A Quick Fan Guide for Harry Potter and Scotland

​Calling all Witches & Wizards regardless of age, if you are a Harry Potter fan then you need to visit Scotland! Not only did JK Rowling write the first and final book of the series in Edinburgh, but she found much of her inspiration for the wizarding world around the country. 

Here are some top recommendations:

• The Elephant House, a small café in the heart of Edinburgh where JK Rowling sat down to create the beloved series. While there you can view a first edition signed copy of The Philosophers Stone, grab a cup of coffee and buy a copy of the book and post card as keep sake.
  
• Greyfriars Kirkyard, a 15th century cemetery where you can find many familiar names from the wizarding world. Such as Elizabeth Moodie, William McGonagall and even Thomas Riddell himself! Located directly behind the graveyard you will see George Heriot’s School, where students are split into four houses and is said to be where she got the idea for Hogwarts.
  
• Royal Mile, down this busy and bustling street that very much looks like a modern day Diagon Alley, you can also place your hands in the prints of J.K Rowling herself. Located in front of the Canongate you will find the famous authors hands and signature on the ground in gold.
  
• Balmoral Hotel, if able this is a splurge worthy stay in the JK Rowling Suite room 552 where she completed the final chapter, Deathly Hallows. She even signed a bust in the room, “JK Rowling finished writing Harry Potter here”
  
• Jacobite Steam Train, this is by far my favorite. You can actually ride the “Hogwarts Express,” they used for filming in the movies and pass over the iconic Glenfinnan Viaduct that we see so much in the movies. Make sure you book this in plenty of time, it can be booked solid for months, so early planning is best!

---

About the Author:

Savannah Blackmar, Travel Advisor
A traveler & planner at heart, Savannah loves connecting her passions together by helping clients create amazing memories through travel. Growing up in a military family, Savannah was able to experience first hand how new places and experiences bring loved ones closer together. Now a newlywed, she enjoys seeking out new adventures with her husband and pup. A romantic at heart, Savannah focuses on helping plan amazing destination weddings and honeymoons for Whitney World Travel clients. Savannah is a graduate of Texas State University and a proud alumnus of Alpha Delta Pi. ​