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Hogwarts Express, Scottish Highlands

Hogwarts Express, Scottish Highlands: Our most recommended tours and activities

Glasgow: Glenfinnan, Mallaig and Glencoe Adventure Tour

1. Glasgow: Glenfinnan, Mallaig and Glencoe Adventure Tour

Enjoy a guided day trip from Glasgow by bus exploring the Port of Mallaig, Glencoe, Loch Lomond, and reach Glenfinnan Viaduct right on time to see the Jacobite Steam Train (also known as the Harry Potter Hogwarts Express) crossing the tall bridge. Depart Glasgow and travel north, stopping for a coffee and refreshments at a small highland village. Traveling onwards, reach Glencoe, known to many as the location for the Massacre of the MacDonald clan in 1692. Take photos of this beautiful area whilst you learn about its turbulent past. After Glencoe, travel further north to Fort William. Stop for refreshments and perhaps a bite to eat before journeying down the Road to the Isles. Learn about the history of the area as you approach Mallaig, where you will spend time enjoying lunch and its sea views. From Mallaig, travel eastwards to the main attraction, Glenfinnan. Arrive to see the Jacobite Steam Train (also known as the Hogwarts Express in the Harry Potter Films) cross the bridge. Enjoy the iconic view, known as the setting for many Harry Potter scenes, including Loch Shiel. From Glenfinnan, travel southwards, stopping for refreshments before reaching Luss for Loch Lomond. Spend time here to enjoy the beautiful lochside views before returning to Glasgow.

From Edinburgh: Isle of Skye and Hogwarts Express 4-Day Trip

2. From Edinburgh: Isle of Skye and Hogwarts Express 4-Day Trip

Day 1 Departing from Scotland’s capital city Edinburgh, we’ll begin our journey north, stopping to see the impressive Forth Railway Bridge. We will then continue on to the quaint Victorian town of Pitlochry, where you'll have time to explore and grab a morning coffee if you choose to. Continuing through the Cairngorms National Park we'll make our way to Fort Augustus for lunch. This is pretty village at the south end of Loch Ness, so you'll have time to try to spot to elusive monster Nessie. Next we head to Eilean Donan Castle* where we'll spend some time before crossing the bridge to Skye. Overnight: Skye Day 2 Enjoy a full day exploring the Isle of Skye. Your experienced and knowledgeable guide will ensure you get the most out of your day and enjoy sights such as the craggy Cuillin Mountains, the outstanding Trotternish Peninsula, The Kilt Rock and The Old Man of Storr. Portree is your lunch time stop, where you can enjoy delicious fish and chips next to the harbour – just watch out for the seagulls! Overnight: Skye Day 3 This morning we will continue to explore Skye, taking in some highlights in the south of the island. We will then join a ferry from Armadale to Mallaig, our lunch stop for the day. There may also be an opportunity to join a Wildlife Cruise here. Next we will join the Jacobite Steam Train (or Hogwarts Express!) and enjoy the stunning 2-hour train ride to Fort William, our overnight stop. Day 4 After a restful at the stunning new Nevis Range Hotel we will start our journey south towards the impressive Glen Coe. We'll have ample time to take in this stunning glen and explore the Glen Coe Visitor Centre. We will then continue our drive through Rannoch Moor, one of the last really wild places in Scotland. If you want to experience the beauty of the Scottish Moor, this is the place! We will stop for lunch in Callander, situated on the River Teith this is where we'll say goodbye to the Highlands and continue into the lowlands. We will stop to see the impressive, Kelpies - 30-meter-high horse head sculptures before returning to Edinburgh. *Optional Extra Subject to Availability.

