Edinburgh, the enchanting Scottish city, harbors a captivating blend of magic and macabre. The Harry Potter and Horrible Histories Walking Tour invites visitors to uncover the real-life inspirations behind the wizarding world and explore the city’s grisly past. As you stroll through the historic streets, you’ll be transported to the realm of Harry Potter while also confronting Edinburgh‘s dark history – from gruesome executions to the notorious body snatchers. With a maximum of 8 travelers, this personalized experience promises to engage all your senses, leaving you eager to discover more about the city’s remarkable heritage.
Key Points
- The walking tour explores the real-life inspirations behind the magical world of Harry Potter and the grisly history of Edinburgh.
- Participants can discover locations that influenced Hogwarts, Diagon Alley, and other iconic Harry Potter settings.
- The tour also delves into Edinburgh’s dark past, including gruesome executions and the notorious body snatchers Burke and Hare.
- The tour provides a multisensory experience, with tasty snacks and opportunities to engage with the audience.
- The tour is competitively priced at $18.21, with a lowest price guarantee and flexible cancellation policy.
It's also worth checking out some other tours and experiences nearby.
Overview of the Tour
This walking tour in Edinburgh, Scotland provides a captivating exploration of the city’s connections to the Harry Potter book series and the Horrible Histories educational franchise.
Covering 104 reviews, the tour takes participants on a journey through the historic streets of Edinburgh, visiting key locations that inspired J.K. Rowling’s magical world and the settings for the Horrible Histories book and TV series.
With a maximum of 8 travelers, the tour ensures a personalized experience, complete with snacks and all fees and taxes included.
The tour is stroller accessible, though not wheelchair-friendly, and service animals are welcome.
Guests can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, ensuring flexibility in their travel plans.
Meeting and End Points
The tour begins at the National Library of Scotland on George IV Bridge, where guests gather to embark on their magical and historical journey.
The National Library is a fitting starting point, as it houses an impressive collection of books and manuscripts that have inspired many literary works, including the Harry Potter series.
The tour concludes at the Edinburgh City Chambers on the High Street, a stunning landmark that serves as the administrative center of the city.
The journey takes visitors through the heart of Edinburgh, allowing them to explore the city’s rich history and make connections to the beloved works of fiction that have brought the city to life.
What to Expect on the Tour
On this Edinburgh walking tour, participants can expect to be immersed in the worlds of Harry Potter and Horrible Histories. Travelers will uncover the real-life inspirations behind Hogwarts and other magical locations, while also delving into the city’s grisly past. Along the way, tasty snacks are provided to fuel the journey.
The tour offers a multisensory experience that engages the audience:
- Fascinating insights into Edinburgh’s rich history and its connections to popular literature
- Stunning architectural backdrops that evoke a sense of wonder and enchantment
- Engaging storytelling that brings the past to life in vivid detail
- An opportunity to explore the city’s charming nooks and crannies off the beaten path.
Cancellation and Refund Policy
Participants can cancel their booking up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, but changes or cancellations less than 24 hours before the tour aren’t accepted.
If the tour is canceled due to poor weather, the tour operator will offer a different date or a full refund.
The tour is subject to a lowest price guarantee, so customers can rest assured they’re getting the best deal.
With a 4.5-star rating from over 100 reviews, this walking tour of Edinburgh’s Harry Potter and Horrible Histories sites is a popular choice for visitors looking to explore the city’s rich history and literary heritage.
Pricing and Lowest Price Guarantee
This walking tour offers a lowest price guarantee, ensuring customers get the best deal available.
The tour is priced at just $18.21, making it an affordable way to explore the magical and macabre sites of Edinburgh. The pricing includes all fees and taxes, providing excellent value for money.
Some key features of the pricing:
- Competitive rate compared to similar tours in the area
- No hidden costs or extra charges
- Perfect for budget-conscious travelers
- Backed by a lowest price promise for complete peace of mind
With the lowest price guarantee, visitors can book this walking tour with confidence, knowing they’re getting the best possible value for their money.
Exploring Harry Potter Locations
The walking tour takes visitors on a magical journey through the enchanting locations that inspired J.K. Rowling’s beloved Harry Potter series, providing a captivating experience for fans and casual explorers alike. Along the way, guests will discover iconic sites, such as the majestic Balmoral Hotel, which served as the inspiration for Hogwarts, and the charming Grassmarket area, where Rowling found the perfect setting for the wizard’s pub, the Leaky Cauldron. The tour also highlights the picturesque Victoria Street, which bears a striking resemblance to Diagon Alley, and the historic George Heriot’s School, which is said to have influenced the design of Hogwarts.
