A HARRY POTTER ADVENTURE IN EDINBURGH

J.K. Rowling famously penned many of her iconic Harry Potter books in Edinburgh. In fact, her final book was completed at The Balmoral. Join us as we explore the atmospheric locations that inspired the characters and settings in her books, and visit some of the places where she wrote her much-loved stories.

Victoria Street
The quaint, cobbled street of Diagon Alley is where Harry and his friends go for magical supplies, from Eeylops Owl Emporium to Gringotts Wizarding Bank. Many believe the alley was directly inspired by Edinburgh’s Victoria Street. You won’t find an owl emporium here, but Victoria Street is home to Diagon House, which offers a curious and charming selection of official Harry Potter items.

The Balmoral
Rowling checked into room 552 at The Balmoral to finish The Deathly Hallows, the final instalment in the Harry Potter series. Now known as the J.K. Rowling Suite, you can book a stay in the suite and catch a glimpse of the marble statue upon which the author herself has written, ‘JK Rowling finished writing Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows in this room (552) on 11th Jan 2007.’

Greyfriars Kirkland
This atmospheric graveyard serves as the final resting places of some familiarly named individuals, such as Thomas Riddell and William McGonagall. Keep your eyes peeled for the views of George Heriot’s School from here, too—this 16 th -century turreted school may well have stirred Rowling’s imagination when she was writing about Hogwart’s School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.

Spoon
Formerly known as Nicolson’s Café, Spoon was where Rowling penned some of the earliest chapters of Harry Potter. Less frequented than the Elephant House Café, where the author famously wrote several of the later Potter novels, look for the Harry Potter themed plaque outside.

To book your stay in the extraordinary J.K. Rowling suite at The Balmoral call +44 131 556
2414 or email reservations.balmoral@roccofortehotels.com.


You may also like

Why nostalgia is the new luxury at Brown’s Hotel

As the world turns ever faster, the more we crave moments that feel timeless. In an age of novelty, amid the noise of constant ‘connection’ and the short-lived churn of the new, many are choosing something rare: nostalgia. Comfort is found in the familiar, meaning in memory, and beauty in places that feel lived-in. Nostalgia has emerged as the new expression of luxury, not as a retreat into the past, but rather a graceful refusal to let its traditions and heritage fade away.

Milan on a Plate

Few cities have shaped Italy’s table quite like Milan. Arguably best known for its extraordinary fashion and design scene, the city’s culinary story is one less often told - though no less remarkable. It is one best read on a plate, through recipes handed down over centuries. 

Made in Italy

In a city with a legacy like Florence, it is only natural for inspiration to take root. And alongside the bigger, global brands, small artisans flourish through their innate ability to tailor their ideas to an individual’s taste and dreams.