Calling all Muggles! Discover Harry Potter locations across the UK

For fans of the Harry Potter series, the magic doesn’t end with the books and films—it continues in the breath-taking locations where the beloved story was brought to life. From Hogwarts to Diagon Alley, the UK is filled with enchanting sites that will transport you straight into the wizarding world. Here’s a guide to some of the most iconic Harry Potter film locations that every fan should visit.

Edinburgh, Scotland

While not a filming location, Elephant Café is famous for being where J.K. Rowling wrote much of the first Harry Potter book. There are also many other famous locations around Edinburgh which was the inspiration for the wizarding books. These include, Greyfrairs Kirkyard, West bow and Victoria Street (picture below, which was the inspiration of Diagon Alley).

Why Visit Edinburgh: Fans can enjoy a cup of coffee while soaking in the atmosphere that inspired the series. The café features Harry Potter memorabilia and offers stunning views of Edinburgh Castle, further linking the city to the story.

The Glenfinnan Viaduct, Scotland/ Hogwarts express

The Glenfinnan Viaduct is one of the most recognizable landmarks in the Harry Potter films. It features prominently as the Hogwarts Express crosses the bridge on its way to Hogwarts. The West Highland Line itself is featured in the films as the train journey to Hogwarts, offering breathtaking scenery along the way.

Why Visit the Glenfinnan Viaduct: The viaduct is surrounded by breathtaking views of the Scottish Highlands, making it an ideal spot for photography and enjoying nature. Visitors can hike along the West Highland Line to capture the perfect shot of the train as it travels over the viaduct. Take a ride on the Jacobite Steam Train, which operates on this route and provides an authentic experience of traveling on the Hogwarts Express. The views of mountains, lakes, and the Glenfinnan Viaduct are simply unforgettable.

Alnwick Castle, Northumberland

This stunning castle was used as the exterior of Hogwarts during the first two films. It’s where Harry first learns to fly a broomstick in Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone and where Ron crashed his family car in Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets. The Lion Arch of the castle plays the part of the exterior of Hogwarts which heads towards the Forbidden Forest.

Why Visit Alnwick Castle: Alnwick Castle offers a magical experience with its impressive grounds, historical tours, and broomstick training sessions for aspiring witches and wizards. The castle’s picturesque setting makes it a perfect day out, and a chance to explore its beautiful gardens.

Durham Cathedral, Durham

This magnificent cathedral provided several key locations for Hogwarts, including the scene where Ron eats slugs in Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets. The Chapter house in the Cathedral was used as Professor McGonagall’s classroom at Hogwarts.

Why Visit Durham Cathedral: The cathedral is renowned for its stunning Norman architecture and breath-taking interior. Visitors can take guided tours to learn about its history and see the filming locations up close. The cathedral is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is open to visitors. Also, the Cathedral was also used in Avengers: End Game.

Freshwater West Beach, Wales

The real-life location used for Dobby’s death scene in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows is Freshwater West Beach in Pembrokeshire, Wales. This beautiful, rugged beach was chosen for its dramatic coastline and natural beauty, making it a fitting and poignant setting for Dobby’s final moments. On the beach, muggles have created a real life grave for the free elf, by painting stones.

Why visit Freshwater beach: Freshwater West is known as one of the best surfing beaches in Wales due to its powerful waves and consistent surf.

Gloucester Cathedral, Gloucestershire

The awe-inspiring Gothic architecture of Gloucester Cathedral served as various interior shots of Hogwarts. Notably, the cloisters were used for scenes in the Philosopher’s Stone, Chamber of Secrets and the Half-Blood Prince. Some famous scenes filmed here are when Harry and Ron hide from the troll in the first film and the girls bathroom flooding in the Chamber of Secrets.

Why Visit: Explore the stunning corridors where Harry and his friends wandered, and take in the beauty of this historic building. The cathedral also hosts exhibitions and events throughout the year.

Lacock Abbey, Wiltshire

This beautiful abbey dates back to the 1200s and was used for several Hogwarts interior scenes, including the wizards school corridors. Also, Professor Snape’s potion classroom in Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone was filmed here. The Abbey is home to the film set of Downtown Abbey and Pride and Prejudice.

Why Visit: The picturesque grounds and historical significance of Lacock Abbey make it a fantastic place to explore. With its ancient architecture and serene gardens, it feels like stepping into the pages of a storybook. Not far from the Abbey is Lily and Jame’s home where they were killed by Voldemort.

The Great Hall, Warner Bros. Studio Tour, London

The home of the making of Harry Potter for over 10 years, Warner Bros studio tour now showcases sets such as, the iconic Great Hall, the Forbidden Forset, Diagon Alley, Gringotts Wizarding Bank, and Professor Sprouts Greenhouse.

Why Visit: A visit to the Warner Bros. Studio Tour is a must for any Harry Potter fan. You can walk through the Great Hall, see the actual props and costumes used in the films, and immerse yourself in the magic of filmmaking. See how the production team made the wizards fly and experience it for yourself!

Harrow School, London

Harrow School served as a filming location for various Hogwarts scenes, thanks to its beautiful architecture and extensive grounds. In Harry Potter and the Philosophers stone, Harrow school is the background for Professor Flitwick’s class, where Hermione uses magic to lift a feather up in Professor Flitwick’s class.

Why Visit: Visitors can explore the stunning campus and its historic buildings, gaining insight into the school’s rich history while walking in the footsteps of the film’s characters. Harrow school is also featured in Netflix’s drama about the British Royal family, the Crown, and was the school of actor Benedict Cumberbatch.

Various central London locations

Kings Cross Station is the home of the iconic Platform 9¾, where Harry boards the Hogwarts Express. Every year on 1st September, Potter fans gather at Kings Cross station to see the train boards change to the ‘Hogwarts Express’. Other film locations include, the Millennium Bridge, Australia House and London Zoo.

Why Visit: Fans can visit the dedicated photo spot near the station, complete with a luggage trolley embedded in the wall and a shop that offers a range of Harry Potter merchandise. It’s a great way to capture a piece of the magic.

Tips for Visiting Harry Potter Film Locations

• Plan Ahead: Some locations require tickets or advanced bookings, especially the Warner Bros. Studio Tour.
• Take a Guided Tour: Many cities offer guided tours focusing on Harry Potter filming locations, providing insider knowledge and fascinating anecdotes.
• Capture the Magic: Don’t forget your camera! Each of these locations offers fantastic opportunities for memorable photos that capture your magical journey.

The Harry Potter film locations across the UK allow fans to immerse themselves in the enchanting world of wizards and magic. From majestic castles to bustling markets, each site holds a piece of the beloved story. Whether you’re exploring the grandeur of Hogwarts or sipping coffee at a café where the magic began, these locations promise to make any fan’s visit truly unforgettable. So grab your wand, put on your robes, and get ready to discover the magic that awaits you!