1-week road trip following Harry Potter’s footsteps in Scotland

You are a Harry Potter fan and always dreamed of discovering the iconic places of the saga ? Then this road trip is made for you!

Make your dream come true and go discover the Scottish movie sets of Harry Potter. Don’t forget your broom!

Here is a glimpse of the beautiful experiences awaiting in this 1-week road trip following Harry Potter’s footsteps in Scotland:

• Prepare for the start of your wizarding year by heading to Diagon Alley… sorry, Victoria Street in Edinburgh instead!
• Board the Hogwarts Express and cross the famous Glenfinnan Bridge from Fort William
• Go on an adventure on the Loch Ness from Inverness

To travel safely and without any worry on your mind, we recommend Chapka Insurance!

Itinerary of a 1-week road trip on Harry Potter’s footsteps in Scotland

Edinburgh > Fort William > Inverness > Edinburgh

Some practical information before your trip to Scotland

For this itinerary, we recommend renting a car from Hertz. It’s possible to rent it in one city and return it in another without exorbitant prices and limiting hidden costs.

You want to buy a paper travel guide? We recommend this one! In our opinion, it is the most complete and the most visual!

Need a road map to prepare your itinerary? We recommend this one, the most detailed and the most pleasant to read!

The best time to travel in Scotland is from May to September. These are the months when the weather and temperatures will be most pleasant. However, rain and clouds are never far away… But after all, that’s the charm of the country! See more details here.

Scotland is also a culinary heritage. Although it may not suit all taste buds, some specialities are worth trying! Starting with the must-try: haggis. This is a mixture of meat, oatmeal and spices, usually served with mashed potatoes. Then there’s porridge, a much-loved local snack that can be found all over the country. For those with a sweet tooth, you’ll have to try the traditional dessert, the Cranachan, made with raspberries, cream, oats and whisky, in short, only good things!

Contents: 1-week road trip in Scotland following Harry Potter’s footsteps

1- Edinburgh – Stop 1 of the 1-week road trip in Scotland
2- Fort William – Stop 2 of the 1-week road trip in Scotland
3- Inverness – Stop 3 of the 1-week road trip in Scotland
4- Edinburgh – Stop 4 of the 1-week road trip in Scotland

Itinerary of a 1-week road trip following Harry Potter’s footsteps in Scotland: step by step

What to do in Edinburgh?

Edinburgh, the capital of the country, is an essential stop on this 1-week road trip following Harry Potter’s footsteps in Scotland. You will fall for this city and its rich heritage. But don’t worry if you don’t have time to explore the whole city, you’ll be coming back very soon! 

• Explore the old medieval city where J.K Rowling got inspired to write the adventure of your favorite wizard.
• Be sure stop by The Elephant House where the author spent hours writing your beloved books!
• Always dreamed of shopping in Diagon Alley ? Head to Victoria Street. There even is a Harry Potter themed shop called Diagon House.
• Discover Voldemort‘s grave (well almost…) at the Greyfriars Kirkyard.
• Go studying at Hogwarts for a moment … or at least what looks like it : George Heriot’s School.
• Follow Rowling ‘s steps on the forecourt of the City Chambers.
• Admire the Balmoral hotel, where J.K. finished writing the last book of the series in one of the rooms. Only the wealthiest get to stay in there.
• Recently an escape game about the Harry Potter world opened in Edinburgh : spend 50 min in the Hogwarts atmosphere.
• Even if it is not part of the wizard’s world, Edinburgh Castle is a must-see in the capital. We recommend taking part in a guided tour to discover all there is to know about the history of the place.
• An hour and 50 min away, go to Alnwick Castle where many scenes were shot. You will need a whole day to visit this beautiful castel and learn to ride your broom properly !

Where to sleep in Edinburgh?

• Mid-range: The Rose Apartment is a fully-equipped self-catering apartment located 600 metres from the centre. Bright and beautifully decorated, this flat is sure to meet your expectations.
• High-end: Stay at the Rutland Hotel & Apartments to start your Scottish journey in comfort. Modern decor, spacious rooms, charming staff and a great location are to be expected.

What to do in Fort William?

Before getting to Fort William, drive on West Highland Line to get Fort William while admiring famous places like Rannoch Moor, Loch Etive or the Glencoe Studio Gallery Road along which is Hagrid’s house!

Fort William is a popular destination with many outdoors activities.

