Scotland dotted with ‘Potter’ scenery
Q. I will be going to Scotland next summer. Are there any “Harry Potter” tours or areas near Edinburgh or Glasgow where filming took place?
A. Beyond Boundaries Travel has planned a number of tours in conjunction with the July release of the fifth film in the series, “Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix.”
A five-night Scotland trip includes Alnwick Castle, which appeared in two of the movies, a Highlands ride on the train used in the movie and a gala at Edinburgh Castle. Cost is $1,949 per person double, land only (800-487-1136, www.hpfantrips.com).
For a less structured trip, Lynott Tours (800-221-2474, www.lynotttours.com/b-potter.htm) organizes self-drive tours of “Harry Potter” sites. Cost: $791 per person double, including car and five nights’ lodging.
On your own, to celebrate the movie (as well its predecessors), swing by the Elephant House in Edinburgh, J.K. Rowling’s early writing haunt. The author also frequented Nicolson’s, now a Chinese restaurant called Buffet King whose Web site touts “the very same view which J.K. Rowling enjoyed when she frequently visited the previous restaurant whilst writing ‘Harry Potter and the Philosopheres (sic) Stone.’ “
In the second, third and fourth films, the Lochaber area of the Highlands played a starring role. The Quidditch matches, for example, were filmed against the backdrop of Glen Nevis; and the scene involving the near collision between a flying car and a train was shot in Glenfinnan, along a section of an arched railway viaduct.
The Jacobite Steam Train (www.westcoastrailway.co.uk) travels along this route, between Fort William and Mallaig; fares start at $28 round-trip.
For film locations in Scotland, check out www.scotlandthemovie.com/movies/flocmap.html or Visit Scotland (800-462-2748, www.toscotland.com).