A guide to Harry Potter locations in Edinburgh
Here are the places that inspired the novel
JK Rowling moved to Edinburgh in 1993, and with the beginning of Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone in her suitcase, she transformed the way we look at previously obscure pockets of our capital.
There are many fantastic shops and other attractions around the city, as an homage to the incredible writer. Thankfully, we also know about some of the everyday places which played a part in the magic of Harry. Fans flock to Edinburgh to see where the genius unfolded, some claims are disputed, but there are others which have a genuine place in the realisation of JK Rowling's fantastical world.
Spoon (In the spot of Nicolson’s café)
JK Rowling would frequently write in a café called Nicolson's café, which was part-owned by her brother-in-law. She would try to sit at her favourite table and look out over the Edinburgh sights while she brought life to her world of wizardry. Although Nicolson's café is no longer there, a café called Spoon is now on the same site. Many fans enjoy sitting at one of the tables, looking out at the same view as their idol and musing as to her inspiration.
The Elephant House
The Elephant House is another café where JK Rowling would immerse herself in her imagination and unleash her impeccable talent. Still going strong, you can visit The Elephant House today and overlook the same skyline.
Balmoral Hotel
The Balmoral Hotel, and more specifically room number 552, is where she finished writing The Deathly Hallows. She even etched a message in the room 'JK Rowling finished writing Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows in this room (552) on 11th Jan 2007'.
Greyfriars Kirkyard
An old graveyard, Greyfriars Kirkyard is credited with providing the inspiration for some of JK Rowling's character's names. It is suggested that she would read the names on the gravestones as she walked through the yard. This claim hasn't fully been validated, however, there are some familiar names, and the graveyard is very close to both The Elephant House, and Spoon, so she would have frequented the area.
The Real Deal or Smoke and Mirrors?
There are some locations which have laid a claim to a connection with the author or her novels, but they have not been officially substantiated. Here are a couple of those. If you only want to visit the bona fide JK Rowling spots, then perhaps avoid these. Although, you may enjoy them anyway, for their potential connection and the interest they arouse.
Victoria Street
Victoria Street has repeatedly been credited as the inspiration for Diagon Alley. Although the quaint, uneven cobbled street certainly has its similarities with the magical alley, there is no evidence that it is the sole inspiration. Gandy Street in Exeter (where Rowling had previously studied) also lays claim to be the inspiration for Diagon Alley.
George Heriot’s School
It has been suggested that this ancient and dominating building is the inspiration for Hogwarts School. It seems plausible as it is in full view from the cafes where Rowling would write, but no evidence exists of this being the building that sparked the creation of Hogwarts.
If you are a fan of Harry Potter, JK Rowling, or Edinburgh, you will definitely want to see these places. They are all easy to get to, as they are central and within minutes of each other.
Explore the city and see if you can stumble upon the next potential link between Auld Reekie and the world’s most famous wizard.
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