Top Edinburgh activities
Top Edinburgh landmarks
Beyond Edinburgh
Edinburgh trip ideas

Harry Potter & Horrible History Small Group Tour

216 Reviews 5.00 out of 5 stars Based on 216 traveler reviews collected by Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor | Recommended by 100% of reviewers |
Badge of Excellence |Badge of Excellence This experience is highly rated by travelers and has met our top quality standards.
Edinburgh, Scotland

Loading Options
Don't miss out!
On average, this is booked 30 (0) days in advance.

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

Overview

Step into the magic and mystery of Edinburgh’s UNESCO-listed Old Town on a journey that blends the wizarding world with the city’s darkest secrets. This expert-led walking tour navigates the medieval cobbled streets and hidden 'closes' of the Old Town, including the Royal Mile, uncovering the real-life inspirations for Harry Potter and the 'Horrible Histories' that shaped Scotland's capital.

From the haunting atmosphere of Greyfriars Kirkyard to the vibrant facades of Victoria Street, you’ll discover iconic landmarks, meet the legendary Greyfriars Bobby, and enjoy breathtaking views of Edinburgh Castle that most tourists miss. Whether you're a fan of folklore or a history enthusiast, this experience offers a comprehensive, small-group look at the heart of Edinburgh and beyond.

What's Included

  • Small Group Guarantee (Max 12 People)
  • All Fees and Taxes
  • List of local recommendations for after the tour

    Meeting Location

    Meeting point

    George IV Bridge
    Edinburgh EH1 1EW, 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

    Ending in the City Chambers court

    What To Expect

    Book Online

    Our secure website provides real-time availability, instant confirmation, and free, no-hassle cancellations up to 24 hours before your tour begins.
    Read more

    Safe & secure • Easy breezy • Hassle-free

    Victoria Street

    Discuss how J K Rowling began her journey in creating Harry Potter and how Edinburgh played its part in her journey of writing Harry Potter.
    Read more

    15 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

    Grassmarket

    Talk about the official place of public executions
    Read more

    10 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

    The Vennel Viewpoint Edinburgh Castle

    Enjoy the beautiful view of the Edinburgh Castle.
    Read more

    10 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

    Flodden Wall

    Learn about the bloody battle which resulted in the creation of the Flodden Wall.
    Read more

    10 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

    George Heriot's School

    Talking about the Jingling Geordie and how this school could be one of the main inspirations for Hogwarts
    Read more

    10 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

    Greyfriars

    See three gravestones which are said to have inspired Rowling in naming important Harry Potter characters and delve into some ghost stories.
    Read more

    30 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

    The Elephant House

    Come face to face with two cafes J K Rowling wrote in and learn how they played a huge part in her journey.
    Read more

    10 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

    Royal Mile

    See the Edinburgh award hand prints of J K Rowling
    Read more

    25 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

    Show 7 more stops

    Additional Info

    • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
    • Service animals allowed
    • Public transportation options are available nearby
    • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
    • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 8 travelers
    • Operated by a business

    Frequently Asked Questions

    (7)

    Q: What is the cancellation policy for the Harry Potter & Horrible History Small Group Tour?

    A: You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund. For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (BST). Read more Apr 2025

    Cancellation Policy

    You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.

    Still have questions?

    We're here to help.
    Activity code: C-311671P1

    Traveler Photos

    Reviews

    5.00
    216 reviews

    Average 5.00 out of 5 stars based on 216 traveler reviews collected by Cool Destinations and partner sites such as Trustpilot, Viator, and TripAdvisor

    5 stars
    215
    4 stars
    1
    3 stars
    0
    2 stars
    0
    1 star
    0

    Loading Options
    Don't miss out!
    On average, this is booked 30 (0) days in advance.

    Similar Tours & Activities

    4 Day Best of Scotland Private Guided Tour from Edinburgh
    Likely to Sell Out
    Likely to Sell Out

    The Best of Scotland Private Guided Tour is literally that. We visit the best Castles and Palaces, meet Highland Cows, drink the best whisky, see...

    4 daysHotel pickup offered
    4 daysHotel pickup offered
    4 days • Hotel pickup offered
    from
    $3,337.90

    Historic Edinburgh and Rosslyn Chapel Full-Day Private Tour in a Premium Minivan

    Our full-day tour of Edinburgh and Rosslyn Chapel is a great combination of our Edinburgh Highlights and Rosslyn Chapel tours. On the trip you will...

    8 hoursHotel pickup offered
    8 hoursHotel pickup offered
    8 hours • Hotel pickup offered
    5.0 (18)
    from
    $349.04

    Private Mary Queen of Scots Tour with free self guided MQS Edinburgh Tour

    Travel with the tour company named after Mary Queen of Scots. Free self-guided tour of Mary Queen of Scot's Edinburgh is included. Based in Mary's...

    8 hoursFree Cancellation
    8 hoursFree Cancellation
    8 hours • Free Cancellation
    5.0 (4)
    from
    $1,198.04

    7 Day Very Best of Scotland Private Tour
    Likely to Sell Out
    Likely to Sell Out

    An amazing week-long private guided tour (your group only) which gives you a true flavour of a wonderful country. Castles, History, Highland Cows, culture, whisky,...

    7 daysHotel pickup offered
    7 daysHotel pickup offered
    7 days • Hotel pickup offered
    from
    $5,648

    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 (708)
    $22.39
    $21.39

    What's Included

    Activity name

    • Small Group Guarantee (Max 12 People)
    • All Fees and Taxes
    • List of local recommendations for after the tour
    • Expert guide specialising in Edinburgh's history and Harry Potter sites

    Additional Info

    Activity name

    • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
    • 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 tour/activity will have a maximum of 8 travelers
    • Operated by a business

    Protecting you

    Activity name

    For your protection and stress-free bookings, use our secure platform to pay for bookings. Rob Carr Experiences

    Report Product Issue

    Activity name

    Language
    Currency

    Site Settings

    Activity name

    Currency

    Activity name

    Activity name

    Free Cancellation

    100% refund
    No refund

    You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.

    • For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.
    • If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
    • Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.
    • Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (BST).
    • This tour requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

    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.