30+ Must-Visit Harry Potter Locations in the UK

Calling all witches, wizards, and muggles alike! Ready to apparate to some of the most magical places in the UK, straight out of the beloved Harry Potter series? Buckle up, butterbeer in hand, because we’re going on a spellbinding journey to iconic filming locations that inspired J.K. Rowling’s wizarding world.

From the iconic London, where it beckons with a tapestry of history, vibrant culture, and a sprinkling of enchanting Harry Potter locations. Whether you’re a devoted bookworm or a casual movie fan, London will offer a magical adventure beyond the pages and flickering screens.

To far-off places in Scotland where J.K. Rowling herself visited and got inspired to write one of the best book series that has ever existed (at least in my opinion!). While many Harry Potter filming locations stand in for fictional places, they often draw inspiration from real-world sights and landmarks.

Here’s a list of places that inspired the books and cinematic Harry Potter locations as well as places that were ACTUALLY used to film some of the most iconic scenes in the franchise.

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LONDON

Platform 9 ¾ at King’s Cross Station

No trip to London is complete without attempting the legendary trolley dash through the brick wall at King’s Cross. While you might not actually disappear onto Platform 9 ¾, the official Harry Potter shop tucked beside it will surely cast a spell on your wallet. Stock up on Hogwarts robes, Gryffindor scarves, Bertie Bott’s Every Flavour Beans, and lots of souvenirs!

Piccadilly Circus and Shaftesbury Ave

Piccadilly Circus and Shaftesbury Avenue served as a gritty reality check for the trio in “Deathly Hallows: Part 1,” leading them past the cafe’s fateful encounter with Death Eaters and towards the bustling heart of London.

Leicester Square

Leicester Square in London holds two magical touches for Harry Potter fans: the bronze statue of young Harry soaring on his Nimbus 2000, celebrating the film’s legacy, and the nearby House of Spells shop, stocked with wands, robes, and other wizarding wonders to ignite your own Hogwarts adventure.

Reptile House, London Zoo

Remember the scene where Harry speaks Parseltongue with the boa constrictor in “Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone”? Relive the thrill at the London Zoo’s Reptile House, home to snakes of all shapes and sizes. You might not understand them, but you can certainly admire their mesmerizing movements.

Westminster Station

Remember Mr. Weasley’s struggle with muggle money? Take a ride on the Westminster tube station, used as the entrance to the Ministry of Magic in “Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix.” Keep your eyes peeled for red telephone boxes disguised as Floo Network entry points!

St Paul’s Cathedral

While the majestic dome of St Paul’s itself didn’t make the cut, the film crew cleverly transformed its hidden gem: the spiraling geometric staircase. In “Prisoner of Azkaban,” this became the iconic Divination Staircase leading to Professor Trelawney’s misty classroom, adding a touch of real-world grandeur to the whimsical Hogwarts.

Diagon Alley (well, Leadenhall Market to be precise)

Follow the Leaky Cauldron’s discreet entrance (disguised as an optician’s!) in the charming, Victorian alleys of Leadenhall Market. While shops here offer cheese and coffee instead of wands and broomsticks, the architecture is straight out of Diagon Alley. Imagine Ollivanders wand shop nestled among the timber-framed buildings, or Flourish and Blotts hidden around the corner.

Palace Theatre

For a truly theatrical experience, catch a performance of “Harry Potter and the Cursed Child” at the Palace Theatre – expect dazzling spells, soaring set pieces, and a thrilling continuation of the Potter legacy.

Borough Market

Sample magical treats at this bustling market that served as the setting for The Leaky Cauldron.

St Pancras International Station

Though King’s Cross Station gets all the platform 9 ¾ fame, the grand exterior of St Pancras International is Harry Potter’s secret star. In “Chamber of Secrets,” it soars into film history as the backdrop for the Weasley’s magical Ford Anglia taking flight towards Hogwarts with Harry and Ron inside.

Millennium Bridge

The Millennium Bridge gained notoriety in “Half-Blood Prince” as the victim of Death Eater destruction. Its dramatic collapse, filmed with special effects, became a chilling symbol of Voldemort’s growing power and the escalating threat to both magical and Muggle worlds.

