Edinburgh: Private Harry Potter Walking Tour & Comic Guide

Summary

Walk Edinburgh’s streets where Harry Potter came to life with a comic guide and private pace

You’ll follow in JK Rowling’s footsteps through Edinburgh with a comic local guide who brings every story to life. Expect gravestones that inspired characters, secret Hogwarts inspirations, lively banter, and time to linger wherever you like. The city feels different when you’re walking its magical corners — especially with someone who knows every twist.

What’s the experience like?

We ducked under the archway into Greyfriars Kirkyard, and right away I caught that damp stone smell — it always reminds me of old books. Our guide, Jamie, started off with a grin and a wand (yes, really), pointing out the mossy gravestones that inspired some of the names in Harry Potter. I didn’t expect to actually see “McGonagall” carved into weathered granite. Jamie told us how JK Rowling used to wander here for hours, and honestly, standing there in the drizzle with crows squabbling overhead, it felt easy to imagine her scribbling notes on a bench.

From there we wound past George Heriot’s School — all turrets and shadowy windows — and caught a glimpse of Edinburgh Castle looming in the mist. Jamie kept dropping trivia about which buildings might have inspired Hogwarts, but also just chatted about growing up nearby (he said he once tried sneaking into Heriot’s as a kid; didn’t make it far). We stopped outside this café that claims to be “the birthplace” of Harry Potter — Jamie made air quotes and rolled his eyes so hard I almost laughed out loud. Apparently there’s some debate about where Rowling actually wrote most of the first book. Either way, you can smell coffee beans roasting from across the street.

The real surprise was Victoria Street — all crooked cobbles and rainbow shopfronts — which people say is the real-life Diagon Alley. It’s busy but not overwhelming; one shopkeeper waved at Jamie like they’d known each other forever. I tried saying “thank you” in Scots after buying a postcard and totally butchered it (Jamie just grinned). Somewhere around here he mentioned we could take as long as we wanted or skip bits if we were tired — I liked that. There was this moment when the sun broke through for half a second and everything just glowed against the wet pavement. Still think about that.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Harry Potter sites in Edinburgh

• Visit Greyfriars Kirkyard graves
• See George Heriot's School and Edinburgh Castle
• Explore Harry Potter named area
• Discuss Balmoral Hotel connections
• Visit Harry Potter "Birthplace" cafe
• Walk along real life Diagon Alley

Top questions

Is this Harry Potter tour suitable for children under 7?

Yes, children under 7 are welcome on the tour.

Does the private tour include a local guide?

Yes, your tour is led by an experienced local guide who is also a trained comic performer.

Is the route wheelchair accessible?

Yes, the tour is wheelchair accessible throughout.

Are service animals allowed on this tour?

Yes, service animals are permitted during the tour.

Can infants or small children join in strollers?

Yes, infants and small children can ride in prams or strollers along the route.

Does this day trip include pickup from our hotel?

No hotel pickup is included; you’ll meet your guide at the starting point in central Edinburgh.

How long does this private Harry Potter walking tour last?

The duration varies since it’s private and can be paced to your group’s needs.

What’s included

Your day includes a private walking tour through Edinburgh led by an entertaining comic guide. You’ll visit key sites linked to Harry Potter lore at your own pace—no rush—while hearing stories from locals along the way.