Hogwarts Express and Scottish Highlands Tour from Edinburgh
Description
Runs 7 April - 22 October 2026 (selected dates) Escape the city for the day by coach and follow in the footsteps of the world’s most famous wizard, Harry Potter. Scotland has played a huge part in the story of Harry Potter, from the scenic filming locations and inspiring architecture to the coffee shop where J.K. Rowling is said to have written the first novel. Riding the Jacobite Steam Train is a bucket-list experience for any traveller, but even more so for Harry Potter fans who know that they are in fact boarding the Hogwarts’ Express! Our passionate guides will immerse you in all the magic of Harry Potter, plus the real-life beauty and history of Scotland. Disclaimer: This Tour is an unlicensed and unauthorised tour of sites related to the Harry Potter franchise. This tour does not have any association with, connection to, sponsorship by or endorsement of, the Harry Potter franchise nor the author J.K. Rowling.
Tour Options
Itinerary
Depart the city and journey north towards the Highlands, past the magnificent Forth Bridge
We make our first stop in Pitlochry, a picturesque Highland village. Why not treat yourself to a coffee and pastry from one of the local cafes and enjoy a stroll through the charming streets before our journey takes us further north.
We stop in Glenfinnan where we get our first glimpse at the world-famous Viaduct and the stunning Loch Shiel, both recognisable from Harry Potter. Pleas note that stopping at Glenfinnan to view the Viaduct with the bus is subject to availability.
We arrive in Mallaig, the starting point of our Jacobite Steam Train journey. Mallaig is known for being a fishing village, so take the opportunity to sample some fish and chips before the train departs.
Time to board the train! A bucket-list item for many, the Jacobite Steam Train boasts incredible views of Scotland’s natural beauty. Sit back, relax and lose yourself in the Hogwarts experience.
En route back to Edinburgh, we visit Scotland’s most dramatic landscape, Glencoe, which was used as the backdrop for some much-loved scenes in Harry Potter. Your guide will also regale you with the real, heart-breaking history of the glen.
Highlights
What's included
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Children under 5 years old, including infants who do not require a seat, are not permitted to travel. We are unable to accommodate any child under the age of 5.
- It is recommended to book transport to the departure point in advance. Please also allow extra time to get to the departure point for check-in. We advise you arrive at least 15 minutes before the tour departure to allow time to check-in for the tour. Unfortunately, we are unable to hold the bus or refund for any late arrivals.
- Please note that the Jacobite Steam Train service may be subject to alterations and cancellations at short notice, outwith our control
- Return times are approximate and subject to road conditions and weather. Please ensure you allocate sufficient time for any onward travel plans, allowing at least 3 hours after the scheduled return time for connections or activities.
- It is not possible to upgrade your Standard steam train ticket to a First Class ticket
- Stopping at Glenfinnan to view the Viaduct with the coach is subject to availability.
- If downloading an audio guide, remember to bring your headset.
- The tour may operate with our sister company, HAGGiS Adventures.
- The order of the itinerary route is subject to change.
Reviews(1,513)
A huge thank you to James for this wonderful excursion and for his kindness ! We had an amazing time in his company. All of his explanations throughout the journey were fascinating and helped us learn so much more about the history of Scotland. Thanks to him, we had the chance to meet some wonderful Highland cows (Hamish, Honey, and Baxter) and admire the breathtaking scenery of Glencoe. Thank you again for such a fantastic day ! Excursion taken on June 28, 2026.
Very nice day, enjoyed it very much! Graeme is a very nice guide who knows a lot and tells very interesting stories. Nothing bad to say
Alister was an excellent driver/guide. Kept the long coach journey interesting with lots of information and music. Really. professional and friendly The train journey is spectacular. The scenery is breathtaking. Well worth the early start.
Alistair was a fantastic guide! He was very knowledgeable and kept us entertained with his humor. The several stops we made at various areas helped to break up the trip. We appreciated his kindness and patience throughout the day.
My family and I had a great time on this tour during our short time (3 days) in Edinburgh! Our tour guide Alistair was so knowledgeable and made sure to give us all of the history and fun facts along the way! It was a long trip and we did take naps on the bus due to tiredness (definitely not boredom). We had about 30 people on our bus and made friends with 2 different families along the way! They also make sure to point out the locations of Harry Potter filming along the way, which was very helpful. A fun day overall!!
Alistair was our amazing guide. He was as informative as he was entertaining. It was an amazing day trip. 10/10. HIGHLY RECOMMEND.
The weather was bad, but I enjoyed it enough. It can be a bit difficult to take pictures of the Glenfinnan Viaduct from inside the Jacobite. There was a timely break and no need to worry about toilets.
Thank you for taking the time to leave a review. We are glad that even through the Scottish weather you thoroughly enjoyed your trip and found it to be well timed with stops as well. Kind regards, Louise
Well worth the price! Fiona was a wonderful tour guide with great music. The views were picturesque and she shared her knowledge happy to answer any question! Our group was small efforts all to get what was needed and comfort and photo stops without excessive wait times!
Hello, thank you for your lovely review. We are so glad it met your expectations and was good value for money. Very pleased that you enjoyed your time with Fiona, hearing her knowledge andplaylsit throughout the day. Glad you found the tour to be well paced and that everyone had space to be comfortable and not rushed. Kind regards, Louise
Cheerful enthusiastic guide who knows a lot about Scotland Unfortunately the weather gods were not kind to us
Hello, we are so glad you enjoyed Fionas good company and story telling on tour. Scotlands weather is at the mercy of the Cailleach (Queen of Winter) and she has forgotten to rest this summer! :) Thank you for taking the time to leave a wee review. Kind regards, Louise
The stunning views and the nostalgia we felt on the Hogwarts Express was well worth the money! Our tour guide was fantastic and everything ran on time!
Hello, thank you for your review. That is wonderful to read that you enjoyed your journey on the Hogwarts Express and it was like being transported back in time. So pleased that oyu enjoyed the tour overall and had a good time with your driver guide too. Kind regards, Louise
