Caribbean!

12. Loch Arkaig 

The last loch on this list that is featured in Harry Potter is Loch Arkaig which is to the north of Fort William and is a 12-mile-long freshwater loch. 

You will instantly recognise this as the location where Eilean Na Moine is in the Harry Potter movies. 

David Yates took the island on Loch Eilt and blended it with the backdrop of Loch Arkaig to create Hogwarts lake.

You’ll see the Loch Arkaig and Eilean Na Moine mash-up in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Parts 1 for Dumbledore’s grave scenes. 

Also, when the Golden Trio escapes Bellatrix Lestrange’s Vault in Gringotts on a dragon in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Parts 2. 

There is no way to get here by public transport so you will absolutely need your own mode of transportation to visit this Scotland Harry Potter filming location. You could book a taxi from Fort William if you really wanted to. 

I’m going to say that this is a location solely for the dedicated Harry Potter fan as the drive here is, in a word, horrific. 

It’s in a remote location that is only accessible on a single-lane loch road, which is bumpy and windy. It will take you a solid 1 hour solid to get here from Fort William one way.

You’ll be heading past Murlaggan to a ‘Parking Place’ pin on an unnamed road in Spean Bridge. Click here for a Google Pin.

As there are barely any houses on this loch, the closest postcode for SatNavs is PH34 4EL. But, you will be driving a lot further than this until you reach the ‘Parking Place’.

The road felt endless but I had gone too far to turn back in the end so I persevered and finally got to a random viewpoint and took my photos. 

I actually never reached the ‘proper’ parking place as it started to get dark and I had had enough by that point. The road was so bumpy and uneven that I was getting car sick.

Was it worth it as a Harry Potter fan? Debatable. Would I do it again? Immediately no, I’ve seen what I needed to see, and no. 

13. Black Rock Gorge, Evanton 

As there was heavy rain in Fort William and no visibility whatsoever, I decided to take a wee road trip up to Evanton to Black Rock Gorge near Inverness.

This majestic gorge waterfall in a woodland featured in Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire when Harry was being chased by the Hungarian Horntail Dragon! 

If you remember, the first task in the Triwizard Tournament is to get take the golden egg from a dragon that the participants select at random. 

Harry chooses the worst and most ferocious dragon of the lot which results in a chaotic and turbulent chase around the arena. 

The Horntail eventually breaks loose out of his chains and then chases Harry around Hogwarts Castle grounds. That’s where Black Rock Gorge features in the film. 

The production team visited Black Rock Gorge in April 2004 and ten days of filming took place in this area for just one tiny scene! The cast didn’t visit but it’s worth seeing for serious Potterheads. 

You can take a short walk in Evanton Community Wood to see this location for yourself. I have written a detailed walking guide on how to find it.

Use the postcode Evanton, Dingwall IV16 9UN for the free car park, and then head into the woodland!

Click here for my Harry Potter guide for Black Rock Gorge

Save this Scotland Harry Potter locations map

Click this link or the image below to find an interactive Scotland Harry Potter filming locations map to help you find them all!

Bonus Scotland Harry Potter location – Glasgow 

Many Potterheads ask ‘was Harry Potter filmed in Glasgow?’. I’m sorry to say but the answer is no. 

There were no Harry Potter movies filmed in Glasgow but that really doesn’t stop fans from finding some magical locations in the city.

The University of Glasgow is often referred to as a real-life Hogwarts as they have some magical cloisters and the whole building is a doppelgänger for the Wizarding School.

It is an academic building but it’s open for visitors and so you can come dressed in your Hogwarts robes if you really wanted to.

It’s the fourth-oldest university in the English-speaking world and was founded in 1451. So, you can get lost in their Gothic grounds. 

Click here for my complete University of Glasgow visitor guide

Bonus Day Trip from Edinburgh – Alnwick Castle 

As you’re in the city, you can easily drive to another Harry Potter filming location near the Scottish Borders in Northumberland.

Alnwick Castle was another location used to portray Hogwarts in the movies. It’s here that the students had their first flying lesson and poor Neville got stuck on the tower!

You can chase all the filming locations here as well as attend your very own Broomstick flying lesson in the courtyard. Make sure to capture a photo of yourself ‘flying’.

They even have a massive gift shop with oodles of Harry Potter merchandise and a fairytale treehouse restaurant that looks like the Weasley’s Burrow.

If you cannot drive, why not book this  tour to Alnwick Castle from Edinburgh ?

Click here to read my complete Harry Potter guide for Alnwick Castle

How to travel to each Scotland Harry Potter filming location 

I’m going to be honest, it is easiest if you have a car to visit the Scotland Harry Potter filming locations on this list.

Some of the locations in Glen Coe are in remote places plus Glen Nevis doesn’t have a regular bus service. 

The journey times to some of the remote lochs are quite lengthy and no trains or buses service these locations.

By public transport, you can visit many of the Harry Potter locations from Fort William. There is a direct bus to Glenfinnan. 

Or, you can catch The Jacobite steam train from Fort William. A normal ScotRail train service from Mallaig from Fort William covers the same journey as it takes the same railway line. 

On this train journey, you’ll see Loch Shiel, Glenfinnan Viaduct, Loch Eilt, Eilean Na Moine, and Loch Morar.

The walk to Steall Falls is a little harder to get to in Glen Nevis as there is no bus. The easiest thing to do is arrange a taxi to the Upper Falls Car Park. 

Scotland Harry Potter tours

Most of these Scotland Harry Potter filming locations you can visit self-guided and for FREE. You just need a car or use public transport. 

But, if you didn’t drive and wanted to book a guided tour. There are many that can take you to some of these Harry Potter filming locations.

Browse some of the Scotland Harry Potter tours below;

• Harry Potter walking tour in Edinburgh
• From Edinburgh – magical Highlands Tour with Hogwarts Express
• From Inverness – Jacobite Steam Train and Highlands Tour 

How long do you need for a Scotland Harry Potter road trip?

I would plan at least 4-5 nights for your Scotland Harry Potter road trip. That’s 1-2 nights in Edinburgh then 2-3 nights in Fort William.

If you skip Edinburgh, you could probably see most of these locations within 2-3 days if you didn’t mind a lot of driving! 

The most important thing to consider is The Jacobite Steam Train tickets. Book these first before you plan the rest of your trip.

It’s good to mention that you do get to see the majority of Scotland’s Harry Potter filming locations on this train journey. So, although expensive it actually saves a lot of time.

My top tips for planning a Scotland Harry Potter tour 

• Plan your train ticket first – The Jacobite train tickets need to be booked way in advance! So book these train tickets first then plan the rest of your journey around that. 
• Prepare for long driving times – Many of these locations are set far apart and some require driving long distances to get to in the Highlands. Pack some snacks and the Harry Potter soundtrack for some distraction! 
• Bring a SatNav – Phone signal can be non-existent in places so don’t rely on Google Maps alone. Bring a SatNav and prepare postcodes for locations before you go. 
• Prepare for the weather – this is Scotland and it is partial to some ‘liquid sunshine’ all year round. Bring layers, a good pair of walking shoes/boots, and waterproofs.  
• Petrol – I would make sure you top up your petrol tank in Fort William each day as petrol stations are few and far between in the Highlands. Also, petrol prices hike up massively in remoter locations. 
• Midges – the Highland Midge is a pest that can be quite annoying in ‘midge season’ from April – September and they will bite. They are not poisonous or harmful but they give you red and itchy blotches. Make sure to pack a midge repellent like Smidge before you go! 

Where to stay in Scotland for a Harry Potter tour

Personally, I would plan to spend 1-2 nights in Edinburgh and then 2-3 nights in Fort William for your Scotland Harry Potter road trip.

The majority of the filming locations are easily accessible from Fort William with the exception of Black Rock Gorge which is in Evanton near Inverness. This can easily be added to an NC500 itinerary if this is your plan. 

In Edinburgh, I would recommend staying at The Balmoral Hotel where J. K. Rowling wrote the last book Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. 

But, there are plenty of hotels to choose from. In the summer, most of the universities open their rooms as hotels and they make great budget accommodation. 

In Fort William, there are lots of hotels to choose from as it’s the Capital of the Highlands. Here are a small selection of the top recommended hotels;

• The Garrison – Are you a dark wizard? Then you may want to spend a night in Azkaban! Set in an old jail you can spend a quirky few nights ‘in the clink’! Now, hear me out. It may sound creepy but the rooms look so cosy and plush inside and they have won Tripadvisor Rewards. Click here for dates and rates.
• Cruachan Hotel – Set in a building that looks like Hogwarts, the Cruachan has been established for many years and has affordable rooms for the night. Click here to book.  
• Inverlochy Castle – This beautiful 19th-century castle next to a loch has been transformed into a 5-star hotel. It’s a little further out of Fort William but it’s a peaceful retreat of pure luxury. Click here to check rates .

Read more of my Harry Potter guides

Harry Potter locations in Lacock

How to spend a night in Hagrid’s Hut

How to visit the real Godric’s Hollow in Lavenham

Harry Potter filming locations in Oxford

How to visit Hogsmeade Station in real life

Harry Potter filming locations in Alnwick Castle

Where to find Harry Potter in York

How to find the Harry Potter Tree at Blenheim Palace

How to find Dobby’s Grave in Wales

Harry Potter filming locations in Gloucester Cathedral

Visiting Malfoy Manor in Real life! 

A complete Forbidden Forest Experience Review

Virginia Water – the Other Hogwarts Lake

How to find the Malham Cove Harry Potter Deathly Hallows filming location

Harry Potter filming locations at Durham Cathedral

Instagram locations at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter

Save these Scotland Harry Potter locations for later! 

8 famous Harry Potter Locations to Visit in Scotland

• By Andrea Langa

Harry Potter.  There won’t be many people not aware of ‘the boy wizard’.   The magical world of witchcraft and wizardry created by J.K Rowling has been massively influenced and inspired by the country she wrote the books in: Scotland.  Whilst there are various Harry Potter attractions across the globe Scotland offers Harry Potter fans a real, authentic experience. You can seek out Rowling’s inspiration for the books and the spellbinding locations used for so many of the cinematic scenes.

So grab your Nimbus 2000, look out your floo powder or find an old portkey and come with us as we visit 8 Scottish locations that should be on every Harry Potter fan’s bucket list.

1. THE ELEPHANT HOUSE, Edinburgh

The Elephant House in Edinburgh is rumoured to be where it all began.  J.K Rowling had a favourite table here, the one by the window, overlooking Edinburgh Castle.  There was a space heater to the left of the window where she would park the stroller so her baby could keep warm during the winter months.  When visiting Scotland, this is a must for Harry Potter fans.

Rowling said in an interview “the best place to write in my opinion, is in a cafe”. You don’t have to make your own coffee, you don’t have to feel like you’re in solitary confinement and if you have writers block, you can get up and walk to the next cafe while giving your batteries time to recharge and brain time to think”.

2. VICTORIA STREET, Edinburgh

J.K Rowling lived in Edinburgh the entire time she was writing the Harry Potter books. Spending time in the city it’s easy to see where her inspiration for some of the locations came from.  

Victoria Street in Edinburgh is often thought to have inspired Diagon Alley. It is a wondrous, eclectic and colourful curved street.   The street is home to lots of higglety-pigglety old buildings and shops selling wonderful wares.  And just like the wizarding version, Victoria Street used to have a Royal Bank of Scotland and a stationery shop in approximately the same position as their magical counterparts – Gringotts and Flourish & Blott’s.  A real place for all ‘things’ Harry Potter…..

3. GEORGE HERIOT'S SCHOOL, Edinburgh

This imposing Romanesque building, with architectural similarities to Hogwarts, is the charming George Heriot’s school.  Heriot’s is a private school for Scotland’s elite.  The school has been dividing pupils into four houses since it was founded.  

The houses are; Lauriston, Greyfriars, Raeburn and Castle.  Did they i nspire Hogwarts Gryffindor, Slytherin, Hufflepuff and Ravenclaw? The students even have a points competition which they can win for their houses during the academic year.

4. GREYFRIARS KIRKYARD, Edinburgh

Greyfriar’s Kirkyard in Edinburgh appears to be the place where Rowling found inspiration for some of our favourite Harry Potter characters.  Amongst the graves you’ll find “William McGonagall” (Minerva McGonagall) and “Elizabeth Moodie” (Mad-eye Moodie).  One grave bears the title “ Margaret Louisa Scrymgeour Wedderburn”, perhaps inspiration for Rufus Scrimgeour, the Minister of Magic in the final Harry Potter book?

It’s here you’ll also find a grave belonging to the greatest villain of the story “Thomas Riddell Esquire”, Lord Voldemort’s childhood name.   

5. JACOBITE STEAM TRAIN & GLENFINNAN VIADUCT, Inverness-shire

As any Harry Potter fan will know, the only way for pupils to arrive (legally!) at Hogwarts is by taking the Hogwarts Express from Platform 9 3/4 at London’s Kings Cross Station.  

The Hogwarts Express is a real train, called the Jacobite Steam Train and takes passengers north, to the west coast of Scotland.   This famous and much loved steam train was used in all the Harry Potter films as the Hogwarts Express.  They filmed the exterior and interiors of the train, as well as the dauntingly beautiful scenery along the route.

One of the more famous spots of the West Highland Line is the Glenfinnan Viaduct (seen above).  You might recognise it from The Chamber of Secrets when a couple of 2nd year Hogwarts students had to fly to school in the Weasley’s magical Ford Anglia car…

The train is extremely popular so booking your trip early is a must.  The 85 mile trip to Arasaig on the West Coast of Scotland is often thought to be one of the most beautiful train journeys in the world.

6.LOCH SHIEL, Lochaber

Loch Shiel is a freshwater lake and the fourth longest loch in Scotland. This loch can be seen briefly in all the movies but it is most recognized for being the scene of the underwater stage of the Triwizard Tournament in  Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire.   It’s also recognisable from the scene where Harry rides Buckbeak the hippogriff in Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban.  A tour around this area of Scotland is like being in the movie, and is akin to one big Harry Potter film set!

7. GLENCOE VALLEY, Scottish Highlands

Remember Hagrid’s Hut? Or that magnificient scene where Hermione confronts and punches Draco at the sundial stone circle?

