Harry Potter Places to Visit

Nicole Soong, Staff Writer

Harry Potter is a series that has been popular for over a decade, but its popularity still remains. In this article, I will be suggesting places in Scotland that every Harry Potter fan should visit!

1) Hagrid’s Hut

This hut is located in the Scottish Crannog Centre in Kenmore. It is a unique reconstruction of an ancient loch dwelling in the heart of beautiful Perthshire on a man-made island. Even though the recreational purpose has nothing to do with Harry Potter, it does remind fans of Hagrid’s hut, which makes it really interesting to visit!

2) Godric’s Hollow

This is actually the Dean Village located in Edinburgh. It was an industrial hub back in the ancient days and still remains for travelers to visit. The tranquil village does give a similar vibe to Godric’s Hollow, especially with the elegant castles and buildings!

3) Hogwarts-Like Cloisters

This is located in the University of Glasgow, and it does not look anything special when you first see it because it is just a design of an university, but it has a hint of a Hogwarts feel if you are very familiar with Harry Potter.

4) A Blood-Red Stream

This might sound eerie, but it is actually a natural stream in Finnich. It is a short, steep glen up to 70 feet deep which runs east from Finnich Bridge on the A809. It was carved from the red sandstone by the Carnock Burn.

5) Horcrux Cave

Horcrux Cave is a spooky cave in Ireland. This is the cave where Tom Riddle was taken as a child. The cave was used again when Regulus Black stole the original locket and when Dumbledore and Harry Potter went searching for it. You can visit this cave in real life!

6) Beauxbatons

This is the Dunrobin Castle in Sutherland, which is the inspiration of the Beauxbatons Academy of Magic! The elegant castle resembles the wizarding school. It is the northmost of Scotland’s Great Houses and is one of the most majestic. Harry Potter  fans will like it even if it is not directly related to Harry Potter because of its stunning appearance!

7) Riddle House

Scone Palace is a historical house that was originally the site of an early Christian church, and later an Augustinian priory. Scone Palace was the crowning place of Scottish kings where Macbeth, Robert the Bruce and Charles II were once crowned. It is surrounded by beautiful gardens and peaceful woodland, perfect for a gentle stroll or even a family picnic!

8) Diagon Alley

Victoria Street is a colorful, historical, and beautiful split-level cobbled road, and it’s thought to have been the inspiration for the fictional Diagon Alley, along with the adjacent Candlemaker Row.

9) The Writer’s Museum

This amazing and old building primarily pays tribute to historic Edinburgh-based writers Robert Burns, Sir Walter Scott, and Robert Louis Stevenson, but it also hosts exhibits about J.K. Rowling and Harry Potter as well, making it a fantastic place for anyone who loves books and reading.

10) Luna’s Home

Dun Carloway is a broch that was probably constructed around 200 B.C. The broch was occasionally used in later times as a stronghold. It remains as an important landmark and place of refuge, according to a local legend. The marvelous appearance can be compared with Luna’s home!

11) Grand Staircase

It is actually a staircase at the Glasgow City Chambers, which sadly, does not move magically like the one pictured in Harry Potter. The glorious City Chamber was the headquarters of successive councils serving the City of Glasgow for more than a century!

12) Spoon Café

It is one of the places where J.K Rowling liked to write her books, and it was previously named Nicholson’s Café and was owned by her brother-in-law. Because of his generosity, we now can read the magical novels!

13) George Heriot’s School

This school was built in 1628, and there is rumor that this prestigious school is the inspiration for Hogwarts and the Hogwarts house system. Sadly, it’s not usually open to the public, but it does sometimes host events during the Edinburgh Festival in August.

14) The Elephant House Café

J.K. Rowling wrote parts of the first book in this pretty café’s back room, bringing Harry to life. Because Harry Potter was “born” here, there is graffiti on the wall that says “Accio marker pen!” to signify the importance of the cafe.

15) Glenfinnan Viaduct, Lochaber

This railway was first seen in Chamber of Secrets, when Ron and Harry pilot the flying Ford Anglia to Hogwarts. It’s also the place where Harry encounters a Dementor for the very first time in Prisoner of Azkaban, when the Hogwarts Express stops on the bridge.

I hope all the Harry Potter fans enjoy this article and enjoy the beauty of Scotland!