Jacobite Steam Train known as 'Hogwarts Express' cancels 'Harry Potter train journeys' over famous viaduct

Tourists hoping to relive the magic of the Harry Potter novels by taking the ‘Hogwarts Express’ over the Glenfinnan Viaduct have been left disappointed by ticket cancellations.

Journeys on the famous Jacobite Steam Train, operated by West Coat Railways, were cancelled from July 15 as a result of “unforeseen circumstances”.

Those with tickets between July 15 and 20 have been notified and the service operator say no alternative dates can be offered as a transfer.

Those affected will receive a full refund.

The company’d website states: “Due to unforeseen circumstances, we are unable to run our Jacobite service on July 15, 16, 17, 18, 19 and 20, 2023 as planned.

“Unfortunately, we are unable to offer any alternative dates to transfer your trip to, therefore our reservations team will process a full refund within the next 5 working days.

“Please accept our sincere apologies for the late notice of this cancellation, however this is completely beyond our control.

“All pre-booked passengers have been contacted via email and by text where a mobile number has been supplied.”

The train, often unofficially referred to as the ‘Harry Potter train’ or ‘The Hogwarts Express’ is a highly sought tourist attraction which takes passengers to and from Fort William and Mallaig.

It has been described as “the greatest railway journey in the world” with tickets booked far in advance for the 84 mile trip.

Among the scenic attracts is the iconic Glenfinnan Viaduct, which appeared in the Harry Potter films.

In 2017, the company distanced itself from the Harry Potter brand in respect of the Warner Brothers trademark.

In a statement, the firm said: “There are certain similarities to our service and the fictional ‘Hogwarts Express’, including (but not restricted to) the carriages and the route through which it travels, but we must insist that these trips are not one and the same.

“We would like to state again, for absolute clarity, that we do not run ‘The Hogwarts Express’, we run ‘The Jacobite’ Steam Train.”