Edinburgh: Harry Potter Walking Tour with Trivia & Castle Views

Summary

Potter fans walk Edinburgh’s magical streets with trivia fun

You’ll join fellow fans for a Harry Potter walking tour through Edinburgh’s winding streets, get sorted into your house by a lively guide, test your knowledge with trivia games, and discover quirky spots that inspired the books. Expect laughter, local stories, and castle views—plus those little moments that stick with you long after you leave.

What’s the experience like?

I didn’t expect to be sorted into a Hogwarts house right on the Royal Mile — but there I was, surrounded by old stone and drizzle, grinning like an idiot as our guide (Sam, who wore a scarf that looked suspiciously Ravenclaw) handed out colored cards. It wasn’t just kids either; grown-ups got just as competitive when the first Harry Potter quiz question came up. Someone behind me whispered the answer before I could remember it myself. The city felt different when you’re looking for traces of magic — shop windows, crooked alleys, even the way people hurried past us with their umbrellas up.

Sam had this way of weaving in real Edinburgh history with Rowling’s stories — pointing at a graveyard gate and saying “that’s where she found Tom Riddle’s name.” I caught a whiff of wet grass and something sweet from a bakery nearby. We wandered past little corners that inspired Diagon Alley (I still think about those colors), dodging puddles and laughing when someone slipped on the cobbles. At one point Sam asked if anyone could pronounce “McGonagall” properly; Li from our group tried in Mandarin and everyone cracked up — including Sam.

The walk wasn’t rushed, maybe an hour and a half or so? We ended near Edinburgh Castle, which looked moody against the grey sky. There were more trivia games (I lost spectacularly) and tiny prizes — nothing fancy but somehow it mattered. I kept thinking about how much Rowling must’ve noticed here: the names, the weather, even the crows overhead. You leave looking at Edinburgh differently than before, like you might spot a wizard if you squint hard enough… or maybe that was just me.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Harry Potter walking tour in Edinburgh

• Meet your guide
• Get sorted into your House
• Take Potter knowledge trivia quiz
• Play games with prizes
• Walk in footsteps of actors and writers
• Visit sites inspiring movies and books
• Finish tour near Edinburgh Castle

Top questions

How long is the Harry Potter walking tour in Edinburgh?

The tour lasts about 1.5 hours at an easy pace.

Does the tour include entry to Edinburgh Castle?

No, it finishes near Edinburgh Castle but doesn’t include entry inside.

Is this Harry Potter tour suitable for kids?

Yes, it’s suitable for all ages and fitness levels.

Are there trivia games during the tour?

Yes, your guide will run trivia quizzes and other games along the way.

Is the walking route wheelchair accessible?

The tour is wheelchair accessible but note there are many hills in Edinburgh.

What if it rains during the tour?

The tour operates in all weather conditions—just dress appropriately for rain or wind.

Do I need to be a big Harry Potter fan to enjoy this?

No—there’s plenty of local history mixed in for everyone to enjoy.

What’s included

Your day includes guided walking through key Harry Potter locations around Edinburgh with a professional movie-enthusiast guide leading trivia games along the way. You’ll be sorted into your house at the start and finish near Edinburgh Castle—with plenty of laughs and small surprises included throughout.