Step Into the Wizarding World: Must-See Harry Potter Filming Locations
Logo
Logo
Logo
About UsDestinationsBlogFAQ's
hero background

Sightseeing Tour

Step Into the Wizarding World: Must-See Harry Potter Filming Locations

For all Harry Potter enthusiasts worldwide, experiencing the enchantment of entering the real-life settings that shaped the beloved films is unparalleled. The UK boasts numerous iconic Harry Potter filming locations, allowing visitors to fully immerse themselves in the realm of wizards, witches, and unforgettable adventures.

Whether going for a journey through London bus tour packages or choosing something more customized, such as the guided Harry Potter tours, you're sure to have a spellbinding experience. Let's discover the most enchanting sites you wouldn't want to miss.

Must-See Harry Potter Filming Locations

King’s Cross Station: Platform 9¾

Platform 9 ¾ is a must-visit location for any Harry Potter fan's activities. Located in King's Cross Station, London, it is here that Harry and his companions started off their journey toward Hogwarts. Tourists can take photos at a designated spot using a trolley that is halfway through the wall. Many London bus tour packages make it easier to visit this iconic location.

Do not miss the adjacent Harry Potter Shop, an imitation of Ollivander's wand shop. It's a wonderful place to take some souvenirs from your visit.

Alnwick Castle: Training Ground for Quidditch

Alnwick Castle in Northumberland set the backdrop for many memorable scenes in "Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone," including Harry's first flying lesson and Quidditch practice. This castle's magnificence is unparalleled, and its history predates the wizarding world.

Book a guided Harry Potter tour of Alnwick Castle to learn more about the film- and history-related values of this castle. During your visit, you have the opportunity to participate in the broomstick training, which will immerse you in the Harry Potter experience in the UK.

Leadenhall Market: Diagon Alley

Hidden in the heart of London, Leadenhall Market played the magical role of Diagon Alley in the first movie. The market's intricate architecture evokes a sense of magic and whimsy, embodying the essence of the wizarding world. Some packages for the London bus tour that focuses on Harry Potter filming locations include a walk through this market.

During your visit, do not miss the entrance to the Leaky Cauldron located at 42 Bull's Head Passage. Although it seems like an ordinary storefront to Muggles, fans will easily recognize the importance of this location.

Gloucester Cathedral: Hogwarts Inwards

Gloucester Cathedral served as the backdrop for many of the inner shots of Hogwarts. Its majestic Gothic architecture offers the best setting for such corridors, classrooms, or even those scenes involving a basilisk in “Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets.”

Fans adore these Harry Potter filming locations so much that they are a must-see on any organized Harry Potter tour. The intricate stonework and hauntingly beautiful ambience will transport you right into the halls of Hogwarts.

The Millennium Bridge: Death Eater Mayhem

Death Eaters spectacularly destroyed the Millennium Bridge in London in "Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince." Although the destruction was a CGI effect, the actual bridge is quite real and is one of the favourite stops for Harry Potter fans during their activities in the city.

London bus tour packages often include this place, offering excellent views of the Thames and adjacent landmarks like St. Paul's Cathedral. Book London: Landmarks and Harry Potter Walking Tours and discover London on a guided walking tour of the iconic landmarks.

The Elephant House: J.K. Rowling's Inspiration

The Elephant House in Edinburgh, not one of the Harry Potter filming locations but a pilgrimage site for fans, is where J.K. Rowling wrote parts of the series. It is a cosy café where you can enjoy a cup of tea while soaking in the atmosphere that inspired the creation of Harry Potter's world.

If your Harry Potter experience in the UK takes you to Scotland, this is a place you will not want to pass up. Pair it up with a visit to Victoria Street, which has supposedly inspired Diagon Alley.

The Glenfinnan Viaduct: The Hogwarts Express

The Elephant House in Edinburgh, not one of the Harry Potter filming locations but a pilgrimage site for fans, is where J.K. Rowling wrote parts of the series. It is a cosy café where you can enjoy a cup of tea while soaking in the atmosphere that inspired the creation of Harry Potter's world.

If your Harry Potter experience in the UK takes you to Scotland, this is a place you will not want to pass up. Pair it up with a visit to Victoria Street, which has supposedly inspired Diagon Alley.

Durham Cathedral: Professor McGonagall's Classroom

The Durham Cathedral is another one of the incredible Harry Potter filming locations that brought the world of Hogwarts to life. This UNESCO World Heritage Site was the setting for scenes in the first two films, hosting transfiguration lessons and other fantastic moments.

Participate in a guided Harry Potter tour of Durham Cathedral for a better appreciation of what it represents within the series and its rich history.

 Lacock Abbey: Snape’s Dungeon and More

Lacock Abbey, located in Wiltshire, is a haven for fans. The medieval cloisters of this abbey were used to record many scenes, such as the Potions classroom of Professor Snape and the Mirror of Erised. The serenity of the place adds a lot to the intense scenes, making it one of the must-visit Harry Potter filming locations.

Don't forget to check whether your guided Harry Potter tour includes this place because this is one of those hidden gems that should not be missed.

Malham Cove: Harry and Hermione's Camping Ground

Malham Cove is one of the camping places Harry and Hermione take in while on the run during "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1.” It's a fairytale hike backdrop and a suitable venue for Harry Potter enthusiasts to seek a more serene outdoor, not-the-abnormally-commercial Disney-like Harry Potter UK experience.

Its dramatic landscape and tranquil atmosphere make it a very special stop on your journey through the Harry Potter filming locations.

Warner Bros. Studio Tour London: The Making of Harry Potter

No Harry Potter filming location list would be complete without mentioning the Warner Bros. Studio Tour in Leavesden. Here, you get to see actual sets from the films, from the Great Hall to the Forbidden Forest. This is an experience of real behind-the-scenes action as you go through the making of magic.

One of the most fun Harry Potter fan activities is the studio tour. Try a butterbeer and walk through Platform 9 to complete your visit.

Tips for Planning Your Magical Adventure

  • Book Early: Popular Harry Potter fan activities like the Warner Bros. Studio Tour London quickly sell out. Plan and book your tickets in advance.
  • Select the Best Package: Choose from one of the Harry Potter filming locations, the London bus tour, or combine it with other popular landmarks in London for a unique experience. 
  • Bring your Wand: You never know when you could use it to capture the perfect photo or fend off a Death Eater.
  • Dress the Part: Wearing your house colours makes the entire experience even more magical; you may meet fellow fans on the way.

Conclusion

Dreamers aspire to visit the best Harry Potter filming locations to experience the magic. With places ranging from the bustling streets of London to serene scenes in the Scottish Highlands, they all unveil something in and about the wizarding world. Whether you're a first-timer or planning a custom Harry Potter tour in the UK, the guided tours will captivate you.


Do not wait for your Hogwarts letter to come; plan your magical adventure today and step into the world of Harry Potter like never before! For a magical experience, book London: Harry Potter Walking Tour and Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour + River Cruise and discover the very best of London with the Harry Potter guided tour. 

The World At Your Fingertips.

Experience what it's like to Discover the world with the Vox City App.

Discover the worldDiscover

Exclusive discounts and travel inspiration

Weekly in your inbox, daily in your feed

Search

Follow us

LinkedinFacebookInstagramTikTokYouTube