I am excited to share with you the top 10 magical Harry Potter locations that you can actually visit, and 10 that were filmed in a studio. These locations are perfect for die-hard Harry Potter fans who want to experience the magic of the Wizarding World in real life. We have researched and compiled a comprehensive guide to help you plan your next Harry Potter-inspired trip.
- Hogwarts Castle – Alnwick Castle, Northumberland, England
Hogwarts Castle is one of the most iconic locations in the Harry Potter series, and it was brought to life on screen by Alnwick Castle in Northumberland, England. Visitors can explore the castle's state rooms, exhibitions, and grounds, which were used as a filming location for many of the exterior shots of Hogwarts.
- The Hogwarts Express – The Jacobite, Scotland
The Hogwarts Express, also known as the Jacobite, is a steam train that runs between Fort William and Mallaig in Scotland. This train was used in the Harry Potter films to transport Harry and his friends to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. The Jacobite offers a stunning journey through the Scottish Highlands, which is a must-see for any Harry Potter fan.
- Platform 9 ¾ – King's Cross Station, London, England
Platform 9 ¾ is where Harry and his friends catch the Hogwarts Express from King's Cross Station in London. Although the platform doesn't actually exist, visitors can take a photo with a trolley disappearing into the wall at King's Cross Station. The station also features a Harry Potter shop selling merchandise and souvenirs.
- Diagon Alley – Leadenhall Market, London, England
Diagon Alley is the magical shopping street where Harry buys his school supplies, including his wand and broomstick. Leadenhall Market in London was used as the filming location for some of the exterior shots of Diagon Alley. Visitors can explore the market and its shops, which offer a range of Harry Potter merchandise.
- The Great Hall – Christ Church College, Oxford, England
The Great Hall is where Hogwarts students gather to have meals and attend special events. The Great Hall at Christ Church College in Oxford was used as the filming location for this iconic setting. Visitors can tour the college and see the Great Hall, as well as other locations used in the Harry Potter films.
- Gringotts Wizarding Bank – Australia House, London, England
Gringotts Wizarding Bank is where Harry and his friends break into to steal a Horcrux in the final book of the series. Australia House in London was used as the filming location for the bank's interior. Visitors can visit the building's foyer, which features marble floors and a stunning ceiling.
- The Forbidden Forest – Black Park, Buckinghamshire, England
The Forbidden Forest is home to many magical creatures, including centaurs, unicorns, and Acromantulas. Black Park in Buckinghamshire was used as the filming location for the Forbidden Forest. Visitors can explore the park's walking trails and see where the Forbidden Forest scenes were filmed.
- Hogsmeade Village – Glencoe, Scotland
Hogsmeade Village is the magical village located next to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Glencoe in Scotland was used as the filming location for Hogsmeade Village. Visitors can explore the village's streets, which are lined with magical shops and restaurants.
- Godric's Hollow – Lacock, Wiltshire, England
Godric's Hollow is the village where Harry was born and where his parents were killed by Voldemort. Lacock in Wiltshire was used as the filming location for Godric's Hollow. Visitors can explore the village's picturesque streets and see where the Godric's Hollow scenes were filmed, including the house where Harry's parents were killed. The village also features a Harry Potter shop, where visitors can purchase memorabilia and souvenirs.
- The Ministry of Magic – Scotland Place, London, England
The Ministry of Magic is the governing body of the Wizarding World, and it plays an important role in the later books of the Harry Potter series. Scotland Place in London was used as the filming location for the exterior shots of the Ministry of Magic. Visitors can see the building's distinctive entrance and take a tour of the nearby Whitehall area.
Other Filming Locations
While the above locations are actual places that can be visited, some of the Harry Potter films' interior scenes were filmed in a studio. These locations include:
- Hogwarts Castle interiors – Warner Bros. Studio Tour London, England
The interiors of Hogwarts Castle, including the Great Hall, Dumbledore's office, and the Gryffindor common room, were all filmed in a studio. These sets can be seen at the Warner Bros. Studio Tour London, which offers an immersive behind-the-scenes look at the making of the Harry Potter films.
- The Hogwarts Express interiors – Warner Bros. Studio Tour London, England
The interiors of the Hogwarts Express train were also filmed in a studio. These sets can be seen at the Warner Bros. Studio Tour London, where visitors can explore the train's compartments and see the props and costumes used in the films.
- The Burrow, Dumbledore's Office, Snape's Office – Warner Bros. Studio Tour London, England
The Burrow, the Weasley family's magical home, was also filmed in a studio. This set can be seen at the Warner Bros. Studio Tour London, where visitors can explore the house's interior and see the props and costumes used in the films.
So many interior scenes were filmed here! You can get a look at everything you can see and do here.
These 10 magical Harry Potter locations, along with the filming locations, offer Harry Potter fans a unique opportunity to experience the magic of the Wizarding World in real life. From Hogwarts Castle to Diagon Alley, these locations provide a glimpse into the world created by J.K. Rowling. We hope that our comprehensive guide helps you plan your next Harry Potter-inspired trip and create unforgettable memories.
