Magical Scotland with the Family
Why choose a Harry Potter tour in Scotland?
A Harry Potter tour of Scotland is the perfect opportunity to enjoy an unforgettable family adventure. Over eight days, follow in the footsteps of the famous wizard whilst discovering the country’s most spectacular landscapes. From the narrow streets of Edinburgh to the Highlands, via the Hogwarts Express, Loch Ness and the Isle of Skye, every stop combines magic, nature and heritage.
With your hire car, you can travel at your own pace and enjoy an itinerary designed with both children and parents in mind. With immersive experiences, Scottish castles, breathtaking views and local legends, this holiday promises to create unforgettable memories.
Edinburgh, where magic was born
Your adventure begins in the Scottish capital, where J.K. Rowling conceived much of the Harry Potter universe.
Explore the Royal Mile, Victoria Street and Greyfriars Kirkyard, as well as the cafés where the first chapters of the saga were written. To round off this immersive experience, take part in a magic wand-making workshop – a perfect activity for the whole family.
The Highlands: a setting worthy of Hogwarts
As you leave Edinburgh, head towards the Highlands.
The scenery quickly becomes wilder, alternating between mountains, forests, lochs and spectacular valleys. The Cairngorms, Queen’s View and Loch Morlich offer panoramic views that look as though they’ve come straight out of the Harry Potter films.
The famous Hogwarts Express
You can’t visit Scotland without admiring the legendary Glenfinnan Viaduct.
Every year, the Jacobite Steam Train crosses this bridge, which has become world-famous thanks to the Harry Potter films. You’ll also see the Glenfinnan Monument and Loch Shiel, which was used to stand in for the Black Lake at Hogwarts.
The Isle of Skye: where magic meets nature
The Isle of Skye is one of the highlights of the trip.
Discover Portree, Fairy Glen, Kilt Rock, Sligachan Bridge and the panoramic views from the Old Man of Storr. With its vertiginous cliffs, waterfalls, wild beaches and fishing villages, every day reveals a new side to this legendary island.
Loch Ness, castles and legends
The journey continues around the famous Loch Ness.
Set off on a cruise in search of Nessie before exploring the ruins of Urquhart Castle. Next, explore the Culloden Battlefield and the mysterious stone circles at Clava Cairns, which also inspired the famous Outlander series.
An unforgettable family adventure
This tour has been designed to capture the imagination of young and old alike.
With Harry Potter workshops, Scottish castles, spectacular scenery, accessible walks, charming villages and immersive experiences, every day is designed to offer the perfect balance between cultural discoveries, nature and moments of relaxation.
At Brightside Travel, we design each trip entirely to your specifications to ensure you enjoy a magical adventure in the heart of Scotland.
Magical Scotland with the Family: Travel Itinerary
Arrival in Edinburgh and exploring the world of Harry Potter
On arrival at Edinburgh Airport, collect your hire car before heading into the historic city centre.
Edinburgh is regarded as the birthplace of the Harry Potter universe. It was here that J.K. Rowling conceived much of the series.
Start your tour on the Royal Mile before heading to Victoria Street, whose colourful shop fronts are said to have inspired the famous Diagon Alley.
Continue on to Greyfriars Kirkyard, where several graves have inspired some of the saga’s most iconic characters, including Tom Riddle and William McGonagall.
Finish your walk in front of The Elephant House and Spoon Café, where the first chapters of Harry Potter were written.
An unmissable experience
Take part in a magic wand-making workshop. Each child will be able to make and personalise their own wand before taking home a unique souvenir of their trip.
Restaurant recommendations
- Bertie's Proper Fish & Chips
- Cold Town House
- Mamma's American Pizza
Overnight in Edinburgh.
Edinburgh Castle, Rosslyn Chapel and Scottish legends
Start your day with a visit to the majestic Edinburgh Castle, a true symbol of Scotland, perched atop its extinct volcano.
Continue your exploration along the Royal Mile before heading to Dean Village, one of the capital’s most picturesque neighbourhoods, and then on to the peaceful banks of the Water of Leith.
In the afternoon, head for the mysterious Rosslyn Chapel, famous for its enigmatic carvings, its many legends and its atmosphere straight out of a fantasy setting.
If the weather permits, round off your day with a walk in the Pentland Hills, which are perfect for your first taste of the Scottish countryside.
Restaurant recommendations
- The Scran & Scallie
- The Sheep Heid Inn
Overnight in Edinburgh.
Scenic route to the Highlands and Fort William
Your first stop takes you to Pitlochry, a charming little Victorian town. Continue on to the famous Queen’s View, which offers a stunning panoramic view of Loch Tummel.