The destination chosen to film these scenes was Glencoe.  Glencoe is infamous for a bloody massacre that happened between the Scottish Clans back in 1692.  Today it is a popular hiking and tourist destination due to it’s precipitous mountains, reflecting pools and waterfalls.  The video shows Hermione being filmed in a Harry Potter scene during the Prisoner of Azkaban.

Harry Potter isn’t the only film to use the breathtaking Scottish valley.  Glencoe Valley has been featured in many other films, including Braveheart, Rob Roy and James Bond’s Skyfall.

8. HARRY POTTER THEMED TOURS, Edinburgh

Enjoying afternoon tea is a must when visiting the UK.  So why not enjoy this British past-time on a bus, touring the streets of Edinburgh at many of the spots that inspired JK Rowling.

As well as enjoying drinks and desserts from the Harry Potter films, including Butter Bear, chocolate frogs, and other afternoon tea trappings you’ll have a brilliant host and hopefully learn a couple of spells for use later on in your adventure!

There are so many reasons to visit Scotland .  Scotland is a country full of myths, magic and majesty that fits perfectly with Rowling’s witchcraft and wizardry tales.   We’ve put together an itinerary  worthy of the most die hard Harry Potter fan.  As with all our itineraries, we’ll handcraft it to include exactly what your family want to include on their magical journey.  Contact us by owl post, or by clicking our link  here.

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With such little time together, we want our families to get the very most out of each adventure they choose to take.  So we’ve compiled a month by month guide on which destination is best to travel and at what time of year.

Harry Potter in Edinburgh: 15 Places You Must Visit

With its towering Gothic buildings, conspicuous spires and turrets, dingy wynds and medieval alleyways, and the riveting past, Edinburgh transports you to the magical world of Hogwarts.

Discovering the places that might have inspired the creation of the world’s most beloved wizard, Harry Potter, is one of the best things to do in Edinburgh .

It’s not hard to see why author J. K. Rowling was inspired by this city. According to the author, this city is “where Harry evolved over seven books and many, many hours of writing in its cafes.”

While wandering around the Old Town of Edinburgh, you might feel as if you might stumble upon Harry Potter and his mischievous friends.

So, get your wands out and grab your Nimbus 2000. We’re going to explore this magical city on a self-guided walking tour. Here are some of the Potter pilgrimages we could add to your Edinburgh itinerary .

Harry Potter Tourist Attractions and Things to Do in Edinburgh

1. wander around victoria street.

Without a doubt,  Victoria Street  is one of the most photographed places in Edinburgh. This elegantly curved, cobbled street oozes timeless charm and is bound to cast a spell on all Potterheads.

Victoria Street is believed to be the inspiration behind Diagon Alley, the fictional shopping area used by the world’s most beloved wizards, Harry Potter and his friends.

It is located only a few steps away from the busy Royal Mile. J K Rowling wrote some of the chapters sitting at a nearby cafe. So, it is very likely she has indeed walked around this area.

Even long before Harry Potter, the historic Grassmarket area of Edinburgh was associated with witchcraft.

Today, Victoria Street is lined with various cosy cafes, busy restaurants and souvenir shops.

Try to visit this pretty street early in the morning or late in the afternoon to take photographs without the crowds.

Climb the narrow stairs to Victoria Terrace. From this viewpoint, you will get a lovely perspective of this cobbled street and the nearby George Heriot’s School, rumoured to be an inspiration for Hogwarts.

2. Get spooked in Greyfriars Kirkyard

For all Harry Potter fans, Greyfriars Kirkyard is one of the must-visit attractions in Edinburgh . Some of the favourite characters of the Harry Potter series were born here.

At the entrance of the Greyfriars Kirkyard, you will find the headstone of Bobby, the beloved Skye terrier who guarded his owner’s grave for 14 years.

Stroll around the atmospheric graveyard adjacent to the church. There are several monuments, memorials and ornate headstones.

Although it looks peaceful during the day, this graveyard is one of the most haunted places in Edinburgh.

Watch out for the engraved name of Robert Potter; William McGonagall, the inspiration behind Hogwarts’ Professor Minerva McGonagall; Elizabeth Moodie, the inspiration for famed auror Alastor ‘Mad-Eye’ Moody; and Margaret Louisa Scrymgeour Wedderburn, inspired Rufus Scrimgeour, the Minister of Magic.

But the most famous one here is of Thomas Riddle, Lord Voldemort himself.

The real Thomas Riddell buried here was a lawyer with no connection to He-who-must-not-be-named. When he died in 1802 at the age of 26, little did he know that one day, his name would inspire one of the most notorious villains in literature.

3. Ride the Hogwarts Express via the Glenfinnan Viaduct 

Harry Potter lovers can’t miss the opportunity to ride the world-famous Jacobite Steam Train, also known as the Hogwarts Express. 

The train leaves from the town of Fort William and passes through the incredibly beautiful scenery of Scottish Highlands, before reaching Mallaig, a small port town.

If you are short on time, there are several companies running day tours from Edinburgh. 

The most famous section of the journey is when the train crosses the iconic Glenfinnan Viaduct, a pilgrim site for all Potterheads. It was featured in the Harry Potter movies.

You must have remembered the scene from the Chamber of Secrets, when Harry and Ron stole Mr Weasley’s flying car after they missed the train, and they were spotted flying over this viaduct. The bridge was also seen in the Prisoner of Azkaban movie.

4. Indulge in delicious coffee and cakes at The Elephant House

Located on George IV Bridge, at the heart of Edinburgh Old Town, The Elephant House is a small cafe where J. K. Rowling wrote significant portions of the first two novels of the much-loved book series. 

Opened in 1995, it is a popular site in Edinburgh for all Harry Potter fans. Visitors flock here to get photos of the ‘birthplace’ of the Harry Potter sign. 

They are open for breakfast and lunch. Pop inside for some delicious cake and a hot cup of coffee. During the summer months, it gets super crowded. 

The cafe is beautifully decorated. You will find old newspaper articles and photos of J. K. Rowling.

Don’t miss a visit to the bathroom. It is covered in graffiti made by Harry Potter fans from all around the world. It is fun to read all the messages and quotes from the books. 

The Elephant House was frequented by some other famous writers as well, including Ian Rankin and Alexander McCall-Smith.

5. Take a day trip to Alnwick Castle from Edinburgh

Spend a day exploring the magnificent Alnwick Castle in Northumberland. 

It is one of the  best day trips from Edinburgh  for all Harry Potter lovers.

Alnwick Castle is one of the filming locations of two Harry Potter movies – the Philosopher’s Stone and the Chamber of Secrets.

Harry and his classmates learned to fly their broomsticks with Madam Hooch on the Outer Bailey of this castle. Also, Harry learned to play the wizarding sport Quidditch here. Try to spot the location where Ron crushed his dad’s flying car.

Young Potterheads can take part in the Broomstick Training sessions on the grounds.

Hop on a train from Edinburgh Waverley station to Alnmouth. Then, catch a local bus to visit the castle.

While you are here, we would highly recommend adding historic Bamburgh Castle to your itinerary. It has been featured in many films and TV series including Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny and The Last Kingdom. 

6. Spend the night at Balmoral Hotel

While J.K. Rowling started writing her magnum opus at various modest cafes in Edinburgh, she did complete her final book, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, in one of the city’s grandest hotels, The Balmoral Hotel.

The lovely clock tower of this hotel is a part of Edinburgh’s iconic skyline. Climb the nearby Calton Hill for a stunning view over this historic building.

J.K. Rowling stayed in Room 552, which was later renamed in her honour as J.K. Rowling Suite. She spent around six months here finishing her book.

Affluent Harry Potter fans visiting Edinburgh will love a stay in this tastefully decorated room.

We were lucky enough to have spent a night here. Inside, you will find the marble bust of Hermes that J.K. Rowling signed after finishing the Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. It says, “J.K. Rowling finished writing Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows in this room”.

Even if you are not staying here, you can still visit the in-house restaurants. We would recommend experiencing a decadent afternoon tea at Palm Court.

7. Admire the Architecture of George Heriot’s School

Located next to Greyfriars Kirkyard, the stunning architecture of George Heriot’s School has led many to believe that it is the inspiration behind the magical school of Hogwarts.

This magnificent Renaissance-style turreted building was established in 1628 as a hospital. Today, it serves as a private primary and secondary school. Coincidentally, it also has four houses, just like in the Harry Potter books.

George Heriot’s School is not open to the public. They often allow visitors during the Doors Open Days.

But you can admire the gorgeous architecture from Edinburgh Castle Esplanade, Victoria Terrace, Lauriston Place and Greyfriars Kirkyard.

There is no denying that buildings here have outstanding architecture. We think George Heriot’s School, along with the city’s Fettes College and Stewart’s Melville College, give away a strong Hogwarts vibe.

8. Discover the handprints at the City Chambers

You can find the golden handprints of J.K. Rowling on the flagstone at the courtyard of The City Chambers off the busy Royal Mile in Edinburgh Old Town. 

The handprint was installed on the occasion of J.K. Rowling winning the Edinburgh Award in 2008 for her outstanding contributions to the city.

Aside from the creator of Harry Potter, there are handprints of other notable personalities. You will find handprints of Scottish writer Ian Rankin, cyclist and racing driver Chris Hoy, artist Elizabeth Blackadder and rugby player Doddie Weir.

9. Explore the captivating Edinburgh Castle

Some believe Edinburgh Castle was an inspiration behind Hogwarts in the Harry Potter books.

Perched over an ancient volcanic plug, this magnificent fortress is one of the best castles in Scotland and a must-visit tourist attraction in this city.

We do know from the books that the school of wizards is located somewhere in Scotland. The dramatic setting of Edinburgh Castle does have similarities with Hogwarts. 

The author was living in this historic city while writing her books. So, it’s not possible that she hasn’t seen this imposing castle. Moreover, there is a view of this castle from the windows of The Elephant House, the cafe where she wrote a few chapters of the first two books.

10. Harry Potter shops in Edinburgh

If you are interested in buying some Harry Potter-themed gifts and souvenirs, pop inside Museum Context on Victoria Street . They also have another store on Cockburn Street just off the Royal Mile in Edinburgh Old Town.

You will find an extensive collection of quirky and magical objects across the two floors of this shop. Budding wizards might be interested in buying their wands or broomsticks. Also, you can buy officially licensed house scarves.

Decorated with various Harry Potter memorabilia and sculptures, you might mistake it for the Ollivander’s Wand Shop in Diagon Alley. On the top floor, there is a small photo area where you can pose with a sorting hat.

In summer there is usually a long queue to enter this store. So, come early to avoid crowds.

Also, take a look inside The Enchanted Galaxy, another Potter-themed store in this city.

11. Visit The Writers’ Museum

Edinburgh has inspired not only the Harry Potter creator but also several other celebrated world-famous writers, poets and playwrights.

This city was designated as the UNESCO City of Literature in 2004. This was the first city in the entire world to receive such honour.

It has inspired literary geniuses such as Sir Ian Rankin, Alexander McColl Smith, Arthur Conan Doyle and Sir Walter Scott.

Bibliophiles visiting Edinburgh would love a visit to the Writers’ Museum, located at Lady Stairs close, near the top of the Royal Mile.

This small museum celebrates the lives of three legends of Scottish literature, Robert Burns, Walter Scott and Robert Louis Stevenson. 

After a visit to this museum, ramble around the courtyard of Makar’s Court. Look out for the quotes of Scottish writers engraved on the flagstones.

12. Find the Lewis Chess Pieces

Housed in the Nation Museum of Scotland, the legendary Lewis chess pieces were created in the 12th century.

They were discovered on the Isle of Lewis in the Outer Hebrides of Scotland in 1831.

The beautifully sculpted chess set will surely remind you of the nerve-wrenching game of chess played by Harry, Ron and Hermione in the Philosopher’s Stone movie.

You can find them in the Kingdom of the Scots section of the museum.

While you are here, visit the exhibitions on natural and ancient history, ancient civilisations, archaeology and the history of Scotland.

Also, head to the rooftop terrace for a breathtaking view over Edinburgh rooftops.

Harry Potter Experiences in Edinburgh

13. department of magic.

Located at Blair Street near the Edinburgh Royal Mile, the Department Of Magic has two escape rooms and a magic potion tavern.

Delve into a world of witchcraft and wizardry as you solve the mysteries and puzzles of the escape room. This immersive experience is perfect for a small group.

Aspiring wizards would enjoy mixing their potions in this immersive cocktail experience. So, put on your cloaks and begin potion-making. You will be given easy-to-follow instructions and incantations. It’s a fun experience for both adults and kids.

They also serve Harry Potter-themed magical afternoon tea.

14. The Dog House

What’s a better way to end the Harry Potter adventure in Edinburgh, than chilling with a glass of butterbeer? The drink is made with butter syrup and beer. 

They also serve butterbeer cocktails, which have a dash of whisky in them. You can find the Harry Potter-inspired wizarding beverage at The Dog House in Clerk Street. 

The interior of this pub is very quirky. You will find an array of funky items hanging from the ceiling, like teddy bears, toys, pictures and guitars.

They also host pub quizzes and live music performances on certain days. Also, this bar is a popular place with local students.

15. The Cauldron Edinburgh

The Cauldron Edinburgh is another place in the city where you can get an immersive cocktail-making experience. It’s perfect for all fans of Harry Potter. 

Upon your arrival, find your wand. Cast a spell to receive a welcome drink. The potion-making class lasts for an hour and 45 minutes, and you can make two cocktails for yourself. Experiment with the art of molecular mixology to brew some magical drinks.

They also have an alcohol-free potion class suitable for young witches and wizards.

Map of the Harry Potter Sites in Edinburgh

Here is a map showing all the places mentioned in this guide. If you wish, you can save this to your phone for future travel inspiration. Click on this link to open it in Google Maps.

Was Harry Potter filmed in Edinburgh?

No. Edinburgh is not the filming location of the Harry Potter movies. Rather, this city has inspired the author J.K. Rowling, who was living here while writing some of the books.

However, various locations across the Scottish Highlands were featured in the films, and you can easily visit them.

Glenfinnan Viaduct, Loch Shiel, Steall Falls, Glencoe and Rannoch Moor are some of the filming places of Harry Potter movies in Scotland. Also, you can visit Alnwick Castle in Northumberland, on a day trip from Edinburgh. 

