Edinburgh: Harry Potter Walking Tour and Ghost Bus Tour

Set out on a spellbinding adventure through the historic streets of Edinburgh, where the enchanting world of Harry Potter intertwines with the city’s haunted past. Join a captivating walking tour that unveils the real-life inspirations behind J.K. Rowling’s beloved series, from the charming Victoria Street to the eerie Greyfriars Kirkyard. Then, climb aboard a vintage ghost bus and explore the city’s darker legends, as your knowledgeable guide weaves a tapestry of storytelling that will leave you spellbound. Uncover the magic and mystery that lies within Edinburgh’s ancient walls, where the line between fact and fiction blurs, and the unexpected awaits around every corner.

Good To Know

• A 3.5-hour tour that combines a walking tour of Edinburgh’s Harry Potter inspirations and a ghost bus tour to explore the city’s haunted history.
• The tour takes visitors to key sites like Greyfriars Kirkyard, Victoria Street, and the Elephant Café, where Rowling wrote early chapters of the Harry Potter series.
• A knowledgeable guide provides captivating insights and insider information about Rowling’s inspirations throughout the walking tour.
• The ghost bus tour offers a eerie exploration of Edinburgh’s haunted past, including tales of witchcraft, grave robbing, and murders.
• The tour is suitable for Potterheads and ghost enthusiasts, with flexible booking options and weather-appropriate recommendations to ensure a seamless and enjoyable experience.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Overview

This 3.5-hour Harry Potter walking tour and ghost bus tour through Edinburgh promises an enchanting journey into the world of wizardry and the city’s haunted past.

Starting from the iconic Tron Kirk Market, the tour whisks visitors through the winding streets of the Scottish capital, revealing the real-life locations that inspired J.K. Rowling’s beloved series.

From the picturesque New Town neighborhood to the eerie Greyfriars Kirkyard, the tour offers a magical mix of sights, stories, and surprises.

Along the way, guests will learn about the origins of Harry Potter, discover hidden gems, and explore Edinburgh’s dark history on a spine-chilling ghost bus ride.

With a knowledgeable guide and a small group, this adventure isn’t to be missed by any Potterhead or ghost enthusiast.

Itinerary Highlights

A compelling journey through Edinburgh’s enchanting landmarks awaits visitors on this Harry Potter walking tour. The tour takes guests on a 20-minute stroll through the Old Town, immersing them in the historic atmosphere that inspired J.K. Rowling’s magical world.

Key highlights include:

1. Exploring the Greyfriars Kirkyard, home to the real-life Tom Riddle’s gravestone and a thriving population of owls.

2. Marveling at the iconic Edinburgh Castle, which towers over the city and provides a breathtaking backdrop for Potterverse discoveries.

3. Wandering down Victoria Street, a colorful, winding thoroughfare that served as the muse for Diagon Alley.

Throughout the tour, a knowledgeable guide shares captivating insights, bringing the Harry Potter universe to life in this enchanting Scottish city.

Key Sights

Edinburgh’s iconic landmarks come alive on this enchanting Harry Potter walking tour. Guests will wander through the historic New Town neighborhood, catching glimpses of the University of Edinburgh’s Old College, where Rowling found inspiration. The tour winds through the atmospheric Old Town, pausing at Greyfriars Kirkyard to uncover the grave of Tom Riddle. Ascending to Edinburgh Castle, visitors discover the city’s haunted past on the Ghost Bus Tour, learning about infamous witches and grave robbers. The walking tour culminates at the Elephant Café, where Rowling penned early Harry Potter chapters. Throughout, a knowledgeable guide weaves a captivating tale, bringing the Wizarding World to life.

Iconic Sights	Inspiration	Haunting History
New Town	Old College	Greyfriars Kirkyard
Edinburgh Castle	Elephant Café	Ghost Bus Tour
Victoria Street	–	–

Guided Walking Tour

As guests embark on the Harry Potter walking tour, they’re led by a knowledgeable guide who captivates the group with enchanting tales of the boy wizard’s origins.

The guide shares insider knowledge, revealing how J.K. Rowling drew inspiration from the historic city’s landmarks. Visitors are taken on a magical journey, exploring:

1. The Elephant Café, where Rowling penned early Harry Potter stories.
2. Greyfriars Kirkyard, the inspiration for Tom Riddle’s Grave.
3. Victoria Street, the real-life Diagon Alley.

Through vivid storytelling and immersive experiences, the tour brings the wizarding world to life, leaving guests spellbound and eager to uncover more of Edinburgh’s enchanting Harry Potter legacy.