The House of MinaLima

The House of MinaLima isn’t just a store or gallery – it’s a portal straight into the wizarding world, thanks to its founders, Miraphora Mina and Eduardo Lima. This magical design studio brought the graphic world of Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts to life, creating everything from the Daily Prophet headlines to the Marauder’s Map. Stepping inside their House in London’s Soho is like stepping onto Diagon Alley itself, overflowing with movie props, intricate artwork, and bewitching stationery that lets you hold a piece of the magic in your hands.

Claremont Square

Discover the Georgian townhouse at Claremont Square, disguised as the gloomy headquarters of the Order of the Phoenix, 12 Grimmauld Place.

Warner Bros. Studio Tour London

For the ultimate Potter pilgrimage, escape the city and head to the Warner Bros. Studio Tour in Leavesden. Here, you’ll walk through iconic sets like the Great Hall, Dumbledore’s office, and Diagon Alley, marvel at incredible props and costumes, and feel the magic come alive. (Book tickets in advance!)

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OXFORD

New College Courtyard

Used as Hogwarts’ exterior, specifically for the scene where Mad-Eye Moody turns Draco into a ferret in HP and the Goblet of Fire.

Divinity School

Used as Hogwarts’ Infirmary and the scene where Prof. McGonagall teaches the Gryffindors how to dance for the Yule Ball in HP and the Goblet of Fire.

Bodleian Library

The Duke Humfrey’s Library within the Bodleian Library influenced the Hogwarts library, with its grand arches and book-lined shelves.

Christ Church College

Remember that awe-inspiring staircase leading to Hogwarts’ Great Hall in the first film? That’s the grand staircase of Christ Church College, a stunning Oxford University college. And the college’s dining hall served as the model for the Hogwarts Great Hall in the first two films, with its long tables and high ceilings. Stroll through the cloisters where Professor McGonagall taught Transfiguration, and imagine yourself being sorted into your Hogwarts house.

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SOUTH ENGLAND

Lavenham

Lavenham, a picturesque village frozen in time, served as a captivating stand-in for Godric’s Hollow in “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1.” While the actors never set foot in its timber-framed streets, the film cleverly used the Lavenham Guildhall and De Vere House as exteriors, adding a layer of historical charm to the tragic depiction of Harry’s parents’ home and graves. Though digitally altered, Lavenham’s atmosphere remains, enchanting Potterheads who can still wander its magical lanes and imagine the echoes of Harry’s painful past.

Lacock

Explore the charming town used for parts of Hogsmeade and where you can find Horace Sloghorn’s “house”.

Lacock Abbey

This grand medieval abbey was transformed into Professor Snape’s Potions classroom, Quirrell’s Defense Against the Dark Arts class, Harry’s encounter with the Mirror of Erised, and the corridors leading to the Gryffindor common room. Explore the ancient cloisters, admire the gothic architecture, and imagine brewing powerful potions with Snape himself.

Gloucester Cathedral

Witness the awe-inspiring setting for Hogwarts’ infirmary and Professor Flitwick’s Charms classroom in several Harry Potter films. This magnificent cathedral’s stained glass windows, vaulted ceilings, and intricate carvings will leave you feeling like you’ve stepped into a real-life.

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NORTH ENGLAND

Alnwick Castle

This majestic medieval castle served as Hogwarts’ exterior in the first two films. Take a broomstick training class in the castle grounds, explore the battlements where Harry learned to fly, and wander through the Hogwarts-inspired courtyards. You might even spot Mrs. Norris patrolling the corridors!

Durham University and Cathedral

Durham Cathedral and University donned their Hogwarts robes for the first two Harry Potter films! The cathedral’s cloisters became the snowy backdrop for Harry flying Hedwig, Ron’s slug-filled moment, and Dobby’s freedom scene. Inside, the Chapter House transformed into Professor McGonagall’s classroom where goblets became rats, while the magnificent Triforium served as the chilling Forbidden Corridor guarded by Fluffy. Visiting Durham is like stepping into the early days of Harry’s magical journey, offering a glimpse of Hogwarts’ grandeur beyond the castle walls.

Goathland Station

Stepping out of the train at Goathland Station is like stepping straight into Hogsmeade! This quaint station in North Yorkshire, England, transformed into the magical train stop in the first Harry Potter film, “The Philosopher’s Stone.” Here, Harry, Ron, and Hermione first met Hagrid and boarded the boats to Hogwarts, marking the beginning of their wizarding adventure. Even today, visitors can feel the magic in the air, taking pictures on the platform where the iconic scenes were filmed and soaking in the charm of the surrounding village.

