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

Pinned as ‘the birthplace of Harry Potter’, a visit to Edinburgh’s The Elephant House is a mandatory rite of passage for any Potter fan. Rumours state that this cosy café served as a writing sanctuary for the woman behind the magic, while also doubling up as a convenient way to cut down on personal electricity bills in her flat. Although she did write here, many stay true to the notion that Nicolson’s Café — which now goes by the name of Spoon — deserves the credit for hosting her as she wrote most of the first book. Either way, her presence graced both places and that’s enough for hardcore fans!

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

2. The Balmoral Hotel

Hotel, Luxury

A gracious building of handsome appeal, the Balmoral Hotel is an Edinburgh institution and timeless swanky hotel. It’s also where Rowling sought sanctuary to complete The Deathly Hallows devoid of interruptions. HP fans with a thick wallet can stay in the same room, now aptly named the J.K. Rowling Suite, for a sizeable sum per night. Here you will lock eyes with Rowling’s very writing desk where all the magic happened, the signed marble Hermes (Greek God of Travel) bust, and brass owl door knocker. The whole scenario is even more glorious than tasting Bertie Bott’s Every Flavour Beans for the first time!

3. Loch Shiel

Natural Feature

The atmospheric Loch Shiel features in the films as Hogwarts Lake and was picked for close-up shots, while the equally as striking Loch Morar was used for wide establishing shots. Fans can grace the waters of Loch Shiel on a cruise. Due to the sheer untainted beauty, experiencing an overwhelming flood of emotions is inevitable. Oh Scotland.

4. Glencoe

Natural Feature

An aerial view of Beinn Fhada, also known as the Three Sisters of Glencoe in the Scottish Highlands

Hauntingly beautiful and destined to spark many a thought, Glencoe is the setting for Hagrid’s Hut — a place of peace for Harry and friends in the series. This iconic Scottish site actually features throughout multiple films as a breathtaking backdrop and also in the famous scene where Hermione punches Malfoy…shame it wasn’t a Glasgow kiss! Imbued with mind-blowing hues of green, amber and blue, Torren Lochan hosted a replica of this abode for the filming of The Prisoner of Azkaban.

5. Glenfinnan Viaduct

Bridge

Since the moment the books hit the shelves, every Potter fan dreamed of boarding the Hogwarts Express. Doing the books justice, the magnificent 21-arched Glenfinnan Viaduct played its part as the bridge leading to Hogwarts graced by the Hogwarts Express. Muggles today can relive the magic with a journey on the Jacobite Steam Train.

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

6. Black Rock Gorge

Park

The vertigo-inducing cleft, Black Rock Gorge, was also in the scene with the notorious Hungarian Horntail in the Goblet of Fire. At 120 feet deep and frightfully narrow, this is where Harry surreptitiously hides himself away from the dragon’s gaze. We say good on you Harry!