Victoria Street in Edinburgh, Scotland, is widely considered the real-life inspiration for Diagon Alley due to its, winding layout,, colorful, multi-story, shops, and, historic, charm. Located in the Old Town, this, curved street features, boutique, stores, and, cafes, that mirror the, magical, atmosphere, of the, Harry Potter, series.
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.
Victoria Street, Edinburgh, Scotland. Believed by many to be the inspiration for Diagon Alley as it is located near the former Nicholson's Cafe where JK Rowling penned most of the first of the Harry Potter books.
Just off the Royal Mile you can find the famous author's handprints reproduced on a flagstone in front of Edinburgh City Chambers. The prints were produced when J.K. Rowling was bestowed The Edinburgh Award in 2008.
Victoria Street in Edinburgh is famous for its unique, curving cobblestone lane, vibrant, colorful shopfronts, and its strong resemblance to J.K. Rowling's Diagon Alley from the Harry Potter series, making it a top spot for photography, unique shops, and literary fans. It's known for its tiered structure with an upper walkway (Victoria Terrace) and its mix of independent boutiques, cafes, and historic charm in the Old Town.
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 is the most photographed street in Edinburgh?
The most photographed street in Edinburgh is widely considered to be Victoria Street, famous for its vibrant, colorful shops, curved cobblestone layout, and its rumored inspiration for Diagon Alley in Harry Potter, drawing countless tourists and photographers. Another strong contender, especially for picturesque charm, is Circus Lane, known for its charming mews and aesthetic appeal, though Victoria Street generally gets the top billing.
Greyfriars Kirkyard is the graveyard surrounding Greyfriars Kirk in Edinburgh, Scotland. It is located at the southern edge of the Old Town, adjacent to George Heriot's School.
The "Harry Potter train" (The Jacobite Steam Train) runs in the Scottish Highlands from Fort William to Mallaig, using the same line as the films, most famously crossing the Glenfinnan Viaduct, a key filming location. You can ride it or visit viewpoints near Fort William to see it cross the famous 21-arched bridge over Loch Shiel.
J.K. Rowling famously finished writing Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows at The Balmoral Hotel in Edinburgh, and the hotel now features the luxurious J.K. Rowling Suite (formerly Room 552) dedicated to her, complete with subtle Harry Potter-themed decor, an owl door knocker, and the signed marble bust where she wrote the final words of the series.
Glencoe in the Scottish Highlands was the stunning location used for Hagrid's Hut in Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (2004). The set was built near Clachaig Gully, with incredible views of Glencoe's wild moorlands and towering mountains.
CECIL COURT THE REAL DIAGON ALLEY. Cecil Court being "just off Charing Cross Road" and with its curious mix of bookshops and antique shops, is widely believed to be the real Diagon Alley, or at least the thoroughfare on which Diagon Alley was based.
Knockturn Alley. Knockturn Alley was a wizarding shopping street that was connected to Diagon Alley. It had a reputation for being associated with the Dark Arts. For example, it was this alley that housed the unsavoury shop, Borgin & Burkes.
Bill and Fleur's home, Shell Cottage, from Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows was filmed on location at Freshwater West beach in Pembrokeshire, Wales, where the set was built directly on the sand dunes for filming in 2010 but was removed afterward. While the cottage isn't there anymore, fans still visit the beach to see the site and leave tributes at Dobby's Grave, a memorial built in the dunes nearby.
The Glenfinnan Viaduct is located in the Scottish Highlands, near the village of Glenfinnan, in the western part of Scotland. It spans the valley of the River Finnan, and sits opposite the banks of Loch Shiel.
Did you know that Alnwick Castle played a starring role as the magical Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry in two Harry Potter films? That's right, you can visit the real-life Harry Potter castle location in Northumberland.
On the way back to Edinburgh we passed through Glencoe and again were treated to some of the majestic scenery Scotland has to offer. All in all it was an awesome experience and one that is easy to recommend to anyone short on time and wanting to get a taste of the Highlands.
Unfortunately, the café suffered severe fire damage in August 2021 and has been closed since. However, disappointed Harry Potter fans (and anyone else) can still visit the Elephant House Magical Cafe, which opened on Victoria Street in late 2023.
No, the Harry Potter movies were not filmed in Edinburgh, but the city was a huge source of inspiration for J.K. Rowling, influencing characters, settings, and names. While you won't find actual film sets, Edinburgh offers many magical spots like Victoria Street (rumored Diagon Alley), Greyfriars Kirkyard (inspiration for names like Tom Riddle), and The Elephant House café (where she wrote).
Camera Obscura and World of Illusions - Britain's most fun attraction! Welcome to Edinburgh's oldest visitor attraction, delighting visitors since 1853.
