With all its fantastic scenery, it’s not surprising that Scotland features in many television programmes and movies, including the worldwide hit, Harry Potter! The connection with the series goes deeper than the scenery though: JK Rowling was living in Edinburgh while writing the books and took much inspiration from her surroundings. Links to the magical wizarding world are everywhere in Scotland, so if you’re a fan, why not jump behind the wheel of a motorhome hire and see what you can find! You won’t be disappointed.
FOLLOW IN JK ROWLING’S FOOTSTEPS
As the birthplace of Harry Potter, Edinburgh is the perfect place to start your tour. There are a few spots to visit, but top of the list has to be the now-famous Elephant House Café where JK Rowling sat and wrote the first book, Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone. She sought time out of the public eye for the final book of the series, Harry Potter and Deathly Hallows, though, choosing instead to hide away in a suite at the Balmoral Hotel; they even have a suite named after her.
SEE THE INSPIRATION BEHIND THE BOOKS
Engage your imagination as you wander around the streets of Edinburgh, and you’ll see links to the series everywhere. The grand George Heriot’s School, for example, is thought to be the main inspiration behind Hogwarts, while the curvy and colourful Victoria Street is the original Diagon Alley; You can even stock up on wizarding supplies while on the street in the Harry Potter shop!
The atmospheric Greyfriars Kirkyard wouldn’t look out of place in Harry Potter’s world either but look closer and you may find the grave of a certain Thomas Riddell – inspiration for Tom Riddle, Harry Potter’s nemesis.
SEE JK ROWLING’S HANDPRINTS
Before you head away from the Edinburgh, stop past the City Chambers to see JK Rowling’s handprints in stone. In 2008 she won the Edinburgh Award for outstanding Edinburgh residents. The writer’s museum also features works by JK Rowling and is a fabulous little spot for book lovers.
EXPLORE HARRY POTTER SITES THROUGHOUT SCOTLAND
It’s time to leave Edinburgh and really make the most of your motorhome. Scotland is ideal for exploring on wheels; there’s spectacular scenery and adventures around every bend.
Glenfinnan Viaduct
Perhaps most famously from the movies is the Glenfinnan Viaduct on the West Highland Line between Fort William and Mallaig. The outstanding structure features in the movie series when Harry travels from platform 9 ¾ to Hogwarts.
Take a Trip on the Hogwarts Express
The beautiful Jacobite Steam Train takes you from Fort William to the stunning coastal village of Mallaig, enjoying incredible views along the way, including crossing the Glenfinnan Viaduct as seen in the Harry Potter movies.
Bo’ness Motor Museum
Bo’ness motor museum which is now home to Ronald Weasley’s fabulous flying Ford Anglia, as seen in the second book, Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets.
Stunning Film Backdrops
Pay a visit to spectacular natural wonders including;
- Glen Coe, Clachaig Inn is a filming location for Hagrid’s Hut in Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban.
- Steall Falls, featured in the Goblet of Fire movie as Harry faces down a Hungarian Horntail dragon in the Triwizard Tournament.
- Rannoch Moor, where Death Eaters board the train in Harry Potter and The Deathly Hallows: Part 1.
- Loch Shiel, conveniently close to the Glenfinnan Viaduct, will also be recognisable to fans as Hogwarts Lake, and the close by Eilean na Moine is Dumbledores final resting place!
EXPLORE SCOTLAND’S HARRY POTTER SITES IN A MOTORHOME HIRE
If you’re interested in seeing the many sites related to Harry Potter that Scotland has to offer then there’s no better way to do so than by luxury motorhome hire. You can travel at your own pace and take in the Harry Potter sites you want to see most, combining them with other attractions that aren’t related to the Harry Potter series. Contact us today to find out more and take the first step to a Harry Potter tour of Scotland.
