Our team have sourced some fantastic inspiration for your next trip in Scotland based around real life filming locations you can visit! So if Harry Potter rocks your muggle world we know you'll love these!
Glenfinnan Viaduct
The filming of the second and third Harry Potter books, Harry Potter and the Chambers of Secrets and Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban took place in this area with the Hogwarts Express calling at Glenfinnan!
Glenfinnan Monument, 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 which is actually Glenfinnan Monument.
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.
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.
Steall Falls, Glen Nevis
Steall Falls in Glen Nevis is the second-highest waterfall in Britain, and can usually be seen in the background during Quiddich matches, as Glen Nevis is used as the backdrop to the stadium. The falls are also the place where Harry takes on the Hungarian Horntail dragon in Goblet of Fire.
Loch Morar, Lochaber
Loch Morar was also used for some of the closer shots of Hogwarts Lake, and can be seen in quite a few of the aerial background shots in various films from Prisoner of Azkaban onward. The loch is the deepest freshwater body in the British Isles and is said to be home to a legendary monster named Morag.
Glen Coe, Highland
This famous and dramatic volcanic glen features in several background shots from Prisoner of Azkaban onwards, including the scene where Hermione punches Malfoy in Prisoner of Azkaban,arguably the most satisfying moment in Harry Potter history.
Loch Etive, Argyll and Bute
After escaping from Gringott's Bank on the back of a dragon in Deathly Hallows Part 2, Harry, Hermione, and Ron leap into gorgeous, chilly Loch Etive and have to dry out on the shore. The gang also camp in nearby Glen Etive in Deathly Hallows Part 1: It's the spot where Hermione ties her scarf to a tree after Ron and Harry argue.
Rannoch Moor, Lochaber
Rannoch Moor, also known as the Great Moor of Rannoch, is one of the largest areas of wilderness in Scotland. It's one of several Harry Potter locations on the West Highland Line, and you can ride the sister train to the Hogwarts Express right across it. It's also the place where the Death Eaters halt and board the train in Deathly Hallows Part 1.
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 bookin 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.