Location | Connection to Harry Potter |
---|---|
Balmoral Hotel | Inspired Hogwarts |
Grassmarket | Inspired the Leaky Cauldron |
Victoria Street | Resembles Diagon Alley |
George Heriot’s School | Influenced Hogwarts design |
Discovering Horrible Histories in Edinburgh
Along With exploring the Harry Potter landmarks, the tour also delves into the darker historical tales of Edinburgh, known as Horrible Histories. Participants will uncover the city’s grim past, from gruesome executions at the Old Tolbooth to the mysterious disappearance of the Princes in the Tower. The tour guide skillfully weaves these macabre narratives into the journey, transporting visitors back in time.
Key highlights include:
- Witnessing the haunting history of the Grassmarket, where public hangings once took place.
- Discovering the chilling tale of Burke and Hare, notorious body snatchers who terrorized the city.
- Exploring the underground vaults, once home to the city’s poorest residents and rumored to be haunted.
- Uncovering the dark secrets buried beneath the iconic Edinburgh Castle.
Tour Highlights and Key Information
Visitors can look forward to an immersive journey through Edinburgh’s rich history, uncovering the city’s captivating connections to the Harry Potter series and its darker Horrible Histories.
This walking tour takes guests to the National Library of Scotland, where the tour begins, and concludes at the Edinburgh City Chambers. Along the way, travelers will explore iconic sites like the Greyfriars Kirkyard, which inspired the magical world of Harry Potter, and learn about the city’s grim past from the Horrible Histories.
With a maximum of 8 travelers, this intimate experience ensures personalized attention. Snacks are provided, and the tour is stroller-accessible, though not wheelchair-friendly.
Guests can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
Here's a few more nearby tours and experiences we think you'll like.
- Edinburgh Darkside Walking Tour: Mysteries, Murder and Legends
- The Chocolatarium Chocolate Tour Experience in Edinburgh
- Edinburgh Castle Guided Walking Tour in English
- Original Harry Potter Locations Tour in Edinburgh
- Loch Ness and the Scottish Highlands With Lunch From Edinburgh
- Edinburgh Castle: Guided Walking Tour With Entry Ticket
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Join the Tour if I’m Running Late?
If you’re running late, you may be able to join the tour, but it’s best to arrive on time. The tour has a strict start time, and late arrivals may not be accommodated. It’s recommended to plan ahead to ensure you don’t miss the tour.
Is There a Discount for Students or Seniors?
The tour does not offer any discounts for students or seniors. The price is a flat rate of $18.21 per person, with no special pricing available based on age or student status.
Can I Bring My Own Snacks and Drinks?
Yes, participants can bring their own snacks and drinks on this tour. However, the tour provider will also offer snacks as part of the included experience. It’s best to check with the tour organizers for any specific policies or recommendations.
How Long Does the Tour Last?
The tour lasts approximately 2.5 hours. It starts at the National Library of Scotland and ends at the Edinburgh City Chambers, providing ample time to explore the city’s fascinating history and landmarks along the way.
Is Photography Allowed During the Tour?
Photography is allowed during the tour. Participants are free to take photos throughout the walking tour, as long as they do not disrupt the experience or infringe on the privacy of others.
Not for you? Here's more of our most recent tour reviews happening neaby
- The Alba Adventure – a 2-7 Day Private Tour of Scotland
- Romantic Edinburgh: True Love Outdoor Escape Game
- Edinburgh: Extreme Paranormal Underground Ghost Tour
- Edinburgh: Must-See In App Audio Tour
- Edinburgh: Underground Vaults Tour
- From Edinburgh: Outlander Full-Day Tour in English
- From Edinburgh: Loch Lomond, Stirling Castle & The Kelpies
- Edinburgh: Scenic Bike Tour
- Edinburgh Private Walking Tour in Spanish
- Edinburgh Ghost Audio Tour on Your Phone (in English)
- Edinburgh Castle: Guided Tour With Live Guide
- Private Custom Tour With a Local Guide in Edinburgh
- Private Edinburgh Full Day Tour
- Stone & Story: Rosslyn Chapel & Melrose Abbey Private Day Trip
- Scottish Highland Games Day Tour From Edinburgh
Recap
The Harry Potter and Horrible Histories Walking Tour in Edinburgh offers a captivating exploration of the city’s magical and dark history.
Visitors can enjoy the real-life inspirations behind Hogwarts and other iconic locations, while also delving into Edinburgh’s grisly past.
With a personalized experience and engaging content, this tour provides a multisensory journey through the heart of the historic city.