15 Magical Harry Potter Locations in Scotland, UK

Scotland, with it’s stunning landscapes and magical scenery, inspired many scenes in the world of Hogwarts. This page provides a list of Harry Potter locations in Scotland for you to visit, plus a map showing each location.

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From the iconic Glenfinnan Viaduct, where the Hogwarts Express crosses on its way to school, to Edinburgh’s historic streets that influenced J.K. Rowling’s writing, Scotland is rich with places that capture the essence of the wizarding world. 

I’ve split this post into three sections, which I have outlined below. The pink links are jump links, and will take you straight to each specific section, for quick navigation.

Harry Potter Locations in Scotland

1. Glenfinnan Viaduct – Featured in multiple films as the route of the Hogwarts Express.
2. Loch Shiel – Used as the Black Lake around Hogwarts.
3. Steall Falls (Glen Nevis) – Backdrop for some of the Quidditch scenes.
4. Loch Eilt – Appears as the location of Dumbledore’s resting place and scenes with Hagrid.
5. Rannoch Moor – The Hogwarts Express travels through this vast, remote landscape.
6. Glencoe – Used for scenes near Hagrid’s Hut and outdoor Hogwarts sequences.
7. Black Rock Gorge (near Evanton) – Filmed in The Goblet of Fire during the dragon chase.
8. Loch Arkaig – Appears in Deathly Hallows: Part 1 during the search for Horcruxes.

Harry Potter Locations in the City of Edinburgh

1. The Elephant House Café – J.K. Rowling wrote parts of the first Harry Potter book here.
2. Greyfriars Kirkyard – Inspiration for names like Tom Riddell (Voldemort).
3. Victoria Street – Thought to be the inspiration for Diagon Alley.
4. George Heriot’s School – Said to be a model for Hogwarts.
5. Edinburgh City Chambers – J.K. Rowling’s handprints are commemorated here.

Harry Potter Locations not far from Scotland (could be visited on a day trip)

1. Alnwick Castle (Northumberland, England) – Used as Hogwarts’ exterior in the first two films.
2. Durham Cathedral (Durham, England) – Featured in Hogwarts interior scenes.

As a British travel blogger, I have visited most of the places on this list… and I can confirm the Harry Potter hype is real!

There’s a map at the bottom of the list, and I’ve also included tour links with Viator when appropriate.

Disclaimer: This post is written by me (an independent travel blogger) and is not affiliated to Warner Bros., JK Rowling, Penguin Publishing or any other official Harry Potter agency. All opinions are my own, and facts are reproduced to the best of my knowledge.

1. Glenfinnan Viaduct.

Of all the Harry Potter locations in Scotland, the iconic Glenfinnan Viaduct (famously featured as the route of the Hogwarts Express) is a must-visit for Harry Potter fans.

Located in the Scottish Highlands, this stunning railway bridge was used in several Harry Potter films. 

You can take the Jacobite Steam Train (often referred to as the Hogwarts Express or the Harry Potter train) from Fort William to Mallaig, which crosses the viaduct in wondrous style.

For tours, try this Glenfinnan Viaduct, Glencoe and Fort William Tour from Edinburgh. Or for something more private, check out this Glenfinnan Viaduct & The Great Glen Private Tour from Inverness.

2. Loch Shiel.

Loch Shiel is near Glenfinnan Viaduct, and appears in several scenes as the Black Lake -most notably in Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire. 

The loch provides a dramatic backdrop for various shots of Hogwarts, especially the Triwizard Tournament scenes, where its dark, expansive waters enhance the tension and mystique of the challenges. 

A good option is to combine a visit to Loch Shiel with your trip to Glenfinnan Viaduct for a full magical experience.

3. Steall Falls (near Fort William).

Steall Falls, located in Glen Nevis near Fort William, is where some of the Quidditch scenes were filmed. 

Its towering cascade and rugged Highland landscape created a dynamic and dramatic setting for the fast-paced, high-flying matches.

Steall Falls is one of Scotland’s most beautiful waterfalls and is often referred to as a ‘hidden gem’ (if you can bear the term). 

A hike through this area offers dramatic scenery, making it a fantastic spot for Harry Potter fans and nature lovers alike.

