Pam Wycliffe is a graphic and web designer, Disneyland addict, muggle, hoarder of books and cats. Also a world traveler, Pam is always seeking new adventures.
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Pam Wycliffe • Jul 16, 2020
Harry Potter and My Scotland Pilgrimage
by Pam Wycliffe
I love to read, so I am ashamed to admit this out loud, but here I go:
When I first heard about Harry Potter, I wrongfully assumed it was a little kids’ book. We’re talking picture book kind of little kid. I know, a tragic mistake. Don’t worry - I finally figured it out after I saw the trailer for Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone in 2001. By that time, Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire (book four) had already been released. You can guess what I did. I binge-read all of them in preparation for the movie release and have not looked back since. I was hooked. I was obsessed. I was all in!
Next thing you know, I’m in line at 11pm at the local bookstore to get the newest book release. I was definitely not alone. I would rush home and stay up all night (and into the next day) to read what Harry, Ron and Hermione would do in their next adventure.
My son was 9 when I dressed him up as Harry Potter for Halloween. Did I buy him the store costume? No. I wanted it to be as authentic as possible, so I made his broom, his cloak, and found him some vintage glasses. Did I suggest my son decorate his room like the common room in Gryffindor? Maybe.
As the years went by, the movies would quench my thirst while waiting for the next book. Book 6 was the biggest tease; waiting for book 7 was bittersweet. You wanted, no, NEEDED to know the ending, but you also didn’t want it to end. Do we really want anything that we love to end?
So, what do you do after the books are done, the movies have been watched over and over, and you’ve analyzed everything via online groups? What’s the next step for Harry Potter enthusiasts? It’s Scotland!
The Harry Potter series begins in London. Then, Harry goes off to Hogwarts, and one probably just assumes it’s somewhere in a magical land. In reality, it’s Scotland. J.K. Rowling lived in Edinburgh during the time she wrote the first few books. She would sit in cafes to write because it was warm and she didn’t have the money to heat her flat.
I stepped off the train at Waverly Train Station in Edinburgh and took a walk to stretch my legs. One of the first things I saw was Edinburgh Castle up on the hill. It was Hogwarts! How could it not be? Reports are that she didn’t use that as her inspiration, but it was hard not to compare the two.
When I first heard about Harry Potter, I wrongfully assumed it was a little kids’ book. We’re talking picture book kind of little kid. I know, a tragic mistake. Don’t worry - I finally figured it out after I saw the trailer for Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone in 2001. By that time, Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire (book four) had already been released. You can guess what I did. I binge-read all of them in preparation for the movie release and have not looked back since. I was hooked. I was obsessed. I was all in!
Next thing you know, I’m in line at 11pm at the local bookstore to get the newest book release. I was definitely not alone. I would rush home and stay up all night (and into the next day) to read what Harry, Ron and Hermione would do in their next adventure.
My son was 9 when I dressed him up as Harry Potter for Halloween. Did I buy him the store costume? No. I wanted it to be as authentic as possible, so I made his broom, his cloak, and found him some vintage glasses. Did I suggest my son decorate his room like the common room in Gryffindor? Maybe.
As the years went by, the movies would quench my thirst while waiting for the next book. Book 6 was the biggest tease; waiting for book 7 was bittersweet. You wanted, no, NEEDED to know the ending, but you also didn’t want it to end. Do we really want anything that we love to end?
So, what do you do after the books are done, the movies have been watched over and over, and you’ve analyzed everything via online groups? What’s the next step for Harry Potter enthusiasts? It’s Scotland!
The Harry Potter series begins in London. Then, Harry goes off to Hogwarts, and one probably just assumes it’s somewhere in a magical land. In reality, it’s Scotland. J.K. Rowling lived in Edinburgh during the time she wrote the first few books. She would sit in cafes to write because it was warm and she didn’t have the money to heat her flat.
I stepped off the train at Waverly Train Station in Edinburgh and took a walk to stretch my legs. One of the first things I saw was Edinburgh Castle up on the hill. It was Hogwarts! How could it not be? Reports are that she didn’t use that as her inspiration, but it was hard not to compare the two.
JK used her surroundings to inspire characters and places. Names from headstones from Greyfriars Kirkyard were used for some of the characters.
Off the Royal Mile is Victoria Street, the inspiration for Diagon Alley. It’s not exactly what you think but you can certainly see the jump from the feel of the street to what was written. It truly is a magical place. It’s the home to many amazing shops and restaurants, including no less than two Harry Potter fun stores.
I made my way into Curiosities for the Curious Museum of Context. It’s tiny, but filled with all the Harry Potter things you can think of. If you have been into the Platform 9 ¾ store in London’s King’s Cross, this one blows that store out of the water. It’s unique to say the least, and not only do they have all the cool stuff, they have a little museum of Harry Potter memorabilia.
While Edinburgh is home to much of the inspiration for the books, so were many other places around Scotland. For instance, the Jacobite train provided inspiration for the Hogwarts Express. In fact, the actual Jacobite train was used in the movies as the Hogwarts Express!
The Jacobite is a beautiful steam train that journeys from Fort William to Mallaig. It travels over the spectacular Glenfinnan Viaduct, made famous by the films. If you look at the picture below, you can see where the film makers set Hogwarts for the films at Glenfinnan Loch Schiel.
There is so much to explore and learn about Scotland through the Harry Potter books and movies. I wish I could go on and on, but my true wish is that readers investigate and plan a trip for themselves someday. I highly recommend visiting if you want to take your passion to new heights - and you might just find that Scotland is incredible with or without Harry Potter! It’s definitely worth the trip.
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"While many critics and fans laud the technological advances of this franchise, the moving and uniquely relevant story often gets overlooked."
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