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Edinburgh Harry Potter Self-Guided Private Tour

14 Reviews 4.29 out of 5 stars Based on 14 traveler reviews collected by Cool Shore Excursions and TripAdvisor | Edinburgh, Scotland
Book online or call us

from $12.32 per person

Lowest Price Guarantee
Edinburgh Harry Potter Self-Guided Private Tour Image 1
Edinburgh Harry Potter Self-Guided Private Tour Image 2
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Edinburgh Harry Potter Self-Guided Private Tour Image 5
Don't miss out!
On average, this is booked 15 (0) days in advance.
2 to 3 hours (approx.)
Mobile ticket
Offered in: English
Instant confirmation

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.
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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 (7)

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 Shore Excursions and partner sites such as Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor

5 stars
8
4 stars
3
3 stars
2
2 stars
1
1 star
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Don't miss out!
On average, this is booked 15 (0) days in advance.
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Frequently Asked Questions (7)

Activity name

The answers provided below were previously given in response to questions from Cool Shore Excursions customers.

Filter by:

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.
Apr 2025
Q: What's included in the price?
A:
The following is 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.
  • Unlimited access to this Self-Guided Tour on the app.
  • Jule will guide you through an audio guide (no computer-generated voice!).
The following is NOT included:
  • Any entrance fee for the attractions mentioned during the tour.
  • Live Guide.
Apr 2025
Q: What is the minimum age for this tour?
A:

The minimum age to participate is 6..

Apr 2025
Q: My date is not available in the calendar, I am just checking to see if it is available?
A:

If a date or time is not listed on the calendar, it’s sold out or unavailable for another reason. Support cannot assist further if a date or time is not on the calendar.

If you find a date and time that works for you, book it NOW because things always sell out at this time of year.

Apr 2025
Q: Is this an accessible tour?
A:

Accessibility information for the Edinburgh Harry Potter Self-Guided Private Tour is as follows:

  • Wheelchair accessible
  • Service animals allowed
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Apr 2025
Q: Where is the meeting point for this activity?
A:

Detailed check-in instructions – including meeting point address, Google map, and parking information – for Edinburgh Harry Potter Self-Guided Private Tour will be included in your confirmation email from Cool Shore Excursions. Please be sure to double and triple check your email address is correct at checkout so this important email makes its way to you!

 

 

Mar 2024
Q: How long does a refund take to reach my card, and can I get it faster?
A:

Once your refund is processed, it usually shows on your card statement within 5–10 business days. The exact timing depends on your bank or card issuer.

Want it sooner? When you cancel, choose Receive a refund to my wallet instead. The credit is in your Wallet straight away and is applied automatically at checkout on your next booking when you’re signed in with the same email. You can see your balance any time in My Wallet.

If you paid part of your booking with Wallet credit, that part always goes back to your Wallet. Trip protection isn’t refundable.

Oct 2026

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

Report Product Issue

Activity name