For all you young wizards there’s so much to explore,
From filming locations to experiences and so much more!
Follow in the footsteps of Harry, Hermione, and Ron,
Make sure to take pictures before you’re gone!

Kings Cross Station, London

The busy Kings Cross Station in London is one of the first iconic locations we visit in the films, if you’re spending the day in London be sure to pass through and soak in the magical atmosphere. The famous Platform 9 3/4 was filmed right here, so you can live out your dreams of jumping on the Hogwarts Express, just don’t run at the wall too hard! There is a luggage trolley prop in the wall for photo ops, and every year on the 1st of September, fans gather here to hear a special train announcement for the Hogwarts Express departing at 11 am!

Alnwick Castle, Northumberland

Discover over 950 years of history at this magnificent castle and it’s explore its many different purposes and evolutions throughout time. This stunning castle portrayed Hogwarts in the first two Harry Potter films. Iconic scenes such as students learning to fly their broomsticks, and Harry learning the Quidditch rules were filmed right on the castle grounds. The atmospheric courtyards were used for shots of students and staff walking around, so you’ll truly feel like your at Hogwarts as you walk the grounds! Don’t miss their Cinema Under the Stars event this summer where they’ll be screening The Philosopher’s Stone and The Order of the Phoenix outdoors! Find out more.

Freshwater West Beach, Pembrokeshire

For years following the release of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1 in 2010, fans have flocked to Pembrokeshire’s famous Freshwater Beach to pay their respects to the beloved character Dobby, who died right on he beachfront, and was buried just above. These emotional scenes were filmed at this location, marking it as Dobby’ final resting place forever. A special memorial sits upon his grave where fans gather year after year to leave gifts and rocks with messages on them. Unfortunately the shell cottage constructed for the film is no longer there, however that doesn’t take away the significance of this location to Harry Potter fans. The beach is a beautiful area and is an ideal spot for experienced surfers.

Leadenhall Market, London

As Harry and Hagrid enter and make their way to Diagon Alley, the magical shopping street of the Wizarding World, you’ll see London’s stunning Leadenhall Market which has been standing for over 700 years! It hosts a unique selection of boutiques, shops, restaurants and bars, so if you’re in London be sure to add this iconic landmark to your schedule. Young witches and wizards walked this very same path to grab their magical equipment before a new school year at Hogwarts, making this a magical place to visit, especially as you can walk right past the entrance to the Leaky Cauldron! Find out more.

Harry Potter: A Forbidden Forest Experience, Cheshire

This stunning railway viaduct in the Scottish Highlands located at the top of Loch Shiel is famously one of the most stunning places to visit in the UK. The Longest Concrete Railway Bridge in Scotland (380 meters) remains an active railway bridge that transports the famous Jacobite steam train which runs from Fort William to Mallaig during the summer months. The iconic Hogwarts Express took this exact journey over the breathtaking bridge when taking students to and from Hogwarts, so if you want to feel like you’re on your way to the Wizarding school, this is the trip for you! The 84 mile return journey is the perfect day out for Potter fans alone, but while you’re there why not stop off at some of the iconic landmarks that this beautiful area has to offer. Find out more.

Black Park Country Park, Buckinghamshire

If you want to get a taste of the real Forbidden Forest, pay a visit to it’s beautiful filming location which spans 500 acres of woodland, family friendly attractions such as the adventure playground and Go Ape, miles of beautiful tracks and trails, and opportunities for wildlife spotting. It’s easy to see why Black Park was chosen to portray the evocative Forbidden Forest which saw so many iconic scenes from a number of the Harry Potter films take place in. With its tall winding trees and gigantic size, it’s the perfect home for magical creatures and ancient trees. Find out more.

The Elephant House, Edinburgh

This place is the widely believed to be “The birthplace of Harry Potter”, as J.K Rowling famously took inspiration from the views over Edinburgh which included the magical view of Edinburgh Castle from this unique coffee shop and restaurant. She was stunned by the city’s gothic architecture and beautiful landmarks, and if you step inside The Elephant Cafe and are lucky enough to grab a window seat with that Edinburgh Castle view, it’s easy to see why Rowling was inspired. Check out the wall of photos inside including Rowling writing and quotes from the author herself, and enjoy their delicious food and drinks before setting off to explore Edinburgh. As of August 2023 they are currently closed for refurbishments, but keep an eye on their socials for updates. Find out more.

London Zoo

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Visiting London Zoo as a non Harry Potter fan, you’d never appreciate why this location is so special! Back in November 2001 when it all began, the cast and crew of Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone gathered in London Zoo’s Reptile House where they would film the iconic scene where young Harry speaks to the Python and unknowingly causes his spoilt cousin to fall into the enclosure! This enclosure is currently home to their Black Mamba. London Zoo is a great family day out anyway, but especially for Potter fans who wont be able to resist a visit and a photo in The Reptile House. Find out more. 

Glencoe, Scotland

This stunning Scottish landscape served as another shooting location for the Prisoner of Azkaban, Order of the Phoenix and Half Blood Prince. Hagrid’s famous hut was constructed in this beautiful area and although it sadly no longer stands today, this picturesque landmark is well worth a visit just to take in the enchanted scenery from the films. The walking route is very easily accessible and absolutely worth hiking to for every Harry Potter fan or anyone looking for an adventure. Find out more.

Durham Cathedral, Durham County

In the heart of Durham sits this stunning Cathedral which was temporarily transformed into Hogwarts during filming for The Philosopher’s Stone and Chamber of Secrets. The secluded walkways around the perimeter were used for scenes of the young wizards walking between lessons, so you can truly feel like a student at Hogwarts as you walk these halls! The Chapter House which is open to the public, was used to film Professor McGonagall’s classroom. Find out more.

Loch Shiel, Scotland

A short distance from the famous Glenfinnan Viaduct and Fort William, the Great Lake in the Harry Potter Films is portrayed by Loch Shiel and is known as the Black Lake. Located in the breathtaking Scottish Highlands, the railway overlooks the waters of Loch Shiel meaning you can see The Black Lake from the comfort of the train carriage, or if you’re feeling more adventurous you can walk to the famous area! Cast your mind back to Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire and you’ll remember the spooky scene where Harry and others go searching for their fellow students at the bottom of the lake in the Triwizard Tournament, that should be enough to put you off actually going in the water! Find out more.

Oxford, Oxfordshire

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