We wish you a lovely stay in Scotland’s capital city. It is truly a magical place. Have fun exploring all these beautiful places. 

We hope this travel guide has inspired you to visit Edinburgh.

Love, Moumita & Sankha.

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13 Scottish destinations every Harry Potter fan should visit

Recently updated on April 22nd, 2024 at 05:41 pm

1. The Elephant House Cafe

View this post on Instagram A post shared by The Elephant House (@theelephant.house)

Known as ‘the birthplace of Harry Potter’, the Elephant House Café was one of J. K. Rowling’s favourite places to get creative. She would sit in the cosy back room and write the story of the orphaned wizard named Harry.

Although much of  The Chamber of Secrets  and  The Prisoner of Azkaban  was written here, she actually wrote the first chapters of  The Philosopher’s Ston e at Spoon Café (then known as Nicholas Café). You can visit both in Edinburgh and enjoy a coffee while soaking up the surroundings of where it all began…

2. The Balmoral Hotel

View this post on Instagram A post shared by The Balmoral (@thebalmoral)

An elegant building on Edinburgh’s Princes Street, the Balmoral Hotel is an Edinburgh institution. It’s also where J. K. Rowling escaped to write  The Deathly Hallows . She stayed at the hotel to avoid any distractions as she wrote the final book of the Harry Potter series.

Fans can even sleep in the same room she occupied, now called the  J. K. Rowling Suite . You’ll find the signed marble Hermes bust and the brass owl door knocker. You can even sit at Rowling’s writing desk, where all the magic flowed from her pen (or quill!)

3. Victoria Street

J. K. Rowling lived in Edinburgh the entire time she wrote the Harry Potter series. It’s easy to see why she sought inspiration from this city and the rest of Scotland. You can find the real Diagon Alley at Victoria Street, with a charming mix of colourful shops winding down the curved street. You’ll even spot a Diagon Alley plaque in an alley just off Victoria Street called Candlemaker’s Row.

For more Harry Potter inspiration, head to the grand George Heriot’s School (a short walk from Victoria Street). You’ll find ancient buildings that bear an uncanny resemblance to Hogwarts and a sense of magic that even Muggles can feel.

GET INSPIRED:  Trafalgar trips to Scotland

4. Greyfriars Kirkyard

You can see the real-life grave of Thomas Riddell Esquire and also the resting places of William McGonagall (Professor McGonagall) and Elizabeth Moodie (Mad-Eye Moody).

5. Jacobite Steam Train and Glenfinnan Viaduct, Lochaber

View this post on Instagram A post shared by VisitScotland (@visitscotland)

If you’ve ever dreamed of boarding the Hogwarts Express, you can relive the magical on the real-life Jacobite Steam Train. It’s one of the world’s greatest railway journeys and will take you on a 135 km round trip from Ben Nevis, crossing the magnificent 21-arched Glenfinnan Viaduct.

The bridge is instantly recognisable from the iconic scene in  The Chamber of Secrets  where Ron and Harry flew in the Weasley’s magical Ford Anglia car. You’ll get to watch the spectacular scenery roll by and imagine Harry dangling precariously from the flying car!

6. Rannoch Moor, Lochaber

Rannoch Moor, or the Great Moor of Rannoch, is one of the largest wilderness areas in Scotland. It’s also the location where the Death Eaters stop the train while en route to Hogwarts and conduct a raid to capture Harry Potter in  The Deathly Hallows Part 1 .

You can see this breathtaking wilderness on the Jacobite Steam Train journey. While you likely won’t see any Death Eaters, you will get to enjoy the scenic views of the rugged mountains, lakes and rocky plains.

7. Loch Shiel

This gorgeous loch near Glenfinnan features in the films as Hogwarts Lake. It’s where Buckbeak dips a toe in the water in  The Prisoner of Azkaban . It can also be seen in the beautiful end shot of  The Half-Blood Prince  when Harry and Hermione look out from the Astronomy Tower.

The head of Loch Shiel is where the Hogwarts Express stops on the bridge and Harry encounters a Dementor for the first time in  The Prisoner of Azkaban .

Loch Morar was also used as Hogwarts Lake in the films and can be seen in many of the aerial shots in the films from  The Prisoner of Azkaban  onward. This loch is said to be home to the mythical monster Morag and is the deepest body of freshwater in the British Isles.

8. Eilean na Moine and Loch Eilt, Lochaber

View this post on Instagram A post shared by The Outdoor Capital of the UK (@outdoorcapitaluk)

Eilean na Moine is an enchanting island set in the freshwaters of Loch Eilt. This wee pocket of beauty served in some of the darkest Harry Potter scenes in Scotland. The island is Dumbledore’s final resting place and where Voldemort stole the Elder wand in the foreboding final scene of  The Deathly Hallows Part 1 .

The scenic Loch Arkaig was digitally added to Eilean na Moine and Loch Eilt, adding to the magnificence of Dumbledore’s grave in the opening scene of  The Deathly Hallows Part 2 .

Loch Eilt is also the place where Harry, Ron and Hermione find Hagrid sadly skipping stones after learning that his beloved Buckbeak is condemned to death in  The Prisoner of Azkaban . The loch also features in some atmospheric shots of the ground at Hogwarts.

9. Torren Lochan and Clachaig Gully, Glencoe

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Marian (@marianroy3)

Glencoe is a stunning highland range and the location of many Harry Potter scenes in Scotland. It can be seen in the background of the iconic shot where Hermione punches Malfoy in  The Prisoner of Azkaban  – one of the most satisfying scenes for Harry Potter fans.

It’s also the setting for Hagrid’s Hut. The film crew built a replica hut beside Torren Lochan in Clachaig Gully during  The Prisoner of Azkaban . Although you won’t find the hut (or Hagrid) there anymore, you can still soak up the gorgeous scenery. You may also recognise Glencoe from scenes featuring the bridge leading to the entrance of Hogwarts.

RELATED CONTENT:   A Muggle’s Guide to Harry Potter’s World

10. Loch Etive, Argyll and Bute

Loch Etive features in one of the most thrilling scenes in the Harry Potter series when Harry, Ron and Hermione break into Gringotts Bank and escape on a Ukrainian Ironbelly dragon in  The Deathly Hallows Part 2 . After flying into the Scottish Highlands, the trio dive into the spectacular Loch Etive.

Glen Etive is also the site for the gang’s camping trip in  The Deathly Hallows Part 1 . It’s where Hermione ties her scarf to a tree after the fight between Ron and Harry.

11. Steall Falls, Glen Nevis

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Emily in Scotland (@emilyinscotland_)

The stunning Steall Falls is the second-highest waterfall in Britain and is also the location of several iconic Harry Potter scenes in Scotland. You’ll recognise the waterfall and the scenery of Glen Nevis as the backdrop for many Quidditch matches. It’s also seen in the background of Harry’s perilous Triwizard Tournament battle against the Hungarian Horntail dragon in  The Goblet of Fire .

12. Black Rock Gorge, Ross and Cromarty

13. Scottish Owl Centre

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Scottish Owl Centre (@scottish_owl_centre)

If you want to study at Hogwarts, you’ll likely need a loyal sidekick like Hedwig. While you’re waiting on your Hogwarts letter, swing by the Scottish Owl Centre in Polkemmet Country Park. You’ll get to meet Oulu, a 15-year-old Great Grey Owl who is the real sister of Errol, Ron’s famous clumsy owl.

The Scottish Owl Centre is home to over 100 owls from 40 species, and you can watch the owl’s handling sessions and incredible flying displays. You’ll also learn about how the centre breeds owls to increase their vulnerable population and how to help their conservation efforts.

Have you visited any of these magical Harry Potter filming locations in Scotland? Let us know in the comments below…

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13 of the most magical harry potter film locations in scotland.

There are an endless number of amazing books set in Scotland .

But few are more famous than the Harry Potter saga.

Which was largely written in Scotland; and then had large portions of the movies filmed there as well.

Well, Bradley and I are BIG Harry Potter fans.

We’ve both seen the movies way too many times (we watch them yearly), I’ve read all the books (more than once), and we both take up an opportunity to join a Harry Potter-themed activity.

So, when we knew that Scotland was filled with some pretty cool Harry Potter filming locations, we had to visit. 

If you’re a fan too, then sit back, relax and take note of all these awesome Harry Potter film locations Scotland has to offer. 

Travellerspoint

Map of the Harry Potter Filming locations in Scotland 

To give you a visual representation of where everything is, I’ve created this map to pinpoint the following filming locations we will chat about below!

13 Awesome Harry Potter Film Locations In Scotland

1. glenfinnan viaduct.

This is probably the most famous Harry Potter filming location in Scotland and it’s thanks to the Hogwarts Express.

The Glenfinnan Viaduct is the setting for the Hogwarts Express heading to Hogwarts, and it shows up in movies, 1, 2 and 3. 

It’s particularly notable in Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets because when Harry and Ron can’t board the Hogwarts Express, they take the flying car, and the flying car meets the train on the Glenfinnan Viaduct. 

Speaking of Harry Potter trains though….did you know that West Coast Railways in Scotland actually created the train that is used as the Hogwarts Express and you can ride a similar train to your very own Hogwarts destination! 

This is known as the Jacobite and Bradley and I rode in 1st class and it was awesome.

It’s definitely a cool experience for Harry Potter fans, and you get to drive over and next to some pretty cool Harry Potter film locations, including the place in which Dumbledore is buried. 

Book your Jacobite Harry Potter ride right here

The Jacobite Express even has “Harry Potter” style compartments in 1st Class so you can feel like you’re sitting with Harry, Ron and Hermonie! 

I actually did a whole post on riding the Jacobite that you can check out too. 

If you want to see the famous train pass the Glenfinnan Viaduct then this can be achieved by walking to one of the viewing platforms at the Viaduct and waiting for the train.

It passes by twice a day, (4 times in peak season) and the train runs from April to September. 

The train purposely slows down over the bridge to let the audience of spectators take photos and you’ll hear it blow the horn on approach! 

• The morning service leaves Fort William at 10:15 and usually passes over the Viaduct at around 10:45-11:00.
• The next service leaves Fort William at 14:40 and usually passes over at around 15:10-15:25.
• The morning service leaves Mallaig at 12:10 and usually passes over the Viaduct at around 15:15-15:30
• The afternoon service leaves Mallaig at 18:40 and usually passes over the Viaduct at around 19:45-20:00

READ MORE: How To Visit The Glenfinnan Viaduct

2. Eilean na Moine 

This is one of the spots you drive past on the Jacobite train ride, but you can always drive to it as well.

We visited as part of our wider Scotland road trip , and it’s definitely worth visiting because it’s such a beautiful area of Scotland. 

Eilean Na Monie is a tiny little island that’s located on the wider Loch Eilt (which we will chat about next!)

Dumbledore's grave is digitally placed here, and it’s a really cool spot to visit. 

If you walk across the grassy area to get close to the actual island, just be careful...Brad slipped in the mud, which was hilarious. 

3. Loch Eilt 

So this is the setting where the above island is located, but tones of scenes are filmed passing by here, notably Goblet of Fire. 

When watching these back we actually notice that, at the point where Harry sends Hedwig off with a note to Sirius, they pass by this?

Do you recognize it? That’s right, it's the same island that Dumbledore gets buried on haha!

We camped right next to this Loch, so it was really cool being so close to something related to Harry Potter, and one of my favourite Harry Potter filming locations in Scotland. 

This is also the lake where Hagrid skims stones when he learns Buckbeak will be killed. 

So a lot of stars have been at this lake!

READ: The Best Wild Camping Spots In Scotland

4. Loch Arkaig

Interestingly, this loch was digitally added to Loch Eilt (mentioned above) to make the loch seem much more vast than it actually was in reality.

This was used at the beginning of Deathly Hallows part 2. 

The thing about lochs in Scotland too, is that they’re all bloody beautiful, and you could easily look at them all and think “oh, this looks like it could have been used in Harry Potter!”.

5. Rannoch Moor

Rannoch Moor is a rugged, raw area of Scotland, so it makes for perfect use in a Harry Potter movie.

You’ll get lots of beautiful views of Rannoch Moor if you board the Jacobite Express and this spot was famous for its use in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows (part 1) when the Death Eaters halt and board the train.

6. Glen Coe

Glen Coe is such a beautiful area of Scotland, so even if you’re not visiting for the Harry Potter vibes, you’ll still fall in love with this Scottish beauty. 

It's also home to some of Scotland most romantic places to stay .

But, Glen Coe was also the backdrop for many scenes in Harry Potter.

Most notably Hagrids hut was built here.

It was built in the field opposite a pub beside Torren Lochan in Clachaig Gull and the scene where Hermione punches Malfoy in the Prisoner of Azkaban (awesome scene!). 

But, I really wish they kept up the props for Hagrids house, because how cool would that be to actually visit!

As you drive through Glen Coe, you’ll just be able to see how the landscapes and Harry Potter filming is intertwined throughout. 

7. Steall Falls

Steall Falls is located not far from Ben Nevis (the highest mountain in the UK) in the town of Fort William , and this Harry Potter filming location is based on the Goblet Of Fire.

This is the scene in which Harry fights the dragon!

This is also the second-highest waterfall in Britain and is featured in a fair few iconic Harry Potter scenes, but it’s the waterfall’s role as the backdrop during the Quidditch matches in the movies. 

8. Loch Morar

Fun fact this lake is the 5th largest loch in Scotland and the deepest in the British Isles! 

It’s also a Harry Potter filming location!

This loch was used for close up shots of Hogwarts Lake throughout the movies, but it particularly noted in Prisoner of Azkaban. 

9. Loch Etive

This beautiful loch is located in Argyll and Bute, Scotland and stretches 30 km.

This is such a scenic spot so it’s no surprise that it’s a popular Harry Potter filming location in Scotland. 

It was used as the Loch that Hermonie, Harry and Ron fly over after escaping from Gringotts bank on the dragon, which they then jump into in Deathly Hallows! 

And when they are camping in Deathly Hallows, much of their trip is filmed around this lake (even deleted scenes of skimming stones in the water)

10. Edinburgh 

So Edinburgh isn’t technically a Harry Potter filming location as it was directly used in the movie, but it’s where the books were written, so it oozes inspiration and HP charm. 

