Top Edinburgh activities
Top Edinburgh landmarks
Beyond Edinburgh
Edinburgh trip ideas

Edinburgh Harry Potter Self-Guided Private Tour

14 Reviews 4.29 out of 5 stars Based on 14 traveler reviews collected by Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor | Edinburgh, Scotland

Loading Options
Don't miss out!
On average, this is booked 15 (0) days in advance.

2 to 3 hours (approx.)
Mobile ticket
Instant confirmation
Offered in: English

Overview

Forget about crowds, schedules or lines! With our company's self-guided experiences your smartphone is your new private guide.

Welcome to Edinburgh, the birthplace of Harry Potter! JK Rowling wrote all seven Harry Potter novels in this city and Jule will help you discover that was involved in this incredible story.

Walking the streets of this magical place, Rowling undoubtedly took some inspiration from the city which she then used in the Harry Potter novels. On our tour, we’ll be exploring places that may have served as inspirations for places and characters in Harry Potter.

In this incredible experience, you'll have the time to stroll around Edinburgh's Harry Potter Trail at your own pace, you'll have the opportunity to take astonishing pictures and enter any attraction you fancy along the way.

Please note: when booking, you will get an email with instructions on how to download our app and unlock the tour.

What's Included

  • Audio guide, videos, pictures, recommendations and all the info you need
  • You will get an email with instructions to activate your tour
  • Map, directions, GPS route and stops of each tour
  • Any entrance fee for the attractions mentioned during the tour
  • Live Guide
See 2 moreSee 2 more

Meeting Location

Meeting point

Edinburgh Old Town
Edinburgh EH1 2QE, UK

Show on Google Maps

Detailed check-in instructions, including the exact address, are provided with your booking confirmation.

End point

253 High Street
Edinburgh EH1 1YJ, UK

The tour finishes at City Chambers, near Edinburgh's Old Town Centre.

What To Expect

Book Online

Our secure website provides real-time availability, instant confirmation.
Read more

Safe & secure • Easy breezy • Hassle-free

The Elephant House (pass by)

Welcome to the “birthplace of Harry Potter” – You can hardly fail to notice the prominent slogan above the entrance of the Elephant House Café. This is where JK Rowling spent a great deal of time writing the first Harry Potter book in, and even parts of the second and the third.
Read more

Greyfriars

This is the graveyard that can be seen from the back of the Elephant House Café, and it is believed to have inspired the graveyard of Little Hangleton in ‘Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire. Step in with Jule to discover all it's haunted attractions and why is this place so related to the novels J.K. Rowling wrote.
Read more

20 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Thomas Riddell's Grave

The graves of Thomas Riddell, Esq. and Thomas Riddell, Esq., his son, are probably the most well-visited graves in all of Edinburgh. This is ironic, as we know very little about the actual Riddell family that lies buried here. Discover the story behind this character and more!
Read more

5 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Greyfriars Bobby's grave

Discover all headstones from famous (and not so famous) characters of the Harry Potter Sagas that are scattered around all over this amazing graveyard.
Read more

10 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

William McGonagall Tombstone (pass by)

On the wall to the left of the gates, you can see a black tombstone with the portrait of a man on it. This is William Topaz McGonagall – otherwise known as the worst poet in English-speaking history. Learn why this character is related to a famous Harry Potter Character
Read more

George Heriot's School (pass by)

Learn the history behind one of the buildings that were the inspiration of Hogwarts, the school of wizards, in Harry Potter history.
Read more

Edinburgh Castle

Hogwarts is also described as a castle-like school, situated on top of a hill, with a giant lake to one side. Guess what, Edinburgh Castle is just like that!Learn the history behind the castle and its relation with Harry Potter's Hogwarts, another stepping stone of the story and a must-visit of Edinburgh's attractions.
Read more

10 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Victoria Street (pass by)

Diagon Alley in the books is described as a cobblestone street, lined with coloured shopfronts on either side. While strolling about Victoria Street, Jule will tell you all the secrets and similarities between both magical places.
Read more

Museum CONTEXT

Museum Context is the first Harry Potter Shop that was opened in Edinburgh. This shop is a must-see for Harry Potter fans, with a great photo opportunity on the third floor as an added bonus!
Read more

5 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Victoria Terrace

Enjoy the amazing view of this spot while imagining the whole story of Harry Potter taking place right in front of you.
Read more

