Things To Do
Department Of Magic
Make your own Harry Potter Cocktails - Book ahead!
Historic Tour - The Real Mary King's Close
An immersive, hour-long underground tour in Edinburgh, Scotland, that takes you beneath the Royal Mile to explore a perfectly preserved 17th-century street. An absolute must!
Historic Walking Tour - Haunted Vaults and Grayfriars Graveyard
Evening ghost 90-minute outdoor tour in Edinburgh. It explores the city's dark and storied history by guiding visitors through the allegedly haunted Greyfriars Kirkyard and deep into the subterranean Niddry or South Bridge Vaults beneath the Old Town
The Scotch Whisky Experience
Get a comprehensive introduction to the world's largest collections of Scotch whisky. You can receive a guided tours with sensory nosing tests, and tastings. This also has one of the best restaurants serving traditional Scottish food.
The Guildford Arms
A renowned, historic Victorian-era pub located at 1 West Register Street in Edinburgh, Scotland. Family-owned since 1896, it is celebrated for its ornate architecture, wide selection of real ales, and traditional Scottish food.
High Tea at The Balmoral Hotel
An iconic experience features 88 varieties of loose-leaf tea, a three-tiered stand of pastries and sandwiches, and a resident harpist under a glass dome. Must book 24 hours at least in advance.
The Witchery Restaurant
A 5-star gothic hotel and restaurant. Famous for its theatrical, candlelit dining rooms and lavishly decorated historic suites, it is an iconic, deeply atmospheric Edinburgh institution.
Highlands Day Tour from Edinburgh
Discover some of Scotland’s most iconic landscapes on this full-day tour from Edinburgh. Travel through Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park and into the dramatic valley of Glencoe before continuing to the shores of Loch Ness. Depending on the tour option you choose, you can enjoy a scenic Loch Ness boat cruise, visit Urquhart Castle, or tour a traditional whisky distillery. Also includes views of Ben Nevis, a drive through Cairngorms National Park, and a stop in the charming Victorian town of Pitlochry. This is one of the best ways to experience the beauty, history, and legends of the Scottish Highlands in a single day. Highlights: * Glencoe * Loch Ness * Highland scenery * Fort Augustus * Highland coos (often!) * Optional castle and cruise on Loch Ness! Good for: First-time visitors who want to see the Highlands. Duration: 12–13 hours Note: it's a long day with several hours on the coach, but the scenery is spectacular and most visitors feel it’s worth it.
Loch Lomond, The Trossachs & Stirling Castle (Best Shorter Highland Experience!)
A great choice if you don’t want to spend as much time on a bus :) Highlights: * Loch Lomond * Trossachs National Park * Stirling Castle (Heather's favorite!) * Highland villages Duration: About 9–10 hours Note: beautiful scenery while keeping the travel time more manageable.
Glenfinnan Viaduct, Glencoe & Highlands Tour
Experience some of Scotland’s most spectacular scenery on this full-day tour from Edinburgh. Visit the famous Glenfinnan Viaduct (featured in the Harry Potter films), explore the dramatic valley of Glencoe, enjoy views of Ben Nevis, travel through Cairngorms National Park, and stop in the charming Victorian town of Pitlochry. Highlights: * Dramatic Highland scenery and mountain landscapes * Glencoe and its famous history * Glenfinnan Viaduct (the “Harry Potter” bridge) * Loch Shiel * Fort William and views of Ben Nevis * Cairngorms National Park * Pitlochry Duration: Approximately 12 hours Note: The Jacobite Steam Train (“Hogwarts Express”) does not run in November, though the viaduct itself is still spectacular.
Outlander Adventure Tour
Follow in the footsteps of Jamie and Claire on this day tour from Edinburgh. Visit iconic filming locations including Midhope Castle (Lallybroch), Blackness Castle, Linlithgow Palace, the charming village of Culross, and Doune Castle (Castle Leoch). Along the way, you’ll discover the real Scottish history behind these remarkable sites. This tour is perfect for Outlander fans and anyone who enjoys castles, history, and picturesque villages. Highlights: * Midhope Castle (Lallybroch) * Blackness Castle (Fort William) * Linlithgow Palace * Culross (Cranesmuir) * Doune Castle (Castle Leoch) * Expert local guide with stories from both Scottish history and the Outlander series Duration: Approximately 9 hours Note: This tour focuses on historic castles and filming locations rather than Highland scenery.
Dunnottar Castle
A dramatic, ruined clifftop fortress located on a rocky peninsula 30 minutes drive from Drumtochty and two miles south of Stonehaven. Perched above the North Sea, it is famous for its pivotal role in Scottish history, including hiding the Scottish Crown Jewels from Oliver Cromwell's army.
Arbikie Highland Estate Distillery
Local whisky distillery
Crathes Castle
A 16th-century castle near Banchory. It features well-preserved Scottish Renaissance painted ceilings, original antique furniture, and beautiful walled gardens to explore!
Loch Muick
Where Chris proposed to Heather! A beautiful loch nestled within the Highlands. Also where Queen Victoria used to reside.