The opportunity to walk in Rowling's footsteps down the Royal Mile , see the streets, buildings and even tombstones that inspired her and sit in the places where she wrote the first and last books makes Edinburgh a great destination for fans, especially kids and teens.

When Bradley and I visited Scotland, a lockdown was announced in the country and we were unable to visit Edinburgh this time.

This was super disappointing because it’s been a city high on my bucket list for years.

Not only for its castle, cobblestone streets and cute shops but because of its connection to Harry Potter! 

• Elephant House is where JK Rowling wrote most of Harry Potter and The Philosopher’s Stone, so it's a perfect location to grab a coffee and see if you feel inspired! 
• The Balmoral Hotel in Edinburgh also has links to Harry Potter because it’s the hotel in which JK Rowling shut herself away to write the final instalment of Harry Potter, and if you wish, you can even stay there in the JK Rowling Suite, which is pretty darn cool! 
• Victoria Street in Edinburgh is also thought to be the inspiration for Diagon Alley, and it’s no surprise why really. J.K Rowling lived in Edinburgh as she wrote all the Harry Potter books, so as you walk around the city, you’ll find sources and indications of inspiration on every corner. 

For more inspiration, check out this guide on Edinburgh Harry Potter spots .

11. Scottish Owl Centre 

This is something we didn’t visit, but I definitely think it’s worth mentioning.

How would you like to meet the real-life sister of Ron’s clumsy owl, Errol? Well, here you can!

You’ll get to meet Oulu, a 15-year-old Great Grey Owl who is the real-life sister of the owl used in the Harry Potter movies. Plus you’ll get to learn a bunch of other great stuff about owls! 

12. Black Rock Gorge

Black Rock Gorge was the area for the dragon scene of Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire.

Close to Evanton in Scotland, the Gorge is a very narrow box-canyon, 36 metres (120 feet) deep.

You can gain amazing views of this spot by a 3-mile round-trip hike.

You’ll start in the quaint village of Evanton (which is about 30 minutes from Inverness), and from there you can take this easy walk.

Watch out for dragons!

READ: 1 Day In Inverness: An Itinerary

13. Loch Shiel

This loch is located next to the Glenfinnan Viaduct that we mentioned earlier, and it's the setting for where Harry encounters a Dementor for the very first time in the Prisoner of Azkaban , when the Hogwarts Express comes to a halt on the bridge.

The best way to see all the Harry Potter filming locations in Scotland 

• By campervan - Definitely the best way to get around Scotland and the all the famous Harry Potter sites. Why? Well, as you'll see below, it's actually possible to wild camp at a few of them! We road tripped Scotland in our own campervan that we converted. But to hire one, check out our guide on the best campervan rentals Scotland has to offer .
• By car - This is the second best way to make your way around the best Harry Potter filming locations Scotland has to offer.  You can turn it into your very own Harry Potter style road trip, and you’ll see all the beauty Scotland has to offer on the way! Rent your car in Edinburgh and a round trip from there. Check Rentalcars for great deals on car rental in Scotland.  ‍
• Train : Scotland has a very established train network and if you start in Edinburgh, you can take the train to Fort William and experience views of Rannoch Moor and other Harry Potter filming locations. Afterwards, you can hop on the Jacobite Express train and see some of the most iconic filming locations including, the Glenfinnan Viaduct and Dumbledore's Rest Place. 

So if you can’t drive, or just simply enjoy train rides (I do!), then a train is a good option to see some of the best Harry Potter filming locations in Scotland. 

Psst, beware the Jacobite only runs from April to September time. 

So there you have it, our guide to the best Harry Potter filming locations Scotland has to offer. 

There are tons of great Harry Potter filming locations all over the UK, notably a few great ones in England such as Alnwick castle which was used as Hogwarts Castle in the first movie. 

If you’ve got any questions, or you know of any other Harry Potter filming spots in Scotland that we have missed, then drop us a comment below. 

Read more: 

• 16 Best Places to Visit in Scotland
• North Coast 500 Itinerary
• Driving the Southwest Coastal Route

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11 Places Every Harry Potter Fan Must Visit

There’s no denying it: we all wish we received a Hogwarts letter delivered by owl when we were 11 years old, and the love for everything Harry Potter hasn’t dwindled as we’ve grown up and graciously (for the most part) accepted our adult, muggle status.  But that doesn’t mean we can’t still pretend, and what better way to do that than feel like you’re actually in the places where the magic was filmed for the movies. We’ve rounded up the 11 places every Harry Potter fan must visit (not only in Scotland) – now if only we knew how to apparate.

Travel to: Scotland

1. Elephant House, Edinburgh

We start with Edinburgh’s Elephant House cafe for one special reason: this is where the world of Harry Potter was first imagined and put into words by JK Rowling. If you’re not familiar with the iconic writer’s story, she started writing Harry Potter at a time of great financial strain as a single mother. So, the Elephant House Cafe has seriously emotional connotations as the beginning of the wizarding world so important to many. You can visit the cafe between the hours of 8am to 10pm every day of the week, 11pm on Fridays and Saturdays.

2. Diagon Alley: Victoria Street/Candlemaker Row, Edinburgh and Leadenhall Market, London

While you’re in Edinburgh , you might as well check out the inspiration for Diagon Alley – Victoria Street and Candlemaker Row (there’s even a ‘Diagon Alley’ plaque and mural on Candlemaker Row, so if that doesn’t convince you it’s a legitimate Harry Potter must-do, I don’t know what will). These two adjacent, cobbled streets not far from Elephant House are colourful, historical and just the sort of place you can imagine going for your Hogwarts robe-fitting.

Speaking of Diagon Alley, any Potterhead will know that the entrance is through The Leaky Cauldron. While you’ll have to go to one of the dedicated studios to live the entirety of Diagon Alley and the infamous pub, in London you can visit the exterior shots where The Leaky Cauldron was filmed: Leadenhall Market.

3. Platform 9 ¾: King’s Cross Station, London

“Nine and three-quarters? Think you’re being funny, do you?”

What was once a conductor thinking he was being pranked in the first film has now become one of the first things to come to mind at the mention of King’s Cross Station. You won’t find the platform as it was in the film – they actually renumbered platforms 4 and 5 at King’s Cross as 9 and 10 – but there is a 9 ¾ sign with a luggage cart disappearing into the wall that has become a top tourist attraction.

There’s also a shop next to it for Harry Potter memorabilia. Top tip: if you don’t want to wait in line to take a picture, go very late at night instead – handily, there’s a bar beside the infamous platform, so enjoy a drink and wait it out.

See Also: 9 Reasons You Should Teach Abroad

4. Hogwarts Castle: Multiple Locations

As much as we’d love it, Hogwarts isn’t a real place (at least, it better not be if I’m not a witch). Therefore, the Harry Potter filming crew scoured UK locations to piece together the ideal castle we’ve come to love. One of the most well known is Alnwick Castle in Northumberland. It was featured in Philosopher’s Stone ,  where Harry had his first flying lesson and showed his promise as a Seeker.

Filming also took place at Durham Cathedral and Oxford University, the latter of which was used for the Great Hall, within Christ Church College. And remember when everyone wore “Potter Stinks” badges and how pretty the surroundings were? That was New College at Oxford – so basically, Oxford students are living a Hogwarts’ dream.

5. Millennium Bridge, London, England

In the wizarding world, the Death Eaters may have caused havoc to the iconic Millennium Bridge in London, but in real life, it still stands strong. The best view is right before you walk onto the bridge, facing St Paul’s Cathedral from the opposite side of the river. Fun fact: on the Millennium Bridge’s opening day, it swayed side to side as the influx of people eagerly clambered over it, resulting in it closing immediately. Or maybe that’s what we’ve been lead to believe by the wizarding world… 

6. Reptile House, London Zoo, London, England

The snake scene where we first get the hint that Harry can speak Parseltongue was filmed in London Zoo’s Reptile House. The official nature of the plaque strikes again – there’s one beside the snake enclosure in the scene, so you’ll know if you’re standing exactly where a baby-faced Daniel Radcliffe stood while conversing with a Burmese Python.

The zoo is open every day of the year except Christmas, and opens at 10am and closes between 4:30pm and 5:00pm.

7. Hagrid’s Hut: Glencoe

Hagrid’s Hut was a pivotal location in the Prisoner of Azkaban. The pumpkin patch, Buckbeak the hippogriff chained up and the giant stone slabs where Hermione punched Draco… ah, the memories. These scenes were all filmed in Glencoe, Scotland (in the Lochaber area within the Scottish Highlands) which overlooks Torren Lochan and the Signal Rock forest. Although all evidence of Hagrid’s Hut has since been removed, you won’t give it a second thought with the beauty of the Scottish Highlands surrounding you.

8. Hogwarts Express: The Glenfinnan Viaduct & The Jacobite Steam Train

All aboard! This is a once in a lifetime sight, and one that will give you Harry Potter-themed goosebumps. The Glenfinnan Viaduct is the archway bridge that the Hogwarts Express – in reality, the Jacobite Steam Train – crosses on the way to the wizarding school.

You can actually see this exactly as it was in the movies (well, without a blue Ford Anglia flying above) by riding the steam train yourself or finding a vantage spot to view the train crossing. The Jacobite train runs from May to October and costs £35.00 for an Adult Day Return (or £59 if you want to treat yourself to a First Class ticket) . If you’d prefer to see the train from a distance, make sure you arrive at a viewing point at either  11am and 3pm – they’re the best times to see the steam train go by on the viaduct (other, more modern trains do go by but are far less impressive).

See Also: The Changing Seasons of Scotland

9. Warner Bros’ Harry Potter Studio Tour, Leavesden

After filming ended, where were all the props and trinkets to go? In the trash? Luckily, those who created the Harry Potter world at Warner Bros’ Studio understood the importance and magic of the world JK Rowling created, so they set up the Harry Potter Studio Tour for all of us to indulge in.

Not a long train ride from London, the Studio Tour in Leavesden allows us to walk around the Great Hall, venture into the Forbidden Forest, learn about costumes and props, and in winter, you can explore Hogwarts in the snow. Along the way, you’ll gain access to information on everything from how the films were made to the people who made them.

The hours change every day and you can check them here . Buy your tickets in advance here.

10. Universal Studios Wizarding World of Harry Potter (Orlando & LA)

While the Warner Bros’ Studio Tour is the original Studio Tour from those who know best, Universal Studios Wizarding World of Harry Potter is pure indulgence and showmanship (we’d expect nothing less from you, America). Let the wand choose you at Ollivander’s, go on rides like Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey and Flight of the Hippogriff, walk down Diagon Alley and gawp at the lifelike statue of the Hungarian Horntail on top of Gringotts.

Learn more about hours and ticket packages here.

11. Lockhart, or  The Unofficial Harry Potter Bar, Toronto, Canada

In order to survive any undue wrath from Warner Brothers, this bar in Toronto, Canada dances around the theme of Harry Potter without explicitly saying “Hey! We’re a Harry Potter bar!” but believe me when I say the charms of the books and movie come alive here. The allusions to the boy wizard and the universe so carefully crafted by JK Rowling are apparent the second you walk in the door. Patrons are welcomed by a calm, magical atmosphere via exposed brick and thick wooden tables. Across the bar reads “Potions & Exilirs” and you can order classics like butter beer, befuddlement draft (a crazy sharable cocktail that really does look like magic) and more. If you show up on the right night you can even enjoy Harry Potter trivia!

Find them here.

Find your next Potter-filled adventure with our wishlist for the ultimate Harry Potter Fan .

Kirsten Powley

Kirsten is a travel-obsessed Brit who, ever since studying in Australia, is always plotting her next adventure, from surfing in Bali and swimming with sharks (and pigs!) in The Bahamas to searching for the Northern Lights in Iceland (she didn't find them) and cruising around Norway. You can follow her adventures at Kirst Over the World

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5 FILM LOCATIONS IN SCOTLAND THAT ALL HARRY POTTER FANS NEED TO SEE

Filming locations in scotland for harry potter geeks.

Harry Potter fever has long since swept the globe. Even though the original movie franchise is over, the magic remains. Potterheads from all over the world still flock to the UK to experience the real-life scenes that made it all so special.

Although most of the movies were filmed on set at Warner Bros. Studios near London, it may come as no surprise that some of the most beautiful and majestic scenes in the series were captured in Scotland. The Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry itself is buried somewhere deep in the Scottish highlands - will you be the one to find it? 

Let's grab our broomsticks and fly off on a tour of Scotland's best Harry Potter destinations.

1) Glen Coe

View this post on Instagram A post shared by HAGGiS Adventures (@haggistours) on Sep 23, 2019 at 12:00am PDT

This epic glen is one of our favourite stops on our tours in the Highlands . It was also a key location for the filming of Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban and played host to three different outdoor sets. You may recognise the stunning mountainsides as the backdrop to Hagrid's hut, as well as the turreted gatehouse of Hogwarts and the Hogwarts bridge. These locations wouldn't have been half as spectacular if it weren't for the dramatic and atmospheric Glen Coe!

2) Glenfinnan Viaduct

View this post on Instagram A post shared by HAGGiS Adventures (@haggistours) on Dec 28, 2018 at 8:20am PST

This incredible railway bridge is instantly recognisable from Ron and Harry's airborne encounter with the Hogwarts Express in the Chamber of Secrets. It's a fan favourite location and attracts visitors from all over the world. Incredibly, the viaduct is still active and you can cross it by train on the Jacobite Steam train - a part of the Highland Fling and Compass Buster tour. It might not take you to Hogwarts, but the scenery is just as magical!

3) Loch Etive

View this post on Instagram A post shared by LENSbible (@lensbible) on Mar 13, 2016 at 10:02am PDT

Loch Etive is an unassuming spot out near the famous Glencoe. As well as its epic natural beauty, and proximity to Dunstaffnage Castle, it's also a hit with Harry Potter fans! You may be able to recognise it as the location of Ron, Hermione and Harry's ill-fated camping trip when they were on the run in the Deathly Hallows Part One. Thanks to Scotland's right to roam laws, you can even recreate the camping trip yourselves. Just make sure you check out the local bylaws first. 

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Phil (@humanclay_15) on Sep 11, 2015 at 7:01am PDT

This tiny train station was the setting for an iconic Harry Potter scene, although there's a good chance you won't recognise it at all. It's the very spot in which the Death Eaters held up the Hogwarts Express in the Deathly Hallows Part One. Interestingly, the little station had already gained some fame from its appearance in the cult Scottish classic, Trainspotting.

