Start Your Story in Scotland

Where history meets breathtaking beauty, and every visit feels like an escape.

Inspiration for your trip

Step into a land steeped in history and legend, explore our dramatic landscapes and uncover our ancient Celtic roots. Vast lochs, glens and Munros - easily accessible from our vibrant cities and towns - make Scotland the perfect place to lose yourself.

Plan an epic trip to Scotland

Did we catch your eye during the 2026 World Cup? Or did you hear our lively Tartan Army first? Come and experience that warm welcome for yourself with an unforgettable holiday packed with beautiful landscapes, unmissable events and of course, our friendly Scots.

Highland games in Scotland

From the tug o' war to the caber toss, Scotland's Highland games are not to be missed.

The Northern Lights in Scotland

Nature's most dramatic winter light display. Discover more about this otherworldly natural phenomenon.

12 Must-visit historic towns in Scotland

Get ready to take a journey through some of the finest historic towns in Scotland.

Scottish whisky

Whisky is Scotland's best known export and has been proudly produced throughout the country for hundreds of years.

Final countdown to Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games

Follow the King’s Baton Relay across Scotland as we countdown to 11 days of world-class action with 3,000 athletes from 74 nations competing across 10 sports!

Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games

Discover unique experiences in Scotland

Discover hidden gems, plan your perfect trip, or find exactly what you need—from scenic hikes and cosy cottages to events and cultural experiences.

Discover Scotland's vibrant events and festivals

Scottish music festivals

See your favourite artists at this year's lineup of Scottish music festivals.

Edinburgh Festivals

Discover Edinburgh's summer festivals, including the world-famous Edinburgh International Festival and Edinburgh Festival Fringe.

Events and festivals in Scotland

There's something happening in Scotland right now that the whole family will love.

Summertime in Scotland

Embrace long summer days in Scotland with plenty of experiences to enjoy from gentle coastal walks by the sea to festivals filled with local tunes, incredible art and hilarious comedy.

Summer holidays & breaks in Scotland

Find ideas and inspiration, from family days out to top camping spots, walks and outdoor activities.

Scotland's islands

Find out about the hundreds of islands in Scotland including Arran, Lewis, Skye, Outer Hebrides and Shetland. Plan the perfect island getaway today.

The best tours of Scotland - luxury & scenic tours

Tour Scotland at your own pace with these fantastic ideas.

Your Scottish adventure starts here

Use our interactive map to explore wild landscapes, vibrant cities, rich culture, and hidden historic gems to craft your personal Scottish experience.

Map of Scotland

Scotland as seen on TV!

From Tara Lipinski and Johnny Weir's luxury Scotland itinerary to local suggestions on the highlights of Glasgow and Dumfries & Galloway, check out this top advice on trips across Scotland.

Tara & Johnny's luxury Scotland itinerary

Have you been inspired by Tara & Johnny's Scotland itinerary as seen on NBC's Extra Mile Club? Read on and plan your own Scottish adventure.

Channel 4's Where to next? Scotland itinerary

Follow in the footsteps of comedians Fatiha El-Ghorri and John Tothill on their unforgettable journey through Scotland.

Scotland trip itineraries

Plan your days in Scotland with the help of our suggested itineraries.

Your pictures of Scotland

Share your images by tagging @VisitScotland 

JavaScript needs to be enabled to see social media images for this place. You can turn this on in your browser settings.

Join our Newsletter Clan

Get Scotland inspiration direct to your inbox. Don't miss the inside track from our Scotland experts on exciting trip ideas, unique attractions and hidden gems loved by locals.

Get the Scotland newsletter

Victoria Street Edinburgh

© Votura

Edinburgh

Harry Potter Sites of Edinburgh: Self-Guided Walking Tour

Explore Edinburgh’s Harry Potter connections on a four-hour self-guided walk with the Votura app. Visit Rowling landmarks, Victoria Street, MinaLima, Greyfriars Kirkyard and other magical Old Town locations.

Experience Edinburgh’s fascinating connection to J.K. Rowling and the world of Harry Potter on this self-guided walking tour through the historic city centre. Discover famous writing locations, atmospheric streets, magical shops, historic graveyards and places commonly associated with the creation of the wizarding world—all while exploring at your own pace with the Votura app.

