To commemorate the 27th anniversary of J.K. Rowling's debut novel, Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone, published on 26JUN, 1997, HAGGiS Adventures is thrilled to showcase its nine enchanting Harry Potter-themed journeys throughout Scotland. These single and multi-day tours offer Potterheads an unforgettable wizardry experience, including excursions to the most famous filming locations such as Alnwick Castle, aka Hogwarts, hopping aboard the Jacobite Steam Train, aka Hogwarts Express, considered to be the greatest rail journey in the world and discovering the panoramic vistas of Glen Coe, the very backdrop to Hagrid's Hut.
“To celebrate 27 years of the Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone debut, HAGGiS Adventures is thrilled to provide fans and film buffs the opportunity to immerse themselves across Scotland, which inspired the author,” says Graeme Ward, Managing Director of HAGGiS Adventures and Radical Travel Group. “These fantastical tours will bring the beloved fantasy and coming-of-age stories to life for Potterheads and enable them to explore the captivating landscapes of the Highlands,” he adds.
Below are the iconic Harry Potter landmarks for fans to discover in Scotland with HAGGiS Adventures:
Glenfinnan Viaduct: Harry Potter Bridge - Ron and Harry's thrilling encounter with the Hogwarts Express On the Harry Potter & The Hogwarts Express day tour from Edinburgh, all wizards, witches, and Muggles can participate in this magical adventure, including J.K. Rowling’s favourite writing spots and pass through Scotland's ancient capital, the Kingdom of Fife and Perth. Gryffindors can relive the airborne encounter scene of Ron and Harry with the Hogwarts Express from the Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets novel as they pass the Glenfinnan Viaduct on the West Coast. Onwards, they will have the opportunity to jump aboard the Jacobite Steam train, aka Hogwarts Express, for a 2-hour journey along one of the world's most scenic rail lines with stunning views of Scotland’s spectacular west coast between Mallaig and Fort William. During the train journey, guests will pass by Loch Shiel, the majestic outdoor area of Hogwarts from the movies, and is commonly referred to as the Great Lake. From their train window, fans can also view the island of trees, Eilean na Moine, which is located on Loch Eilt in Lochaber. This island is featured as the setting for Dumbledore's grave, as seen in Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban and Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows.
Clients also have the option to climb aboard the Jacobite Steam Train and drive across Glenfinnan Viaduct on a 5-day Highland Fling, where they journey through the magnificent Isle of Skyle and learn about historical Viking tales and legends. As part of a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience, they will visit the Dundreggan Rewilding Centre to learn about Trees for Life, a TreadRight-funded project. The tour also includes visiting the mysterious Beauly Priory, the prehistoric site of Clava Cairns, the Highland capital Inverness, and a local whisky distillery to taste the country’s ‘water of life’. Clients can take advantage of the Early Bird offer to lock in their spots for 2025 at 2024 prices for a limited time on this tour*.
Alnwick Castle: Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry
Fans of the film series can release their inner wizards and witches and rejoice as they descend upon the Alnwick Castle, famously known as the Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, on the Castles and Broomsticks Day trip. Potterheads can have their broomsticks ready for lessons at the very same spot as young Harry did in Harry Potter and The Philosopher’s Stone at the Outer Bailey. Hogwarts is where he mastered the wizarding sport of Quidditch and where Ron crashed his father’s enchanted flying car. Guests can visit the Lion Arch in the castle that was used as the route to Hagrid’s hut and the Forbidden Forest. The Alnwick castle has been home to the Duke of Northumberland for over 700 years and is the second-largest inhabited castle in England. Guests can take advantage of the Early Bird offer on this tour*.
Glen Coe: Backdrop to Hagrid's Hut in Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban
Every Potter fan must remember the unique wooden cabin surrounded by pumpkins situated outside Hogwarts Castle against a stunning backdrop. This cabin is where Hagrid kept his unique pets, such as Norbert the dragon, Buckbeak the Hippogriff, and Fang, a large boarhound. It's also where Hermione and Harry used the Time-Turner to rescue Buckbeak in The Prisoner of Azkaban. Guests on the 6-day Isle Of Skye & Hebridean Hopper tour can witness the dramatic mountains and Glen Coe's gorgeous valley, which served as the filming location for Hagrid's Hut and three different outdoor sets in the Harry Potter series. The excursion includes explorations to thrilling landmarks, including the Kelpies, Loch Ness, the 5000-year-old Callanish standing stones on the Isle of Lewis and stop by the Harris Distillery to sample the national dram. Guests will wander throughout the wondrous Isle of Skye, Eilean Donan Castle, and can climb aboard the Jacobite Steam Train as an optional excursion before returning to Edinburgh. Guests can use the code SKYEHEB25 to save 25% on this tour for eligible departures before September 26th, 2024. Valid only on bookings made before June 30th, 2024. * For more information, please contact your local travel advisor or visit www.haggisadventures.com