5) Loch Arkaig

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Gregor Innes (@gregor.innes) on Apr 20, 2019 at 9:47am PDT

One of the most action-packed scenes in the whole Harry Potter series is when Ron, Harry and Hermione break into Gringotts Bank and escape on the back of a Ukranian Ironbelly. After a long flight north into the Scottish Highlands, the troublesome trio finally take a dive into a spectacular body of water. Loch Arkaig is where they land. Shots of this beautiful spot were also blended with shots of Loch Eilt to form the cinematic setting for Dumbledore's final resting place. 

Grab a fellow Potterhead, check out our guide to Harry Potter locations in Edinburgh , and have a wee browse of our tours in Scotland . 

About the author

Kay Gillespie

Creative Content Writer & former Tour Guide at HAGGiS Adventures . Scottish travel blogger and adventure lover. Kay enjoys travelling Scotland solo, and has visited 42 Scottish Islands. She loves to live up to stereotypes by dying her hair ginger, and regularly consuming haggis and whisky. A Scottish history geek and all-around chatterbox, she can literally talk for Scotland.

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12 Mysterious Harry Potter Locations in Scotland You Should Visit

January 24, 2023

For Harry Potter fans, the UK is great—it’s brimming with Potter-related locations, scenes, and sights, including waterfalls, viaducts, streets, valleys, lochs, castles, and plenty more.

And Scotland in particular is packed with plenty of them. So in this guide, we’ve brought you 12 Harry Potter locations in Scotland that every fan must visit .

If you’re traveling with kids, they’re all great choices. And if you’re an adult who should probably grow up and stop taking an interest in fictional wizards, they’re still great choices!

No matter who you are, how old you are, or how inappropriate your strange obsession might be, you’re invited along on our trip. So hop on your broomstick, scribble a scar on your head, and bring that letter from Hogwarts!

1. Elephant House Cafe, Edinburgh

2. victoria street, 3. greyfriars kirkyard, 4. glasgow university, 5. goerge heriot’s school, 6. the glenfinnan viaduct, 7. the harry potter express, 8. loch shiel, 9. glen coe, 10. rannoch moor, 11. steall falls, 12. harry potter tours, harry potter locations in scotland: final thoughts.

This is probably the most well-known Harry Potter location in the whole of Scotland.

Famously, JK Rowling used to spend lots of time here, sipping on tea and coffee while scribbling away on her Harry Potter drafts. When the first Harry Potter book was published, she was in the habit of regularly writing in this cafe.

Because of that, this place is understandably known as the “birthplace” of Harry Potter.

The cafe doesn’t make a huge deal of the Potter stuff—so you aren’t gonna see anything mind-blowingly life-changing here (aside from a few photographs, and lots of Potter-related graffiti in the toilets).

But if you want to see the place where large parts of the first three books were written, the Elephant House Cafe is a nice little place to visit. And you even get to see the particular table where Rowling liked to sit!

Important Note

At the time of writing, the Elephant House Cafe is temporarily closed due to fire damage. But it’ll soon be back open again.

Also found in Edinburgh, some people reckon Victoria Street might have been the inspiration (or at least one of the inspirations) for Diagon Alley.

A narrow, curved street very close to Elephant House Cafe, it’s colorful, quirky and kooky, and it’s not hard to spot the similarities to the franchise’s most famous shopping street.

The street’s most famous Potter-related store is Museum Context , which sells lots of themed goods related to the books and movies. Ever wanted to buy a massive Hedwig sculpture? A Dumbledore cup? Or a Gryffindor wax seal? No, me neither—but at Museum Context, you can buy all that ridiculous garbage and more.

If you’re combining your trip to Scotland with a trip to England, the English city of York has some similar streets. And, if I’m honest, the streets of York look much more like Diagon Alley than the streets of Edinburgh. But this article isn’t about England, so I’ll stop going on about it now.

One more Edinburgh option, this creepy cemetery is another popular Potter pilgrimage spot . ‘Kirkyard’ really just means ‘church yard’… which, in turn, just means ‘cemetery’.

JK Rowling allegedly took some inspiration from the gravestones in this place… so inscribed on the stones, you can expect to stumble upon surnames like ‘Potter,’ ‘Moodie’ and ‘McGonagall’.

And get this— there’s even a ‘Thomas Riddell’ gravestone , which may or may not be a reference to that man whose name I’m not allowed to say in case he haunts me or something.

Admittedly, this is a pretty big cemetery, so it’s not easy to find the names you’re looking for. So treat it like a treasure hunt—except with dead bodies instead of gold and jewels.

To save priceless time on your Scottish trip, and to learn many interesting facts and anecdotes, we advise you to take a guided tour of the place. This one is actually pretty cheap .

As a juicy little bonus, you can see some of the tallest parts of George Heriot’s School from the inside of the cemetery… but more on that place later.

Want to feel like you’re wandering around the grounds of Hogwarts?

Well, here’s some good news for you: Glasgow University bears a pretty big resemblance to the fictional education establishment. All gothic and gargantuan, it looks exactly like the sort of place where you might learn how to cast spells, fly, or do whatever else wizards do.

Inside the university, there’s a famous courtyard—and it looks just like the courtyard where Harry and his pals first learn to fly their broomsticks.

Lots of people claim that parts of the Harry Potter movies were filmed at Glasgow University. But that isn’t true. Most of the exterior Hogwarts shots for the first few Harry Potter movies were actually shot at Alnwick Castle , just south of the England-Scotland border.

You can actually spend a day in the castle .

In fact, If you’re looking for a real treat, visit Alnwick Castle ! Not only will you get to see some gorgeous architecture, but you’ll also learn about all the popular films and TV shows that have been filmed there – including of course Harry Potter!

Not quite as impressive as Glasgow University, but here’s another educational institution that sort of looks a bit like Hogwarts.

Especially if you squint and tilt your head and lie to yourself. But that’s just my opinion.

A gated Romanesque behemoth of a building, George Heriot’s School is right in the center of Edinburgh.

But although it’s not situated at the end of a mysterious train journey, it shares some pretty compelling similarities to where Potter learned his tricks. It looks a lot like Hogwarts, and it has four towers and four houses. And on top of that, it’s a pretty prestigious place .

Back in the day, people used to claim that this school was a direct inspiration for Hogwarts, but JK Rowling has since denied that claim. Rowling has always insisted that she imagined Hogwarts to be in Scotland—but it was never specifically intended to be George Heriot’s itself.

The most famous outside-of-Edinburgh Harry Potter attraction in Scotland, the Glenfinnan Viaduct is iconic.

You know when Harry and his pals are making their way towards Hogwarts on the train, and they cross that sprawling viaduct? Well, that viaduct is actually the Glenfinnan Viaduct.

Completed in 1901, and with 21 arches, it sits at the northern end of Loch Shiel, west of Fort William. From in and around the tiny village of Glenfinnan, there are endless great views of the viaduct, but the best views are from above, rather than below—so follow the waymarked trail uphill from the main Glenfinnan car park.

Because it’s super beautiful, the Glenfinnan Viaduct is a great place to visit even if you’re not remotely interested in fictional wizards or boys with wands.

Before you visit, make sure you check the timetable—trains are pretty infrequent, and there’s not much point in looking at a train-free viaduct.

It’s of course possible to ride over the viaduct on a train , which brings us to…

Does any Scottish experience get any more Potter-related than this?

The Glenfinnan Viaduct is still completely functional, but here’s the twist: it doesn’t serve any commuter routes.

Instead, the only trains that now traverse the viaduct are experiential retro-style steam trains journeying between Fort William and Mallaig. For that reason, make sure you book up in advance .

Again, be aware that the schedule is pretty thin. There are four trains per day in summer and none at all during winter.

A lovely ride on an old-school steam train, the views are incredible, and it’s great even if you’re not pretending you’re on the way to Hogwarts. Some people reckon this route is the best train journey in the world… and it’s pretty hard to argue.

As I’ve already mentioned, the Glenfinnan Viaduct sits at the northern end of Loch Shiel.

But Loch Shiel has even more connections to Harry Potter, as the loch itself shows up in many of the movies (some people claim it’s actually featured in all of the movies, but I haven’t seen them all, so I don’t really know how true that is).

You know that big so-called ‘Black Lake’ that sits close to Hogwarts?

For lots of scenes, Loch Shiel was used as the Black Lake—and it was used as the setting for the underwater stage of the Triwizard Tournament in Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire. Apparently.

One of my favorite areas in Scotland, Glen Coe is the nation’s most well-known valley.

Massively famous for hiking , road trips, cycling, skiing, and other outdoor adventures, it’s also featured in lots of Harry Potter movies.

You can spot Glen Coe in various different scenes, but you’ll probably recognize it best as the setting for Hagrid’s hut in Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban.

It was also used for the scene where Hermione punches Draco, and as the place where Buckbeak is chained up before he goes to wizard prison.

Even if you’re not bothered about Harry Potter, you’ll still love Glen Coe. It offers some of the best hikes in Scotland , and it’s well-located for exploring many other parts of the nation, including Fort William, Loch Lomond, the Cairngorms, some great beaches, and lots of charming towns and villages.

Potter-related or otherwise, Glen Coe is one of the nation’s best bases for lots of varied adventures.

One of the wildest and most desolate parts of Scotland (well, apart from the far north), Rannoch Moor measures around 50 square miles (130 square kilometers). Featuring bogs, peaty landscapes, barren moors, and countless small lochs, it’s home to lots of interesting animals .

But as you’ve probably guessed from its inclusion on this list, it’s also related to Harry Potter.

In Harry Potter and The Deathly Hallows Part 1, the Death Eaters stop a train here and jump on it to see if they can find Harry Potter. That train station is located in Corrour, on the edge of Rannoch Moor.

Eerily bleak, it’s one of the most remote train stations in Scotland, and it’s no surprise that a Death Eater scene was filmed there.

Interestingly, that very same train station was used for the first Trainspotting movie… which is much more my type of thing.

The second-highest waterfall in Scotland ( and the second-highest waterfall in the UK ), Steall Falls sits pretty close to Fort William (and pretty close to both Glen Coe and Rannoch Moor).

The waterfall has been used in the Harry Potter movies on two separate occasions. The first time, it’s a backdrop for a quidditch game. And the second time, it’s where Harry has a fight with the Hungarian Horntail dragon in the Goblet of Fire.

To find the falls, you need to park at the Upper Glen Nevis car park before embarking on an easy 2-mile (3.5km) wander through some pretty woods.

It’s a great spot for wandering, walking and picnicking, so I totally recommend it… whether you like Harry Potter or not.

Okay, this isn’t just one location. But if you really want to immerse yourself in the Harry Potter stuff in Scotland, this is arguably the best way.

There are lots of companies offering various types of tours . Some tours just take you to spots in Edinburgh, while others will take you to various parts of the nation (and some even take you south of the Scottish border, to some of the Potter-related locations in Northumberland).

The most well-known is probably The Potter Trail , a free-of-charge walking tour around Edinburgh’s best and most iconic Potter-based sights.

But there are various more options, both paid and unpaid.

You can find some of the best here — or you can just wander around Edinburgh, and you’ll find lots of people, companies, and agencies offering various Potter adventures.

Just make sure you take your tour with a reputable company, so you’ll get a good experience crammed with facts, insights, and context.

Here are the tours we do recommend:

• Harry Potter Magical Guided Walking Tour
• Hogwarts Express and Scottish Highlands Tour
• Greyfriars Kirkyard Tour

There you are—now you’re fully equipped for wandering around Scotland and pretending you’re a wizard (while also pretending you’re a fully-functional adult).

If you want to explore more leftfield guides to one of my favorite nations on the planet, check out our articles on what you shouldn’t say to Scottish people , what you shouldn’t do in Scotland , and all the best things to do during a Scottish winter .

Thanks for reading, thanks for choosing Travelness, and make sure you keep choosing us in the future. See you next time!

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Paul is a handsome and hilarious travel writer and travel journalist from the UK. He's hiked, hitchhiked and laughed his way through more than fifty countries, and he's always looking for a new place to call home. Originally from Newcastle, he's lived all over the UK, spent more than three years in Asia, and most recently lived in Vietnam and then in Georgia.

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Harry Potter Locations in Scotland to Visit

Harry Potter, Hermione Granger, Dumbledore, He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named. These characters have become such an important part of modern-day culture. In Scotland, you can immerse yourself in this real-life magical world by visiting local filming locations and inspirational landscapes.

If you’re a big fan of the books or the movies (or both!), our travel experts have put together this blog with Harry Potter locations in Scotland. Add them to your wish list for your next trip to the Scottish Highlands .

Top Harry Potter locations to visit in Scotland

Did you know that Hogwarts is supposed to be in the Scottish Highlands? And that JK Rowling wrote part of the books in Edinburgh? Yes, you probably do as you’re a fan! Below, we’ve put together top film backdrops and the places that inspired the books located in Scotland.

1. Edinburgh

Scotland’s capital is a treasure trove of Harry Potter locations thanks to JK Rowling writing the books while living here.

You’ll want to visit the Elephant House Café , a famous writing location, on George IV Bridge just off the Royal Mile . Join the other Harry Potter fans that flock here to grab a coffee, and experience the atmosphere for yourself.

So sit down, and be patient as it’s a popular spot. While you're there, don’t forget to pop into the loo as it is famously full of quotes from the books.

Nearby, you can walk down Victoria Street and Bow Street to admire the colourful shops and do some speciality shopping. It is said to be an inspiration for the books' Diagon Alley.

One of the other top locations you can’t miss is the Greyfriars Kirkyard cemetery . You’ll find some recognisable names on the graves here. Plus, you’ll get a good look at the private school George Heriot, which is said to have inspired the creation of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.

To get a glimpse into Edinburgh 's history and uncover more links to Harry Potter, you could book one of the many walking tours through the Old Town.

• Go on a staycation from the UK to Scotland to enjoy all these magical locations
• Related: 15 amazing things to do in Edinburgh

2. Glasgow University

If you’re travelling around Scotland, you’ll want to get a taste of Glasgow , the largest city and buzzing centre of arts and music. The West End is a brilliant location to explore with the Botanic Gardens, Kelvingrove, and the University of Glasgow.