More Great Thing To Do Nearby

Ghost Bus Tour

After the captivating Harry Potter walking tour, guests embark on an eerie Ghost Bus Tour that delves into Edinburgh’s haunted history.

Aboard a specially-designed vintage bus, they’ll explore the city’s darkest secrets. The tour covers gruesome tales of witchcraft, grave robbing, and macabre murders.

Guests peer through the bus windows, captivated by the ghostly ambiance and chilling narratives from the driver-guide. They’ll visit haunted sites like Greyfriars Kirkyard, where the tormented spirits of former prisoners are said to linger.

With each stop, the mood grows more unsettling, transporting passengers back to Edinburgh’s sinister past. This thrilling experience completes the Harry Potter-themed adventure with a spine-tingling supernatural twist.

Important Information

The tour begins at the Tron Kirk market, near Edinburgh’s Waverley Station, where guests assemble to embark on their magical journey.

Guests are advised to wear comfortable shoes and bring along a camera, snacks, and drinks to fully enjoy the experience.

The tour isn’t suitable for wheelchair users, and large bags or luggage aren’t allowed. This ensures a seamless and enjoyable journey through the captivating Harry Potter and haunted history of Edinburgh.

The key information to remember includes:

1. Meeting point: Outside Tron Kirk market, near Waverley Station
2. What to bring: Comfortable shoes, camera, snacks, drinks, weather-appropriate clothing
3. Luggage or large bags not allowed

Customer Reviews

Customers have raved about this immersive Harry Potter walking tour, awarding it an impressive 4.7/5 rating across 6 reviews. Highlights include the informative, passionate guides who bring the wizarding world to life, and the engaging storytelling that transports participants to the very locations that inspired J.K. Rowling. Families particularly enjoyed the perfect blend of entertainment and education, with one reviewer describing it as a "magical experience from start to finish." Whether you’re a die-hard Potterhead or simply curious about the series’ origins, this tour promises an unforgettable adventure through Edinburgh’s enchanting streets.

Positive Feedback	Reviewer Rating
Informative guides	5/5
Engaging storytelling	4/5
Suitable for families	4.5/5
Magical experience	5/5
Blend of entertainment and education	4.5/5

Booking and Availability

How easily can one secure a spot on this enchanting Harry Potter walking tour through Edinburgh’s historic streets? Quite easily, actually. The tour is likely to sell out, so it’s best to reserve your spot in advance.

With a "reserve now & pay later" option, you can lock in your spot without paying upfront.

Here’s what you can expect:

1. Flexible booking: Free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
2. Convenient meeting point: The tour starts at the Tron Kirk Market, just a 10-minute walk from the Edinburgh Waverley Train Station.
3. Hassle-free experience: No need to worry about large bags or wheelchair accessibility, as they aren’t allowed on the tour.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Food and Drinks Included in the Tour Price?

The tour price doesn’t cover food and drinks, so adventurers should pack their own snacks and beverages for the magical journey. Guides encourage exploring Edinburgh’s local cafes and pubs along the way to complete the enchanting experience.

Is the Tour Provided in Multiple Languages?

The tour is available in English only, though the lively guides bring the magical history of Edinburgh alive through engaging storytelling. Travelers will be captivated by the city’s spellbinding sights and haunting tales throughout this enchanting experience.

Can I Get a Discount if I Book as a Group?

Adventurous travelers can score group discounts when booking this captivating tour. Explore Edinburgh’s wizarding history and haunting legends with your mates, immersing yourselves in the magic and spooky atmosphere for an unforgettable experience.

How Long Does the Walking Tour Portion Last?

The walking tour portion lasts for 2 hours, transporting guests on a magical journey through Edinburgh’s enchanting streets. Travelers uncover Potter-inspired locations and hear captivating tales from a knowledgeable guide, seeing the wizarding world.

Is There an Option to Extend the Tour Duration?

Adventurers can’t extend the standard tour length, but they can dive deeper into the mystical world of Edinburgh on their own after the 2-hour walking tour. The day’s enchantment doesn’t have to end when the tour concludes.

The Sum Up

Embark on an enchanting journey through Edinburgh’s enchanted alleyways and haunted streets. Uncover the real-life inspirations behind the beloved Harry Potter series while delving into the city’s eerie past aboard a vintage ghost bus. Enjoy the magical and supernatural atmosphere that permeates this captivating tour – a must-do for any Potterhead or thrill-seeker.

You can check if your dates are available here: