The Elephant House – Edinburgh, Scotland – A Harry Potter Pilgrimage

The Elephant House in Edinburgh, Scotland is a pilgrimage site for any Potterhead. From the outside, and honestly from the inside as well, it seems like your average cafe. However, this cafe is one of the cafes that provided space for J.K. Rowling to create not only a book series, but an entire magical world.

MAKES THE ELEPHANT HOUSE A HARRRY POTTER DESTINATION?

⋙ J.K. ROWLING WROTE PARTS OF HARRY POTTER HERE – Rowling wrote in various cafes around Edinburgh, but many aren’t cafes anymore or are different cafes. Elephant House is the same cafe in the same location as it was when Rowling sat here and worked on the first two Harry Potter books. 
⋙ YOU CAN SEE HOGWARTS INSPIRATION FROM HERE – Remember that wizarding school that sits on a lake, perched on a rock? Well, Rowling’s favorite seat in the house has a view that looks just like that of Edinburgh Castle.
⋙ SHE MAY HAVE EVEN FOUND INSPIRATION FOR NAMES FROM THIS SEAT – Or at least nearby. You can see in this photo the tops of a few gravestones. Those are from the Greyfriars Kirkyard, a cemetery. In that cemetery you’ll see names like Thomas Riddell, William McGonagall and Elizabeth Moddie, all of which bear a striking resemblance to famous characters in the wizarding world. You can see these (and more) up close on a Harry Potter Walking Tour.
⋙ ENJOY + ADD YOUR OWN HP GRAFFITI IN THE BATHROOM – I know that sounds a little bizarre, but patrons have been adding Potter-themed scribbles to the walls of their loo. Some are silly, some are clever and some are deeply personal. So, don’t forget your sharpie when you come here!

OUR PERSONAL HARRY POTTER PILGRIMAGE

A LITTLE BACK STORY

Our little group of wanderers was made up of 4 Harry Potter fans! My personal Harry Potter journey has a connection to each of these people, but mostly my mom. Harry Potter was a major part of my childhood. My mom and I read the first book shortly after their U.S. release and after that we waited in line for the next book at midnight for each of the next six books. Then we’d spend the next 24 hours reading the books and the following 24 hours talking about the books together. And we did the same for the movies as well. When the final HP book came out in 2017, Harry and I were the same age and when I finished that final book, it felt like my childhood was over. Harry + the gang took me on magical adventures and brought yet another amazing thing for my mom + I to have a lifelong bond over.

AT THE ELEPHANT HOUSE

Upon arriving, I was super giddy and totally nerding out – just like I do anytime I’m near something Harry Potter. That giddiness led me to asking our server (after already testing out two previous tables) which seat was Rowling’s favorite. She, having obviously had this question hundreds of times before, sent us to the table by the window that overlooks the castle and cemetery. “She sat all over the cafe, but this was her favorite seat because of the view,” she said. We all followed her into the back room and fawned over this seat! We all took our turn sitting in the coveted castle view seat. The next stop, was the toilets to check out all of the graffiti. The best were in the men’s room. Matt took photos to show us. The ‘this way to the ministry‘ over the toilet was just genius. Although it’s become a tourist stop, it’s still a must for any Potterhead.

THE ELEPHANT HOUSE CAFE EXPERIENCE

In addition to having the Harry Potter draw, the food and coffee at The Elephant House is worth having as well! This was our breakfast stop in addition to pilgrimage stop and we each ordered something different. I had a sausage roll and latte and was completely satisfied! Matt had a chocolate croissant and cocoa and both were exceptionally tasty! The prices are reasonable for decently-sized portions. Plus, the location on the Royal Mile makes it a perfect place to start any day of exploring Edinburgh’s Old Town. Find it at 21 George IV Bridge, Edinburgh.

The Elephant House has dubbed itself the “Birthplace of Harry Potter” and although it isn’t the sole place that Harry Potter was created, thought up, or put to paper, it was still an incredible pilgrimage for this Gryffindor, her Ravenclaw husband, Hufflepuff mother and her HP-loving aunt who needs a Pottermore account! 😉 It was so much fun to check another Harry Potter Destination off my bucket list!

BE PREPARED FOR ANY HARRY POTTER ADVENTURE WITH YOUR HP GEAR:

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