Starting outside The Balmoral, your journey begins at the hotel where J.K. Rowling completed Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, the final novel in the original Harry Potter series. From here, continue into Edinburgh’s Old Town to the City Chambers, where you can find Rowling’s handprints among those of other recipients of the prestigious Edinburgh Award.

The route then leads to House of MinaLima, created by Miraphora Mina and Eduardo Lima, the graphic designers responsible for much of the distinctive artwork featured in the Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts films. Their work includes Hogwarts letters, magical newspapers, books, maps and many other recognisable objects from the wizarding world.

Continue to colourful Victoria Street, one of Edinburgh’s most photographed historic streets. Its curved layout, brightly painted shopfronts and unusual architecture are frequently compared with Diagon Alley, although J.K. Rowling has never officially confirmed that it provided the inspiration.

While on Victoria Street, visit Museum Context, a magical-themed shop filled with officially licensed Harry Potter gifts, collectables, curiosities and atmospheric displays. Take time to browse its different floors and enjoy one of the most popular destinations for Harry Potter fans in Edinburgh.

Your walk continues to The Elephant House, one of the Edinburgh cafés closely associated with J.K. Rowling’s early writing years. Rowling spent time writing in several cafés around the city while developing the story that would eventually become one of the world’s most successful literary series.

From there, enter the historic Greyfriars Kirkyard and explore its atmospheric pathways, ancient monuments and weathered gravestones. Look for surnames familiar to Harry Potter readers, including Riddell, McGonagall, Moodie and Potter. These graves are often linked with possible character-name inspiration, although some of the claimed connections remain popular theories rather than confirmed facts.

Nearby, admire George Heriot’s School, an impressive historic building with towers, courtyards and a traditional house system. Its appearance has encouraged frequent comparisons with Hogwarts, but the connection has never been officially confirmed. George Heriot’s is a working school and should be viewed respectfully from outside its grounds.

Finish the tour at Spoon on Nicolson Street, at premises associated with the former Nicolson’s Café. J.K. Rowling wrote parts of the early Harry Potter story here while living in Edinburgh, making it one of the city’s most significant locations connected with the beginnings of the books.

Using the Votura app, you’ll receive GPS-guided walking navigation together with engaging audio commentary that brings every location to life through fascinating stories, literary connections, local history and magical legends. Enjoy the freedom to explore at your own pace, pause whenever you wish and spend more time at the places that interest you most.

Tour Highlights

The Balmoral – Visit the hotel where J.K. Rowling completed Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows.

City Chambers – See J.K. Rowling’s handprints, created after she received the Edinburgh Award.

House of MinaLima – Discover the work of the graphic designers behind many famous objects and designs from the Harry Potter films.

Victoria Street – Explore the colourful curved street frequently compared with Diagon Alley.

Museum Context – Browse a magical-themed shop filled with Harry Potter gifts, collectables and displays.

The Elephant House – Visit one of the Edinburgh cafés associated with J.K. Rowling’s early writing years.

Greyfriars Kirkyard – Search for historic gravestones bearing surnames familiar to Harry Potter readers.

George Heriot’s School – View the historic school frequently compared with Hogwarts from outside its grounds.

Spoon – Finish at the Nicolson Street premises where J.K. Rowling worked on parts of the early Harry Potter story.

This is an independent and unofficial Harry Potter-themed experience. It is not endorsed by or affiliated with J.K. Rowling, Warner Bros. or the official Harry Potter franchise.


How it works:

• First-time users should download the Votura app from the Apple App Store or Google Play.

• Open the app and create a Votura account.

• Once registered, visit Votura’s free Premium trial page.

• iPhone users: click “Redeem on iPhone” to open the App Store and complete the trial activation process.

• Android users: click “Start Trial on Android”. This opens the Votura app and activates the free trial automatically.

• Return to the app, open this tour and begin at the Forth Bridges Viewpoint.

• Follow the route map and in-app navigation from one stop to the next.

• At each location, play the audio to hear stories, history and useful context about the place.

