6 Magical Scottish Places All “Harry Potter” Fans Must Visit

6 Magical Scottish Places All “Harry Potter” Fans Must Visit

All aboard the Hogwarts Express.

1. Glenfinnan Viaduct, Lochaber

This instantly recognisable Victorian railway viaduct at the head of Loch Shiel was first seen in Chamber of Secrets, when Ron and Harry pilot the flying Ford Anglia to Hogwarts. It’s also the place where Harry encounters a Dementor for the very first time in Prisoner of Azkaban, when the Hogwarts Express stops on the bridge.

2. Loch Shiel, Lochaber

This gorgeous loch near Glenfinnan was one of two lochs used as a stand-in for Hogwarts Lake in the Harry Potter films. It’s the place where Buckbeak dips a toe in the water in Prisoner of Azkaban. Harry and Hermione also look out across it from the Astronomy Tower in a particularly beautiful shot at the end of Half-Blood Prince.

3. Clachaig Gully and Torren Lochan, Glencoe

During the filming of Prisoner of Azkaban, the crew built a replica of Hagrid’s Hut beside Torren Lochan in Clachaig Gully complete with a pumpkin patch and smoking chimney. Sadly, the hut (and Hagrid) aren’t there anymore, but the scenery will feel very familiar to fans. Plus you can grab a drink in the neighbouring Clachaig Inn.  

4. Eilean na Moine and Loch Eilt, Lochaber

This bonny little island (Eilean na Moine) is the site of Dumbledore’s final resting place, and where Voldemort steals the Elder Wand in Deathly Hallows Part 1. Loch Eilt is also the place where Harry and co. find Hagrid gloomily skipping stones out over the water in Prisoner of Azkaban after learning Buckbeak is to be put down.  

5. Black Rock Gorge, Ross and Cromarty

 Steall Falls wasn’t the only location used for the dragon scene in Goblet of Fire: Harry initially hides from the Hungarian Horntail in this impressive, 120-foot deep gorge in Glen Glass not far from Evanton. The gorge is rumoured to be haunted by the ghost of a Lady Balconie, though she didn’t put in an appearance during filming.

 6. The Elephant House Café, Edinburgh

And finally, no Harry Potter–themed trip to Scotland would be complete without a coffee at the place where it all began. J.K. Rowling was a struggling single parent when she wrote parts of the first book in this pretty café’s back room, which features this stunning view of Edinburgh Castle. Thanks for the inspiration, Elephant House. And thanks for the memories, J.K.