
Harry Potter & Horrible History Small Group Tour
Traveler rating
5.0/5
Based on 221 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Harry Potter & Horrible History Small Group Tour worth booking?
Harry Potter & Horrible History Small Group Tour is a 2-hour experience in Edinburgh, United Kingdom, from $25 per person. It scores 85 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Exceptional”, based on a 5/5 rating across 221 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 85 / 100
- Rating
- 5/5 (221)
- Duration
- 2 hours
- From
- $25 per person
Step into the magic and mystery of Edinburgh’s UNESCO-listed Old Town on a journey that blends the wizarding world with the city’s darkest secrets. This expert-led walking tour navigates the medieval cobbled streets and
What you get
About this experience
Step into the magic and mystery of Edinburgh’s UNESCO-listed Old Town on a journey that blends the wizarding world with the city’s darkest secrets. This expert-led walking tour navigates the medieval cobbled streets and hidden 'closes' of the Old Town, including the Royal Mile, uncovering the real-life inspirations for Harry Potter and the 'Horrible Histories' that shaped Scotland's capital. From the haunting atmosphere of Greyfriars Kirkyard to the vibrant facades of Victoria Street, you’ll discover iconic landmarks, meet the legendary Greyfriars Bobby, and enjoy breathtaking views of Edinburgh Castle that most tourists miss. Whether you're a fan of folklore or a history enthusiast, this experience offers a comprehensive, small-group look at the heart of Edinburgh and beyond.
What's included
Included
- Expert guide specialising in Edinburgh's history and Harry Potter sites
- Small Group Guarantee (Max 12 People)
- All Fees and Taxes
- List of local recommendations for after the tour
What you'll see and do
Discuss how J K Rowling began her journey in creating Harry Potter and how Edinburgh played its part in her journey of writing Harry Potter.
15 minutes here
Grassmarket
Talk about the official place of public executions
10 minutes here
The Vennel Viewpoint Edinburgh Castle
Enjoy the beautiful view of the Edinburgh Castle.
10 minutes here
Flodden Wall
Learn about the bloody battle which resulted in the creation of the Flodden Wall.
10 minutes here
George Heriot's School
Talking about the Jingling Geordie and how this school could be one of the main inspirations for Hogwarts
10 minutes here
Greyfriars
See three gravestones which are said to have inspired Rowling in naming important Harry Potter characters and delve into some ghost stories.
30 minutes here
Come face to face with two cafes J K Rowling wrote in and learn how they played a huge part in her journey.
10 minutes here
Royal Mile
See the Edinburgh award hand prints of J K Rowling
25 minutes here
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Edinburgh
We will meet outside the National Library of Scotland on George IV Bridge Road.
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
Ending in the City Chambers court
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- en
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri
- Group size
- Up to 8 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Rob Carr Tours
Know before you go
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Photos






What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 221 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
Knowledge and storytelling
7 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
The guide
3 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Good for families
2 mentionsReviewers traveling with kids report it landed well with their group.
Traveler reviews
221 verified traveler reviews for Harry Potter & Horrible History Small Group Tour. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Amazing tour - perfect blend of Harry Potter and history
Rob gave an amazing tour. He's funny, knowledgeable, and provided a perfect mix of Harry Potter and history spots/facts. We had a blast and would love to take more of Rob's tours after experiencing this one!
via Tripadvisor
Fantastic Tour!
Funny, easy going, professional, friendly - Rob was a fantastic guide! It was heartwarming and bonding to see how much he himself likes Harry Potter and all the Storys that can be found throughout the City of Edinburgh. Groupsize of max. ten is perfect, length of the tour (approx. 2 hours) was good. Would absolutely recommend and book again!
via Tripadvisor
Our best experience in Edinburgh
This is the best small group walking tour we've taken as a family. Rob is such a nice guy and very knowledgeable about Edinburgh sights and history. Definitely do this tour if you want a mix of Harry Potter fun facts as well as some background on historical monuments and neighborhoods. Rob went above and beyond in helping us identify lunch spots, live music venues, and even made recommendations for other towns we'd be visiting in Scotland. All around our best experience in Edinburgh!
via Tripadvisor
Edinburgh, Harry Potter & History
My family really enjoyed the Edinburgh Harry Potter and history tour with Rob. He kept the tour engaging from start to finish with great storytelling and a sense of humor that had us laughing throughout. A fun, informative and memorable experience—highly recommended!
via Tripadvisor
Amazing story telling and jokes!
Rob was a very nice and knowledgeable guide. He had some great dad jokes and was a great storyteller.
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 2 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 77
- Verdict
- Exceptional
Why this scores 85
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Harry Potter & Horrible History Small Group Tour: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Edinburgh.
How much does Harry Potter & Horrible History Small Group Tour cost?
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Prices start at $25 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Edinburgh usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Harry Potter & Horrible History Small Group Tour take?
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Plan for about 2 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Edinburgh is not rushed.
Is Harry Potter & Horrible History Small Group Tour worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 85 out of 100, which we label "Exceptional". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 221 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Edinburgh, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Harry Potter & Horrible History Small Group Tour?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Harry Potter & Horrible History Small Group Tour suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 2-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Harry Potter & Horrible History Small Group Tour?
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Around 77 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Edinburgh can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Edinburgh and add a light layer if any part of the 2-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Harry Potter & Horrible History Small Group Tour start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Edinburgh within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Edinburgh?
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On Outty we rank every Edinburgh experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include The Chocolatarium Chocolate Tour Experience in Edinburgh, The Mountebank Comedy Walk of Edinburgh, Edinburgh: Glenfinnan Viaduct, Glencoe & Fort William. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Edinburgh?
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Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Edinburgh?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
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