From Edinburgh: 2-Day Highlands Tour with Hogwarts Express

3. From Edinburgh: 2-Day Highlands Tour with Hogwarts Express

This 2-day guided tour takes you from Edinburgh to the gateway of the Highlands at Fort William, and on a world-famous steam train ride that passes Loch Ness, Ben Nevis, and other natural wonders of Scotland. Stay overnight in Fort Augustus at a B&B. Itinerary Day 1 Travel past the Forth Railway Bridge, then take a woodland walk in the Highlands at Dunkeld. Continue through the breathtaking Drumochter Pass, skirt the stunning peaks of the Cairngorm National Park, and visit Culloden, the last stand of the Jacobites against government forces. The first day ends in Fort Augustus, a quaint highland town. Overnight at a B&B in Fort Augustus.   Day 2 Take a steam train journey back in time. The Jacobite steam train route has been rated as one of the world's great train journeys. Travel past Britain's highest mountain, deepest loch, shortest river, and westernmost train station. Cross the viaduct featured in the Harry Potter movies and pass the Glenfinnan Monument, where Bonnie Prince Charlie raised his standard at the beginning of the 1745 Jacobite rising. Have lunch in the west coast town of Mallaig, where you can taste the best of Scottish seafood. Head back to Edinburgh via Glen Coe. Visit Glen Coe, where the MacDonalds were betrayed, and then experience the beauty of Rannoch Moor and Stirlingshire en route.

Inverness: Glenfinnan Viaduct, Mallaig, & Loch Ness Day Tour

4. Inverness: Glenfinnan Viaduct, Mallaig, & Loch Ness Day Tour

See some superb Highland sights on this 1-day excursion from Inverness. Stop outside Urquhart Castle, view the Glenfinnan Viaduct, and keep an eye out for the Loch Mess monster on this tour aboard a comfortable coach.  Begin your day out from Inverness, by hopping onboard the climate-controlled coach and heading for Urquhart Castle. Stop for refreshments and photos at the Castle which is located on the banks of Loch Ness. Pass through the charming waterside town of Mallaig.  Travel to Commando Memorial for a photo stop before heading for the beautiful Glenfinnan Viaduct, which is known for being part of the Hogwarts Express from the Harry Potter films. Enjoy an hour here to soak up the atmosphere and to snap a photo of the train when it crosses the bridge. Venture westwards on a picturesque road to the Isles and arrive in the harbor village of Mallaig in time for lunch. Stretch your legs while exploring its harbor. From Mallaig, travel to Fort Augustus for a refreshment break, and then on to the impressive Falls of Foyers. End your tour with a stop at Dores Beach which is located at the north of Loch Ness. Pause here to take some time to explore its sandy beach and go Nessie hunting, before returning to Inverness.

Isle of Skye and Outer Hebrides 6-Day Tour from Edinburgh

5. Isle of Skye and Outer Hebrides 6-Day Tour from Edinburgh

Day 1: Edinburgh to Inverness. Depart Edinburgh at 8:30 AM and head north towards Bannockburn, which is the site of the famous battle won by outlaw king Robert the Bruce. Learn about William Wallace as you pass Stirling Castle. Catch a glimpse of Doune Castle, which appears in Monty Python & the Holy Grail, Outlander, and Game of Thrones. Soak up the atmospheric scenery in Glencoe. Look out for Ben Nevis, the UK’s highest mountain, on your journey toward Loch Ness. Learn about the legend of the ‘Nessie’ the Loch Ness monster then continue onto Inverness. Arrive around 5:30 PM and spend free time enjoying a walk along the River Ness or to Inverness Castle for views of the city. Then you can wander around the various bars and restaurants.  Day 2: Inverness to Stornoway. Begin your day with fresh air and stunning scenery at Black Water Falls. Continue north along a beautiful stretch of road then take to the water on the ferry from Ullapool to Stornoway on the Isle of Lewis. Keep an eye out for dolphins along the way. Explore the remote and rugged Atlantic coastline of Lewis. Visit the Butt of Lewis, the most northerly point on the island, to see the isolated lighthouse and dramatic force of the sea against the cliffs. Return to the main town of Stornoway for the night. Day 3: Stornoway. Prepare for an exciting day touring the cultural attractions on the Isle of Lewis. First, go back to the Neolithic period as you visit the mysterious 5000-year old Callanish Standing Stones. Then fast-forward to the Iron Age at the broch of Dun Carloway. Experience 17th century island life at the Gearrannan Blackhouse Village and unwind with a wee dram of whisky at Abhainn Dearg, which is the most westerly distillery in Scotland. Spend free time back in Stornoway. You can wander around the pretty harbour and go in search of fresh seafood in the local restaurants.  Day 4: Stornoway to Portree. Depart Stornoway and drive south towards the idyllic Isle of Harris. Marvel at the flawless white sand beaches with turquoise sea and a backdrop of mountains on West Harris. Board the ferry and go over the sea to the Isle of Skye, where you will spend the afternoon exploring the Trotternish peninsula. Soak up the enchanting scenery and learn about the island’s myths and legends. Arrive at your final stop, Portree, in time to enjoy dinner in one of the town’s restaurants. Day 5: Portree. Enjoy a magical day of island exploration on the Isle of Skye. Hear about the island’s resident fairies on a stop at one of the famous Fairy Bridges. Visit the enchanted waters of the Sligachan River, with views of the old bridge and the breathtaking Cuillin mountains. Drive over the Skye bridge to the iconic and absolutely beautiful Eilean Donan Castle. This castle was used in the filming of Highlander and James Bond, The World is Not Enough. Spend free time back in Portree visiting the shops, restaurants, and picturesque harbour with its colourful facades. Day 6: Portree to Edinburgh. Explore more of the beautiful Isle of Skye before taking the ferry to the west coast fishing village of Mallaig on the west coast. Experience one of the most spectacular railway journeys in the world and travel over the Glenfinnan Viaduct on the Jacobite Steam Train, made famous by Harry Potter. Take the scenic route back to the city, through the Cairngorms National Park. Arrive into Edinburgh around 8:30 PM. 