Why not take this opportunity to discover House of Bruar, renowned for its high-quality Scottish products?.
You’ll then travel through the Cairngorms National Park, where mountains, forests and lochs combine to create spectacular scenery. Stop off at the magnificent Loch Morlich, before continuing on to Spean Bridge and then Fort William, at the foot of Ben Nevis.
Restaurant recommendations
- Ben Nevis Inn
- Crannog Seafood Restaurant
Overnight in Fort William.
The Hogwarts Express and the scenery from the Harry Potter films
This day is entirely devoted to the world of Harry Potter.
Head to Glenfinnan, home to the famous viaduct used by the Hogwarts Express.
If your timetable allows, take a seat at the viewing point to watch the legendary Jacobite Steam Train pass by – one of the most eagerly anticipated moments of the journey.
Next, discover the Glenfinnan Monument and Loch Shiel, which was used as the setting for the Black Lake in several scenes from the films.
In the afternoon, enjoy a family stroll along Neptune’s Staircase, Britain’s longest flight of locks, or set off to explore the magnificent Glen Nevis valley, dominated by Ben Nevis.
Restaurant recommendations
- Glenfinnan Dining Car
- Ben Nevis Inn
Overnight in Fort William.
Eilean Donan Castle, the Isle of Skye and the journey to Loch Ness
Head for the Isle of Skye, travelling through some of Scotland’s most beautiful landscapes.
Stop off at the spectacular Eilean Donan Castle, one of the most photographed castles in the country.
Next, cross the Skye Bridge before exploring Sligachan Bridge, the charming harbour at Portree, the famous Old Man of Storr (viewpoint), Kilt Rock and the mysterious Fairy Glen.
In the late afternoon, leave Skye and follow the shores of Loch Ness to Inverness, the capital of the Highlands.
Restaurant recommendations
- Sea Breezes
- The Galley Café
- The Mustard Seed
Overnight in Inverness.
Loch Ness, castles and legends of the Highlands
Spend the day exploring Scotland’s most famous legends.
Start with a boat trip on Loch Ness, before visiting the impressive ruins of Urquhart Castle, which offer exceptional views across the loch.
Continue on to the Loch Ness Centre, then explore the charming village of Fort Augustus.
In the afternoon, follow in the footsteps of Scottish history by visiting the Culloden battlefield before heading to the mysterious stone circles at Clava Cairns, which notably inspired the world of the Outlander series.
Children will particularly enjoy hunting for the famous Loch Ness monster.
Restaurant recommendations
- Fiddler’s Highland Restaurant
- The Lock Inn
Overnight in Inverness.
Glencoe, Loch Lomond and Scotland’s most beautiful landscapes
Head south through the spectacular landscapes of the Highlands.
Make several stops in the Glencoe Valley, including the famous Three Sisters, the Glencoe Visitor Centre and Glencoe Lochan.
Then cross the vast expanses of Rannoch Moor, which offers some of Scotland’s most iconic views.
At the end of the day, head to Loch Lomond. Enjoy a cruise on Britain’s largest lake or explore the charming village of Luss, renowned for its flower-bedecked cottages and magnificent views of the loch.
Restaurant recommendations
- Kingshouse Hotel
- Clachaig Inn
- Loch Lomond Arms
Overnight stay at Loch Lomond.
Back to Edinburgh and some final discoveries before we leave
Take your time getting to Edinburgh.
Depending on your flight timetable, stop off at the impressive Kelpies – the world’s largest equestrian sculptures – or discover the spectacular Falkirk Wheel, the world’s only rotating boat lift.
You should then return your hire car before heading to the airport.
- 7 nights’ accommodation in carefully selected establishments
- Breakfast (depending on the accommodation)
- Car hire for 8 days with unlimited mileage
- Magic wand-making workshop in Edinburgh
- Brightside Travel Personalised Travel Journal
- Detailed day-by-day itinerary
- Interactive map of the journey
- A selection of restaurants and great family-friendly spots
- Practical advice and personalised recommendations
- Brightside Travel support before and during your stay
- Return flights to Scotland
- Fuel
- Car parks, tolls and any road charges
- Lunches, dinners and drinks
- Admission fees for tourist attractions (Edinburgh Castle, Rosslyn Chapel, Eilean Donan Castle, Urquhart Castle, etc.)
- Tickets for the Jacobite Steam Train (Hogwarts Express)
- Cruises on Loch Ness and Loch Lomond
- Optional activities
- Personal expenses
- Travel insurance and car hire
- Any tourist taxes