4. Loch Eilt.

Loch Eilt, situated along the scenic West Highland Line, makes multiple appearances throughout the Harry Potter films, and is now an iconic location for fans of the series.

One of its most memorable roles is in Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, where it serves as the final resting place of Professor Dumbledore.

The quiet, remote setting of Loch Eilt enhances the emotional weight of the scene, as the camera pans across the tranquil loch to reveal Dumbledore’s white tomb on a tiny island, adding a poignant, visually striking backdrop to the storyline.

5. Rannoch Moor.

Rannoch Moor, a sprawling and remote expanse in the Scottish Highlands, offers one of the most atmospheric and dramatic landscapes in the Harry Potter films.

Known for its rugged beauty and isolated feel, this desolate stretch of wilderness, with its bogs, lochs, and rolling hills, serves as the backdrop for the journey of the Hogwarts Express.

You can visit the area by car or train, taking in the rugged, otherworldly beauty that made it perfect for the magical world. This private tour drives through Rannoch Moor, plus Glencoe and other stunning locations..

6. Glencoe.

Glencoe, one of Scotland’s most famous and stunning landscapes, was used as the location for Hagrid’s Hut and several other scenes in Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban. 

Glencoe can also be written ‘Glen Coe’.

This gorgeous mountain backdrop is perfect for a day trip, and you can even find guided Harry Potter tours of the area.

Try this Hogwarts Express and Scottish Highlands tour from Edinburgh, or this Glenfinnan, Glencoe and Scottish Highlands Day Tour.

7. Black Rock Gorge.

This is perhaps one of the more little-known Harry Potter locations in Scotland. Black Rock Gorge, located near the village of Evanton in the Scottish Highlands, makes a brief but memorable appearance in Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire.

This deep, narrow canyon, with its towering rock walls and rushing water, was used for the setting for the Triwizard Tournament scenes.

In the film, the gorge is featured during the sequence where Harry is being pursued by a Hungarian Horntail dragon, showcasing the treacherous and rugged landscape.

8. Loch Arkaig

Loch Arkaig, nestled deep in the Scottish Highlands, makes a striking appearance in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1, adding to the film’s darker, more introspective tone.

This remote and tranquil loch, framed by dense forests and rugged mountains, serves as the perfect backdrop for the tense scenes in which Harry, Ron, and Hermione are on their mission to find and destroy Horcruxes.

The isolation and untamed beauty of Loch Arkaig mirror the trio’s increasingly perilous and lonely quest, as they move further away from the familiar comforts of Hogwarts and deeper into danger.

Harry Potter Locations in Scotland: City of Edinburgh.

I will now list the Harry Potter locations which you can visit in Edinburgh itself.

9. The Elephant House Café (Edinburgh).

The Elephant House is one of the cafés where J.K. Rowling wrote the first Harry Potter book. 

The original location (on the left) was situated on King George IV Bridge, but much of it was tragically destroyed by a fire in 2021.

The new version (on the right) was opened on nearby Victoria street, allowing fans to have a view of what some consider as ‘the original Diagon Alley’.

10. Greyfriars Kirkyard (Edinburgh).

Greyfriars Kirkyard, located in the heart of Edinburgh, is a historic graveyard known for its hauntingly atmospheric setting and its intriguing connection to the Harry Potter series.

One of the most popular stops in Greyfriars Kirkyard is the gravestone of Thomas Riddell, which many believe served as the inspiration for the name of Voldemort’s infamous alter-ego, Tom Riddle (pictured above). 

12. Edinburgh City Chambers.

Situated on Edinburgh’s iconic Royal Mile, the Edinburgh City Chambers is home to a unique tribute to one of the city’s most celebrated authors, J.K. Rowling.

In the courtyard of this historic building, Rowling’s handprints are immortalised in bronze, a gesture recognizing her immense contribution to literature and her connection to Edinburgh.

This honour was bestowed upon Rowling in 2008 when she received the prestigious Edinburgh Award.

13. George Heriot’s School.

​​George Heriot’s School is a historic and prestigious school in Edinburgh, often said to be one of the inspirations for Hogwarts. 

Founded in 1628, its grand, castle-like architecture—with towers, turrets, and courtyards—evokes a sense of magic and mystery. 

Although not a filming location, its resemblance to a magical academy makes it a popular stop for Harry Potter fans visiting Edinburgh. 