With its gothic architecture, towers, courtyards and famous Cloisters, this university campus will make you feel like you’ve stepped straight into real-life Hogwarts.

3. Rannoch Moor

From Scotland's historic cities, we head north into the beautifully rugged Highlands. One of the best locations to experience the breathtaking Scottish wilderness is the mystical Rannoch Moor.

If you have a keen eye, you’ll probably recognise it from the films as the Hogwarts Express travels across this landscape. Specifically, this is where the Death Eaters board the train in Harry Potter and The Deathly Hallows Part 1 .

There are a few scenic viewpoints just off the A82 road where you can stop to take in the beauty of the moor.

• Book a summer travel package to Scotland or visit during the winter to see a quieter side of the country 
• Related: Best time to visit the UK – Your complete guide

4. Glenfinnan Viaduct & Jacobite Steam Train

This may just well be the top Harry Potter filming location that most people want to see when they visit Scotland. Plus, you can make this a 2-in-1 experience if you decide to take the steam train that goes over the recognisable viaduct.

The Harry Potter train, Scotland’s beloved Jacobite Steam Train , is part of the West Coast Railways. It also includes other iconic rail journeys such as the Flying Scotsman.

To ride the Hogwarts Express, and see some incredible Harry Potter filming locations along the way, book a journey on the steam train. The Jacobite travels between Fort William and Mallaig and you could make your trip a return journey if you’re staying the night in the Fort William area.

The train runs every morning between early April and end of October. There's also an afternoon service from late April to early October.

• Join a small guided group tour to see Scotland with a local guide

If you’re on a road trip and you don’t have the time to take the steam train, you can still see it in action. Walk up to the viewpoint at  Glenfinnan , and if you time it right you could photograph the train as it crosses the viaduct.

The Glenfinnan Viaduct itself is also worth the visit. It features in many films, but you’ll surely recognise it from Chamber of Secrets , when Ron and Harry steal the flying car and try to catch up with the train.

From here, you could also take the time to admire the next filming location…

5. Loch Shiel

An important part of the school campus in the books and movies has to be the Hogwarts lake, also called Black Lake or Great Lake. The real-life Loch Shiel, located near Fort William and close to Glenfinnan Viaduct, was used to represent it.

In many of the films, you’ll be able to admire this dark lake and its stunning surroundings. It was also used to shoot the underwater task of the Triwizard Tournament in the Goblet of Fire . Although we can’t confirm or deny if there are Merpeople in Loch Shiel.

To take in Loch Shiel in all its beauty, we recommend stopping at Glenfinnan. You’ll probably do this anyway based on the previous filming location. From here, you can also visit the Glenfinnan Monument and nearby Visitor Centre.

• Dive into local history with a cultural tour of Scotland

6. Glen Coe

Glen Coe is the most famous of all glens (valleys) in Scotland. If you’re on a road trip around the country, you’ll probably drive through it and if you’re on a guided tour, they won’t miss the chance either.

It's a must-see destination, so it’s no wonder that this spectacular location is such a popular filming spot. And Harry Potter was no exception. Glen Coe’s mountains and stunning valley scenery have featured in many shots across the different films.

But you’ll probably recognise it specifically from Prisoner of Azkaban . Imagine Hagrid’s Hut, right there… do you see it?

• Take the wheel on a self-drive tour of Scotland to travel at your own pace
• Or book an exclusive tour with a private guide

7. Steall Falls, Glen Nevis

This is another outstanding location in the Fort William, Ben Nevis area. With a single drop of 120 metres (394 feet), Steall is the second highest waterfall in Scotland and all of the UK. That alone should make it worth a detour!

But the valley where the falls are set, Glen Nevis, has also made an appearance in many of the Harry Potter films. You’ll maybe even spot  Steall Falls in the background of a Quidditch match and when Harry battles against a dragon in the Goblet of Fire .

8. Lochs Arkaig, Etive, and Eilt

We had to include all 3 lochs in one and you’ll see why. All these amazing lakes were used in the last two films, the Deathly Hallows . They added to the abundance of atmospheric Highland scenery in the epic ending to the series.

When Harry, Ron and Hermione escape from Gringotts on the back of a dragon, they fly seemingly all the way from London to Scotland. They then take an long dive into a lake as the dragon flies off. Different sources say that either Loch Etive or Loch Arkaig were used to film their landing.

Whichever you choose to visit, a beautiful Scottish backdrop awaits.

Loch Arkaig was also superimposed over Loch Eilt, along with the Eilean na Moine island, to create Dumbledore’s final resting place. And what an impressive fake location it is for when Voldemort takes hold of the Elder Wand in the Deathly Hallows .

You’ll recognise the iconic island right away if you’re travelling on the Jacobite Steam Train.

Because the locations were digitally merged together, this just makes for even more striking places that you can visit.

• Interested in visiting more filming locations? Take an Outlander tour to enjoy the Scottish connections of a different fictional story
• Related:  Places to eat on the  Outlander  Trail in Scotland

Why not let a local expert organise your Harry Potter adventure for you?

Our Scotland travel consultants are based in Edinburgh and can use their insider knowledge to plan your dream itinerary. They’ll tailor any of our Scotland packages to fit your needs and tastes. You’ll also have Nordic Visitor’s support throughout your tour, with access to our 24/7 helpline.

Get in touch  with our Scotland travel experts today to get started.

  Camila grew up between the French Canadian and Chilean cultures, before moving to Scotland in 2012. When she’s not travelling or writing about travels, Camila loves to read, run, and puzzle. Her favourite destinations have been Reykjavík, Copenhagen, Estonia and Cape Town.  

Find Camila on LinkedIn .

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10 Harry Potter filming locations every super fan needs to visit in Scotland

By Gabriella Chaudhri

Published on Sep 05, 2017 | 5 min

Scotland, the most northern point of the United Kingdom, is home to the buzzing cities of Edinburgh and Glasgow, the Scottish Highlands, the Loch Ness Monster, beaches, bagpipes, mythical mountains… and a whole lotta magic. That’s right, Scotland is not only where J.K Rowling first began writing the Harry Potter series, it’s also the home to countless Harry Potter filming locations. Consider yourself a hardcore HP fan? You best be heading to the highlands, stat…

Edinburgh – the capital of Scotland where J.K Rowling first began her Potter plotting way back in the early 90’s. Harry Potter fans would be mad to miss the distinct parallels Edinburgh’s medieval architecture, stony streets and winding alleys draw to the settings of the series. It was in the quaint cafés of Edinburgh where J.K first put pen to paper, crafting the opening chapters to what would become one of the most enchanting fantasy novels of all time: Harry Potter and the Philosopher Stone .

The Elephant House Cafe

Self-branded as ‘The Birthplace of Harry Potter’, this was J.K’s favourite café to get creative. Overlooking Edinburgh Castle, The Elephant House is where the magical world of witches and wizards was imagined. However, whilst much of The Chamber of Secrets  and  The Prisoner of Azkaban  was written here, it’s actually Spoon café (then known as Nicholas Café) where J.K wrote the opening chapters of Harry Potter and the Philosophers Stone . Either way, both cafés offer a chance to sit back in the surroundings of where it all began … whilst indulging on coffee & cakes of course.

Glenfinnan Viaduct, Lochaber

The 380 metres long and 31 metres high Victorian Railway Bridge is instantly recognisable from that  opening scene in the Chamber of Secrets; the only thing this image is missing is Harry and Ron flying overhead in the Weasley’s magical Ford Anglia car. The head of the  Loch Shiel is also the setting for where Harry encounters a Dementor for the very first time in the  Prisoner of Azkaban , when the Hogwarts Express stops on the bridge. If you’re keen to relive this experience and risk coming face to face with a Dementor, the Jacobite Steam Train , described as ‘the greatest railway journey in the world’ will take you on an 84-mile round trip from Ben Nevis, stopping in the village of Glenfinnan and crossing the 21-arched Glenfinnan Viaduct where you’ll get the chance to take in the magnificent scenic views.

Steall Falls, Glen Nevis

Primarily known for being the second-highest waterfall in Britain, Steall Fall is also featured in a fair few iconic Potter scenes, but it’s the waterfall’s role as the backdrop during Quidditch matches and the setting for Harry’s battle against a Hungarian Horntail dragon in the Goblet of Fire, which really get our Potter pulses racing.

Black Rock Gorge, Ross and Cromarty

Before heading to the Steall Falls, Harry first hides from the Hungarian Horntail in this impressive, 120-foot deep gorge. The gorge is said to be haunted by a local noblewoman named Lady Balconie. Despite no sightings of the ghostly spirit, locals often claim to hear her cries from the top of the gorge. Or is it just Moaning Myrtle out for a stroll? TBC.

Glen Coe, Highland

Another absolutely incredible location is Glen Coe. Its dramatic landscape and volcanic origins featured as background shots throughout the Prisoner of Azkaban as well as various other Harry Potter films. However, it’s the iconic girl power moment when Hermione smashes Malfoy in the face which makes this location perhaps the most memorable of all.

ALSO FOR HARRY POTTER FANS: 10 REAL LIFE HARRY POTTER FILMING LOCATIONS YOU CAN VISIT IN THE UK

Loch Etive, Argyll and Bute

Another Loch to add into the mix, this is the background where Harry, Ron and Hermione escape from the wizarding bank of Gringotts on the back of a dragon after taking the Cup of Helga Hufflepuff (a Horcrux). Once getting out of London and back into the magical lands, the infamous three are forced to leap off the dragon, landing into this ice-cold loch.

Rannoch Moor, Lochaber

This is one of the largest areas of wilderness in Scotland . Also known as the Great Moor of Rannoch, it plays as the sinister location where the Death Eaters halt and board the train in the  Deathly Hallows Part 1 . If you fancy venturing into the wilderness, this is one of the scenic views you can see when boarding The Jacobite famous steam train.

Eilean na Moine and Loch Eilt, Lochaber

Eilean na Moine may look like one of the most enchanting locations you’ve ever seen but this location is in fact the setting for some of the most somber Harry Potter moments of all time, namely doing double duty as Dumbledore’s final resting place, where   Voldemort stole the powerful Elder Wand in  Deathly Hallows Part 1 .

Loch Eilt is also the sad setting where Harry and the gang find Hagrid skimming stones over the water following the trial of his beloved Buckbeak, in Prisoner of Azkaban .

Loch Arkaig, Lochaber

To add some magical magnificence to Dumbledore’s final resting place, Loch Arkaig was digitally added to Eilean na Moine and Loch Eilt giving the impression of an overwhelming amount of scenery, adding to the monumental opening scene of the Deathly Hallows Part 2.

RELATED: HOLY HIPPOGRIFFS! A NEW HARRY POTTER SHOP HAS OPENED IN EDINBURGH’S ‘DIAGON ALLEY’

10 real-life Harry Potter filming locations you can visit in the UK

How do i relive my harry potter fantasies in scotland, 15 best places to visit in scotland, stop dreaming and make sh*t happen.

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Scattered along the main road, Glenfinnan is situated at the head of Loch Shiel which stretches south west for 20 miles to Acharacle.

Scattered along the main road, Glenfinnan is situated at the head of Loch Shiel which stretches south west for 20 miles to Acharacle. Glenfinnan attracts many thousands of visitors from around the world to experience the stunning scenery but also the special atmosphere.

The famous Glenfinnan viaduct carries the railway to Glenfinnan Station across a 1,000 ft span, 100 ft above the ground. The Jacobite Steam Train* runs from here to Fort William and Mallaig  in summer months with regular trains available the rest of the year.

The filming of the second and third Harry Potter books, Harry Potter and the Chambers of Secrets and Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, took place in this area with the Hogwarts Express calling at Glenfinnan. Please be aware that trespassing on the railway line is extremely dangerous and visitors should stay clear of the tracks a​​​​​​t all times.

Each year, on the Saturday closest to 19 August, the Glenfinnan Gathering and Games takes place. Another must-see is the Glenfinnan Monument and Visitor Centre , which commemorates the Jacobite clansmen who fought and gave their lives in support of Charles Edward Stuart, often called " Bonnie Prince Charlie ".

* Please note that the Jacobite is only running the morning service at this time. There is no Harry Potter coach and reduced First-Class capacity.

Ditch the car and journey by bus or train to this iconic location. Buses from Fort William run daily and pass by stunning Scottish landscapes, so sit back, relax and enjoy the views. The train ride to Glenfinnan is one of the most scenic rail journeys in Scotland, with ScotRail making regular stops at Glenfinnan’s historic railway station.

Before you head off, please :

• Read and follow the Scottish Outdoor Access Code .
• Follow signage and guidance around attractions and sites.
• Do not park at the sides of roads, on double yellow lines, or in passing places. Park in designated car parks and parking spaces only.
• Plan ahead and book tickets in advance, where possible.

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Harry Potter Filming Locations in Scotland You MUST Visit!

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Looking for a full list of Harry Potter filming locations in Scotland? This post is for you! Read on for a detailed list of Harry Potter places you can visit and see for yourself in Scotland.

For eager Potterheads who have long waited in vain for their Hogwarts letter to arrive by owl, you’ll be pleased to know that you can visit many of the filming locations from the movies as you continue to wait.

In the books, Hogwarts is actually located  in Scotland, so it makes sense that they would film and take much inspiration from the beautiful landscapes of the Highlands and beyond.

If you’re a Potterhead planning a trip to Scotland, you will love being able to visit these iconic places from the films!

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Where Death Eaters Board the Hogwarts Express

Real-life location in scotland: rannoch moor.

In Deathly Hallows Part 1 , there’s a scene where the Death Eaters stop the Hogwarts Express to climb on board, and where they stop it is on the very picturesque Rannoch Moor.

A lovely backdrop for one of Neville’s sassiest lines, this is also the perfect first spot if you’re planning to visit all locations in this article, as it’s the closest to Edinburgh and Glasgow.

Hagrid’s Hut

Real-life location in scotland: clachaig gully.

You can explore the interior set of Hagrid’s Hut on the Warner Bros Studio Tour, but the exterior shots were filmed at Clachaig Gully from Prisoner of Azkaban onwards.

According to the official Glencoe website, there were three sets constructed for filming: two near the bottom of Clachaig Gully, and one directly opposite Clachaig Inn. Clachaig Gully and Inn are both parts of Glencoe Valley in the Scottish Highlands, which you can visit by driving or joining a tour.

