Prepare to be enchanted...
Visit locations from the film, discover the streets that gave the J K Rowling inspiration, and uncover little-known facts behind the phenomenon that is Harry Potter.  Build a greater connection to the story and characters.

Cross the border into England  
Begin your adventure at Alnwick Castle which appears as Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry in the film. The second-largest inhabited castle in England, it has been home to the Duke of Northumberland’s family for 200 years. 

It’s worth a visit in its own right with the stunning architecture and beautiful gardens that give it the nickname ‘the Windsor of the north.’ Head back north to Edinburgh and arrive at the old town which provided a wealth of inspiration for the author.

Edinburgh’s influence runs deep
Discover the café where Rowling wrote many of the first chapters while her young daughter slept in a pram – and no, it’s not the Elephant House. Wend your way down Victoria St and West Bow. These two atmospheric streets are rumoured to be the inspiration for Diagon Alley. 

As well as the shape and the colour, there are other similarities such as the situation of the headquarters for the Bank of Scotland being at the top of the street. Just like Gringotts.

Harry Potter magic everywhere
Look across the city for more inspiration at George Heriot’s school. This impressive Renaissance building has four towers and four houses. Its breath-taking gothic architecture was the inspiration for Hogwarts. 

Carry on to the Elephant House made famous as the birthplace of Harry Potter but as you’ll discover that may be more fiction than fact. 

Creep into Greyfriar’s kirk graveyard to find the real Thomas Riddell’s grave and other inspiration for character names such as William McGonagall.

Then it’s time to return home.
End the day enriched with the magic of Harry Potter and a greater understanding of J K Rowling’s affinity to Scotland. 

Relax as your kilted guide brings you safely back to your doorstep. Tuck into the snacks provided, share highlights with your fellow travelers, or just reflect on a day well spent.


Photo Credits:
Alnwick Castle. Phil Thomas, CC BY 2.0 , via Wikimedia Commons
The Elephant Cafe. Stephen Montgomera, CC BY-SA 2.0 , via Wikimedia Commons

• Wonder the streets that inspired the books 
• Journey through Edinburgh with the comfort and ease of the Kilted Black Cab.
• From the streets that created Diagon Alley to the cafe Rowling wrote her pages in

Equipment needed: Please dress appropriately for the weather, detailed forecasts for the day can be found. Please bring wet weather clothing if the forecast of rain is expected. Please bring suitable footwear for the tour, sensible walking shoes - some tour locations will have uneven ground and are unsuitable for dress shoes.

Weather: Activities will generally take place regardless of weather unless there are exceptional circumstances. 

Food and drink: Please bring own snacks and drinks should you have dietary requirements and warn any cafes and restaurants of these on the tour. Local Scottish snacks will be provided as well as drinks (6x Irn Bru and 6x Water)