Harry Potter Locations Not Far from Scotland (could be visited on a day trip)

The two entries below are actually in England, but not far from Scotland and could be visited on a day trip.

14. Alnwick Castle.

Located in Northumberland, about a 2-hour drive from Edinburgh, Alnwick Castle served as the filming location for many exterior shots of Hogwarts in the first two Harry Potter films. 

As one of England’s largest and most iconic castles, Alnwick’s medieval architecture and grand grounds made it the perfect stand-in for the famous wizarding school.

The castle’s sweeping lawns and majestic stone walls are instantly recognisable to fans as the backdrop for several key scenes.

One of the most memorable moments filmed at Alnwick Castle is the iconic flying lesson in Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, where Harry first learns to ride a broomstick under the watchful eye of Madam Hooch.

The castle’s grounds also appear in the Quidditch practice scenes, as well as the sequence where Harry and Ron crash into the Whomping Willow in Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets.

You can explore the grounds where Harry had his first broomstick lesson, and even join broomstick training sessions offered by the castle!

15. Durham Cathedral.

Though not in Scotland, the UNESCO listed Durham Cathedral is a short trip from Edinburgh and served as a filming location for Hogwarts interiors in the first two films.

This magnificent cathedral, with its towering Norman architecture and intricate stone carvings, provided the perfect backdrop for several of the magical school’s most iconic interior scenes.

Its grand cloisters, in particular, were used to represent the hallways of Hogwarts, where students like Harry, Ron, and Hermione could often be seen walking between classes or sharing secretive conversations about their latest adventures.

In Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, Durham Cathedral’s cloisters appear when Harry is first introduced to life at Hogwarts, helping to establish the magical atmosphere of the school.

The cathedral’s Chapter House also featured prominently, serving as the location for Professor McGonagall’s classroom where many memorable lessons took place, such as the scene in Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets where Harry learns about the mandrake plants.

It’s about 2.5 hours from Edinburgh by train or car. 

Map of Harry Potter locations in Scotland.

This Google Map shows all the Harry Potter locations in Scotland (and England) as listed in this post. If you are viewing on a phone, you can use two fingers to pinch and drag the map.

Q: Is there Harry Potter merchandise available to buy on Amazon?

A: Here are some of the most popular Harry Potter items available on Amazon.co.uk that fans love:

1. LEGO Harry Potter Hogwarts Castle (71043) – This detailed LEGO set lets fans recreate the iconic castle from the series, complete with various rooms and characters.
2. Harry Potter Illustrated Editions (Books 1-3) – Beautifully illustrated editions of the first three books in the series, perfect for both new readers and long-time fans.
3. Harry Potter: The Complete Collection (Books 1-7) – This box set includes all seven books, making it a great gift for anyone wanting to dive into the wizarding world.
4. Harry Potter Marauder’s Map – A replica of the famous magical map, complete with intricate details, perfect for collectors.
5. Harry Potter Wand Collection – A set of replica wands, including those of major characters like Harry, Hermione, and Ron.
6. Harry Potter Funko Pop! Vinyl Figures – These collectible figures feature beloved characters from the series, appealing to both fans and collectors.
7. Harry Potter Chess Set – A beautifully crafted chess set inspired by the Wizard’s Chess scene from “Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone.”
8. Harry Potter Magical Creatures Book – An engaging book that explores the magical creatures of the wizarding world.
9. Harry Potter House Scarves – Knitted scarves representing each Hogwarts house, perfect for fans to show their house pride.
10. Harry Potter Puzzle Collection – Various jigsaw puzzles featuring scenes, characters, and locations from the films, providing a fun activity for fans.

Further reading: The Best Harry Potter Gifts You Can Buy on Amazon.

Quick Links for Harry Potter fans.

Here are some links that may interest you when planning your Harry Potter trip.

• Reserve your Edinburgh Hotel early (they sell out fast).
• Book Harry Potter tours in advance (no payment required up front).
• Compare Edinburgh Rental Cars before choosing a hire car.
• Check out these Harry Potter Gifts on Amazon before or after your trip.
• Consider taking this Lonely Planet Pocket Guide to Edinburgh with you.
• Remember to get a Universal Plug Adaptor if you need one.
• Packing cubes are a traveller’s best friend. I recommend these ones.

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