A life less narrow, the Genius of Harry Potter & Edinburgh Castle

Edinburgh , Scotland

A life less narrow, the Genius of Harry Potter & Edinburgh Castle

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(16 reviews)

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Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

How did JK Rowling craft such brilliant, memorable characters & how did she build such a spell-binding world? Why are Britain’s most beloved novels so dark & troubled? What is Rowling & Harry’s relationship to Edinburgh?

➽ Enter the dim, forbidden section of Madam Pince’s library, break open a stiff dusty book & CRACK! The Portkey will transport you to Edinburgh, where a red-robed wizard will meet you for a winding journey through their cobbled fairy-tale Old Town, festooned with glittering stone palaces & mushroomed with soaring wizard towers; you'll shine a light into JK’s gilded brain.

➽ Long private tours curtail expensive quarantines & banish hassle. 5½ hours gives us the freedom to cover more ground, more Potter inspirations & enter Rowling’s mindsets in rich detail. If you care about Harry Potter I’d love to show you around.

① Ticket reserves a tour for ≤ 8 Potterheads & squibs.
Combine this tour with a shop on Edinburgh’s ‘Diagon’ & tea in Mcgonagall’s & it’s a rich day ϟ

Available options

A life less narrow, the Genius of Harry Potter & Edinburgh Castle

Pickup included

What's included

Flexible start: want to start later than 10:10? Cool! Message me after booking

Old Parliament Hall

All day parking, please contact me

Gives an overall introduction to the Old Town so should be done on your first day.

Flexibility: message me who’s coming, why the books are important to them, your preferred duration

National Museum of Scotland

Ignore what's above, this tour is primarily about JK Rowling. It touches on Potter but majors on JK

Detailed itinerary

My preferred start point, is opposite the Balmoral Hotel, with its big clock tower, betwixt the Apple store & the statue of the Duke of Wellington on his beloved horse Copenhagen

Stop 2

JK Rowling said Edinburgh surely rubbed off on Harry Potter. We'll drink in the scenes & atmospheres that propelled a new world.

Stop 3

A 30-minute tour inside Edinburgh Castle walls. Castle entry is an ADDITIONAL £20 per person, which needs to be paid on the day.

What's not included

Breakfast. We can pause for sandwiches to be eaten during the tour, but BREAKFAST IS KING

Parties where no-one has read the books. Book my 4¼ hour tour or Potter Trail

Edinburgh Castle

Available languages

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

Viator 5.0

1 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Tripadvisor 4.9

15 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Wheelchair accessible

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Service animals allowed

Public transportation options are available nearby

Transportation options are wheelchair accessible

Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

Please review » WHAT'S EXCLUDED ✕ Travel Agents you can pay in advance for Castle entry by IBAN bank transfer or payment link

There is a good amount of steps. People say it is a good workout. Wear comfortable waterproof shoes, gloves & hat; check the weather

Includes snacks but 5¾ hours is a long time so BREAKFAST. Think everybody’s favourite Gameskeeper: if your feet haven’t swollen to baby Dolphins - keep shovelling!

At the end of the tour you will be left at Edinburgh Castle to continue your explorations in its rooms, where guides can't go

To book this tour, or my private 8hr 'Complete Potterhead', please contact Potter Tour

Meeting point

City centre parking for THOSE WITH A CAR: I have a permit which reduces the cost from £27 to £10 for 24 hrs. You could have breakfast in JK’s ‘Levels’ across the road (opens: 08:30 AM). If this is your plan PLEASE MESSAGE ME after booking.

Important notes

You're brill brill brill!
For instructions on discounted all-day parking, please contact me NOW with your preferred start time. I could collect you after breakfast in JK's Levels if you wish. I buy food from there a lot, it's delicious.

If coming by the Floo network it's "Edin-BURRRR", too many have landed in Borgin & Burkes, they've started complaining.

Your guide Sam usually wears red wizard robes. He's a total nerd.

