Edinburgh: Harry Potter Walking Tour & Castle Entry Tickets

Summary

Potter sights in Edinburgh’s Old Town with castle entry included

You’ll follow a passionate Potter fan through Edinburgh’s winding Old Town streets, spot real-life inspirations for Hogwarts and Diagon Alley, visit Greyfriars Kirkyard, and end your adventure with included entry to explore Edinburgh Castle at your own pace. Expect laughter, local stories, and plenty of moments that make you feel part of the magic.

What’s the experience like?

I don’t know if I was more excited or just plain curious when we met our guide (she wore a Gryffindor scarf, which felt right) outside Tron Kirk on the Royal Mile. There was this weird mix of drizzle and sunlight that made the old stones shine — kind of like the city couldn’t decide what mood to be in. We started our Harry Potter tour right there, and honestly, it felt less like a “tour” and more like following a friend who knew every secret about Edinburgh’s wizarding side. She pointed out Waverley Station and told us how JK Rowling used to pass through — I could almost picture her scribbling notes for the Hogwarts Express.

We wandered past Edinburgh University’s Old College (it really does have that Hogwarts vibe), and then into these twisty lanes where the air smelled faintly of roasted coffee and rain-soaked stone. Our group stopped at Greyfriars Kirkyard — I’d heard about Tom Riddle’s grave but seeing it in person was something else. The guide asked if anyone wanted to try pronouncing “McGonagall” with a Scottish accent; my attempt got a laugh from a couple of locals passing by. It was one of those moments that sticks, you know?

Victoria Street was next — all bright shopfronts and crooked cobbles, just as wild-looking as Diagon Alley is supposed to be. The Elephant Café was closed when we passed (I’d hoped for a peek inside), but our guide had stories about Rowling writing there for hours over cheap coffee. We ended near the City Chambers, where she showed us JK Rowling’s handprints set into the pavement, which I hadn’t expected at all. Afterward, we got our tickets for Edinburgh Castle and wandered up ourselves — the views over the city are still stuck in my head, even now.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Harry Potter tour and Edinburgh Castle visit

• Meet guide near Tron Kirk Market
• Stroll along Edinburgh’s Royal Mile
• View historic Waverley Train Station
• See Edinburgh New Town views
• Pass Edinburgh University Old College
• Walk through Old Town streets
• Visit Greyfriars Kirkyard graveyard
• Enjoy views of Edinburgh Castle
• Explore Victoria Street (Diagon Alley inspiration)
• End tour at City Chambers
• Explore Edinburgh Castle with tickets

Top questions

How long is the Harry Potter walking tour in Edinburgh?

The walking tour lasts around 2 hours before you receive your tickets for independent castle entry.

Does this Harry Potter tour include entry to Edinburgh Castle?

Yes, entry tickets to Edinburgh Castle are included after the guided walking tour.

Where does the Harry Potter tour start?

The tour starts near Tron Kirk on The Royal Mile in central Edinburgh.

Is lunch included on this tour?

No, lunch is not included. The focus is on walking sights and castle entry.

Are children allowed on this Harry Potter walking tour?

Yes, children are welcome; infants can use prams or strollers during the walk.

Do you visit Diagon Alley from Harry Potter on this tour?

You’ll visit Victoria Street in Edinburgh, believed to have inspired Diagon Alley.

Is there a local guide leading the Harry Potter tour?

Yes, a knowledgeable local guide leads the group through key locations tied to JK Rowling’s world.

What’s included

Your day includes a small-group guided walk through central Edinburgh with stops at Waverley Station, Old College, Greyfriars Kirkyard, Victoria Street, and more—plus your own entry ticket for exploring Edinburgh Castle after the tour ends.