Scotland’s dramatic Highlands provided some of the most memorable backdrops in the Harry Potter films – from the Glenfinnan Viaduct carrying the Hogwarts Express to the valley of Glencoe where Hagrid’s Hut stood. Edinburgh is where J.K. Rowling wrote the books, with streets, schools, and graveyards that inspired the wizarding world.
Our private Harry Potter tours take you to these locations with a knowledgeable local driver-guide, in a luxury vehicle, at your own pace. Whether you’re travelling as a family, a couple, or a group of fans, we design the day around your interests. For more Scottish filming locations, see our Outlander tours, Film & TV location tours, or Glenfinnan Viaduct tour.
Harry Potter filming locations in Scotland
Glenfinnan Viaduct – Hogwarts Express crossing
The iconic 21-arch railway viaduct where the Hogwarts Express crosses in multiple films. The Jacobite steam train runs across it daily in summer – we time your visit to see the train from the viewpoint above. The short walk to the viewpoint takes about 10 minutes. One of the most photographed spots in Scotland.
Glenfinnan Monument & Loch Shiel – Black Lake / Hogwarts approach
Loch Shiel, viewed from near the Glenfinnan Monument, appears as the Black Lake in the films – the sweeping water with mountains on either side that the Hogwarts boats cross. The monument itself commemorates the 1745 Jacobite rising. Stunning in any weather.
Glencoe – Hagrid’s Hut / outdoor scenes
The dramatic valley of Glencoe was used for multiple outdoor scenes, most notably the area around Hagrid’s Hut in Prisoner of Azkaban and later films. The Clachaig Inn area and the approach through the Pass of Glencoe are instantly recognisable. Also the site of the 1692 Massacre of Glencoe – your driver-guide will share the real history too.
Steall Falls, Glen Nevis – Triwizard Tournament backdrop
The spectacular 120-metre waterfall and gorge walk in Glen Nevis provided the dramatic backdrop for the Triwizard Tournament in Goblet of Fire. The walk to the falls takes about 30 minutes each way along a gorge path – beautiful but requires reasonable mobility.
Rannoch Moor – Death Eaters stop the Hogwarts Express
The vast, wild moorland where Death Eaters board the Hogwarts Express in Half-Blood Prince. Rannoch Moor station, one of Britain’s most remote railway stations, features in the scene. The moor itself is a landscape like no other – ancient, empty, and atmospheric.
Edinburgh – Where J.K. Rowling wrote / Diagon Alley inspiration
Edinburgh is where J.K. Rowling wrote much of the early Harry Potter books. The Elephant House cafe (now reopened after a fire), Victoria Street (widely considered the inspiration for Diagon Alley), George Heriot’s School (an inspiration for Hogwarts), and Greyfriars Kirkyard (Tom Riddle’s gravestone) are all walkable.
Fort William & the Jacobite Steam Train – Hogwarts Express
The Jacobite steam train departs Fort William and runs to Mallaig, crossing the Glenfinnan Viaduct en route. Riding the actual train is a bucket-list experience – advance booking is essential in summer.
Loch Etive – Camping scenes / wide landscape shots
The remote loch appears in Deathly Hallows as the trio camp during their journey. The single-track road along Loch Etive is quiet and atmospheric. Close to Glencoe and easily combined on the same day.
Sample itineraries
1-Day Harry Potter Highlands Tour
Inverness → Glencoe → Glenfinnan Viaduct (timed for Jacobite train) → Glenfinnan Monument & Loch Shiel → return via Loch Lochy. Full day, 9–10 hours. Covers the key Highland filming locations.
1-Day Edinburgh Harry Potter Walking & Tour
Edinburgh walking tour (Elephant House, Victoria Street, Greyfriars, George Heriot’s) → drive to Rannoch Moor → optional Doune Castle (also Outlander/Game of Thrones). Full day from Edinburgh.
2-Day Harry Potter & Highlands Tour
Day 1: Edinburgh walking tour → drive north via Rannoch Moor. Day 2: Glencoe → Glenfinnan Viaduct → Fort William → Steall Falls. Overnight near Fort William or Inverness. The comprehensive Harry Potter Scotland experience.
What's included
Every Harry Potter tour includes a luxury Mercedes vehicle (V-Class for up to 7, E-Class, or executive saloon), a professional driver-guide with local knowledge and filming location insights, bespoke routing timed around Jacobite train crossings and weather, and hotel pickups from your accommodation, cruise port, airport, or holiday let. Jacobite Steam Train tickets (if riding) are booked separately – we can advise on availability.
Plan your Harry Potter tour
Share your dates, starting point, and must-see locations. We will design a tailored Harry Potter itinerary and send a quote within 24 hours.
Request a QuoteFrequently asked questions
Do you offer private Harry Potter tours in Scotland?
Yes. Every Harry Potter tour is private – your group, a luxury vehicle, and a knowledgeable driver-guide. No shared coaches. We design the route around your interests, pace, and starting point.
Where are the Harry Potter filming locations in Scotland?
The main locations are the Glenfinnan Viaduct (Hogwarts Express), Glencoe (Hagrid's Hut area), Glenfinnan Monument and Loch Shiel (Black Lake), Steall Falls in Glen Nevis (Triwizard Tournament), Rannoch Moor (Death Eaters), and Edinburgh (where J.K. Rowling wrote the books).
Can we ride the Jacobite Steam Train (Hogwarts Express)?
Yes – the Jacobite runs from Fort William to Mallaig, crossing the Glenfinnan Viaduct. It operates from April to October. Booking well in advance is essential, especially in summer. Alternatively, we can position you at the viewpoint to watch the train cross the viaduct.
Can you combine Harry Potter with Outlander locations?
Absolutely – this is one of our most popular requests. Doune Castle (Castle Leoch in Outlander) is also featured in Game of Thrones and can be added to a Harry Potter itinerary. Glencoe and Glenfinnan appear in both fictional worlds.
Which city is the best starting point?
For Highland filming locations (Glenfinnan, Glencoe, Steall Falls), Inverness or Fort William are ideal starting points. For Edinburgh locations plus a Highland drive, Edinburgh works well. We can design the tour from any starting point.
Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, very much so. We pace the day for families, include comfort breaks, and our driver-guides are experienced with families and young Harry Potter fans. Child seats available on request.