Potter and Pints Evening Tour

This evening tour blends Harry Potter locations with Edinburgh's pub culture, visiting three bars where Rowling spent time while writing the series. The 3-hour tour includes one drink at each pub, offering a relaxed social pace compared to fast-paced walking tours. Suitable for adults 18+ only, this combines literary history with local hospitality and casual storytelling. Best for adult Potter fans and pub crawl enthusiasts. This is a easy activity lasting 3 hours. Group size: 2-12. You meet at Elephant House, George IV Bridge. Key highlights: Three included drinks at authentic local pubs, Rowling's actual writing and social spaces combined in one tour, Relaxed evening pace ideal for adults.

Price: £25

Duration: 3 hours

Difficulty: easy

Group size: 2-12

Minimum age: 18+

Best for: adult Potter fans and pub crawl enthusiasts

Best time: Evening departures typically 6:00 or 7:00 pm, ending by 10:00 pm. Year-round operation; summer offers longer daylight walks between pubs.

Meeting point: Elephant House, George IV Bridge

Languages: English

Here is how the experience unfolds:

Meeting time Gather at Elephant House cafe on George IV Bridge - Guide introduces the tour theme: Rowling's writing spaces and social haunts during the 1990s-2000s.

First 30 min Visit Elephant House and first pub - View the cafe where Rowling wrote early drafts, then move to the first pub where she socialised; receive first drink voucher.

30-75 min First pub stop with narration - Settle in with your included drink while the guide discusses Rowling's habits, the pub's history, and connections to the books; social atmosphere.

75-120 min Walk to second pub and stop - Guide navigates to a second location significant to Rowling's writing process; second drink included; continue stories and Q&A.

120-165 min Walk to third pub and final stop - Visit the third and final pub; third drink included; guide wraps up tour with final Potter-Edinburgh insights and encourages group conversation.

End Tour concludes at third pub location - You're welcome to stay and order additional drinks; group often continues socialising informally.

The whole experience takes 3 hours. Difficulty: easy. You meet at Elephant House, George IV Bridge.

• Three included drinks at authentic local pubs
• Rowling's actual writing and social spaces combined in one tour
• Relaxed evening pace ideal for adults
• Social group atmosphere; meet fellow Potter fans and locals
• Historical pub settings with literary connections
• Accessibility: Three pub locations may have steps or uneven floors. Tours involve approximately 1 mile of walking between pubs at a leisurely pace. Discuss specific accessibility needs with operator when booking.

What is included: 3-hour guided tour, One drink at each of three pubs (three drinks total), Professional guide with literary knowledge, Access to public pubs and streets.

Not included: Food or appetisers, Additional drinks beyond the three included, Gratuity (tips appreciated but not included). You will need to arrange these yourself.

What to bring: Valid ID (UK or passport; required for pub entry), Cash or card for additional drinks if desired, Comfortable shoes for walking between pubs, Light jacket or waterproof. Having these with you makes the experience smoother.

Best time to go: Evening departures typically 6:00 or 7:00 pm, ending by 10:00 pm. Year-round operation; summer offers longer daylight walks between pubs..

Tip: Must be 18+ for pub portions

Tip: Includes one drink at each of three pubs

Accessibility: Three pub locations may have steps or uneven floors. Tours involve approximately 1 mile of walking between pubs at a leisurely pace. Discuss specific accessibility needs with operator when booking..

Operator: Edinburgh Literary Tours | Book directly (opens in new tab)

After this activity, these are within easy reach:

• The Writers' Museum (3 min walk)
• Greyfriars Kirkyard (5 min walk)
• Royal Mile (2 min walk)

This activity is run by Edinburgh Literary Tours.

Book directly at their website (opens in new tab).

Cancellation policy: Free cancellation up to 48 hours before tour. Tours cancelled by operator due to low bookings typically rescheduled or refunded..

Accessibility: Three pub locations may have steps or uneven floors. Tours involve approximately 1 mile of walking between pubs at a leisurely pace. Discuss specific accessibility needs with operator when booking..

Best time to go: Evening departures typically 6:00 or 7:00 pm, ending by 10:00 pm. Year-round operation; summer offers longer daylight walks between pubs..

What types of drinks are included in the Potter and Pints tour?

The tour typically includes standard house beverages: beer, cider, wine, or soft drinks at each pub. Premium spirits and cocktails may incur an additional charge. Check with the operator when booking regarding specific drink options and dietary restrictions.

Can non-drinkers or people under 18 join the Potter and Pints tour?

The tour is 18+ only due to pub visits. Non-drinkers can request soft drink substitutions for the included beverages. If you're under 18, book the Potter Trail or Magical Edinburgh walk instead - both are family-friendly and cover overlapping locations.

How much walking is involved in the Potter and Pints evening tour?

Approximately one mile total walking spread across three pub stops over three hours. Pace is leisurely with multiple seated breaks for drinks and storytelling. No steep hills; mostly flat Old Town streets. Comfortable shoes still recommended.