Scotland Harry Potter And Outlander Road Trip

By: Travel With Wally

*Location details can be found at the bottom of the post

Do you love Harry Potter and Outlander? Do you love road trips and new countries? Me too! This Scottish Harry Potter and Outlander tour ticks all of the boxes.

Ever since the first Harry Potter book was published in 1997, I have been a Harry Potter fan.  My mom was sure to get each book when it was released and read them to my brother and me.  Even after I graduated from high school and the Deathly Hallows was released in 2007, we had to read it together so that no one read ahead of the others.   

Long story short, I love Harry Potter, and not only for the magic and adventure.  The books were something that my family shared a love of and would bring us together.  I will always have fond memories of my mom reading them and us nudging her awake when she would fall asleep reading after a long day.  We needed to know what happened!  

Admittedly Outlander doesn’t have as strong of a history for me, but I became very attached to the series and had a lot of fun discussing it with my friends at work.  After each episode we would have a lengthy discussion on the happenings of Claire and Jamie. 

In the fall of 2019 Andrew had a conference in Edinburgh, Scotland.  As you can Imagine, I was quite jealous and saw it as a great opportunity to take some time off and join him. (And not so secretly a chance to visit some of the inspirations for both Harry Potter and Outlander).  So that is what I did. 

Hogwarts, here I come! 

This was pre-Wally, but I nailed down a cat sitter for our two sweet girls.  I told work that I would be across the pond for a week and to carry on without me for a while.  And then I packed my bags and headed to the airport.  

Andrew was there already and his flight had been covered by his employer, but I was not so lucky.  So as a budget traveler, I found that it was going to save me a few bucks to fly to Dublin, have a lengthy layover, and then head on to Edinburgh later in the evening.  

When I landed in Dublin, I decided to take the bus into the city and wander around a bit.  I had been here a few years before with my mom and discovered it wasn’t my favorite city (but Ireland itself is fantastic!) Well, I wanted to give it another chance, plus it beats sitting in the airport for five hours.  

After finding some pretty swans, walking by crowded pubs, and through pretty parks, I headed back to the airport.  Edinburgh, I am coming!

Making It To Edinburgh

At the Edinburgh airport, I needed to take a cab. This is when I first discovered that the US was a little bit behind when it came to credit cards.  The touchless ‘Tap and Pay’ credit cards were needed for ease of use.  Too bad we didn’t have that yet.  It made things much more difficult, and in some cases, more expensive (car rental).  

Eventually, I figured things out with the cabbie, found Andrew in the hotel, and had a relaxing bath. 

We slept well had a good breakfast before we headed out to explore the beautiful city.  I was very excited not only to see the historic castle, monuments, and buildings but also some of the sites that inspired JK Rowling’s Harry Potter.  

Edinburgh and Harry Potter

Victoria Street

One of the first places I wanted to see was Victoria street.  It is said to have inspired Rowling’s Diagon Alley.  It is easy to see why with its cobblestones, gentle curve, and brightly colored shop fronts. You will find at least two Harry Potter inspired shops filled with wands, robes, books and a lot more memorabilia.  I was tickled by some greeting cards with cats dressed as characters in the movies.  

Elephant House Cafe

We then headed to the Elephant House, where Rowling spent hours mulling over her soon-to-be world famous story about a fantastical wizarding world. The cafe also has been voted to be one of the best in the city.  You can sit and enjoy a cup of tea and then browse their merchandise. Around the corner was our next Harry Potter destination. 

Greyfriars Kirkyard

Nearby the Elephant House sits another inspiration for the Harry Potter novels.  Greyfriars Kirkyard is an old cemetery where Rowling is thought to have found inspiration for names in her book including Thomas Riddle. To find his grave you will need to go right from the entrance and all of the way to the end of the cemetery.  You will notice a well worn path leading to the famed ‘he who must not be named’.   If you wander through the kirkyard, keep your eyes out for other names you may recognize. 

