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We hope you enjoy exploring the top 8 Harry Potter places to visit. This new and updated blog for 2026 will help you make the most of your visit to the Highlands and walk in Harry Potter’s footsteps; plus some tips on how to make the most of your magical stay in the Highlands. Choose the 4 Star Inverness Palace Hotel & Spa as your base for Harry Potter adventuring.
Top 8 Harry Potter Places to Visit
Spellbinding Highlands
It is no wonder that JK Rowling, a fellow Scot, couldn’t fail to be moved by the beauty of the Highlands. The stunning Glenfinnan Viaduct, inspiration for the Hogwarts Express, is the most iconic symbol of Scotland’s natural wonders in the movie series. However Harry Potter lovers, can tell you of so many more fabulous locations dotted all over the Highlands which provided the stunning backdrop to Harry’s adventures.
Take a Trip on the Hogwarts Express
If you want to experience the Hogwarts Express for yourself then you need to book a journey on the Jacobite Steam Train, which departs Fort William trains station daily. This fabulous route has been described as one of the great railway journeys of the world, you will enjoy an 84 mile round trip which takes you past a list of impressive sights.
Starting near the highest mountain in Britain, Ben Nevis, it visits Britain’s most westerly mainland railway station, Arisaig; passes close by the deepest freshwater loch in Britain, Loch Morar and the shortest river in Britain, River Morar, finally arriving next to the deepest seawater loch in Europe, Loch Nevis!
The operators of the nicknamed Hogwarts Express, West Coast Railways, operators of officially ‘The Jacobite’, provided the steam engine and carriages for the ‘Hogwarts Express’ the train appeared in ‘The Philosopher’s Stone’ and many others times in the magical series of films.
Some of the carriages of ‘The Jacobite’ are those used in the ‘Harry Potter’ films. You maybe lucky and sit in Harry’s seat! The train stops en route to Mallaig at the village of Glenfinnan. You will pass the Glenfinnan monument, where Bonnie Prince Charlie raised his standard. Beyond Glenfinnan are the beautiful villages of Lochailort, Arisaig, Morar and Mallaig. You may alight at Arisaig by request to the guard. From here, on a clear summer’s day, you can see the “Small Isles” of Rum, Eigg, Muck, Canna and the southern tip of Skye. The train continues on from here passing Morar and the silvery beaches used in the films “Highlander” and “Local Hero”.
If you get the chance to visit Glenfinnan then take it. It was here, on 19th August 1745, that Bonnie Prince Charlie rowed ashore and began his ultimately unsuccessful attempt to win back the thrones of Scotland and England for the Stuarts. The event is commemorated by an impressive 18 metre high memorial, built in 1815, you are able to climb the stone steps inside the memorial. There is a small charge (£5 for adults, £3 for children). Your dizzying climb will be rewarded with gorgeous views over Loch Shiel and the surrounding mountains. If you are interested in your Jacobite history there is also a National Trust visitor centre outlining the events of the ‘45 .
Magical Waterfall Walk
When you return to Fort William, after a day on the train you may want to stretch your legs, you can hike through the Inner gorge to the Steall Falls. This stunning waterfall is featured in Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire when Harry faces down a Hungarian Horntail dragon in the Triwizard Tournament. It’s a lovely trek, winding your way along narrow paths through the forest, climbing steadily until you open out into the Glen.
Clachaig Inn
If you have the time you can stop at the Clachaig Inn, just off the A82, in the valley of Glencoe it also happens to be a filming location for Hagrid’s Hut in the third movie installment, Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban. The Inn has been a popular watering hole with walkers for 300 years, enjoy a refreshment and remember the fabulous Robbie Coltrane as Hagrid.
Glen Etive
This fabulously famous location, many of you may recognise if from James Bond’s Skyfall and Braveheart. You will want to explore this area on foot, take some pics of the surrounding glen and of course the dauntingly stunning peaks. Glen Etive featured in Harry Potter films, after fleeing Gringott’s Bank with the help of a dragon in the final movie, Harry and his friends are dropped into the beautiful Loch. Glen Etive is a breathtaking place, it is easy to see why it captures the heart of movie makers.
Rannoch Moor – Death Eaters Journey
If you hop on the train wither to or from Glasgow to Fort William you will journey through the stark and striking landscape of Rannoch Moor. There really is an eerie, awe inspiring feeling as you cross this striking landscape. This famous spot is the back drop of the scene where the Death Eaters enter the Hogwarts express!
Harry Potter Guided Tours From Inverness
Let someone else do the driving and enjoy the fabulous scenery, let them make the train on time and just simply enjoy a Magical day out! Have a look at WOW Tours or Happy Tours both of these popular and expert operators leave from Inverness. You can join a larger group or book a private tour. We can’t think of a more relaxing way to immerse yourself in the stunning Highlands and enjoy walking in Harry’s footsteps.
Top Harry Potter Attractions in Edinburgh & Glasgow
University of Glasgow Cloisters
If you are lucky enough to visit these stunning architectural gems, you may be struck by the similarity to Hogwarts fabulous gothic architecture. It is not hard to imagine that the cloisters may have left a lasting impression on JK Rowling. Founded in 1451, the University of Glasgow is the fourth-oldest in the English-speaking world, try and include a guided tour around this magical space.
Greyfriars Kirkyard Edinburgh
Greyfriars Kirkyard is located in the heart of Edinburgh’s Old Town, the Kirk was founded in 1620. It has to be said this Kirkyard will leave an impression on your senses, explorethis infamous, spine-tingling graveyard and burial place of several notable Edinburgh academics and writers of the past. However, also buried here are a few other notable residents: Thomas Riddell, William McGonagall and Elizabeth Moodie. JK Rowling has mentioned they may have subconsciously inspired her writing. We are sure a list to Greyfriars will impact you!
The Elephant House
The Elephant House claims that JK Rowling spent endless hours creating her magical stories whilst sitting gazing out at Edinburgh Castle. As a result the café has become known as the ‘Birthplace of Harry Potter’. Whilst in the city stop at the Edinburgh City Chambers, on the Royal Mile to see JK Rowling’s handprints set in stone.
The elephant House is a popular place for Scottish Authors, Ian Rankin, author of the bestselling Rebus novels, and Alexander McCall-Smith, author of The No.1 Ladies’ Detective Agency and other series of novels, have also frequented The Elephant House, as well as many others throughout the years. You too can experience the magic of this famous venue, sip a cup of tea or locally roasted coffee and take in the inspirational view.
Stay With Us
Stay at the Inverness Palace Hotel and Spa, family owned 4 star hotel, opposite Inverness Castle, on the banks of the River Ness; your time to stay in style and enjoy highland hospitality. Check out your Seasonal Offers and after your busy day of exploring you can relax in the pool at the beautifully refurbished luxury leisure club and dine in the newly renovated Eight on the River.
You will enjoy a truly memorable Inverness Escape, call us 01463 223243 or email Palace for your best offers direct. Book Direct for the very best offers. There is so much to Do, See & Share with your special people, see your explore page. Choose to stay with us at Inverness Palace Hotel & Spa, a family run hotel in the heart of Inverness; we look forward to welcoming you soon! Remember #bookdirect for your best offers.
