The Potter Trail

This free walking tour is geared for Potter fans young and old: Plenty of Harry Potter lore blended with some mild speculation, historical information and plenty of jokes. You’ll be informed on where JK really hung out, which parts of the city contributed to which part of the books and learn a bit about real events such as the fate of witches in Medieval Scotland, what The Elephant House is really the birthplace of and such characters as Lockhart, a notorious lawyer and McGonagall, a poet who made his money from being deliberately awful.

A good way to see parts of the city that you may not be familiar with, or that you know well but still hold secrets.

The tour lasts for an hour and a half but does not involve too much walking, starting at the Greyfriars Kirkyard and ending further up at Victoria Terrace. Though the groups are often large, the tour is delivered with enthusiasm, and is worth it for the small gems of Potterlore that you will take from it. Match your tour guide’s enthusiasm with your own and you won’t find a damp squib among the jokes—and there’s enough off-beat information about Edinburgh for those who have been dragged along by friends or family to stay entertained. It is a good way to see parts of the city that you may not be familiar with, or that you know well but still hold secrets. For the real fans, there are points up for grabs for your chosen Hogwarts house, and there’s even the chance to use some magic with the house-coloured wands provided—even if Hufflepuff is left out (again).