Scotland | wandering werres

Harry Potter, aka the boy who lived, aka the chosen one, is obviously a very well-known international character. Our travels brought us through parts of England and Scotland, and we luckily stumbled across some very cool bits of HP history.

Tom casting some spizells along with HP and Hermione. He has a special invisible wand.

Glen Nevis National Park

This park is home to a water fall called Steall Falls, which happened to be the location for parts of the Triwizard Tournament in The Goblet of Fire.

View up close of the waterfall.

Edinburgh

Where do I start with Edinburgh and Harry Potter? Edinburgh is basically where JK Rowling lived and conceived her wondrous wizarding world. We had no idea that so much HP history was in Edinburgh, and we were pleasantly, and nerdily, surprised!

The Elephant House

We arrived in Edinburgh after a long day touring some Scotland gems (Stirling Castle, William Walace Memorial, and the Falkirk Wheel). We were stangry and stumbled across this cafe. While we debated the menu on the door, we noticed a small sign that read, “The birthplace of Harry Potter”, and we were sold. Long story short, JK spent a lot of time at this restaurant whilst writing her first HP novel, and was undoubtedly bewitched by the charming view of the castle in the distance.

The birthplace of Harry Potter.

Edinburgh Castle

As just mentioned, JK most likely gazed out at the castle while outlining her novel. The royal castle is believed to be the inspiration for the architectural character of Hogwarts.

Our table view from The Elephant House of the castle.

Greyfriars Cemetary

We took a walking tour of Edinburgh, which led us through this cemetary. The tour guide showed us several tombstones that were inspirations for several characters: Moodie, McGonagall, and Thomas Riddle – yes, Thomas Riddle! We saw Lord Voldemort’s grave! Also in the graveyard was a rear gate to George Heriot’s School.

Elizabeth Moodie = Mad-Eye Moody

Thomas Riddell = Tom Riddle = Voldemort

George Heriot’s School

This was most likely the inspiration for how Hogwarts was divided into four teams.

The view from the cemetary.

London

Millenium Bridge

The Millenium Bridge, otherwise known by locals as the wibbly-wobbly bridge (not because of the movie!), was the scene of a Death Eater attack in The Half-Blood Prince.

Platform 9-3/4, King’s Cross Station

This station was where young wizards begin their journey on the Hogwarts Express. Remember, ordinary muggles can not see this platform or gain access!