• Pause the tour, take breaks or spend longer at any stop. There is no fixed timetable and no guide to keep up with.


This is a digital self-guided experience provided by Votura. It does not include a vehicle, driver, fuel, parking, food, drinks or admission to paid attractions. Visitors should arrange their own transport and check parking, ticket prices, opening hours and accessibility directly with each venue.


The first 7 days of Votura Premium are free. A weekly subscription begins after the trial unless cancelled through the relevant App Store or Google Play subscription settings.


A smartphone, headphones and suitable footwear are recommended. Some stops include cobbled streets, uneven ground and outdoor locations.

A partire da £0 per adulto

Giorni di partenza

  • Lunedì
  • Martedì
  • Mercoledì
  • Giovedì
  • Venerdì
  • Sabato
  • Domenica

Gennaio — Dicembre

Prenota ora

Contatti

Votura

220 Elizabeth Drive
Bathgate
West Lothian
United Kingdom
EH48 1HU
Vedere informazioni sulla compagnia

Tour information

Partenza

  • Edinburgh

Durata

½ Day

Transporto

  • Walking

Lingue

  • Arabic
  • Chinese
  • English
  • French
  • German
  • Hindi
  • Italian
  • Japanese
  • Korean
  • Portuguese
  • Russian
  • Spanish

Temi

  • Architecture
  • City
  • Family
  • Film and TV
  • Food and drink
  • History
  • Landscapes
  • Literature
  • Outdoor Activities
  • Walking
  • Walking/Hiking
  • Whisky

Prezzi dei tour

A partire da

Prenota ora

I prezzi sono soggetti a variazioni a seconda della stagione

Tappe del tour

Galleria

Votura

Informazioni sulla compagnia

Votura

Votura is an AI-powered travel app that helps visitors explore Scotland independently. Create personalised self-guided walking and driving tours around your available time, interests and preferred pace; discover nearby castles, museums, landmarks, scenic places and hidden gems; and listen to engaging audio stories as you travel. Available anytime through the Votura app, it makes planning and exploring Scotland easier, more flexible and more personal.

Visita Votura

Orari di apertura

Open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Tours are self-guided and available through the Votura app.

Altri tour da questa compagnia

Visita:Forth Bridges, Anstruther & St Andrews: Self-Guided Dri...
Forth Bridges, Anstruther & St Andrews: Self-Guided Dri...

Forth Bridges, Anstruther & St Andrews: Self-Guided Dri...

Partenza: Edinburgh

Drive from the Forth Bridges to Anstruther and St Andrews on a self-guided Votur...

Validità:

1 day(s)

Prezzo a partire da:

FREE

Visita: Sito web
Visita:Edinburgh Castle to Calton Hill: Self-Guided Royal Mile...
Edinburgh Castle to Calton Hill: Self-Guided Royal Mile...

Edinburgh Castle to Calton Hill: Self-Guided Royal Mile...

Partenza: Edinburgh - City Centre

Votura’s self-guided audio tour follows Edinburgh’s Royal Mile from Edinburgh Ca...

Validità:

1 day(s)

Prezzo a partire da:

FREE

Visita: Sito web
Visita:Forth Bridge, Stirling Castle, Wallace Monument & Linli...
Forth Bridge, Stirling Castle, Wallace Monument & Linli...

Forth Bridge, Stirling Castle, Wallace Monument & Linli...

Partenza: Edinburgh

Drive from Edinburgh to the Forth Bridge, Stirling Castle, the National Wallace...

Validità:

1 day(s)

Prezzo a partire da:

FREE

Visita: Sito web
Visita:Forth Bridge, Stirling Castle, Linlithgow Palace & Blac...
Forth Bridge, Stirling Castle, Linlithgow Palace & Blac...

Forth Bridge, Stirling Castle, Linlithgow Palace & Blac...

Partenza: Edinburgh

Drive from Edinburgh to the Forth Bridge, Stirling Castle, Linlithgow Palace and...

