Published date: June 11, 2025
From Diagon Alley to Hogwarts: A Journey through the Harry Potter Sites in the UK
Room Type Stayed
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Experience of the stay
The hotel I stayed at was 'Stay Central Hotel'. Located in the heart of Edinburgh's Old Town, it’s just a short walk to Grassmarket and Victoria Street. This was an ideal base for sightseeing. Since most of the major attractions were within walking distance, it was perfect for making good use of my time while traveling.
The hotel itself was very comfortable, with impressive interior design. The rooms were compact yet cozy, providing a good rest for my travel fatigue. They also offered complimentary luggage storage before check-in and after check-out, which was a great point for sightseeing light, accommodating my flight and travel schedule.
Moreover, the staff was very friendly and provided thorough guidance on recommended spots and shops in the city. I believe the warm hospitality made my first visit to Edinburgh safe and enjoyable.
The 'Stay Central Hotel', blending the historical ambiance of the city with modern comfort, is a place I wholeheartedly recommend as a base for staying in Edinburgh.
Experiences during the trip
In Edinburgh, Scotland, I enjoyed a magical city walk. This time, I stayed at the 'Stay Central Hotel' located in the heart of the Old Town. This boutique hotel blends seamlessly into the historic streets and has excellent access to sightseeing. After checking in, I set out to explore the city immediately.
The first stop was 'Greyfriars Kirkyard', famous for its graves that inspired names of Harry Potter characters. When I found the name Tom Riddle (Voldemort), I felt a shiver down my spine, but it was an irresistible spot for fans. The moss-covered gravestones and the heavy atmosphere created a feeling of the story world merging with reality.
Next, I wandered into 'Victoria Street', which felt like stepping into the wizarding world. With its colorful shops, pubs, and miscellaneous stores lining the cobbled street, as well as Harry Potter-themed shops, my excitement couldn’t be contained just by looking around. It’s said to be the model for the 'Diagon Alley' in the films, attracting even those who aren’t fans.
In the afternoon, I visited Edinburgh Castle. Having booked tickets online in advance, I was able to enter smoothly (19.5 pounds / approximately 3,600 yen). The castle’s fortitude and its presence, believed to have inspired Hogwarts Castle, were breathtaking. The view of the city from the heights was also fantastic, making it a place where Scottish history and magic seem to blend together.
At dusk, I headed to Calton Hill, a vantage point from which you can see all of Edinburgh. The contrast between the orange sky and the stone city was breathtakingly beautiful. As I enjoyed the gentle breeze, I was able to savor the lingering moments of my journey.
Later, I had a leisurely dinner at a restaurant near the hotel. I enjoyed dishes made with local Scottish ingredients and returned to the hotel around midnight. Tired from walking, I settled in a comfortable bed, and my magical day peacefully came to an end.