Edinburgh: Harry Potter Sights Tour + Holyrood Palace Entry
Overview
Join a guided tour of Edinburgh to explore locations that inspired JK Rowling’s wizarding world. Start at Tron Kirk on the Royal Mile and visit Waverley Station and Edinburgh University Old College, both influential in Rowling’s work.
Afterward, walk through the Old Town to see Tom Riddle’s grave at Greyfriars Kirkyard and the Elephant Café, where Rowling wrote parts of Harry Potter.
Visit Edinburgh Castle and explore Victoria Street, the inspiration behind Diagon Alley. Then, conclude your guided tour near Edinburgh City Chambers and learn about Rowling’s impact on the city.
After the tour, you will get entry tickets to the Palace of Holyroodhouse, the official Scottish residence of the British Monarch.
What's included
FAQ
You’ll explore key spots around Edinburgh associated with JK Rowling’s wizarding world. The tour starts at Tron Kirk on the Royal Mile, then includes stops at Waverley Station and Edinburgh University’s Old College, both frequently cited as inspirations for Rowling’s work. You’ll also walk through Old Town to see Tom Riddle’s grave at Greyfriars Kirkyard and visit the Elephant Café, where Rowling wrote parts of the series. After that, you’ll continue to Edinburgh Castle, browse Victoria Street (a real-life inspiration for Diagon Alley), and finish near Edinburgh City Chambers with context about Rowling’s impact on the city.
Yes. After the guided walking tour, you’ll receive entry tickets to the Palace of Holyroodhouse (Holyrood Palace), the official Scottish residence of the British Monarch. The ticket provides admission to the Palace for you to explore during your visit after the tour concludes.
The total duration is about 3 hours 30 minutes. First, your guided portion follows the Harry Potter-themed route across central Edinburgh, with storytelling and commentary at each stop. After finishing the sightseeing highlights (including Edinburgh Castle and Victoria Street), the experience transitions to your Palace of Holyroodhouse visit using your included entry tickets.
The tour starts at Tron Kirk on the Royal Mile. It ends near Edinburgh City Chambers, where your guide shares additional background on Rowling’s influence in Edinburgh. After the tour, you’ll proceed to visit Holyrood Palace using your included entry tickets.
This is a walking tour through Edinburgh’s historic Old Town, which typically includes uneven pavements and some uphill/sidewalk steps depending on the route. Comfortable walking shoes are strongly recommended. If you have mobility concerns, it’s best to contact the tour provider in advance so they can advise on the most suitable meeting points and how the route may affect accessibility.
