Visiting Harry Potter Filming Locations in Scotland
During our Road Trip around Scotland, it was a very high priority to visit a few places which so happened to feature in the Harry Potter movies. It’s no secret that I’m a huge fan of the series, I’ve visited the Warner Bros Studio Tour numerous times, visited various other filming locations in England and I even went to the final movie premiere in London! It’s no surprise that Scotland was chosen as a backdrop for many scenes as it’s just stunning. I thought I would share some of the places we visited and how to find them.
Glenfinnan Viaduct
After a night in Fort William, our first stop of the day was Glenfinnan Viaduct. You’ll notice this location from Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets. It was used in the famous scene of Harry and Ron flying the blue Ford Anglia car above the Hogwarts Express. It really is a stunning location and we timed it perfectly to see the Jacobite Steam Train travel across the Viaduct.
The Jacobite Steam Train travels between Fort William and Mallaig and will cross the Glenfinnan Viaduct twice a day. I’d advise checking train times before you visit but when we visited the steam train left Fort William at 10 am and usually will cross the Viaduct 45 minutes later. We were told to arrive around 30 minutes before the train was due (10.15 am) just to secure a parking spot. I believe there are a few spots you can park but we parked at the Glenfinnan Viaduct and Monument Visitor Centre. I’d say we were travelling out of season and car parking spots were quickly filling up.
We wanted a spot on the hill overlooking the Viaduct and found it pretty simple to get there. Although there are lots of other viewpoints too. From the car park, we walked along the main round (over the bridge) for a couple of minutes before turning right and following the pathway where you will see the Viaduct in its full glory. The path on the hillside is easy to follow and not too steep. As I said there was still a lot of people there but you could easily space out and get a fantastic view.
You’ll be able to hear the train before you see it. I’m not going to lie, it was a pretty magical moment. I personally thought the Glenfinnan Viaduct visit was a highlight of the whole trip. Not only was it amazing to see such an incredible location from the Harry Potter movies but it was just the anticipation of the steam train which made it quite exciting!
Loch Shiel
Loch Shiel is actually just across the road from the Glenfinnan Visitor Centre and you’ll spot the Glenfinnan Monument overlooking the incredible lake. Apparently, you’ll be able to see parts of Loch Shiel used in ALL eight movies! It was used as the backdrop for the Hogwarts Lake. You might recognise it from when Harry rides Buckbeak or from the beautiful view from the Astronomy Tower in the Half-Blood Prince. Loch Shiel was also featured in the Goblet of Fire in the underwater challenge during the Tri-Wizard Tournament.
Loch Elit
After leaving Glenfinnan, we were making our way towards Mallaig to catch the ferry across to the Isle of Skye. We were really lucky to realise we were driving next to Loch Elit which is another location featured in the Harry Potter movies. In the middle of Loch Elit, is the island which features as Dumbledores final resting place and also where Voldermort comes to steal the Elder Wand.
There is no official pull in along the road which is alongside Loch Elit. There were a few incidents trying to find somewhere to pull in without ruining the car and going into a ditch. We first pulled in and made our way down to the lakeside and saw the island across the lake and I just wasn’t convinced it was the right spot… turns out it wasn’t. We then pulled in further along the road and this time we had got it right. There was a little hill which we could shoot some great photos but it was very very muddy in this area.
Glen Coe
I also wanted to mention Glen Coe. This is where they filmed the scenes for Hagrid’s Hut and I believe a few more backdrops including when Hermione punches Draco. The scenery around here is truly stunning, there’s no surprise why it was featured in the Harry Potter movies and also as Skyfall in the 007 series. I didn’t go to the exact spot where Hagrid’s Hut was but I believe it’s beside Torren Lochan in Clachaig Gully.
Elephant House Cafe, Edinburgh
There are a few more locations which I visited in Edinburgh which were used as inspiration or played an important part in the creation of Harry Potter. The Elephant Cafe which is located on George IV Bridge just off the Royal Mile. It claims it’s “the birthplace of Harry Potter” which is kinda true as part of the series was written from the back room in this cafe alongside Spoon Cafe (which is said where the first book was written). I do love visiting The Elephant House Cafe as it kinda feels like a pretty normal cafe with a few pieces of memorabilia dotted about. That is until you take a visit to the toilets and it’s pretty much a shrine to the Harry Potter fans.
Greyfriars Kirkyard, Edinburgh
Just around the corner from The Elephant House Cafe is Greyfriars Kirkyard which is quite a well-known graveyard. Not only does it have claims that it’s one of the most haunted graveyards in the world, but it’s also provided a lot of inspiration to the Harry Potter series. When we visited last month, there was actually four Harry Potter walking tours taking place around the graveyard. One of the most visited places in Greyfriars Kirkyard will be the original Tom Riddle grave! You can also spot some more familiar names such as McGonagall, Moodie and Scrimgeour. Also, just across the churchyard’s walls is the George Heriot’s school which is said to have heavily influenced Hogwarts and the Hogwarts Houses.
Victoria Street, Edinburgh
Another spot in Edinburgh which is said to have inspired the novels is Victoria Street. This steep street lined with colourful buildings is said to inspire the description of Diagon Alley from the books. It certainly is a beautiful street filled with independent shops and worth checking out. There is no denying that Edinburgh inspired the books. It’s wonderful to visit these places in person and see them come alive.
I’m sure there are many more locations in Scotland but these are the ones we could incorporate into our itinerary. I’m so glad we visited Glennfinann Viaduct though as it was a total highlight of our trip. I have previously written a post on some of my favourite Harry Potter Filming Locations in London but there are so many more locations across the UK. Places such as Alnwick Castle, Durham Cathedral and Oxford University feature in the movies and with a lot more UK travel on the cards, I think a few visits could be in order. In particular, I want to visit the location of Dobby’s grave which is in Wales.
Have you visited any Harry Potter locations?