From Oban: Harry Potter Tour with Hotel Pickup and Drop-off

6. From Oban: Harry Potter Tour with Hotel Pickup and Drop-off

Embark on a fully guided tour from Oban to Glenfinan Viaduct, where you are guaranteed the chance to see the famous Jacobite train crossing the bridge, providing a magical and unforgettable experience. Admire the stunning views of Ben Nevis, the highest mountain in the UK, and explore historic sites such as Castle Stalker, Dunstaffnage Castle, the Glenfinan Monument, and the Appin murder sites, which inspired the novel "Kidnapped" by Robert Louis Stevenson. Personalize your experience with the opportunity to customize the tour for groups of up to 14 people. A stop for lunch at a local restaurant is available upon request, offering a taste of traditional Scottish cuisine. With comfortable transportation and expert guidance, this tour provides a unique and immersive experience of the beauty and history of the Scottish Highlands.

Edinburgh: Isle of Skye, Highlands & Jacobite Steam Train

7. Edinburgh: Isle of Skye, Highlands & Jacobite Steam Train

Our Skye High tour is the perfect way for travelers short on time to see most of Scotland. In just three days, go hunting for the Loch Ness Monster, see ruined castles and stunning lochs, and listen to Celtic myths in a proper Highland pub. Leaving Edinburgh at 8:00 AM, take in views of the spectacular Forth Bridges and journey north to Macbeth County. Visit the quaint village of Dunkeld with its historic cathedral sitting on the banks of the River Tay. Drive further into the Highlands and enter the Great Glen. Stop at Fort Augustus on the banks of Loch Ness and search for a glimpse of the legendary beast. Our journey to the Isle of Skye passes one of the most photographed castles in Scotland – Eilean Donan. Our home for the night is the small village of Portree on the Isle of Skye. (Overnight: Portree) Today we explore the Isle of Skye, also known as the ‘Misty Isle’: a bucket-list destinations thanks to its heart-stopping scenery. This wee island is packed with ruined castles, breathtaking views, and faerie stories. Home to the legendary MacLeod and MacDonald Clans, hear Celtic myths and Viking legends from the past millennia. Explore the windswept landscape, coastline, and mountain ranges. In the afternoon, explore Dunvegan Castle, the ancestral home of the Chiefs of Clan MacLeod before returning to Portree. Summer itinerary, April to mid-October. Our first stop of the day is the beautiful Armadale Castle, Gardens, and Museum of the Isles before taking the ferry to the west coast fishing village of Mallaig. Have the option to be a wizard for the day and board the Jacobite Steam Train aka “Hogwarts Express” to Fort William, one of the most spectacular railway journeys in the world and a must for all Harry Potter fans. The train crosses the Glenfinnan Viaduct where a monument to Bonnie Prince Charlie’s campaign now stands. We head south through the dramatic scenery of Glencoe, wild Rannoch Moor then the heart of Rob Roy country before arriving back in Edinburgh at approximately 8:30 PM.

