5 places every Harry Potter fan should visit in Edinburgh

This week, Harry Potter turns 20. And that, we think makes it the perfect time to take a trip to where it all began. J K Rowling was living in Edinburgh in Scotland when she started writing Harry Potter and she was inspired by her surroundings.  A tour through these places is a must if you are a Potterhead. 

The Elephant House

Start your trip with a breakfast at the cafe which prides itself on being the 'birthplace' of Harry Potter. Rowling was a struggling single parent and she used to spend hours together at this cafe. And it was here that she started writing Harry Potter, which would later bring her fame and recognition. She has time and again gone on record as saying that she used to spend time at the cafes for their free heating and cozy atmosphere because she could not afford it those days.  Many cafes do claim to have hosted Rowling, but The Elephant House has photos of the author while she was writing the book and quotes from Rowling herself. 

5 places every Harry Potter fan should visit in Edinburgh
This cafe is a favorite haunt for the many budding writers. Photo: Facebook

George Heriot's School

Just around the corner from the Elephant House is the George Heriot's School, which many believe is the main inspiration for Hogwarts. It was built in 1628 and looks straight out of a fairy-tale. The school, however, is not open to the public, but you can gaze up at its turrets from far away too. And the best time to visit is during Edinburgh Festival in August. 

5 places every Harry Potter fan should visit in Edinburgh
Looks like Hogwarts? Photo: Getty Images

Greyfriars Kirkyard

Have you wondered how Rowling came up with the names Riddle and McGonagall for her characters? Well, if you were to stroll down the Greyfriars Kirkyard, the resting place of many academic, writers and philanthropists, you will stumble upon the secret.  Do not be surprised if you see scribbled notes next to the grave of Thomas Riddell, a gentleman from Edinburgh who is said to have inspired the author with the true name of Lord Voldemort. A poet,  William McGonagall, who they say wrote the worst poems in English,  inspired the name for the much admired Professor McGonagall.

5 places every Harry Potter fan should visit in Edinburgh
A Riddell rests here. Photo: Getty Images

Victoria Street

A split-level cobbled road, again, not far from The Elephant House is said to be the inspiration for Diagon Alley.  Victorian turrets, Gothic spires and narrow old buildings with novelty joke shops do not really look out of place here. However, the street has a dark past. During the 17th century, it housed Major Thomas Weir's house.  Known as the Wizard of the West Bow, he was executed for witchcraft and was the inspiration for Robert Louis Stevenson's 'Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde'.

5 places every Harry Potter fan should visit in Edinburgh
Colorful? Photo: Getty Images

The Balmoral Hotel

Rowling spent her days at room number 552, also known as the Rowling suite of The Balmoral Hotel to finish writing 'Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows'. And we will let you in on what you will find here. An autographed marble bust of the Greek god of travel, Hermes, and a writing desk on which Rowling wrote the book. A stay here will cost you a little over £1,000. 

5 places every Harry Potter fan should visit in Edinburgh
The Balmoral Hotel. Photo: Getty Images

So, what are you waiting for? Plan a visit.

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