Diagon Alley / Victoria Street It's easy to see where J.K. Rowling got her inspiration for Diagon Alley. Victoria Street curves down towards the Grassmarket and is within Edinburgh's Old Town - recognised as a World Heritage site. The eclectic mix of narrow, medieval buildings and Gothic spires is pure Potter magic.

Where is the real-life Diagon Alley?

Diagon Alley is located in London. But the real-life inspiration for the street is thought to be Victoria Street in Edinburgh, Scotland's capital city. BuzzFeed and Forever Edinburgh report that the street is rumored to be the inspiration behind Diagon Alley and recommend it to "Harry Potter" fans visiting the city.

Where is Hogwarts supposed to be located in Scotland?

Did you know that Hogwarts is supposed to be in the Scottish Highlands? And that JK Rowling wrote part of the books in Edinburgh? Yes, you probably do as you're a fan! Below, we've put together top film backdrops and the places that inspired the books located in Scotland.

Is Harry Potter based on Edinburgh or Glasgow?

Day 1Edinburgh

It was in Scotland's capital city that JK Rowling started to plot the adventures of Harry and his pals. With cobbled streets, winding alleys and medieval architecture, the city certainly has a few things in common with the settings from the books and films.

Where is Harry Potter's birthplace in Edinburgh?

Author J.K. Rowling ,had her first book published while she was writing in the back room overlooking Edinburgh Castle, making The Elephant House the “birthplace” of the series of Harry Potter novels.

Harry Potter and Edinburgh

What street in Edinburgh is like Diagon Alley?

Victoria Street

This colourful curved street is said to have been the inspiration for Diagon Alley, where Harry and his wizarding friends buy everything they need for a school year at Hogwarts. Victoria Street is close to the cafés where J K Rowling did her writing and could well have inspired her as she walked by.

What street in Edinburgh is Diagon Alley?

Diagon Alley / Victoria Street

It's easy to see where J.K. Rowling got her inspiration for Diagon Alley. Victoria Street curves down towards the Grassmarket and is within Edinburgh's Old Town - recognised as a World Heritage site.

Can you visit Hogwarts Castle in Scotland?

Discover the magnificence of Alnwick Castle as you spot iconic filming locations from both the Philosopher's Stone and the Chamber of Secrets. Step into the movies at this grand medieval fort which doubled as Hogwarts itself.

Is Hogwarts a real castle in Scotland?

Alnwick Castle

The filmmakers created Hogwarts Castle on-screen using some serious technical magic to blend shots taken at various historic buildings.

Where is Dumbledore's grave?

The famous island used for Harry Potter in Loch Eilt is called Eilean na Moine. It was used as Dumbledore's grave, which was later digitally placed on Loch Arkaig.

Where is Azkaban located?

The island prison in the middle of the North Sea, Azkaban was a place of confinement for the most dangerous wizards and witches. Guarded by Dementors, life at Azkaban was notoriously brutal with many of its inhabitants losing their minds over the course of their sentence.

Where is Hogwarts Castle in real life?

Shots: Alnwick Castle has been used for exterior shots of Hogwarts. Fact: Alnwick Castle is the second largest inhabited castle in England. It has been home to the dukes of Northumberland for over 700 years.

Is there a real life Diagon Alley?

York's historic Shambles is proving popular with Harry Potter fans from around the world. The street is said to be an inspiration for the fictional Diagon Alley, the magical merchant market from the wizarding world of Harry Potter.

Does the Leaky Cauldron exist?

The entrance to The Leaky Cauldron tavern is actually the door to a business on Bull's Head Passage, in London's Leadenhall Market. In the film, the pub is located on Diagon Alley, the popular shopping street where wizards buy their spells and potions.

Does America have a Diagon Alley?

Diagon Alley is located in Universal Studios Florida. Universal Orlando also has Hagrid's Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure, which the California version does not.

Can you actually visit the Hogwarts Castle?

Since 2012, visitors have been able to explore the real sets. A special attraction is the giant model of Hogwarts - the Harry Potter castle - actually used in the film. It's a model - so you can't stroll through it of course, but you can wander around these extraordinary sets: The Great Hall.

Is there a real Hogwarts you can visit?

Alnwick Castle Tour - The Real Hogwarts from Harry Potter - Edinburgh, Scotland.

Where was Hagrid's Hut filmed?

Landscape In Glencoe, Scotland

The filming location for Hagrid's Hut from the Harry Potter movies set up in Clachaig, Glencoe.

Can you ride the Harry Potter train in Scotland?

If you want to get the full experience you can join onto some great tours running out of Edinburgh. They all feature a ride on the Harry Potter train across the Glenfinnan Viaduct as well as visits to some other stunning Highland locations along the way.

Is the Harry Potter train in Edinburgh?

Your Harry Potter & The Hogwarts Express tour departs from the city centre in Edinburgh. Check out our departure info page for more details on your pick-up location.

Where was Hogsmeade filmed?

Climb aboard the North Yorkshire Moors Railway where you can enjoy a ride through picturesque countryside before pulling into Goathland Station, which doubled as Hogsmeade station in Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone.

Does J.K. Rowling live in Edinburgh?

J.K. Rowling has been married to Dr Neil Murray since 2001. They live in Edinburgh with their son, David (born 2003) and daughter, Mackenzie (born 2005).

Who was the last person to live in Edinburgh Castle?

His birth chamber is a highlight for many castle visitors today. King Charles I was the last monarch to stay at the palace. He slept here on 17 June 1633, the night before his Scottish coronation. The Royal Palace is located in Crown Square.

Where does J.K. Rowling stay in Edinburgh?

J.K. Rowling Suite | 5-Star Hotel | The Balmoral, Edinburgh.