Triwizard Task 1 Location

Real-life location in scotland: steall falls, glen nevis and black rock gorge, evanton.

In the first Triwizard Challenge, Steall Falls was used as a backdrop during the chase scene between the Hungarian Horntail and Harry.

Then they used the 120-foot deep Black Rock Gorge for filming the scene where Harry hides from the dragon.

You can also see Steall Falls in Half-Blood Prince during a Quidditch game while the backdrop of Glen Nevis was often used as the backdrop to the Hogwarts Quidditch stadium.

Steall Falls is actually the second-highest waterfall in Britain and can be reached after a bit of a hike from the Glen Nevis car park.

You’ll also have nice views of the glen and the mountain of Ben Nevis.

Black Rock Gorge is part of a walk you can do from Evanton, a town which is located about a half-hour drive north of Inverness.

The Maze in Triwizard Task 3

Real-life location in scotland: glen nevis.

The maze from the final Triwizard challenge was also created and then filmed in Glen Nevis, near Fort William in the Scottish Highlands.

Apparently, the entire set was two miles long, half a mile wide and filled the valley.

If you are visiting Glen Nevis and Steall Falls to see where Harry evaded the dragon (from the previous section) then you also might notice that parts of the area feel familiar because you’ve seen it as the backdrop to the maze.

The Viaduct that the Hogwarts Express Goes Over

Real-life location in scotland: glenfinnan viaduct.

Remember those scenes of the Hogwarts Express puffing away over an epic bridge, particularly in the Chamber of Secrets when Harry and Ron are flying the Ford Anglia above the train?

If you had ever wished you could ride the Hogwarts Express for yourself then prepare to have all your dreams come true as these scenes were filmed at the Glenfinnan Viaduct which can be seen from a hill behind the Glenfinnan Monument on the banks of Loch Shiel.

You can even ride across the viaduct from onboard the Jacobite steam train that runs between Fort William and Mallaig.

The Great Lake at Hogwarts

Real-life location in scotland: loch shiel.

Of all the lakes that were used for filming the Great Lake by Hogwarts, Loch Shiel is probably the most well-known.

You see it when Harry and Ron are flying in the Ford Anglia in Chamber of Secrets , as well as in the  Chamber of Secrets extended version when you see Harry perched on a viewpoint overlooking the lake with a CGI Hogwarts in the background.

This viewpoint is actually on the hill just behind the Glenfinnan visitor centre and he’s overlooking Loch Shiel!

Loch Shiel also makes appearances in later films when they’re doing landscape shots of the Hogwarts Express, and also in Goblet of Fire , at the very end when you see the groups from Durmstrang and Beuxbatons leaving Hogwarts.

The Great Lake

Real-life location in scotland: loch eilt.

More than one place was used for filming scenes taking place at the Hogwarts Great Lake.

Loch Eilt is where Hagrid can be seen moodily skipping stones in Prisoner of Azkaban after finding out Buckbeak has been sentenced to death and it was often used in scenes involving the Hogwarts Express.

It also makes a brief appearance in Chamber of Secrets when the Ford Anglia flies alongside the Hogwarts Express.

Dumbledore’s Grave

Real-life location in scotland: eilean na moine.

Eilean na Moine is a beautiful little island in Loch Eilt (you can see it in the lake in that shot above of Harry looking out from the viewpoint) that was used in filming as the location of Dumbledore’s final resting place on the Hogwarts grounds.

This is also where Voldemort goes to take the Elder Wand from his corpse at the end of Deathly Hallows Part 1, before calling down lightning to perfectly illuminate the island.

Where the Gringott’s Dragon Lands

Real-life location in scotland: loch arkaig.

In  Deathly Hallows Part 2 , after Harry, Ron, and Hermione have their epic escape from  Gringotts on board a white dragon, this is the lake they jump into and where Harry has his vision of Voldemort knowing they’re hunting Horcruxes.

Loch Arkaig is located north of Fort William and is a very pretty spot.

Kristy Brandt

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Harry Potter Filming Locations – Top 8 Must-See in Scotland

• January 2, 2022
• by Beata Vasvary
• 5 minutes read

“Hogwarts is a very real place to me, and although I have never lived in Scotland, I’ve always imagined it to be in this mystical place […]”. This is what J. K. Rowling says in one of her interviews. Well, obviously, if you travel for a day from King’s Cross Station in London, you’ll end up in Scotland. Although most Harry Potter scenes were filmed at Warner Brothers Studio in Leavesden, England, the film team shot several notable scenes in Scotland . All eight of the films include some scenes shot in this magical country and if you keep reading, we’ll help you find them! Hop on your broomstick and discover all the Harry Potter filming locations in Scotland!

1. Harry Potter Filming Locations : The Elephant House Cafe

Well, The Elephant House Café must be the first on this list regardless of the fact that this café is not a filming location. However, the importance of this place is unquestionable since The Elephant House Café is widely known as ‘The Birthplace of Harry Potter’ . This was J. K. Rowling’s favorite café to get creative. It was the place where the magical world of witches and wizards came to life. Isn’t it exciting to have a cup of coffee where much of  The Chamber of Secrets  and  The Prisoner of Azkaban  was written? So, sit back in the surroundings of where it all began…

2. The Jacobite Steam Train (Hogwarts Express)

It may sound unbelievable but the Hogwarts Express is a real train and you can ride it! It has been operating since 1984 and it rumbles between Fort William and Mallaig. Many parts of its route are shown in all eight of the Harry Potter films. This is definitely a must-do if you are a fanatic of J.K.Rowling’s stories.

The locomotive that used to pull the Hogwarts Express in the movies was the GWR 4900 Class 5972 Olton Hall , however, the Jacobite is very much similar in appearance to the one used in the films. Book a seat on the Jacobite Steam Train in the first-class “Harry Potter style” compartments and enjoy the sweeping cinematic scenery.

3. Harry Potter Filming Locations : Glenfinnan Viaduct, Lochaber

One of the most iconic scenes of the train is when it goes over the beautiful Glenfinnan Viaduct. The 380 meters long and 31 meters high Victorian railway bridge is instantly recognizable for everyone. Who wouldn’t remember the famous flying car scene from Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets when Ron and Harry encountered the Hogwarts Express? Furthermore, the viaduct also plays a crucial role in Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban when the Hogwarts Express is stopped on the bridge by Dementors searching for Sirius Black.

4. Loch Shiel

We can see this gorgeous loch sparkling in many scenes of the eight movies. For instance, this is the lake that Harry and Hermione see from the Astronomy Tower in Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince . It’s where Buckbeak dips a toe in the water. It is also where Harry encounters a Dementor for the very first time. In Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire this lake is the setting for the underwater stage (Second Stage) of the Triwizard Tournament. In how many other scenes can you recognize this lake?

5. Harry Potter Filming Locations : Glen Coe, Highland

The fantastic Glen Coe was a key location for the filming of Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban and Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince . The stunning mountainsides provided the background scenery to Hagrid’s hut , as well as the turreted gatehouse of Hogwarts and the bridge leading to Hogwarts . Moreover, do you remember when Hermione slaps Malfoy ‘s face at the sundial stone circle? Glen Coe was the backdrop in that scene as well.

6. Loch Arkaig

Do you remember the scene when Ron, Harry, and Hermione break into Gringotts Bank and escape on the back of a dragon ? Of course, you do. That was an action-packed scene! So, in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2 , Loch Arkaig is where the three main characters landed after the bumpy ride. Furthermore, Loch Arkaig and Loch Eilt were digitally blended together; that’s how we got the scene of Dumbledore’s grave at the beginning of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2 . (May he rest in peace!)

7. Harry Potter Filming Locations : Steall Falls, Glen Nevis

Steall Falls is Scotland’s second-highest waterfall, having a beautiful 120 meters single drop. The waterfall is located about seven miles from Fort William and it appears in a few iconic Harry Potter scenes. Not only is it a backdrop to some of the Quidditch matches but it is also the setting for Harry’s battle against a Hungarian Horntail dragon in Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire . Though the arena is not real, the waterfall in the background certainly is!

8. Rannoch Moor, Lochaber

Rannoch Moor is one of the largest wilderness areas in Scotland. It is a boggy area spreading over 50 square miles, full of peat bogs and small lakes. This desolate area provided the backdrop for a sinister scene in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1 . It is the location where the Death Eaters stop the Hogwarts Express train while it’s on its way to Hogwarts. If you would like to embark on an adventure to the wilderness, again you can take the Jacobite steam train.

Traveling through Edinburgh? Click here for the top 10 places to see and things to do!

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10 Harry Potter Filming Locations to Visit in Scotland

Embark on a magical journey by visiting the most popular Harry Potter filming locations in Scotland.

Photography and Harry Potter can both happily claim to have their beginnings firmly rooted in beautiful Scotland.

Scotland’s weather and sunlight play out over breath-taking landscapes and offer the chance to come away with some truly stunning photographs.

It’s easy to see the reason some of these unique Scottish locations were picked as the perfect backdrop for many of the scenes in the world-famous Harry Potter wizarding movies.

The lochs, glens, and fells speak for themselves in sheer beauty and majesty, easily belonging to a world of wizardry.

Embarking on a Harry Potter location tour of Scotland is the perfect way to combine your love for Scotland and all things magical.

You can travel by car, train or bike and at each turn, as the light and landscape reveal colour and emotion, you can be sure of a magical adventure.

The Elephant House

• Location: George IV Bridge, Edinburgh
• Significance: Birthplace of Harry Potter
• Transport: Car, bus, train or walk

            View this post on Instagram                         A post shared by Nicolson Tours (@nicolsontours_of_scotland) on Jun 2, 2020 at 4:47pm PDT

The Elephant House  in Edinburgh is widely regarded as the birthplace of Harry Potter.

This delightful gourmet tea & coffee house and restaurant is where author J.K Rowling first put to pen to paper. It’s said that she was inspired by the stunning views of Edinburgh Castle.

You can also visit the Royal Mile and see the writer’s handprints, set in stone to mark her creative achievements.

Victoria Street

• Location: Edinburgh
• Significance: Inspiration for Diagon Alley

Before leaving Edinburgh to explore the wilder, natural locations, then a trip to Diagon Alley is an absolute must.

Victoria Street and Candlemaker Row proudly bear the plaque of Diagon Alley.

They can claim the fantastic honour of being the source of inspiration for the wizarding world’s finest shopping street.

Want to snap some pretty pictures?

The colourful houses and split-level streets are perfect for practicing architectural photography and working with different lenses for bold colours and bright composition.

• Location: Near Fort William
• Movie: Dumbledore's resting place in the Half Blood Prince
• Transport: Train to Fort William or car

            View this post on Instagram                         A post shared by Jessica Darlison (@tripsbyjessica) on Nov 14, 2018 at 5:00pm PST

Eilean na Moine and  Loch Eilt played host to host some of the saddest scenes in the movies and is featured as Dumbledore’s final resting place.

If you’re looking to create moody shots of a darker and sadder nature, then the surroundings and the feelings associated with them work together in perfect harmony.

If you want to create drama, then remember this is the infamous site where Voldemort stole the Elder Wand.

• Location: By the Glenfinnan Viaduct
• Movie: Hogwarts Lake in Prisoner of Azkaban and Half Blood Prince
• Transport: Train to Glenfinnan or car

Loch Shiel has been named as a special protection area for several types of duck and bird species.

At the right angle, you may even be lucky enough to spot some of these protected birds in flight.

The Loch has been used as the backdrop of Hogwarts School of Wizarding in several of the films and, is the location of the Black Lake in The Prisoner of Azkaban and The Half-Blood Prince.

Any self-respecting Harry Potter fan will also instantly recognise it as one of the sites of the Triwizard Tournament in The Goblet of Fire movie.

If you’re feeling adventurous, this location also features a 20-mile off-road section, photographs taken along this route are unlikely to be replicated and will remain as unique and diverse as the changing scenery.

Glenfinnan Viaduct

• Movie: Flying car scene in Chamber of Secrets and Dementor scene in Prisoner of Azkaban

The famous railway viaduct that speeds the Hogwarts express along its journey, with its sweeping views and promise of adventure, is the  Glenfinnan Viaduct , situated in The Fort William region.

Most of the photographs you’re likely to see will have been taken from the northwest, underside of this amazing piece of 18 th Century engineering feat.

The Viaduct isn’t just famous for the 4 Harry Potter films it featured in, as to be expected with Scotland, it has its own intriguing history to be discovered if you so choose.

Loch Arkaig

• Movie: Exterior shots of dragon flights in Deathly Hallows Pt. 2

            View this post on Instagram                         A post shared by Drive Scotland (@drivescotland) on Mar 28, 2020 at 12:44pm PDT

Loch Arkaig is an ancient pine forest, just under an hours drive from Fort William.

If you want to imagine yourself flying through the sky on a Dragon, then this is where Harry Potter did it in the Deathly Hallows Part 2 .

With open skies and plenty of water, this is a superb location for a Scottish day out. You may also be lucky enough to catch some photos of unusual wildlife connected to living in this ancient forest.

• Movie: Hogwarts lake in Prisoner of Azkaban

            View this post on Instagram                         A post shared by Stephen Henderson (@social_stephen) on Apr 4, 2020 at 3:36am PDT

Loch Morar is perfect for wide shots and panoramic landscape scenes.

It’s also the rumoured home of Nessie’s sister, Morag the Dragoness. So, you never know what mythical creatures you mind find hiding in your negatives.

There is a wealth of cottages and hotels to stay in within the Fort William region which sits in the shadow of the mighty Ben Nevis. Fort William is also an ideal base to cover all of the Loch locations mentioned above.

Rannoch Moor

• Location: Near Pitlochry
• Movie: Where the Death Eaters boarded the Hogwarts Express in Deathly Hallows Pt. 1
• Transport: West Highland Line or car

            View this post on Instagram                         A post shared by Hidden Scotland (@hiddenscotland) on Dec 16, 2019 at 1:40pm PST

Rannoch Moor was the filming location for the harrowing scenes where the death eaters stopped the Hogwarts Express to board the train in Deathly Hallows Part 1.

The Moor itself is quite boggy and famous for being home to some very unusual species of insect and plant life. If taking a closer look at insects and fauna is your thing, this is the ideal spot.

