Edinburgh: Harry Potter & Horrible Histories Walking Tour

Summary

Walk Edinburgh’s Royal Mile, hear Rowling stories, taste haggis, laugh at dark history

You’ll walk Edinburgh’s historic streets with a local guide, hear how J.K. Rowling wrote Harry Potter here, stand where public executions once took place, and taste haggis plus deep-fried Mars bar on the Royal Mile. Expect laughter, weird facts, and moments that stick with you long after you leave.

What’s the experience like?

“You know, Rowling used to sit right there—probably scribbling away while her tea got cold,” our guide said, nodding at a battered table in a Stockbridge café. I could almost picture it: the rain tapping the window, someone quietly reading in the corner. We started our walking tour right there in Edinburgh, and honestly, I didn’t expect to feel so swept up by it. The city feels like it’s holding its breath sometimes—especially when you’re standing where J.K. Rowling might’ve dreamed up Hogwarts.

We wandered down the Royal Mile and into Grassmarket. Our guide—Jamie, who had this dry way of telling stories that made even the grimmest bits weirdly funny—pointed out where public executions happened. There’s something about hearing those stories on a chilly morning, your hands shoved deep in your pockets, that makes you shiver for more than just the weather. The cobblestones felt uneven under my boots (I nearly tripped once), and Jamie just grinned and told us about grave robbers and ghost tales as if he was talking about old neighbors.

I still think about those gravestones—the ones people say inspired character names in Harry Potter. There was this moment of quiet when Jamie let us look for them ourselves among the mossy stones; someone nearby whispered “Voldemort” like it was a secret. Then we ended up at a little spot on the Royal Mile for haggis (which is actually tastier than I thought) and deep-fried Mars bar. Li laughed when I tried to pronounce “slàinte mhath”—I probably butchered it—and then we all just stood there licking chocolate off our fingers.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Harry Potter and Edinburgh history

• Discuss J K Rowling's Harry Potter journey
• Talk about public executions site
• Enjoy view of Edinburgh Castle
• Learn about Flodden Wall battle
• Discuss Jingling Geordie school inspiration
• See gravestones inspiring Harry Potter names
• Visit cafes where Rowling wrote
• Try deep fried Mars bar and see Rowling's handprints

Top questions

Is this Harry Potter walking tour suitable for kids?

Yes, it’s suitable for all ages and fitness levels. Infants can ride in strollers.

Does the tour include food?

Yes, you’ll try Scottish delicacies like haggis and deep-fried Mars bar during the walk.

Where does the tour take place?

The walking tour covers central Edinburgh including Stockbridge Market, Grassmarket, and Royal Mile.

Are entry fees or taxes included?

All fees and taxes are included in your booking price.

Will we visit places related to J.K. Rowling?

You’ll see cafés where she wrote Harry Potter and gravestones said to inspire character names.

Is public transport nearby?

Yes, there are public transportation options close to the meeting points.

Are service animals allowed?

Service animals are welcome on this tour.

What’s included

Your day includes all entry fees and taxes as you explore Edinburgh’s Stockbridge Market, Grassmarket, and Royal Mile on foot with a local guide—plus tastings of haggis and deep-fried Mars bar before you finish up.