See you soon
x
Sam

About Edinburgh

Edinburgh, Scotland's capital, is a city of historic and cultural significance. Known for its medieval Old Town and elegant Georgian New Town, both designated as UNESCO World Heritage Sites, Edinburgh offers a unique blend of ancient and modern. The city is famous for its annual festivals, including the Edinburgh Fringe, and its iconic Edinburgh Castle.

Top Attractions

Edinburgh Castle

A historic fortress that dominates the city's skyline. It houses the Scottish Crown Jewels and the Stone of Destiny.

Historical 2-3 hours £18 (adult), £11 (child)

Royal Mile

A historic street connecting Edinburgh Castle to the Palace of Holyroodhouse. Lined with shops, restaurants, and historic sites.

Historical/Cultural Several hours to explore fully Free to walk, attractions vary

Arthur's Seat

An extinct volcano offering panoramic views of the city. A popular spot for hiking and outdoor activities.

Nature/Adventure 1-2 hours (hike) Free

The Royal Yacht Britannia

The former royal yacht of the British monarchy, now a museum docked in Edinburgh's port.

Historical 2 hours £19 (adult), £10 (child)

Must-Try Local Dishes

Haggis

A traditional Scottish dish made from sheep's offal, oats, and spices, typically served with neeps and tatties (turnips and potatoes).

Main Course Not vegetarian or vegan.

Scotch Pie

A small, double-crust meat pie filled with minced mutton or beef.

Snack Contains meat.

Cranachan

A traditional Scottish dessert made with whipped cream, raspberries, honey, and toasted oats.

Dessert Contains dairy and gluten.

Irn-Bru

Scotland's iconic bright orange, fizzy soft drink with a unique flavor.

Drink Contains caffeine and sugar.

Popular Activities

Hiking Arthur's Seat Kayaking on the Water of Leith Cycling the National Cycle Network Afternoon tea at The Dome Visiting the Royal Botanic Garden Strolling along Princes Street Gardens Exploring the National Museum of Scotland Visiting the Scottish National Gallery

Best Time to Visit

June to August

Summer is the peak tourist season, with long daylight hours and numerous festivals. The weather is generally pleasant, making it ideal for exploring the city's outdoor attractions.

15°C to 20°C (59°F to 68°F) 59°F to 68°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: English
Widely spoken: Scottish Gaelic
English: Widely spoken

Currency

British Pound (GBP)

Time Zone

GMT (UTC+0) or BST (UTC+1) during daylight saving time

Electricity

230VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Edinburgh is generally safe for tourists, but as with any major city, it's important to be aware of your surroundings and take precautions against petty crime.

Important Precautions:

• Keep valuables secure
• Be cautious of your surroundings at night
• Use reputable taxi services or ride-sharing apps

Getting there

By air

Edinburgh Airport • 13 km (8 miles) from city center

By train

Edinburgh Waverley, Edinburgh Haymarket

By bus

Edinburgh Bus Station (Stance 20)

Getting around

Public transport

Affordable and frequent bus services cover the entire city. Key routes include the Airlink 100 to the airport.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Uber, FREE NOW

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Old Town New Town Leith

Day trips

Lothian

10-20 km (6-12 miles) • Half day to full day

Lothian offers a mix of historic sites, scenic landscapes, and outdoor activities. Visit historic castles, explore picturesque villages, and enjoy the beautiful countryside.

Fife

30-50 km (18-31 miles) • Full day

Fife is known for its beautiful coastline, historic towns, and the famous St. Andrews, home to the University of St. Andrews and the Old Course golf course.

Stirling

60 km (37 miles) • Full day

Stirling is a historic city known for its castle and its role in Scottish history. It's a great destination for history enthusiasts and those interested in Scotland's past.

Festivals

Edinburgh Festival Fringe • August Edinburgh International Festival • August Hogmanay • December 31

Pro tips

Visit the camera obscura for a unique view of the city
Explore the underground closes for a glimpse into Edinburgh's past
Try a whisky tasting at one of the city's many whisky bars
Walk the Royal Mile at night for a quieter and more atmospheric experience
Visit the National Museum of Scotland for a comprehensive overview of the city's history and culture