From Edinburgh: Scottish Highlands & Isle of Skye 5-Day Tour

8. From Edinburgh: Scottish Highlands & Isle of Skye 5-Day Tour

Travel across the highlands of Scotland and discover some of the country’s major attractions. On this 5-day excursion you’ll stay in B&B accommodation and travel with an English-speaking guide. Detailed Itinerary Day 1: Through the Trossachs to Oban This wide-ranging tour starts by heading west through the beautiful scenery of Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park to Kilmartin Glen. Here you’ll explore Scotland’s ancient past. With over 5,000 years of history laid out before you, you’ll be able to walk in the footsteps of the first Scots at Dunadd Hill Fort and the Temple Wood Stone Circle. Then it’s on to the picturesque seaside town of Oban. Overnight in Oban. Day 2: A Day of high hills and history The second day takes you to the haunting landscape of Glen Coe, which was the scene of the terrible massacre of the MacDonald Clan. You’ll continue on past Ben Nevis, Britain’s tallest peak and stop at Fort William. We will drive part of the route of one of the most fantastic train journeys in the entire world. On departures between May and September, board the Jacobite Train, or "Hogwarts Express" in Fort William for the next section of your journey. Travel across the Glenfinnan Viaduct and enjoy stunning views as you make your way through the west coast town of Mallaig. In April and October you will continue west from Fort William on board your bus, making a stop to view the Glenfinnan Viaduct, made famous by the Harry Potter films and hopefully get a chance to see the steam train cross it. We will also be able to see Glenfinnan Monument - and the gorgeous scenery that surrounds it! Overnight in Skye. Day 3: A whole day to explore Skye You'll have the whole of the third day to explore Skye's mysteries and landscape. Here the mountains and beaches beckon, so lose yourself in the spectacular scenery of the Cuillin Mountains, the slanting hills of Quiraing, and the incredible Trotternish Peninsula. Overnight in Skye. Day 4: Castles, mountains, and on to Loch Ness Once you leave Skye your first stop will be to visit the stunningly beautiful Eilean Donan Castle (this is an optional extra ). You’ll then continue your journey onwards to the fabled shores of Loch Ness. Here you have the option to visit Urquhart Castle and take a cruise on the loch (extra charge), before ending the day in the capital of the Highlands: Inverness. Stay overnight in Inverness. Day 5: Historic battlefields and back to Edinburgh You’ll start your journey south and have the chance to visit the battlefield of Culloden (an optional extra), the site of the defeat of the Jacobite forces. Then you’ll pass the stunning Cairngorm Mountains and have time to explore the picturesque town of Pitlochry, before arriving back in Edinburgh.

Edinburgh: Isle of Skye and Loch Ness 5-Day Highlands Tour

9. Edinburgh: Isle of Skye and Loch Ness 5-Day Highlands Tour

Make the most of your time in Scotland with a 5-day tour of the best of Loch Ness and the Isle of Skye. Ride on the Fort William viaduct featured in the Harry Potter movies, sample Scotch whiskey, and sail along the waters of Loch Ness. Accommodation and breakfast are included. Day 1:Leave Edinburgh and head to the iconic Kelpies. Travel north to Stirling and the towering Wallace Monument, taking in stunning views of the Castle along the way. Enter the Highlands heading through wild Rannoch Moor and Glencoe and on to the fishing port of Oban, where you'll stay overnight. Day 2: Take the steam train from Fort William, crossing the viaduct featured in the Harry Potter movies, where a monument to Bonnie Prince Charlie’s campaign now stands. Take the ferry to Skye where you can explore striking cliffs and mountains, before driving north to your overnight destination. Stay overnight in the Isle of Skye. Day 3:Explore more of the mysterious island that's full of awe-inspiring mountains, myths, and legends before returning to the mainland to view Eilean Donan Castle and wind your way along the Great Glen to the infamous Loch Ness. Stay overnight in Inverness. Day 4:Hunt for the elusive monster with a cruise on Loch Ness before turning northward and the stunning beauty of the northwest Highlands. Take in the beautiful town of Beauly with its Priory dating back to 1230. The day ends with a visit to Culloden Battlefield, where Bonnie Prince Charlie and the Jacobites were defeated in 1746. Stay overnight in Inverness. Day 5:Leaving Inverness, visit the Highland Folk Museum to get a real taste of Highland life from the past centuries. Next, head to a local Whisky Tasting of the so-called 'Water of Life'. For the final stop of the tour, visit Dunkeld and take a walk through the quaint village. Stroll along the River Tay and see the cathedral. Return back to Edinburgh in the evening.