On the Kirkyards website you are able to take a virtual tour to see the different resting places of people from long ago.  It’s a highly informative site that is worth browsing before you go meandering on your own.

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Outside of Greyfriars Kirkyard is a statue of a little dog. In 1850 a gentleman by the name of John Gray worked as a night watchman for the city. He and his small dog Bobby, a Skye Terrier, worked side-by-side through thick and thin. In 1858 John passed away from tuberculosis and was buried in Greyfriars Kirkyard. For 14 years Bobby refused to leave his owners grave and became known as ‘Greyfriars Bobby’.

After exploring the highly anticipated Harry Potter sites, Andrew and I continued to explore the city, including its surprisingly large and luscious botanical garden.  

Edinburgh castle

Edinburgh Castle is the main focal point of the city.  It’s high on a cliff, beautiful and dramatic.  When the Queen is in town, she stays at the Palace of Holyroodhouse, NOT at the Castle–that’s become mainly a tourist attraction.  The historic street between the Palace and the Castle is called the Royal Mile. 

The Royal Mile is lined with shops, cafes, pubs, and endless historic buildings, nooks and crannies.  Despite the crowds, it is a must do while visiting the city.  

It is such a picturesque city filled with history, I highly recommend Edinburgh as a destination to add to your Scotland Itinerary.

Road Trip Day 1

The next day we rented a car and headed west.  Did you know that they drive on the left side of the road in Scotland?  Well, they do.  I was happy that Andrew was driving, as he is very good at concentrating and overcoming the muscle memory of dring on the opposite side.  

Kelpies

Suddenly two large horse heads reared on the left side of the road!  The Kelpies!  I made Andrew turn off and we went to visit the large Scottish kelpies. They are beautiful silver sculptures that tower above you at 30 meters high!  

Kelpies are a part of Scottish legend, they live in the lakes and rivers and are shape-shifting creatures.  Heavy horses were a big part of the economic development of Scotland, and the Falkirk kelpies are a tribute to that.

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Blackness Castle

A short detour off of the H9 highway you will find the castle that played ‘Fort William’ in the Outlander series. It’s actual name is ‘Blackness Castle.’ This is where Jaime is flogged in season one, a painful scene to watch.  

The castle is known as ‘the ship that never sailed,’ due to its large ship-like shape and location adjacent to the sea.  Other than starring in Outlander, Blackness has played several other roles after being built in the 15th century.  It has stood as a royal home, prison, fortress, and ammunition depot.  

Lunch Break in Sterling

Near Sterling you can find Doune Castle which, in Outlander, was “Castle Leoch.” Unfortunately we did not make it to this castle, as I didn’t realize until it was too late to stop.  

We ate a very good lunch at a local Indian restaurant near Sterling’s downtown. 

You can also find filming locations for ‘Game of Thrones’ and ‘Outlaw King’ nearby. 

Spend the Night in Glasgow 

We continued on to Glasgow.  We didn’t get a lot of time to explore as we arrived in the evening and then left early for our busy day.  But we stayed at a lovely AirBnB hosted by a couple and their small dogs. 

If we had had the time to stay longer, I would have enjoyed exploring the variety of street art.  There are numerous murals across the city. 

Road Trip Day 2

I don’t know about you, but I need coffee in the morning.  I NEED it, I crave that first hit of hot caffeine.  Well let me tell you something about Scotland, nothing opens until at least 9AM.  I get up hours before that, especially when I am headed to see the Hogwarts Express!

Well, as we headed toward Glenfinnan Viaduct, I was carefully scanning the road for signs of coffee.  Finally we saw a handwritten sign and we pulled up a gravel driveway.  We were in for a joyful surprise.

Hairy Coos!  This little farm had what I had been searching for since arriving in Scotland.  The Highland cow is a special breed of cow that is absolutely adorable!  They have long horns and long shaggy red hair.  I was so happy.

After saying hello to the coos, we headed to the little shack serving coffee.  I had wanted to get some fresh bread as well, but sadly it wasn’t ready.  But another surprise were the silly little guinea pigs outside.  They were nibbling leaves of lettuce that two young children were handing to them.  