5 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

New College, The University of Edinburgh

This is part of the University of Edinburgh and is where you will find the School of Theology and Divinity. Inside, they have an old library that resembles the one of Hogwarts, and they even have a great hall where students have their meals.
Read more

5 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

The Balmoral (pass by)

The building with the clock tower across the valley is the Balmoral Hotel, the most expensive hotel in Edinburgh. This is also the place where JK Rowling finished writing Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. This is obviously a big change from her humble beginnings of writing in cafes across the city and really emphasises how much Harry Potter changed her life.
Read more

Edinburgh City Chambers (pass by)

On the ground you can see some golden handprints – these are the handprints of people who have won the Edinburgh Award. This is a prize that is given out yearly since 2007 to one person who has made Edinburgh famous around the world or has impacted the city positively in another way. In 2008, the Award went to JK Rowling, as Edinburgh is now known as the birthplace of Harry Potter thanks to her.
Read more
Show 12 more stops

Additional Info

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • Wheelchair accessible
  • Service animals allowed
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • This is a Self-Guided Audio Tour download the Exploro App

Frequently Asked Questions

(6)

Q: What is the cancellation policy for the Edinburgh Harry Potter Self-Guided Private Tour?

A: This tour is non-refundable and cannot be changed for any reason. If you cancel or ask for an amendment, the amount you paid will not be refunded. Read more Apr 2025

Cancellation Policy

This tour is non-refundable and cannot be changed for any reason. If you cancel or ask for an amendment, the amount you paid will not be refunded.

Still have questions?

We're here to help.
Activity code: C-329930P8

Traveler Photos

Reviews

4.29
14 reviews

Average 4.29 out of 5 stars based on 14 traveler reviews collected by Cool Destinations and partner sites such as Trustpilot, Viator, and TripAdvisor

5 stars
8
4 stars
3
3 stars
2
2 stars
1
1 star
0

Loading Options
Don't miss out!
On average, this is booked 15 (0) days in advance.

Similar Tours & Activities

3-Day Isle of Skye and Scottish Highlands from Edinburgh
Likely to Sell Out
Likely to Sell Out

Immerse yourself in the wild beauty of the Scottish Highlands and Isle of Skye on this 3-day small-group tour from Edinburgh, with accommodation and round-trip...

3 days
3 days
3 days
4.9 (1,248)
from
$721.97

Harry Potter Origins Tour and Underground Gin Tasting

Join a magical tour of Edinburgh with our fun Potter-head guide to see the places that inspired JK Rowling's wizarding universe, followed by a gin-tasting...

3 hours 30 minutesFree Cancellation
3 hours 30 minutesFree Cancellation
3 hours 30 minutes • Free Cancellation
5.0 (1)
from
$93.15

5 Day Private Bespoke Tour of Scotland
Likely to Sell Out
Likely to Sell Out

Embrace the beauty of Scotland in this private adventure tailored specifically for you. Join us on a magical journey to the best of the Highlands,...

5 daysHotel pickup offered
5 daysHotel pickup offered
5 days • Hotel pickup offered
5.0 (19)
from
$5,169.30

Edinburgh Three Bridges Cruise

The Firth of Forth is simply overflowing with myths, turbulent history and fascinating marine wildlife. Join Forth Boat Tours on a 90 minute cruise to...

1 hour 30 minutesFree Cancellation
1 hour 30 minutesFree Cancellation
1 hour 30 minutes • Free Cancellation
4.7 (427)
from
$29.16

Travelers Who Bought This Tour Also Bought

Port of Leith Distillery Tour and Tasting
Likely to Sell Out
Likely to Sell Out

The Port of Leith Distillery is a remarkable new landmark in Edinburgh’s historic whisky district of Leith. This is the UK’s first vertical whisky distillery...

1 hour 30 minutesFree Cancellation
1 hour 30 minutesFree Cancellation
1 hour 30 minutes • Free Cancellation
4.9 (799)
from
$42.77

Edinburgh Castle: Guided Walking Tour with Entry Ticket
Likely to Sell Out
Likely to Sell Out

Scotland’s second-most-popular tourist attraction as you learn about the bloody history including stories of the kings and queens who lived in this castle. There is...

1 hour 30 minutesFree Cancellation
1 hour 30 minutesFree Cancellation
1 hour 30 minutes • Free Cancellation
4.9 (5,672)
from
$58.01

Loch Ness, Scottish Highlands, Glencoe and Pitlochry Tour
Likely to Sell Out
Likely to Sell Out

Embark on an unforgettable 1-day adventure through Loch Ness, Glencoe, and the Scottish Highlands. This jam-packed tour offers stunning scenery, unspoiled landscapes, and a chance...

