ABBEY: Our adventure began bright and early at 7 AM, as we joined the much-anticipated Hogwarts Express and Scottish Highlands Tour. The crisp morning air greeted us as we made our way to the meeting point at St. Andrew Square in Edinburgh. Shortly after our tickets were checked, our cozy tour bus pulled in—and just like that, the journey began.
From the start, our tour guides made the trip unforgettable. Far from being dull, they filled our ride with interesting facts, local legends, and witty stories that kept everyone laughing, clapping, and thoroughly entertained.
Our first stop was a charming little town, the perfect place to warm up with a hot cup of coffee. While some of us grabbed caffeine, others took the chance to enjoy a quick breakfast bite. Then, we had a brief but breathtaking stop at the Glenfinnan Viaduct—the iconic bridge made famous by the Harry Potter films. Standing there, watching the sweeping curves of the viaduct against the rugged Highland backdrop, felt like stepping into the wizarding world.
As we continued our journey, the Scottish landscape unfolded around us in all its glory—majestic mountains, serene lochs, and cinematic vistas. One of the highlights was catching a glimpse of the film location used as Dumbledore’s grave, nestled quietly in the distance.
By lunchtime, we arrived at the coastal town of Mallaig. We tucked into a hearty serving of traditional fish and chips at Jaffy’s and enjoyed another brew at The Tea Garden Café. The seaside views and fresh Highland air made it a perfect midday break.
Then came the moment we were all waiting for—boarding the Jacobite Steam Train, famously known as the Hogwarts Express. As the steam curled into the sky and the whistle blew, it felt like we were truly heading to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Although we didn’t get window seats, the magical atmosphere more than made up for it.
Our cheerful and enthusiastic train conductor made the ride even more enjoyable, sharing stories and pointing out sights like Neptune’s Staircase, a remarkable series of canal locks near Fort William, where our steam train journey ended.
Back on the bus with our Highland guides, we had one more surprise waiting—meeting the adorable Highland Cattle, often affectionately called “emo cows” for their shaggy hair. We even got to feed them before making our way back to Edinburgh.
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| The Real Hogwarts Express: Jacobite Steam Train Review – Magical or Overhyped? |
WILL: If you’re a true Harry Potter fan, the Jacobite Steam Train ride is likely on your UK bucket list. Even for non-fans, this is the exact steam train featured in the first Harry Potter movie — and that alone makes it worth looking into.
So how can you ride the real Hogwarts Express?
Option 1: Do-It-Yourself (DIY Route)
You can travel independently to Fort William or Mallaig, which are the departure and arrival points for the Jacobite Train.
However, there are some drawbacks:
•The journey from London takes about 9 hours by train
•Limited accommodation options in both towns
•The towns themselves are quiet, and not ideal for extended stays
This option can be complicated and requires a lot of planning.
Option 2: Join a Guided Tour from Edinburgh
We chose the Highland Tours experience via GetYourGuide, and it turned out to be the smarter option.
Compared to booking directly, this tour saved us over SGD100 and included convenient transportation from Edinburgh, scenic stops, and entertaining guides.
From the start, guides/bus drivers — Rich and Mat — were both informative and engaging. They kept the mood light and fun throughout the long day trip. It felt like a field trip, complete with stories, music, and a few Harry Potter trivia moments.
Please note:
•The Jacobite Steam Train does not run year-round. It closes during winter and usually resumes service around April.
•We paid SGD641 for two people, not including meals.
•Bus do not have built-in toilet so plan your drinks.
Is It Worth the Price?
➡️Yes, if:
•You’re a Harry Potter fan looking for a once-in-a-lifetime experience
•You enjoy scenic rides through the Highlands
•You want to be surrounded by fellow Potter fans and share the excitement
➡️Maybe not, if:
•You expect a luxurious experience or dramatic reenactments
•You’re not familiar with the Harry Potter series and may not connect with the nostalgia
Alternative Option
If the full experience is out of your budget, GetYourGuide also offers tours that stop at the Glenfinnan Viaduct, the iconic bridge featured in the films. You won’t ride the train, but you’ll still capture that postcard-perfect moment.
If you’re still undecided, think of it this way: if you grew up watching Harry Potter, this isn’t just a ride — it’s a small piece of your childhood coming to life.
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From Edinburgh: Hogwarts Express and Scottish Highlands Tour
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