In the past few years, the generation raised on Harry Potter has become Outlander superfans. And honestly, the evolution from wizardry to time travel just makes sense. Both series are inspired by people and places in Scotland, an endless source of creativity, and home to myths, legends, magic, and history.
Luckily, muggles who don’t hear the buzzing of the stones at Craigh na Dun can still visit the places that inspired the books, movies, and shows they love:
Outlander – Edinburgh
Palace of Holyrood House – featured in book 2 when Claire and Jamie visit Bonnie Prince Charlie. Located at the end of the Royal Mile.
World’s End Pub – featured in season and book 3 when Jamie rescues a drunk Mr. Willoughby. Located on the Royal Mile.
Bakehouse / Carfax Close – location of A. Malcolm’s (Jamie’s) printshop from season 3 when Jamie and Claire were reunited. Located just off the Royal Mile.
Signet Library – used as a filming location in Season 3. The interior was used as the Governor’s mansion in Jamaica. Located near St. Giles Cathedral on the Royal Mile.
Summerhall – featured in season 3 as Claire’s classroom at medical school in Boston. Located at the east end of the Meadows, close to George Square and Edinburgh city center.
Craigmillar Castle – featured in season 3 as Ardsmuir Prison. Located outside Edinburgh city center.
Midhope Castle – used as Lallybroch, Jamie’s family home. Located at the Hopetoun Estate, outside of Edinburgh.
Outlander Bonus Feature – Inverness (a 1-hour train ride from Edinburgh)
Culloden Battlefield – site of the real Battle of Culloden and current war memorial.
Culloden House – where the real Bonnie Prince Charlie stayed in the days leading up to the Battle of Culloden. Now a luxury hotel.
Harry Potter – Edinburgh
Greyfriars Kirkyard (Cemetery) – believed to be where JK Rowling found inspiration for some of the names in the books. Keep an eye out for the tombstones of Scots named Tom Riddell, Robert Potter, William McGonagall, and Elizabeth Moodie. Greyfriars is also rumored to be the inspiration for the graveyard at Godric’s Hollow, the resting place of Harry’s parents. Located on Candlemaker Row.
Victoria Street – inspiration for Diagon Alley. Currently known as one of the most Instagrammed streets in the world and home to several shops, like the Enchanted Galaxy and Museum Context, filled with Harry Potter souvenirs and movie memorabilia. Located in Grassmarket.
City Chambers – JK Rowling’s handprints are on the flagstone to memorialize her receipt of The Edinburgh Award in 2008. Located on High Street.
George Heriot’s School – inspiration for Hogwarts. Located near the University of Edinburgh on Lauriston Place.
National Museums of Scotland – home to the Lewis Chess Pieces, rumored to be the inspiration for the characters in Wizard Chess. Located on Chambers Street.
Elephant House – where JK Rowling wrote some of the early Harry Potter book drafts. Currently closed, but you can take exterior pictures. Located on George IV Bridge.
Balmoral Hotel – where JK Rowling finished writing Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, the final novel of the series. Room 552 is now renamed the JK Rowling Suite. Located on Princes Street.