Malham Cove

Camp under the stars in this magical spot featured in the Deathly Hallows film. Imagine Harry and Hermione planning their mission under the twinkling night sky. ️

The Shambles

Wander through the narrow, winding streets of York that inspired Diagon Alley in the films. Shop for wands, broomsticks, and maybe even a pet Pygmy Puff!

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SCOTLAND

Glenfinnan Viaduct

Take a breathtaking ride on the Jacobite steam train, aka the Hogwarts Express, across the majestic Glenfinnan Viaduct. As the train chugs over this iconic Harry Potter filming location, relive the scene where Harry first glimpses Hogwarts and prepare to be spellbound by the Scottish Highlands’ beauty.

Elephant House café

Grab a coffee at the Edinburgh cafe where J.K. Rowling penned the first Harry Potter chapters. Feel the inspiration brewing!

Edinburgh Castle

Edinburgh Castle, while not directly featured in the Harry Potter films, holds a special place in Potterhead hearts. J.K. Rowling, who spent significant time writing in Edinburgh, has hinted at the castle’s potential influence on Hogwarts’ majestic image. Its imposing presence perched on a rocky crag and rich history resonate with the magical school, fostering a “maybe it inspired Hogwarts” feeling for many fans. Whether fact or fancy, Edinburgh Castle remains a captivating destination for those seeking a real-life touch of magic reminiscent of the beloved wizarding world.

Hagrid’s Hut in Glencoe

Hike through the breathtaking Scottish Highlands where Hagrid’s Hut resided (though sadly no longer there). Nature’s magic will leave you breathless! ️

Greyfriars Kirkyard

Though never explicitly linked in the books, Greyfriars Kirkyard in Edinburgh whispers with potential inspiration for Harry Potter. Tombstones bearing names like “McGonagall,” “Moody,” and even “Thomas Riddell” (Voldemort’s birth name) fuel speculation about J.K. Rowling finding character names here. And the Kirkyard’s eerie atmosphere, complete with a mischievous ghost dog legend, evokes the haunting charm of Godric’s Hollow cemetery, leaving Potterheads to wonder if it served as a real-life muse.

The Department of Magic

This is a real-life Harry Potter-themed escape room and bar located in Edinburgh, Scotland. It’s not affiliated with J.K. Rowling or the official Harry Potter franchise, but it offers fans a fun and immersive experience inspired by the wizarding world. Participants can choose from escape room challenges like “Prophecies Quest” or “Dark Lord Resurrection,” and then unwind with magical-themed cocktails in the Potion Tavern downstairs.

Loch Shiel

This remote and atmospheric loch provided the backdrop for scenes filmed around the Hogwarts lake, including the Triwizard Tournament in “Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire.”

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WALES

Freshwater West Beach

Freshwater West Beach in Wales isn’t just any stunning stretch of sand – it’s a pilgrimage site for Potterheads! This windswept coastline served as the filming location for Shell Cottage, the cozy seaside home of Bill Weasley and Fleur Delacour in “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows.” While the cottage itself was built temporarily for the film, the beach remains, marked by a sorrowful reminder of a beloved character: Dobby’s grave. Fans pay their respects here, leaving behind small tokens like socks (a symbol of freedom for house-elves) in tribute to the brave elf who sacrificed himself for Harry.

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This is just a taste of the hidden wonder London holds for Harry Potter fans! So grab your map, channel your inner explorer, and let your imagination run wild as you follow the footsteps of your favorite witches and wizards. Remember, in this country, even the most ordinary lamppost might hide a secret portal to a world of adventure!

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And don’t forget

• Pack your camera! Every street corner offers photo opportunities worthy of the Daily Prophet.

• Brush up on your spells! You never know when you might need to charm a grumpy bus driver or levitate a lost wand.

• Keep an open mind! Who knows, you might just stumble upon your own magical Wizarding World moment.

• Check out Harry Potter-themed events and tours throughout the UK, from wandmaking workshops to Yule Ball-inspired galas.

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So, what are you waiting for? Book your tickets, pack your cloak, and prepare to be enchanted by this spellbinding island nation! Like always, this is just a starting point. The UK is brimming with Harry Potter magic, so keep exploring and let your imagination guide you!