From Edinburgh: Orkney, Skye and the Far North 8 Day Tour

10. From Edinburgh: Orkney, Skye and the Far North 8 Day Tour

On day 1, travel through the Trossachs to Oban. This wide-ranging Highland and Islands tour starts by heading west through the beautiful scenery of Loch, Lomond and the Trossachs National Park to Kilmartin Glen. Explore Scotland’s ancient past; with over 5,000 years of history laid out before you, you’ll be able to walk in the footsteps of the first Scots at Dunadd Hill Fort and the Temple Wood Stone Circle. Then stay overnight in Oban. On day 2, enjoy a day of high hills and history. Discover the haunting landscape of Glen Coe, past Ben Nevis - Britain’s tallest peak, and make a stop at Fort William. If traveling between May and September you will board the Jacobite Train from Fort William to Mallaig. Crossing over the sea to the Isle of Skye by ferry for your second night, staying overnight in Skye. On day 3, enjoy a whole day to explore Skye’s beautiful landscape. Here the mountains and beaches beckon, so lose yourself amongst the spectacular scenery of the Cuillin Mountains, the slanting hills of Quiraing, and the incredible Trotternish peninsula. Stay overnight in Skye. On day 4, discover castles and mountains and then head to Loch Ness. Once you leave Skye the first stop is a visit to the idyllic Eilean Donan Castle. You will then continue onwards to the fabled shores of Loch Ness, where you have the option (extra cost) to visit Urquhart Castle and take a cruise on the loch. Enjoy an overnight stay in Inverness. On day 5, head over the sea to the Orkney Isles. Travel north via Inverness and the spectacular coastal scenery of the Moray and Cromarty Firths. Then board the ferry for the memorable trip to the mysterious and magical Orkney Isles. Once you arrive, you can take in the stunning scenery and start exploring. Visit the beautiful Italian Chapel, which was built by Italian prisoners of war. You’ll also see the famous Churchill Barriers – causeways that were constructed to protect the British naval fleet from submarines. Stay overnight in Kirkwall. On day 6, explore the ancient history of the Isles. From your base in Kirkwall, which boasts many craft and gift shops to enjoy, you’ll spend the whole of day six exploring the islands. This is a land full of ancient history and you’ll be able to take in prehistoric marvels such as the Maeshowe chambered cairn, the world-famous Neolithic village of Skara Brae and the brooding stone circles of Stenness and the Ring o’Brodgar. The day will finish with a visit to the beautiful St Magnus Cathedral. Stay overnight in Kirkwall. On day 7, head back to the mainland again and start your journey south. You will be treated to some fantastic scenery, and may have the chance to visit Dunrobin Castle as you make your way back to Inverness. Stay overnight in Inverness. On day 8, as you head home, you’ll be able to visit the battlefield of Culloden, the site of the defeat of the Jacobite forces. You’ll also pass the stunning Cairngorm mountains and explore the picturesque town of Pitlochry.

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What people are saying about Hogwarts Express, Scottish Highlands

Overall rating

4.7 / 5

based on 960 reviews

Absolutely brilliant day. Our guide was fantastic. Very knowledgeable, easy to listen to, invested in the area and made it so easy. The train ride was lovely and what we actually booked for, however the rest of the tour was equally as good if not better. It’s a long day but so so worth it. Memories for life. Thank you so much for your time Alina and for taking such good care of us, and your epic bus driving!! 100% recommend.

Better than we ever hoped. No better guide/driver than Jamie. A little sad we will never meet any of those people again. Beautiful country in the Highlands. Wonderful history and ALL the people so friendly and helpful. It would be nothing better than make a return trip. Thanks to everyone.

It was worth it! The scenery is so dramatic and our favorite part was Glencoe! Will definitely go back to Glencoe over and over again!

Jamie was a very knowledgeable guide on all history. It was really interesting with what he was telling us.

Informative driver and plenty to see. Well thought out trip