• I hope you have your Hogwarts Express (the Jacobite Steam Train for Muggles) ticket! Because we are going to Mallaig where you’ll get to admire the beautiful settings of the movies. You will take the Glenfinnan Viaduct. It will become a magical memory on this 1-week road trip following Harry Potter’s footsteps in Scotland. To come back you can choose from the bus, the train or the Hogwarts Express of course! Please note that places sell out very quickly! It is also possible to cross the viaduct on a classic train, and it will cost you less.
• Head to Loch Arkaig which is the lake you see in the movies! Like in the Half Blood Prince. 
• Take a hike to the Steall Falls, a beautiful waterfall where were shot some Quidditch games and the first Task in The Gobelet of Fire!

Where to sleep in Fort William?

• Mid-range: If you want to experience Scottish hospitality, head to the Ben Nevis Guest House which is located 1.6km from Ben Nevis, Britain’s highest mountain. It offers spacious, well-furnished rooms.
•  High-end: Treat yourself to a comfortable overnight stay at the 5-star Ardrhu House. It’s a little out of the way from the city centre, but still offers great views of Ben Nevis on the edge of Loch Linnhe. It’s ideal for enjoying the beautiful nature of the Scottish Highlands.
• Unique experience: If you’ve always wanted to sleep in a castle, now is the time! Book your room at the Inverlochy Castle Hotel. Set in beautiful natural surroundings, with a delicious restaurant, historic rooms and attentive staff, it has everything you need for an unforgettable stay.

What to do in Inverness?

Don’t fly too close to Iverness or you could get caught by the Ministry of Magic! The city is located in the Highlands, on the Loch Ness.

• Explore the city centre of the third stop of your 1-week road trip following Harry Potter’s footsteps in Scotland. Cross the river, discover the beautiful indoor market, see the castle…
• Want to meet the Loch Ness monster? Head to the Loch Ness and if you are lucky (and brave!) maybe you’ll get to say “Hi” to it! While you’re there, you can take a cruise to Uruquart Castle, a beautiful place full of history.
• Explorers, head to Cairngorms National Park where owls (Hedwig is that you?) and bats will love to scare you when the sun is setting.
• Drink some magic potion at the Tomintoul & Glenlivet distillery on the Malt Whisky Trail.
• All aboard! Get on a boat and cruise on Loch Eileen, only true pirates will now how to navigate here!

Where to sleep in Inverness?

• Mid-range: we recommend No 46 King Street, located in the centre of the city, near restaurants, bars and shops. It’s a little piece of heaven!
• High-end: for a relaxing, comfortable hotel with good food, check out the RocPool Reserve. With well organised rooms and comfortable beds you will be pampered by the staff so don’t hesitate!

What to do in Edinburgh?

Before getting back to Edinburgh, stop by the small city of Pitlochry where there are many activities for you to enjoy. Be sure to also stop by the cute village of Dunkled.

Back in Edinburgh, finish off your 1-week road trip following Harry Potter’s footsteps in Scotland with some unexplored activities.

• Follow in the footsteps of Queen Elizabeth and King Charles III at HolyRood Palace where they stayed during their travels in Scotland.
• History buffs, don’t miss the National Museum of Scotland, which traces the country’s history and culture back to many years ago.
• Visit the Royal Botanic Gardens, which focuses on the preservation of flora and fauna.
• Looking for Paris? No problem, we’ll take you there! Circus Lane will fill your need. A true Parisian street with a Scottish touch.
• Stroll through Dean Village along the river.
• Hike up to Arthur’s Seat and enjoy the great view over the city.
• Have you read The Da Vinci Code? Then you’ll be delighted to push open the door of South Leith Parish Church.
• If you need a breath of fresh air, head to Portobello Beach to recharge your batteries.
• End the day with a meal at Grassmarket for some local fare.

Where to sleep in Edinburgh?

• Mid-range: The Rose Apartment is a fully-equipped self-catering apartment located 600 metres from the centre. Bright and beautifully decorated, this flat is sure to meet your expectations.
• High-end: Stay at the Rutland Hotel & Apartments to start your Scottish journey in comfort. Modern decor, spacious rooms, charming staff and a great location are to be expected.

Learn more about your road trip in Scotland…

• You want to know all the information about the country ? It’s here.
• Then, to rent a car at the best price, we recommend this website.
• Finally, to book a flight at the best price, we recommend this website.
• You are looking for a great travel insurance for your 1-week road trip following Harry Potter’s footsteps in Scotland? We recommend this one!

Do not hesitate to share your trip with us, we can’t wait to hear all about your adventures!

If you have any information, good tips, or simply a comment about this itinerary, please don’t hesitate to leave a comment below! The whole team will be happy to hear from you!