Validità:

1 day(s)

Prezzo a partire da:

FREE

Visita: Sito web

Il contenuto di questa inserzione è fornito dal relativo operatore terzo e non da VisitScotland. VisitScotland non si assume alcuna responsabilità per (1) eventuali errori o dichiarazioni errate contenute in questa inserzione e (2) per il contenuto di qualsiasi link esterno all'interno dell'inserzione ((1) e (2) insieme di seguito denominati 'Contenuto'). VisitScotland esclude ogni responsabilità per perdite o danni causati da qualsiasi affidamento fatto sul Contenuto. Il Contenuto è fornito solo a titolo informativo e non è approvato da VisitScotland.

Start Your Story in Scotland

Where history meets breathtaking beauty, and every visit feels like an escape.

Inspiration for your trip

Step into a land steeped in history and legend, explore our dramatic landscapes and uncover our ancient Celtic roots. Vast lochs, glens and Munros - easily accessible from our vibrant cities and towns - make Scotland the perfect place to lose yourself.

Plan an epic trip to Scotland

Did we catch your eye during the 2026 World Cup? Or did you hear our lively Tartan Army first? Come and experience that warm welcome for yourself with an unforgettable holiday packed with beautiful landscapes, unmissable events and of course, our friendly Scots.

Highland games in Scotland

From the tug o' war to the caber toss, Scotland's Highland games are not to be missed.

The Northern Lights in Scotland

Nature's most dramatic winter light display. Discover more about this otherworldly natural phenomenon.

12 Must-visit historic towns in Scotland

Get ready to take a journey through some of the finest historic towns in Scotland.

Scottish whisky

Whisky is Scotland's best known export and has been proudly produced throughout the country for hundreds of years.

Final countdown to Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games

Follow the King’s Baton Relay across Scotland as we countdown to 11 days of world-class action with 3,000 athletes from 74 nations competing across 10 sports!

Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games

Discover unique experiences in Scotland

Discover hidden gems, plan your perfect trip, or find exactly what you need—from scenic hikes and cosy cottages to events and cultural experiences.

Discover Scotland's vibrant events and festivals

Scottish music festivals

See your favourite artists at this year's lineup of Scottish music festivals.

Edinburgh Festivals

Discover Edinburgh's summer festivals, including the world-famous Edinburgh International Festival and Edinburgh Festival Fringe.

Events and festivals in Scotland

There's something happening in Scotland right now that the whole family will love.

Summertime in Scotland

Embrace long summer days in Scotland with plenty of experiences to enjoy from gentle coastal walks by the sea to festivals filled with local tunes, incredible art and hilarious comedy.

Summer holidays & breaks in Scotland

Find ideas and inspiration, from family days out to top camping spots, walks and outdoor activities.

Scotland's islands

Find out about the hundreds of islands in Scotland including Arran, Lewis, Skye, Outer Hebrides and Shetland. Plan the perfect island getaway today.

The best tours of Scotland - luxury & scenic tours

Tour Scotland at your own pace with these fantastic ideas.

Your Scottish adventure starts here

Use our interactive map to explore wild landscapes, vibrant cities, rich culture, and hidden historic gems to craft your personal Scottish experience.

Map of Scotland

Scotland as seen on TV!

From Tara Lipinski and Johnny Weir's luxury Scotland itinerary to local suggestions on the highlights of Glasgow and Dumfries & Galloway, check out this top advice on trips across Scotland.

Tara & Johnny's luxury Scotland itinerary

Have you been inspired by Tara & Johnny's Scotland itinerary as seen on NBC's Extra Mile Club? Read on and plan your own Scottish adventure.

Channel 4's Where to next? Scotland itinerary

Follow in the footsteps of comedians Fatiha El-Ghorri and John Tothill on their unforgettable journey through Scotland.

Scotland trip itineraries

Plan your days in Scotland with the help of our suggested itineraries.

Your pictures of Scotland

Share your images by tagging @VisitScotland 

JavaScript needs to be enabled to see social media images for this place. You can turn this on in your browser settings.

Join our Newsletter Clan

Get Scotland inspiration direct to your inbox. Don't miss the inside track from our Scotland experts on exciting trip ideas, unique attractions and hidden gems loved by locals.

Get the Scotland newsletter