Harry Potter Book & Filming Locations in Scotland

It was in Scotland’s capital city that JK Rowling started to plot the adventures of Harry and his pals. As you wander Edinburgh's cobbled closes and winding alleyways, it's easy to imagine spells lingering on the breeze and stories waiting around every corner. It was here that JK Rowling first began plotting Harry's adventures, writing in cafés across the Old Town. Years later, she returned to Edinburgh to complete the final chapter of the series from a peaceful suite at The Balmoral Hotel. 

• Elephant House – known as the “birthplace of Harry Potter”, JK Rowling is said to have spent time writing here during the 1990s. 
• Edinburgh City Chambers – see JK Rowling’s handprints set in stone on the Royal Mile, celebrating her contribution to the city’s literary heritage. 
• Victoria Street – wander down this vibrant curve of colourful shopfronts and centuries-old buildings, often associated with the inspiration for Diagon Alley. Peek into independent stores, browse magical curiosities and soak up the atmosphere of one of Edinburgh's most iconic streets. 
• Greyfriars Kirkyard – step inside one of Edinburgh’s most atmospheric graveyards. Among the names carved into the stone, Harry Potter fans may recognise Thomas Riddell, William McGonagall and Elizabeth Moodie. Whether coincidence or inspiration, see the historic surroundings that influenced the mood and character of Rowling’s wizarding world.  
• The Balmoral Hotel – located at the east end of Princes Street, JK Rowling retreated here to finish writing Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. The hotel is one of the city's most recognisable landmarks, with its grand clock tower dominating the skyline. After a day of exploring Edinburgh's Old Town, pop in for a cocktail or spot of afternoon tea, even if your budget doesn't stretch to an overnight stay.

Leave the bustle of Edinburgh behind and watch the landscape transform as you head deep into the Scottish Highlands. Take the train (which takes approximately 1 hour) from Edinburgh to Glasgow before joining the famous West Highland Line to Fort William. Settle into your seat and soak up the ever-changing views during the 4-hour journey to Fort William. Keep your eyes on the wild expanse of Rannoch Moor, the lonely wilderness featured in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1 when the Death Eaters board the train. 

• The cloisters at Glasgow University – stretch your legs in Glasgow's leafy West End and wander beneath the soaring arches of the university's famous cloisters. With honey-coloured stone, Gothic spires and long vaulted walkways, it's easy to feel as though you've stepped into a Hogwarts corridor. Founded in 1451, the University of Glasgow is the fourth oldest in the English-speaking world, so take a guided tour around its spellbinding campus.  
• Fort William – surrounded by mountains and sitting beneath mighty Ben Nevis, this town makes an excellent base for exploring Harry Potter locations in the west of Scotland. Settle into a cosy hotel, lodge or woodland cabin before enjoying an evening beside a crackling fire near Loch Linnhe or watch the light fade over the surrounding peaks and the stars appear above the Highlands. 

If you’ve got time to explore further, check out:  

• Bo’ness Motor Museum – come face-to-face with the famous flying Ford Anglia that whisked Harry away from the Dursleys' house. Get a closer look at the enchanted car and relive one of the most memorable moments from the wizarding world. 
• Scottish Owl Centre – meet the real-life birds that could have delivered Hogwarts letters. Watch majestic owls soar overhead during flying displays or meet some of the centre’s irresistibly fluffy owl chicks! 

Prepare for one of the most magical journeys in Scotland as you climb aboard the Jacobite Steam Train. As the whistle sounds and the train pulls away from Fort William, sit back and soak up the dramatic Highland scenery that helped bring the wizarding world to life on screen. Travel to the west coast fishing village of Mallaig, where you can enjoy lunch by the harbour before making the return journey through the Highlands. 

• Fort William to Mallaig on the Jacobite Steam Train – step aboard the real-life Hogwarts Express and experience one of the world's most scenic railway journeys. Feel the excitement build as you cross the iconic Glenfinnan Viaduct, with sweeping views over Loch Shiel, the filming location for Hogwart’s Lake. As steam drifts past the windows, watch remote lochs and rugged mountains unfold before you, all of which featured throughout the Harry Potter films. Operating from April to October, this popular journey often sells out, so be sure to book ahead. 
• Mallaig –  arrive in this bustling west coast harbour, where colourful fishing boats bob on the water and sea air carries the scent of freshly landed seafood. Take a stroll along the waterfront, watch ferries come and go, or learn more about the village's rich maritime heritage at the Mallaig Heritage Centre. 

Spend your final day immersed in the wild landscapes that helped shape the look and feel of the Harry Potter films. From hidden waterfalls to remote glens wrapped in mist, the west Highlands are full of scenery that feels every bit as magical as the wizarding world itself. 

• Clachaig Inn – nestled among the towering peaks of Glencoe, this historic inn has been welcoming travellers for more than 300 years. Step inside to warm yourself by the fire, enjoy a hearty meal and soak up the atmosphere before heading back out into the dramatic mountain scenery. Harry Potter fans may recognise the surrounding area from scenes featuring Hagrid's Hut in Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban. 
• Glen Etive – follow the winding single-track road deep into one of Scotland's most beautiful glens. Fans of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1 may recognise the landscape from the scene where Harry, Ron and Hermione seek refuge after escaping the wizarding world. Take your time and stop at the many viewpoints to admire the vast, untamed scenery. 
• Steall Falls – tucked away in the spectacular Nevis Gorge, listen to the roar of the water grow louder as you approach Steall Falls, which plunges 120 metres down the mountainside, making it one of Scotland's highest waterfalls. Harry Potter fans may recognise the falls from Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, where the surrounding landscape appeared during the Triwizard Tournament. The walk is relatively short but can be uneven in places, so sturdy footwear is recommended.