What a fun little detour. 

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Glenfinnan Viaduct (Hogwarts Express!)

I was buzzing with excitement as we wound down the curvy A830 towards Glenfinnan Aqueduct.  This isn’t just any viaduct after all, it’s the viaduct that the Hogwarts Express crosses in the second and third Harry Potter movies!  

First let me say, it is in a stunning location in the highlands. Other than the visitors center and other Potter fans, you are completely immersed in nature.  Surrounded by high and ragged mountains, and loch (lake) Shiel, it also stars as a setting of the Triwizard Tournament.  

How to get there

To get to the viaduct you follow a gravel road through some trees and then up a hill.  I recommend staying on the path as there can be some surprise mud holes. I know this from experience.  Check out our ‘who wore it better’ picture and guess whose boots belong to who.  But what is an adventure without a little mud?

The viaduct is gorgeous, consisting of 21 arches, it is the longest structure on the route.  The route belongs to the Jacobite Express (hello Outlander fans) but is also known as the Hogwarts Express.  It leaves from Fort William and travels to Mallaig.  You can take the train, but I have read that the views are even better from the outside. 

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We climbed up above the viaduct and noticed many people sitting and waiting, it turns out the train was going to be coming by soon.  We really lucked out!  The train brought the valley to life and made me feel like a muggle in a wizard’s world.  It was perfect.  

As we walked back to the visitors center, we suddenly stopped in our tracks.  In the distance was a beautiful stag. Was Harry Potter sending us a sign?  The stag loped towards us and stopped by the bushes that separated us, and stared.  It was a magical moment that I will hold onto.

Glenfinnan Monument

Near the visitors center we made our way to the Glenfinnan monument that pays homage to all of the Jacobite clansmen that gave their lives for their cause against the English.  Here at the head of the loch in 1745, Bonnie Prince Charles began the last stand to reinstate the Royal Stuarts to the throne. (Yet another nod to Outlander.)

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Well, after this it was time to continue on our journey.

We decided to make our way to Dornie, which sits just before the Isle of Skye, which was going to be the next day’s journey.  We booked an AirBnB across the lane from a peaceful loch hosted by a lovely Australian woman.  She was happy to tell us about the only restaurant in the village for dinner and also pointed us in the direction of Eilean Donan Castle.

Eilean Donan Castle

We backtracked a couple of miles back the way we had come.  Sitting out on the water sat a castle befit for a fairytale.  It was late enough that the visitors center was closed and we were the only people exploring the small island.

The first version of Eilean Donan Castle was built in the early 13th century as a defensive measure against the Vikings.  Through the years it remained a defensive structure but has varied in size.

The castle does tie into our Outlander theme as it was used by Jacobite allies (The Spanish), in 1719 as a place to store and collect weapons for the uprising.  Unfortunately for them, the English caught wind of their plans and sent three frigates to stop them.  Ultimately the English ended up using the Spanish gunpowder supply to blow up the castle.

In 1911 the island was privately purchased and the castle was rebuilt to its former glory.  You can now visit the medieval castle and imagine life as it was centuries ago.  

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Road Trip Day 3

We dedicated our third day of our road trip to the Isle of Skye.  It may not be on the list of Harry Potter, but the theme song of Outlander’s opening credits was written about the Isle.  And it is completely worth the day trip.  

The Isle of Skye is said to be one of the most beautiful places on Earth.  A bold statement, as beauty is subjective to the beholder.  It turns out that I would have to agree.  

I have never seen anything like it.  Even on a gray and drizzly day it stood out as an emerald gem.  A land of fairies.  

We started our loop with the Old Man of Storr, a rocky outcropping that you can climb to and admire.  An enormous stone rises out of the mountain like a pillar to welcome visitors.  It is a popular hike, but as it was cold and rainy, we were one of only two couples making the trek up the hillside.  