12 hours 30 minutesFree Cancellation
12 hours 30 minutesFree Cancellation
12 hours 30 minutes • Free Cancellation
4.8 (6,687)
from
$66.16

The Edinburgh Dungeon Entrance Ticket
Special Offer
Special Offer

Make your way to the Edinburgh Dungeon and allow yourself to feel immersed in Edinburgh’s narrow cobbled closes and wynds (small side streets). You are...

1 to 120 minutesFree Cancellation
1 to 120 minutesFree Cancellation
1 to 120 minutes • Free Cancellation
4.7 (707)
$22.39
$21.39

What's Included

Activity name

  • Audio guide, videos, pictures, recommendations and all the info you need
  • You will get an email with instructions to activate your tour
  • Map, directions, GPS route and stops of each tour
  • Unlimited access to this Self-Guided Tour on the app
  • Jule will guide you through an audio guide (no computer-generated voice!)
  • Any entrance fee for the attractions mentioned during the tour
  • Live Guide

Additional Info

Activity name

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • Wheelchair accessible
  • Service animals allowed
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • This is a Self-Guided Audio Tour download the Exploro App
  • Operated by a business

Protecting you

Activity name

For your protection and stress-free bookings, use our secure platform to pay for bookings. Exploro Limited

Report Product Issue

Activity name

Language
Currency

Site Settings

Activity name

Currency

Activity name

Non-refundable

Activity name

Non-refundable

This tour is non-refundable and cannot be changed for any reason. If you cancel or ask for an amendment, the amount you paid will not be refunded.

Sorting, ranking, and search results

Activity name

Cool Destinations wants to make your searches as relevant as possible. That's why we offer many ways to help you find the right experiences for you.

On some pages, you can select how to sort the results we display and also use filter options to see only those search results that meet your chosen preferences. You'll see explanations of what those sort options mean when you select them.

If you see a Badge of Excellence label, the award is based on average review ratings, share of bookings with a review, and number of bookings through Cool Destinations over a 12-month period.

The importance of any one factor over any other in a sort order varies, and the balance is constantly being reviewed and adjusted. We're always updating our systems and testing new ways to refine and improve your results to make them as relevant as possible to meet your needs.

Choose an option

Activity name

or

Cool Rewards Terms & Conditions

Activity name

Cool Rewards

  • Cool Rewards is a loyalty program operated by Cool Destinations. Rewards may be earned by any eligible person holding a Cool Destinations account, subject to the Cool Destinations customer Terms of Use.

Earning rewards

  • Rewards can be earned by making bookings on the Cool Destinations website. You will be able to see the value of the rewards you can earn during the booking process.
  • Earned rewards will be issued in a pending state and will move to a confirmed state 24 hours after the start time of the experience.
  • Earned rewards will be available to redeem once they are no longer in a pending state.
  • For bookings that are moved to a different travel date, the rewards will be redeemable after the amended travel date.
  • If a booking where rewards were issued is canceled, the earned rewards will not be redeemable and will be moved to a canceled state.

Redeeming rewards

  • To redeem rewards, you must be logged into your Cool Destinations account.
  • Any available rewards will be automatically applied the next time you make a booking, and their value will be deducted from your order at checkout, unless you choose not to apply them, which requires you to indicate this via the toggle switch. Bookings made using rewards are subject to the standard Cool Destinations Customer Terms of Use.
  • You will not be able to redeem only a portion of your available rewards at checkout. It is only possible to redeem all or none of your available rewards.
  • There is no minimum order value required to redeem your rewards. This means that you can pay for 100% of your order with rewards.
  • Rewards are non-transferable and cannot be redeemed for cash.
  • If rewards are redeemed against a booking that is canceled or refunded, the rewards will be reissued to your account.

Miscellaneous

  • You can check your Cool Destinations account to see the rewards you have collected at any time. You are responsible for ensuring that your rewards balance is correct.
  • We reserve the right to modify these Cool Rewards Terms and Conditions at any time, with or without notice, including the rules for earning and redeeming rewards. Any changes will be reflected in the updated Terms and Conditions.
  • We reserve the right to terminate the Cool Rewards program and cease issuing any further rewards on future bookings. All pending and available rewards balances will be honored.
  • By earning and redeeming rewards, you agree to these Terms and Conditions, as well as any subsequent changes made to them.