Escape the city for the day by coach and follow in the footsteps of the world’s most famous wizard, Harry Potter. Scotland has played a huge part in the story of Harry Potter, from the scenic filming locations and inspiring architecture to the coffee shop where J.K. Rowling is said to have written the first novel.
Riding the Jacobite Steam Train is a bucket-list experience for any traveller, but even more so for Harry Potter fans who know that they are in fact boarding the Hogwarts’ Express! Our passionate guides will immerse you in all the magic of Harry Potter, plus the real-life beauty and history of Scotland.
Disclaimer: This Tour is an unlicensed and unauthorised tour of sites related to the Harry Potter franchise. This tour does not have any association with, connection to, sponsorship by or endorsement of, the Harry Potter franchise nor the author J.K. Rowling.
Posted By : B9661CSjanek
We had Dusty drive us on our day trip! It was the most fantastic and informative trip! Dusty was so knowledgeable and friendly and the day wouldn’t have been the same without him. He went above and beyond with some great stops along the way. Thank you so much for a wonderful trip where we was celebrating a special 70th birthday. Would highly recommend. Thanks from the Kerley family.
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Posted On : 2023-10-29 16:42:00 
Posted By : 311alanag
A standout experience during our trip to Scotland. We were delighted by our bus driver and tour guide, Sophie, who had a wealth of history, information and stories to share. She was professional, considerate and added some funny charm to the tour throughout the day, making the trip memorable.
The natural landscapes and manmade monuments through the highlands on our way to Mallaig were beautiful, and the Jacobite train ride back to Fort William was something fun and different to experience.
We were able to stop at a number of places along the way so there was sufficient opportunity for a break. Nonetheless, we hardly noticed the time flying by for our bus ride. The playlist of Scottish themed music played in between Sophie's commentary (all sorts of genres) set a nice ambience while driving past the most gorgeous views of Scotland.
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Posted On : 2023-10-29 05:17:19
Posted By : rachelgI4565JZ
I am writing this review because I wanted more details when considering this excursion. (I was skeptical whether is was a scam at first because I couldn’t find more information haha)
The bus departs from the Edinburgh bus station terminal (Pro tip - try to get to the bus station early and be first in line, that way you have first pick of seats). No toilets on the bus. Seats are comfortable, but I would recommend bringing a small blanket as the temperature was hard to regulate on the bus. (We were able to leave non-valuable items on the bus at all times).
It’s about a 4hr bus ride to the train. There were about two stops on the way where you have the opportunity to sightsee along with get food/gifts, and use the toilets.
The train ride is about 2hrs and passes along some of the filming locations. (Pro tip - bring some witches hats and wands to jazz up your photos. Folks around us asked to borrow ours. It can make the ride more magical!)
Do not expect anything fancy within the train itself. Four people sit on either side of a table looking out a window, all a bit dated and dirty. There is a trolley that comes through with high priced items. There are toilets on the train. Seats are assigned based on reservations. We befriended the train staff, who were gracious enough to notify us when we passed important locations. If not, I’m not sure how others would have known.
You then get on the same bus and head back to Edinburgh bus station. What make this trip for our group was the tour guide/bus driver. I hope you are fortunate to get Alistair. He was engaging, knowledgeable, personal, and approachable. He gave the landscape context as we drove through the highlands. He picked up treats for the bus in honor of my relative’s birthday. He gave great recommendations on places to explore and shops to visit. He provided carrots for us to get the attention of come cute coos.
Overall, I would recommend this tour! Very safe and the bus was clean. I met several solo travelers in our tour group. Manage your expectation of the physical train itself and you will have a great time!
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Posted On : 2023-10-28 10:25:28
Posted By : Jessica Y
We had a fantastic day, thanks largely to our guide & driver Sophie. She kept us entertained with history and humor, and though I often get carsick I didn't this time so I commend her driving! We really enjoyed all the photo stops, a fish & chip lunch in Mallaig, and of course the Jacobite steam train journey was magical. The icing on the cake was the stop to see the "hairy coos" on the way back! Would highly recommend if you only have one day to see the Scottish highlands.
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Posted On : 2023-10-27 15:31:16
Posted By : sammV7222KS
Sophie our tour guide was fantastic! Very friendly and knowledgeable, kept us highly entertained! Would 100% recommend
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Posted On : 2023-10-25 07:19:53
Posted By : arthurbU9317HW
Sophie, did a fantastic job relating her own personal experiences to the historical narrative she narrated to us!
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Posted On : 2023-10-24 17:50:38
Posted By : D1790OQjenniferh
Sophie was truly amazing— loved the history and great music!! The Harry Potter stuff wasn’t our focus but this trip offered so much more for us to enjoy. The fall colors and amazing western approach into the highlands took our breath away.
Thank you Sophie for the safe and enjoyable trip. Would travel with you anytime.
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Posted On : 2023-10-24 17:48:19
Posted By : justm973
It was an absolute marvellous day! Our tour guide Sophie gave so much fun history and Harry Potter facts. She was very very kind and good to laugh with!
The views were spectacular and it was super interesting to ride on a steam train. It is very cool to see where certain scenes were shot.
I would absolutely recommend this tour and Sophie :)
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Posted On : 2023-10-24 13:47:45
Posted By : Freedom30365164875
Sophie did a wonderful job with the informative tidbits as we drove along. Excellent trip and wonderful views.
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Posted On : 2023-10-24 13:40:27
Posted By : O1213LKjessicat
Amazing trip. Sophie was brilliant and kept us entertained with facts and jokes.
Bus was clean, charging ports worked, and generally comfortable.
Jacobite Train was great and had a blast.
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Posted On : 2023-10-24 13:39:27