We continued north on the narrow windy roads.  I saw that we could pull off and see the cliffs dropping off into the sea. I wanted to compare them to cliffs we had seen in Ireland.    They were stunning, waterfalls plummeted down into the sea below while the cliffs dropped sharply as though shorn from the mainland.  

The Fairy Pools

We were off to the Fairy Pools!  I was excited as I had loved fairies growing up. Back then my friend and I made fairy homes, and named part of our tree-covered driveway, Fairyville.  It was easy for me to imagine fairies living on the Isle of Skye, invisible to the settlers.

I am struggling to think of a way to describe the Fairy Pools.  They are every bit as serene and magical as you might imagine.  And more.  With a mountain looming over them and a lush green valley surrounding them, the pools are almost easily overlooked.  But once you notice them, you can’t look away.

A babbling brook flows down from the mountains and across the valley.  It flows over stones, down little waterfalls, and fills pools with crystal clear water. The magic of the pools will whisk you away from the other visitors to a world of your own.  

To experience the pools with fewer people, venture out in the early morning or during a drizzly day.  We also found that the farther up the stream we walked, the sparser the crowds became.  

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Talisker Distillery

Set on the shores of Loch Harport, the distillery has a fantastic view.  Inside they have tours of the distillery along with a tasting room.  We decided to try the Game of Thrones flight, and I learned that I do not like scotch.  But so many people do!  

We decided to spend the night in Dornie again as it was getting late and we didn’t want to drive the winding roads at night.  Nor did we want to miss some of the most beautiful sights in the Highlands.  

Road Trip Day 4

Starting the day with a hearty breakfast at our BnB in Dornie, we headed off through the highlands towards Inverness.  

And that’s when we got a flat tire.  Just outside of town. Because there always has to be something that doesn’t go according to plan, right? 

This is when it would have been handy to have paid for an international plan for our phones.  We ended up breaking down and spending the $10 to call a repair shop, which happened to be just down the road.  After a couple of hours and a new tire later, we were once again on our way.  

No picture does the highlands justice.  They are so beautiful.  No shopping centers, housing developments, or farms.  Just rugged and majestic nature.

Loch Ness and Inverness

Unfortunately, we didn’t see any monsters in the loch as we drove by on our way to Inverness.  It is surrounded by forest, and I could imagine being there millions of years ago amid the dinosaurs.

The real-life Inverness is not where Outlander was actually filmed.  And if you go you won’t be surprised as to why.  There is no special charm to the city, no fountain where Jamie stood staring at Claire. It is a modern city with a nice river flowing through it. 

We were personally not overly impressed with the city, we were on the hunt for more charm.  Which we found in Falkland, after heading to the Culloden Battlefield.  

Culloden Battlefield

As I learned more about the Jacobites and their cause, the more I realized that the Outlander books are more or less historically accurate.  Perhaps not the time travel, but the history and story of the English vs. the Highlanders.  

The battle of Culloden was a devastating battle for the Jacobites.  In 1745 the Jacobites fought the English for control of the Highlands, and it ended tragically for the Jacobites.  As we walked around the battlefield there were stones with the names of the different clans that fought in the battle.  Each stone represents a burial site for the men of that clan.  One of these stones belonged to the clan Frasier, which after the release of Outlander is probably the most frequented site on the field.   

You can see how the area favored the English and their fighting style.  It is a wide-open field with nowhere to take cover.  Nowhere to hide for an ambush.  So many died here fighting for their homes and Bonnie Prince Charles.  It was a solemn site, but special nonetheless. 

There is a very nice visitors center with an exhibit explaining the battle.  It also has a cafeteria and an outside eating area where we enjoyed a little picnic.  Outside they have cows (including hairy coos) that are used to eat the grass and keep the area naturally mowed and fertilized through rotational grazing.  

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Falkland

Outlander’s Inverness, a quaint village filled with gardens blooming with flowers.  It isn’t far outside of Edinburgh and is a relatively easy stop to make on your way back from Culloden.  

Here you will find the small square where Claire and Frank stay for their second honeymoon.  In the middle of the square sits the recognizable fountain from the first season. 

