It’s hard not to feel a touch of sadness when finishing the Harry Potter books — J.K. Rowling’s world is so captivating and soothing, especially in contrast to the often harsh reality of the world around us. Although the wizarding world of Harry Potter is pure fiction, it draws heavily from real-life locations. The the best part is, you can actually visit many of them. From grand castles to charming villages, these spots bring the magic to life in unforgettable ways. Many of which even served as Harry Potter filming locations for the movies.
Harry Potter Filming locations to visit
Australia House — Gringotts
The inside scenes of Gringotts, the goblin bank located in Diagon Alley, were filmed at Australia House. That’s where they filmed thhe Gringotts banck scenes. which serves as the Australian High Commission in London. This same building was featured in the latest Wonder Woman film. The building is stunning and even made an appearance in the latest Wonder Woman movie. Unfortunately, you can’t go inside unless you’re Australian and there on official business, but it’s still worth visiting for a photo and a little movie magic from the outside.
King’s Cross
One of the most accessible spots on the list is London’s King’s Cross Station. There was no such thing as Platform 9 and ¾ .Due to the popularity of the series, the station installed a sign for the platform with half of a baggage trolley sticking out. If you’re hoping to see some of the exact spots where scenes were actually filmed, make your way to platforms 4 and 5. That’s where the magic really happened behind the scenes.
Leadenhall Market — Diagon Alley
Some of the iconic scenes from Diagon Alley and the Leaky Cauldron were filmed at Leadenhall Market, located in the bustling financial district of London. As the crew explored London for the perfect filming locations, they landed on Bull’s Head Passage in Leadenhall Market to represent the Leaky Cauldron. Specifically, the doorway of what’s now an optician’s shop became the iconic entrance to the wizarding pub.
Loch Shiel — The Great Lake
Loch Shiel is a stunning freshwater lake located in the Scottish Highlands. It served as a backdrop for some scenes in the Great Lake. It represents a portion of the beautiful Black Lake close to Hogwarts. You can clearly spot it in the background during the scenes near Hagrid’s hut, and later on, it features prominently when Buckbeak takes flight.
Claremont Square — Grimmauld Place
You’ll find 12 Grimmauld Place—Sirius Black’s family home and the Order of the Phoenix HQ—at Claremont Square in London, where the filmmakers brought this iconic location to life.
Goathland Train Station — Hogsmeade
Tucked away in North Yorkshire, the pretty village of Goathland is a must-visit for Harry Potter fans. its train station stood in for Hogsmeade, where the Hogwarts Express pulls in. Visitors can explore the station, enjoy a ride on the heritage steam train, and immerse themselves in the scenic beauty that brought Hogsmeade to life..
Hardwick Hall — The Malfoy Mansion
The outside scenes of Malfoy Mansion in the first Deathly Hallows movie were shot at Hardwick Hall in Derbyshire. This place used to be a private home, but now the stunning Elizabethan hall is open for everyone to visit. With its impressive architecture and large grounds, it perfectly represented the manor and is now under the care of the National Trust.
The Jacobite steam train — The Hogwarts Express
Perhaps one of the cooler Harry Potter film locations is this delightful train, it runs between Fort William, close to Loch Shiel, and Mallaig, taking you through the gorgeous Highlands. As it rolls over the famous Glenfinnan Viaduct, you might remember it from the films. The Jacobite steam train runs seasonally and invites visitors to hop on. It provides a whimsical ride (without the magical platform) with breathtaking views of the Highlands that look just like the movie landscapes.
Malham Cove — The Deathly Hallows Camp
The limestone formation at Malham Cove was one of the places where Harry and Hermione camped when Ron left the group in the first Deathly Hallows film. It is near the village of Malham in the Yorkshire Dales National Park.It’s a well-known hiking spot and offers breathtaking views of the Yorkshire countryside.
Durham Castle
Durham Castle in England served as a filming spot for some outdoor scenes of Hogwarts. Now, it’s part of University College, Durham, and it takes pride in its UNESCO World Heritage status. The Cathedral next to it played a significant role, with its chapter house doubling as the transfiguration classroom, Harry and Ron strolled through those beautiful, snowy corridors.
Alnwick Castle
Alnwick Castle was built in the 11th century, and is the home to the Duke of Northumberland. It was used for exterior shots of Hogwarts. the iconic Broomstick Flying Lesson and courtyard scenes also filmed there. The castle opens to visitors during the summer months only
Gloucester Cathedral
Film makerschoose the stunning Gloucester Cathedral for its dramatic setting, and it has appeared in series like Sherlock and Doctor Who. This historic site has been around for centuries and is the final resting place of King Edward II. Its detailed Gothic design, soaring ceilings, and extensive cloisters beautifully capture the timeless feel of Hogwarts. The cloisters, in particular, create a perfect illusion of castle corridors. This includesthe famous scene where the ‘troll is in the dungeon’ unfolds, along with many other memorable moments.
Christ Church College’s Great Hall — The Great Hall
One of the most famous spots at Hogwarts settings is the Great Hall. It was actually filmed in the stunning Great Hall at Christ Church College in Oxford. This college is a true gem of British culture. Philip Pullman’s incredible His Dark Materials series was set in part of the college, and has been mentioned by literary legends like Shakespeare, Yeats, and Evelyn Waugh. Among its notable alumni are King Edward VII, Lewis Carroll, John Locke, and even Albert Einstein, who spent a little time there. So, it’s definitely worth a visit!
Lacock Abbey — Snape’s Potions class
Lacock Abbey in southwest England has been used for a number of Harry Potter scenes. It’s where Snape’s Potions class took place. Where Harry found the Mirror of Erised, and where Harry first heard the basilisk in The Chamber of Secrets. In the opening scenes of the film, Harry and Dumbledore stroll through the charming village of Lacock. Where they find Horace Slughorn hiding out nnd yes, you can walk those very same streets!
15. Glencoe — Hagrid’s hut
Glencoe is yet another stunning location in the Scottish Highlands, and it’s no surprise the filmmakers chose to use it. With its dramatic landscapes and moody atmosphere, it perfectly captured the magical feel of the wizarding world. It was used as the site of Hagrid’s hut, using thedramatic landscape as a backdrop. Besides featuring as the site of Hagrid’s hut, Glencoe also appears in several other scenes throughout the films. Even better, it’s just a short drive from Fort William, making it easy to pair with a ride on the Jacobite steam train and a visit to Loch Shiel. Both of which had starring roles in the Harry Potter movies.
Warner Bros. Studios in Leavesden, just north of London, has a popular permanent Harry Potter exhibit . It is home to recreations of a bunch of famous sets from the movies. I absolutely love the Harry Potter Studios. It is packed with original costumes and sets and all the behind scenes for all the films. It is definitely worth visiting. Its gets very busy and you need to book in advance.
Planning a magical getaway? Then you absolutely have to check out the Harry Potter filming locations. From iconic castles to charming village streets, these spots let you step straight into the wizarding world—especially if you’re a die hard Potterhead like me. From historic castles to charming villages, each spot brings the wizarding world to life in the most unforgettable way.
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