Discover the Magic: Harry Potter Inspiration and Sights to See in Scotland
Harry Potter fans around the world know that Scotland played a big role in inspiring J.K. Rowling's beloved book and movie series.
From the cobbled streets of Edinburgh to the rolling hills of the Scottish Highlands, Scotland is filled with sights and sounds that evoke the magical world of Harry Potter.
In this article, we'll explore some of the Harry Potter inspiration in Scotland, as well as some of the best sights to see for fans of the series.
Harry Potter Inspiration in Scotland
J.K. Rowling was living in Edinburgh, Scotland, when she began writing the Harry Potter series. It's no surprise, then, that much of the inspiration for the series comes from the country she called home. Here are just a few examples of the ways in which Scotland inspired the world of Harry Potter:
Edinburgh’s Old Town
Edinburgh's Old Town is the heart of the city and the inspiration for much of the architecture and atmosphere in Harry Potter.
Visitors can walk down winding cobblestone streets, past centuries-old buildings, and even visit a few key locations from the books.
For example, The Elephant House café on George IV Bridge is where J.K. Rowling wrote much of the early Harry Potter books.
The Scottish Highlands
The Scottish Highlands are known for their natural beauty and rugged landscapes. They're also home to several locations that will be familiar to Harry Potter fans.
The Hogwarts Express travels across the Glenfinnan Viaduct, an iconic railway bridge that spans a deep valley. Fans can take a train journey across the bridge themselves and enjoy the stunning views of the Scottish countryside.
Sights to See in Scotland
Scotland is home to many sights that will appeal to Harry Potter fans. Here are a few of the top spots to visit:
Greyfriars Graveyard, Edinburgh
Greyfriars Kirkyard is a historic graveyard located in Edinburgh that serves as an important inspiration for the world-renowned Harry Potter series.
J.K. Rowling, the author of the series, lived near the graveyard and was known to have taken long walks through the site.
She drew inspiration from the graveyard's somber beauty and many of the names found on the gravestones, such as Thomas Riddell, who was believed to have inspired the name of Harry Potter's arch-nemesis, Lord Voldemort.
Glenfinnan Viaduct
The Glenfinnan Viaduct is a beautiful railway bridge that spans a deep valley in the Scottish Highlands. It's also the bridge that the Hogwarts Express travels across in the Harry Potter movies.
Fans can take a train journey across the bridge themselves and enjoy the stunning views of the Scottish countryside.
Victoria’s Street
Victoria Street is a charming and colorful street located in the heart of Edinburgh's Old Town, which has inspired many locations in the Harry Potter series.
The street is said to have been the inspiration for Diagon Alley, the magical shopping street in the wizarding world where Harry and his friends purchase their magical supplies.
The colorful buildings, crooked architecture, and unique shops on Victoria Street evoke a sense of magic and whimsy, making it the perfect inspiration for Diagon Alley.
Scotland is a magical country that has captured the imaginations of Harry Potter fans around the world. Whether you're a die-hard fan or just looking for a unique travel experience, Scotland offers plenty of sights and sounds that will transport you to the world of Harry Potter.
From Edinburgh's Old Town to the Scottish Highlands, the country is filled with locations that inspired J.K. Rowling and the world of Hogwarts.