• Location: Loch Torren, Glencoe
• Movie: Hagrid's hut in the Prisoner of Azkaban
• Transport: Train or car

Glencoe is the backdrop to Hagrid’s house in Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban.

There were originally three sets created, including the huts and pumpkin patch nestled amongst the incredible scenery, overlooking the Torren Lochan, and the Signal Rock forest.

Once you’re finished visiting Hagrid’s hut, you can explore the rugged hills of the glen which are picture-perfect. The ever-changing sunlight through the valleys here can create some moody shots.

Many of these stunning locations are along the West Highland Line which can be traversed on the Jacobite Steam Train , affectionately known as the sister of the Hogwarts Express.

It’s the perfect way to take in some of Scotland’s most beautiful and most filmed locations on the journey.

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If you’re a fan of period dramas, there are some places in the U.K. you have to visit

Dearest gentle reader ... if you wish to join me in the ton this summer, you can find me at hampton court palace.

By Caroline McDonald

Summertime is here, and with it, the social season.

According to People , the season began in the 17th century, lasting from April to August as a marker for young ladies to be introduced to “upper-crust society.” The social season includes balls, parties, concerts and events — all ways people can socialize with one another.

Fans of Regency dramas — as well as any other period dramas — will recall the memorable and cinematic scenes of young ladies, dressed in dazzling dresses, locking eyes with eligible young bachelors as they take to the dance floor.

If you’re hungry for a taste of “Pride and Prejudice” romance or a bit of “Downton Abbey” drama, you might want to revise your summer vacation plans to include some of the most electrifying places in the U.K., all with connections to some of the most beloved stories that end in “happily ever after.”

So, pull on some silk gloves and lace up your boots. Now is the time to promenade along some of the best period drama-themed locations.

Places to visit for period drama fans

‘bridgerton’ real-life locations.

• No. 1 Royal Crescent : The building is the exterior of the Featherington house in the “Bridgerton” series.
• Castle Howard : In “Bridgerton,” this building is the home of the Duke of Hastings.
• Syon House/Syon Park Conservatory : Syon House is a smaller version of Buckingham Palace in “Bridgerton,” as seen in “Queen Charlotte.” Syon Park Conservatory marks the place Lady Danbury hosted her ball in Season 2 of the show.
• The Ranger’s House : This home is the Bridgerton family home, located in London. According to Town and Country , the house was built in 1723.
• Old Royal Naval College : “In season two, it is where Eloise and Penelope walk through the market and when young boys hand out the latest dispatch from Lady Whistledown,” according to Town and Country. “Plus, the College serves as many London street exteriors in the series.”
• Hampton Court Palace : In “Bridgerton,” the palace is used for Queen Charlotte’s ball in season three. It is also used for scenes with the queen’s court as well as Anthony and Edwina’s wedding reception, according to Town and Country.
• Holburne Museum of Art : Located in Bath, this building served as Lady Danbury’s house in the “Bridgerton” series.
• St. James Church : Located in Piccadilly, London, this church is where Antony and Edwina almost get married in Season 2 of “Bridgerton.”

‘Pride and Prejudice’ real-life locations

• Chatsworth House : According to Buzzfeed , this is Mr. Darcy’s mansion in Pemberly in the 2005 version of “Pride and Prejudice.” It is located in Derbyshire.
• Stourhead Garden : This is the place in which you can find the Temple of Apollo, the same pavilion where Mr. Darcy confesses his love to Elizabeth Bennet in the 2005 film “Pride and Prejudice.”
• Groombridge Place : Located in Kent, this is the home of the Bennet family.
• Stanage Edge : Visit Derbyshire to see the iconic place where Elizabeth stands on a cliff and looks over the countryside.
• Basildon Park : This building appears as Netherfield Park in “Pride and Prejudice.”
• Burghley House : The manor is Lady Catherine’s home in the film, located in Lincolnshire.

‘Downton Abbey’ real-life locations

• Highclere Castle : This castle is the “namesake estate” in the series and movie, according to Condé Nast Traveler . It is located in Hampshire, England.
• Lacock Village : This location was used for many scenes in Downton Abbey. It can be found in the Wiltshire county of England.
• Wentworth Woodhouse : Found in Yorkshire, the location was used for scenes shot at Harewood House.

Other must-see places in the UK

Of course, there are plenty of other locations that are worth a visit, including the Tower of London, Stonehenge and Edinburgh Castle. You might want to consider adding one or several of these places to your itinerary when you visit

• Glenfinnan Viaduct : Fans of Harry Potter will recognize this location in Scotland as the place where the Hogwarts Express travels on its journey.
• Hunterston House : A popular location is Scotland used notably for scenes in the series “Outlander.”
• Dark Hedges : The somewhat mystical location in Northern Ireland was used for scenes in “Game of Thrones.”
• King’s Cross : this station is the place where Harry Potter embarked on his magical journey from platform 9¾. Fans of the movies can enjoy several activities, including a trolley embedded in a wall where you can take pictures.

12 Harry Potter Themed Airbnbs You Can Actually Stay At

• Airbnb hosts around the world are offering fully immersive Harry Potter-themed experiences, from cozy nooks under the stairs to rooms inspired by Hogwarts Castle and Diagon Alley.
• These accommodations cater to Potterheads with magical decor, themed bedrooms, and even activities like feasts and magical classes, allowing fans to relive the series and indulge in the wizarding world.
• Locations such as Salem, Massachusetts, Edinburgh, Scotland, and Colmar, France offer unique Harry Potter experiences, allowing guests to explore the real-world inspirations behind J.K. Rowling's magical universe.

Face it: no matter how old you are, a part of you will always wish you could have received an acceptance letter inviting you to attend Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Fortunately, some Airbnb owners have been transforming their vacation homes into fully immersive, Harry Potter-themed experiences.

From magical decor to wizard activities, lodgers worldwide are providing the most excellent places to stay for the ultimate Potter fan (known as Potterheads). Take a look at just some of the options below and plan a trip for just you or the entire family: no brooms or Floo Powder required!

UPDATE: 2023/09/01 17:18 EST BY NOAH STAATS

We've Found More Harry Potter-Themed Airbnb's To Visit This Year!

This article has been refreshed with a new Harry Potter-themed Airbnb listing, as well as links for booking all of these properties. Whether you're a fan of the movie books or want to spice up the next vacation you plan, here's to the wizarding world of Harry Potter! Have fun!

Harry Potter “Closet Under the Stairs” Experience (Sparks, Nevada, United States)

• You can book this Airbnb here .

One fun experience for Harry Potter fans in Nevada is the "Closet Under the Stairs" Airbnb listing. Here, people can experience a night under a stairwell mimicking the Harry Potter movie and book. Moreover, those here will stay in a comfortable nook under the stairs modeled after Hogwarts Castle and the magical world therein. This stay will be an experience like no other. Guests will also have access to all common muggle facilities in the home. At a nightly rate of roughly $55, you can't beat this property while in Nevada! The owner has amazing reviews as well.

This Airbnb is also roughly 45 minutes from Lake Tahoe, putting it in the Northern part of the state. Nearby Reno, Nevada, may also be worth checking out while here.

Harry Potter & Fantastic Beasts Fan Dorm (Salem, Massachusetts, USA)

What better way to have a witchy vacation than traveling to the location of the Salem Witch Trials ? Choose from the School Dorm Room . The owner will not only provide you with plenty of suggestions of Salem haunts to check out but also provide you with a proper English breakfast in Mrs. Weasley's Breakfast Nook!

You'll spot plenty of familiar creatures in the Fantastic Beasts room and have the option of sleeping in either Harry or Ron's bed in the School Dorm room. (You can only enter the School Dorm room if you tell the Pink Lady portrait the password, of course.)

West Bow Flat (Edinburgh, Scotland, UK)

Any true Potterhead knows Edinburgh, Scotland, is a must-visit , considering it is where J.K. Rowling was inspired to write the Harry Potter series! Not only is this apartment near Edinburgh Castle, but it actually resides on West Bow—Rowling's inspiration for Diagon Alley!

For $126 a night, you and up to three other guests can stay right where the magic started. The living room is covered in a wallpaper of portraits, reminiscent of the walls of endless moving paintings at Hogwarts. Complete with a bookshelf of antique books and an otherworldly chandelier; this Airbnb will transport you to the magical universe Rowling created just around the corner.

RELATED: These Are Some of The Most Interesting Themed Hotels In the World

Wizarding Home (Kissimmee, Florida, USA)

If you're planning a trip to visit the Harry Potter theme park at Universal Studios Orlando , this wizard home is only ten miles away. This impressive Magical Manor is available with a pool and a game room, that's certainly worth the price!

The dining room is complete with floating candles, and you are welcome to choose the themed bedroom that corresponds with your favorite Hogwarts House. With five bedrooms, all equally regal, luxurious, and perfectly magical, it'll be hard to decide which of the nine beds you'll want to sleep in!

The Common Room (Victoria, British Columbia, Canada)

Travelers sorted to Gryffindor (and also happen to be heading to British Columbia's Victoria) should book a couple of nights in The Common Room. Designed after the Gryffindor Common Room, this Airbnb is every Harry Potter fan's dream!

This condo is decked out with a decorative rug and a faux fireplace and adorned with a mélange of Harry Potter memorabilia, making visitors feel like they're hanging out at Hogwarts. You may even spot a popular house elf in the kitchen (make sure you give him a sock to free him of his master)!

Harry Potter Fan's Dream (Chickamauga, Georgia, USA)

Every nook and cranny of this home in Chickamauga is Harry Potter-themed, and if you look closely enough, you'll find some hidden magical surprises! With the den styled to look just like the cozy Gryffindor standard room and the beds styled to look like the beds you would see in your typical Hogwarts dorm, you will feel wholly transported into the magical world of a Hogwarts student.

There are plenty of games provided for you and your guests and lots of magical trinkets and knick-knacks to observe! Up to four guests can have this magical experience for $86 per night.

RELATED: Airbnb Hacks To Make Your Stay More Affordable (And Enjoyable)

A Magical World of Wizards & Witches (Tagaytay, Philippines)

The owner of this condo in the Philippines indeed went all-out, importing merchandise from Warner Bros. and Universal Studios to make sure guests have plenty of fantastic photo ops. You can sit in a Three Broomsticks booth to eat or wash your hands in a sink built into a model of the Hogwarts Express.

With plenty of Harry Potter knick-knacks, a pool, and all the movies already loaded up on the 43" Smart TV, this condo aims to be fan-friendly while also high-end.

Magical Potter Apartment (Prague, Czech Republic)

Feel like heading to Prague?

This cozy apartment can host up to 13 dedicated Potterheads! The owners have ensured that each option is fully furnished in the most magical ways. With super cool Harry Potter-themed wall art and modern, fresh furniture, these are the perfect places to stay to take in all Prague has to offer in wizard style.

Blackburn Academy Of The Magical Arts (Springville, Utah, USA)

This large home is not just a place to stay— it's a wizarding school ! The property owners provide feasts and magical classes, just as if you were an actual student at Hogwarts. The property is 129 years old, so it has a historical feel.

Check out the many classrooms, Grand Parlor, and plant conservatory. A place where roleplaying is taken to a 10 is a trip in itself. Their official website has tons of information on the activities and experiences they provide .

Magical Wizarding Residence (Edinburgh, Scotland, UK)

Another Edinburgh location, except this time set smack-dab in Edinburgh City Centre. With a wallpaper of books and a dementor looming over the front room, this apartment is 100% inspired by Harry Potter.

Indulge in all the books and movies while you sip from a Harry Potter-themed mug, and when you get antsy, you have some of the most historic parts of Edinburgh right outside your door. You and a guest can sleep in a modern bedroom with a double bed.

Wizards Way by Loma Homes (Florida, USA)

Wizards Way in Florida, USA, is a Harry Potter-themed house consisting of eight bedrooms. The house is a magical wonderland located at Champion's Gate. People who like Wizarding Home in Kissimmee, Florida, will even love Wizards Way more. The latter is the epitome of fantasy and luxury and sleeps up to 16 guests. They can enjoy the special effects, wizard-themed bedrooms, gorgeous carved beds, ambient sounds, and custom mood lighting. Furthermore, Wizards Way features a Great Hall dining room, an open living room, and a fully fitted gourmet kitchen.

Harry Potter-Themed Room (Colmar, France)

Potterheads will enjoy a trip to Eastern France to stay in this iconic Harry Potter-themed Airbnb in Colmar. The room features two four-poster beds and a Hogwarts-medieval-style bathroom. Visitors to the iconic town in France must include wine tasting in this Alsatian countryside, provided they're adult witches or wizards. The Harry Potter-themed room can sleep up to four guests, and the price starts at $113 per night. Who doesn't love a French AND Harry Potter-themed vacation?

NEXT: It's Easy To See How This London Market Became A Cornerstone Setting In 'Harry Potter'

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Village 'gridlocked' by tourists visiting famous Harry Potter viaduct

The National Trust of Scotland centre at Glenfinnan attracted around 550,000 in 2023.

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• The Highlands

Residents living close to the Glenfinnan viaduct have said they are facing “gridlock” traffic due to tourists flocking to see the attraction made famous by the Harry Potter franchise.

Over half a million tourists visited the area to see the viaduct in 2023, making it the National Trust of Scotland’s most popular visitor site outside of Edinburgh or Glasgow.

The increase in popularity has created severe problems for locals with most visitors arriving by car and many parking on road verges and bends.

BEAR Scotland, Transport Scotland’s operating company, has now installed marker posts along the roadside to stop people from parking on the road verges and make it safer for traffic passing the site and through the village.

Operations manager for Glencoe and Glenfinnan at NTS, Emily Bryce, said staff are turning visitors away from around 9.30am everyday due to the car parks filling up so quick.

Ingrid Henderson, charity of the Glenfinnan community facilities scheme, said they were “delighted” with the work to deter drivers adding that the parking situation often creates “gridlock” traffic across the village.

Ms Henderson added that although the work should help the situation there is concern that visitors will still bring cars and leave them on the other side of the village.

The local community have worked with NTS to create a reward scheme for people who have proof to show they travelled by bus or train.

If visitors show their tickets they will be able to get discounts for entry to certain attractors and centres in the village.

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