JK Rowling’s Edinburgh & the Writing of Harry Potter 4½hrs

4.8
(213 reviews)

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4 hours 30 minutes (approximately)
Offered in: English

JK Rowling... she’s sold a few books - what?!

✒ On this tour, we dive deep into her history. Learn to use failure as a springboard, be inspired, stay committed & conquer the world. Discover the events that moved her & the cafes which fueled her. Experience how, through a caffeine-charged imagination, a penniless single mother put a dent in the Muggle-verse.

◘ Learn the entire genesis of Potter, from lightning striking on a Manchester train to becoming a pillar of British culture & shaping generations.
◘ Reviewers say it’s a good introduction to our Hogwartian old town, discover fabulous gothic scenes off the Muggle track, the stonework of Rowling's imagination.
◘ There’s magic, I never got my letter so I’m giving you yours.

✒ Darker than an Azkaban prison cell, more brilliant than all the gold in Gringotts, 4+ hours long for those with double the love. Stand on the shoulders of Rowling, Nimbus-charge your originality & drive; fill that aching Potter-shaped hole inside ϟ

What's Included

Resurrection stone. To revive the magic
Escort back to Edinburgh’s ‘Harry Potter’ street at the end if you wish
4½ HOURS of Edinburgh’s world heritage site, the Hogwartian half, the Old Town
Spoilers, it explores JK’s themes so is terrible for whetting appetites
A peek inside JK Rowling’s head. It’s fairly big but leave only footprints
Discounted all day parking cost £10, please contact me
Genocide: We’re a local company compliant with Scottish law
Tips: Help!
Potter guides & aspiring guides: please look elsewhere, I love you but I have too many "tributes"
French. If your English is weak I am able to appoint a French guide, please contact me
Flexibility: due to the start point it’s difficult to cut the tour short SEEK my 8hr Potterhead tour
Breakfast. We can pause for sandwiches to be eaten during the tour, but BREAKFAST IS KING
Kids who have not read the books. Buy them the books already. Meantime try potter trail instead
This is a tour for those who've read & love the books. Squibs are there for true fan’s ride

Meeting and pickup

Meeting point

ENDS AT: City Chambers, 253 High St, Edinburgh, EH1 1YJ MEETING POINT: Outside General Register House, beside the statue of the Duke of Wellington on his rearing horse, adjacent to the Apple store. Opposite the Balmoral Hotel with its big clock tower.

End point
This activity ends back at the meeting point.

Itinerary

Duration: 4 hours 30 minutes (approximately)
  • 1

    The tour starts where Harry Potter died. (He might also have revived - *SPOILERS*).

    10 minutes • Admission ticket free
  • 2

    Harry's maternity ward

    10 minutes • Admission ticket free
  • 3

    See the fabulous hall where JK Rowling had a ball

    10 minutes • Admission ticket free
  • 4
    Greyfriars

    JK Rowling has disowned this cemetery as an inspiration, we dig up the truth.

    5 minutes • Admission ticket free
  • 5

    JK Rowling insists this castled school isn't Hogwarts. So what is JK Rowling's connection? Why has she visited so many many times and why has it had such a profound impact on her life?

    5 minutes • Admission ticket free
  • 6

    The birthplace of Harry Potter? Ummm, no. Beloved by JK Rowling nevertheless.

    5 minutes • Admission ticket free
  • 7

    Scottish whisky ice cream, the most scottish Ice cream in the world. Sometimes, when the elves have been busy, they also have a butter brew flavour.

    5 minutes • Admission ticket free
  • (Pass by)

    We visit Victoria Street, Edinburgh's winding wizarding street and unpack its famed Harry Potter shops

    Admission ticket free
  • 8

    What does Harry Potter have to teach? Nothing really, Rowling didn't see herself as children's baby sitter or teacher. Here though we explore some of her ideas and views of the world as embedded in her epic.

    5 minutes • Admission ticket free
  • 9

    JK Rowling's Europillia - Oh my!

    5 minutes • Admission ticket free
  • 10

    Edinburgh is UNESCO's first 'city of literature', we now mentor the others around the world. In this special court to makars - writers, we have a look at the ascent of Edinburgh's most famous adopted daughter.

    5 minutes • Admission ticket free
  • 11
    Mercat Cross

    Where poverty & sovereignty meet. Or something.

    1 minute • Admission ticket free
  • 12

    We have a look at Rowling's Edinburgh Award

    5 minutes • Admission ticket free
  • 13
    Edinburgh City Chambers

    The finale, we give thanks. The tour ENDS HERE.

    10 minutes • Admission ticket free

Additional info

  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
  • Many children have enjoyed the tour, however it’s based on Rowling’s rags to riches story & so is dark. The more difficulties a person has overcome, the more you can learn from them. This tour has darker stories from Rowling’s instructive biography, which I hope will inspire those ready to achieve more
  • The tour is also based on the books, the books have some adult themes which I give credit too, because 'they're just children's books' annoys me. People who have just seen the movies may not be aware of these darker themes
  • 5 km+ of up and down walking through Edinburgh’s hilly old town
  • 4½ HOURS is a long time so BREAKFAST. Think everybody’s favourite Gameskeeper: if your feet haven’t swollen to baby Dolphins - keep shovelling!
Supplied by The Potter Tour

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Tags

Half-day Tours
Private and Luxury
Private Sightseeing Tours
Cultural Tours
Art Tours
Walking Tours
Literary Tours
Seasonal
Excellent Quality
Harry Potter Tours

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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Rating

4.8 Based on 213 213 reviews
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