It is a very small village and it was quick to walk around before heading back to Edinburgh for the night where we concluded our Highland road trip and headed to London. 

Fun Fact: It is the location of the world’s oldest real tennis court.  

Outlander, Harry Potter and More!

There are many more Outlander filming sites to see, but due to our short amount of time we had to limit the number of stops we made.  I see it as yet another excuse to return to the Scottish Highlands. 

The Scottish Highlands has something for everyone and is the perfect escape from city life.  It is full of beauty, charming people, and a rich history.  I hope that you are able to enjoy a wonderful roadtrip of your own.  

You will find more detailed information on the locations mentioned below.   

Is Scotland Dog Friendly?

The short answer: YES! At the time we were in Scotland, we didn’t have a dog, and we probably wouldn’t have been able to bring him all that way.  Either way, I am always on the lookout for animals, and frequently saw dogs taking part in everyday activities with their owners. 

Dogs are allowed to play at the beach, take a break with you during lunch, and even tag along on many of your sightseeing adventures.  I saw a cute little dog while sampling scotch at the Talisker Distillery.  There is even a dog-friendly cruise on Loch Ness. 

Before bringing your dog to a castle or other indoor/outdoor activity, make sure to check that dogs are allowed on the grounds.  

Check out this post on Traveling with your dog! Traveling With Your Dog In Italy, but don’t worry, it’s applicable to many places 🙂

Budget-Friendly Travel Tips

• AirBnB, We would book our stays on the same day using AirBnB.  This proved to work out really well.  We could look for different stays in the area we were going to stay that night. 
• Look for flights to different cities (such as Dublin) and then check for flights between that city and your final destination.  Example: San Diego-Dublin, Dublin-Edinburgh. 
• Frequent the local super markets instead of eating at a restuarant for every meal. we would get cheese, bread, olives, and chocolate. We try to only eat dinner at restaurants. This saves a lot of money.

Destination Information

Harry Potter

• Victoria Street
  • Location: Edinburgh
    • It is off of George IV Bridge, and between Cowgate St. and Lawnmarket, and is across from the National Library of Scotland. 
    • My best advice is to use your map application to find Victoria St. in the old town. 
• Elephant House
  • Location: 21 George IV Bridge, Edinburgh EH1 1EN
  • Website: The Elephant House
• Greyfriars Kirkyard (Tom Riddle grave)
  • Location: 26A Candlemaker Row, Edinburgh EH1 2QE, United Kingdom
  • Website:Here You can also take a virtual tour of the Kirkyard and see Tom Riddle’s Grave
• Glenfinnan Viaduct (hogwarts express) & Loch Shiel (Tri-Wizard Tournament)
  • Location: Glenfinnan, Highlands, PH37 4LT
  • Website: Find more information here

Outlander

• Blackness Castle
  • Location: Blackness Castle, Linlithgow, EH49 7NH
  • Website: Find more information here about hours, tickets, and location  
  • It is highly recommended that you make reservations online
  • Parking is limited and is prioritized for those with tickets.  You can also take a minibus from Edinburgh.
• Glencoe
  • Countryside by viaduct where Bonnie Prince Charles started Jacobite uprising
• Culloden battlefield 
  • Location:
  • Website: Find more information on hours, prices (11pounds/adult), and exhibits here.
• Falkland (Outlander’s Inverness)
  • Location: Falkland, Cupar, Kingdom of Fife
  • Website: To find out more information and other activities in the area, check out their website.

Miscellaneous

• Kelpies 
  • Location: 
  • Website: To learn more about the kelpies and how to find them, check here.
• Eilean Donan Castle
  • Location: Dornie, by Kyle of Lochalsh, IV40 8DX, Scotland
  • Website: You could even get married here!
• Isle of skye 
  • Location: Western coast of Scotland.  Access from Dornie over the bridge.
  • Website: Find hikes, activities, places to stay and more!
• Loch Ness
  • Location: 23 miles southwest of Inverness