What is the main focus of this 8-day itinerary?

This tour is designed for fans of the Harry Potter series, offering a comprehensive journey through key filming locations and inspirational sites in London and Scotland. The itinerary includes visits to the Warner Bros. Studio Tour, iconic movie settings like Gloucester Cathedral, and a journey on The Jacobite Steam Train, widely known as the Hogwarts Express.

What is the best time of year to take this trip?

This trip can be enjoyed year-round. For milder weather and longer daylight hours, consider booking between May and September. The autumn months (September to November) provide a particularly atmospheric experience, mirroring the start of the Hogwarts school term. Be advised that The Jacobite Steam Train operates seasonally, typically from April to October.

Is this trip suitable for families with children?

Yes, this itinerary can be altered for families and fans of all ages. The activities are engaging for both children and adults. However, please note that the itinerary involves considerable walking and travel by train, which may be challenging for very young children.

Can the itinerary be customized?

Yes, we can customized your Harry Potter themed journey. Do note that customizations will change the price of the trip.

Harry Potter Itinerary: 8-Day London & Scotland Tour

Overview

Itinerary

Cost

FAQs

Map

London and Scotland - Harry Potter Filming Sights Overview

Pack your trunks and prepare your wands for an enchanting journey through the very heart of the wizarding world. This 8-day spellbinding itinerary whisks you away to the muggle and magical streets of London before transporting you north to the rugged beauty of Scotland. From walking the real Diagon Alley to riding the actual Hogwarts Express, this trip is crafted specifically for witches, wizards, and magical creatures who dream of stepping into the pages of their favorite story.

Highlights

Walking Tour of Magical London: Visit the real-life inspirations for Diagon Alley and the Leaky Cauldron.
Warner Bros. Studio Tour London: Step onto authentic sets, discover the magic behind the special effects, and explore the secrets of the films.
Platform 9 ¾: snap the iconic photo pushing your trolley through the barrier at King's Cross Station.
The Jacobite Steam Train: Board the real Hogwarts Express for a breathtaking journey across the Glenfinnan Viaduct.
Alnwick Castle: Master your broomstick skills at the filming location for Madame Hooch’s flying lessons.
Edinburgh's Wizarding History: Explore the graveyards and cafes that inspired J.K. Rowling's writing.

Day 01 :

Arrival in the Muggle Capital (London)

Morning & Afternoon:
Touch down in London and transfer to your central accommodation. After checking in, take time to explore the city where the magic began. While the muggles rush about their business, keep your eyes peeled for hidden magical entrances.

Evening:
Enjoy a welcome dinner at a traditional British pub, perhaps spotting a Leaky Cauldron-esque entrance or two. Rest up, for your magical education begins at dawn.

Accommodation: 4 – 5 Star Accommodations

Day 02 :

The Making of Magic

Morning:
Board the shuttle bus to Warner Bros. Studio Tour London – The Making of Harry Potter. This is the ultimate pilgrimage for any fan. You’ll walk the stone floors of the Great Hall, peek into Dumbledore’s office, and stroll down Diagon Alley.

Afternoon:
Continue your self-guided tour, examining props like the Potions classroom jars and the intricate costumes. Don’t forget to sample a frothy Butterbeer™ in the backlot café before browsing the gift shop for your house colors.

Evening:
Return to central London. The evening is yours to explore the West End, perhaps catching a magical theatre performance if you’ve booked tickets in advance (Harry Potter and the Cursed Child is playing at the Palace Theatre).

Accommodation: 4 – 5 Star Accommodations

Day 03 :

Hidden Magic of London

Morning:
Meet your guide for a Magical London Walking Tour. Visit Leadenhall Market (the entrance to the Leaky Cauldron in the first film) and Borough Market (the entrance in the third film). See the narrow streets that inspired Diagon Alley and Knockturn Alley.

Afternoon:
Head to King’s Cross Station. Visit the Harry Potter Shop at Platform 9 ¾ and take your photo pushing a trolley through the brick wall. Afterward, visit the House of MinaLima in Soho to see the graphic art of the wizarding world.

Evening:
Enjoy a free evening. We recommend seeking out a potion-making cocktail class at The Cauldron for an immersive molecular mixology experience.

Accommodation: 4 – 5 Star Accommodations

Day 04 :

Journey North to Hogwarts Territory

Morning:
Travel by train from London King’s Cross to Edinburgh, Scotland. Watch the English countryside transform into rolling hills as you head toward the ancient capital.

Afternoon:
Upon arrival in Edinburgh, check into your hotel. This city is the spiritual home of the series. Take a walk down Victoria Street, the colorful, winding street often cited as the real inspiration for Diagon Alley.

Evening:
Dine at The Elephant House (once reopened) or nearby cafes where Rowling penned early chapters.

Accommodation: 4 – 5 Star Accommodations

Day 05 :

The Birthplace of Harry Potter

Morning:
Embark on a Potter-themed walking tour of Edinburgh. Visit Greyfriars Kirkyard to find the grave of Thomas Riddell (Tom Riddle) and William McGonagall. See George Heriot’s School, a turreted masterpiece that rivals Hogwarts in architecture.

Afternoon:
Explore Edinburgh Castle sitting atop its volcanic rock, reminiscent of the school on the cliff. Visit the Museum on the Mound (once the Bank of Scotland HQ) to see money that looks suspiciously like Galleons.

Evening:
Enjoy a ghostly underground tour of Edinburgh’s vaults—perfect for those interested in the darker arts or Nearly Headless Nick’s history.

Accommodation: 4 – 5 Star Accommodations

Day 06 :

Hallowed Halls & Hearty Feasts

Early Morning:
Board an early train to Gloucester Cathedral, the iconic filming location for many of Hogwarts’ memorable corridor scenes. Wander the cloisters and relive moments from the films as you explore this magnificent structure.

Afternoon:
Return to Edinburgh by mid-afternoon. In your spare time, stroll Victoria Street or visit a favorite café for a restorative butterbeer.

Evening:
Join your group for an Edinburgh pub crawl, sampling local brews and toasting to magical adventures in legendary Scottish taverns.

Accommodation: 4 – 5 Star Accommodations

Day 07 :

The Hogwarts Express Experience

Morning:
Depart early for Fort William to board The Jacobite Steam Train, the authentic Hogwarts Express.

Optional Stop:
For those wishing to revisit the world of broomstick training, consider an optional stop in Alnmouth on your way. From Alnmouth, a short taxi ride brings you to the gates of Alnwick Castle—a quintessential filming location for Madame Hooch’s flying lessons and iconic Hogwarts scenes. After your visit, return to your route and continue north.

Afternoon:
Experience the thrill of crossing the Glenfinnan Viaduct. Have your cameras ready to capture the curve of the track—a scene immortalized in the flying car sequence. The train stops at Mallaig before returning, offering stunning views of Loch Shiel (the Black Lake).

Evening:
Return to Edinburgh for a Farewell Feast to celebrate the end of your

Accommodation: 4 – 5 Star Accommodations

Day 08 :

Mischief Managed

Morning:
Enjoy a final Scottish breakfast. Depending on your flight time, you might have a moment for last-minute souvenir shopping on Victoria Street.

Afternoon:
Transfer to Edinburgh Airport for your flight home, or catch the train back to London if departing from there. Your journey concludes, but the magic stays with you.