I have a confession to make – I’ve never read or seen anything from the Harry Potter series! However, the world’s obsession with the spectacle-wearing wizard brings tourists to Edinburgh in their droves. The city is where J.K. Rowling lived while she wrote most of the books, and everywhere you go, nods to the city’s architecture can be found in her tales.
But, in amongst the Potter tours of the real-life Diagon Alley and Hogwarts school buildings, there’s something they always miss... J.K. Rowling’s golden handprints! This is one of my favourite Harry Potter-inspired secret spots in Edinburgh, and I LOVE making people feel like they have seen something special by taking them there. In fact, they’re so small that even a lot of the locals don’t know they’re there!
What’s even better is that it couldn’t be easier to get to them! As you walk up Edinburgh’s famous Royal Mile towards the castle, you’ll find the Edinburgh City Chambers. In its flagstone courtyard, you’ll find squares of golden handprints; the markings of Edinburgh Award winners, immortalised in bronze. J.K. Rowling’s prints are on one of the first flagstones on the left. Tourists wander right past the spot every day without ever knowing they’ve passed right by a mini Harry Potter treat!
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Find your way with 138 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
This park holds a hidden treasure from the 16th century! These siege works are believed to be the only ones from the 16th century found in Britain.
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"Campervan Brewery" and their amazing taproom in Edinburgh is the perfect place for a post-lockdown pint. You should try their Trainspotting beer!
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Plant based or not, if you love donuts, you HAVE to take a trip to "Considerat Chocolate" in Edinburgh! You won't even notice they're vegan...
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"Lochend Park" in Edinburgh is for you if you want a peaceful stroll around a loch (small lake), a gander at a doocot, a dander under mature trees...
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Cute, quaint "Newhaven Harbour" is a hidden gem in Edinburg. Try walking around the area - it will take you about an hour...
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"Starbank Park" in Edinburgh offers cracking views over the Firth of Forth - it's such a peaceful, beautiful place to sit and sun yourself in the sea air!
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The "Water of Leith" is a river that runs from one side of Edinburgh to the other, and it runs through some of the city's most scenic & interesting sites...
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"Wardie Bay" in Edinburgh is a bijou beach on the Firth of Forth and my favourite spot for wild swimming in the city...
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"Dance Base" is an award-winning building in Edinburgh established to provide classes, workshops & performances. Please do join me in dancing!
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The "Dovecot Studios" in Edinburgh were once public swimming baths where I'd swim every morning - now I can have a bird's eye view of weavers & looms...
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138 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
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