Harry Potter Travel Guide: Magical Filming Locations in the UK

There’s something enchanting about the moment you step into a place you’ve only seen in movies. For fans of Harry Potter, the UK is sprinkled with these magical spots—each one holding a little piece of the story, waiting to be discovered.

But this guide isn’t just a list of filming locations. It’s your complete portal into the wizarding world: what to see, how to get there, where to eat, what to buy, and how to make the most of every magical moment. ✨

 1. Alnwick Castle, Northumberland

This grand medieval castle served as the backdrop for those early Hogwarts scenes in The Philosopher’s Stone and Chamber of Secrets—where Harry took his first flying lesson.

As you stroll through the ancient courtyards and climb the worn stone steps, a strange sense of recognition washes over you—like you’ve stepped into a memory you never knew you had.

🎟️ Ticket Info: Adult tickets start from £19.50. Book directly at alnwickcastle.com
🕒 Best Time to Visit: Spring or autumn for mild weather and fewer crowds.
🛍️ Souvenirs: Their gift shop sells house robes, wands, and even spellbooks!
🍽️ Nearby Treat: Enjoy a meal at The Treehouse Restaurant—an enchanting wooden haven nestled in the trees, glowing softly with twinkling lights.

 2. Glenfinnan Viaduct, Scottish Highlands

One of the most iconic travel scenes in cinema is the Hogwarts Express chugging over this majestic curved bridge. Located in the Highlands, this site is breathtaking even without the train.

But the real magic? Riding the Jacobite Steam Train, which still runs this route and makes you feel like you’re genuinely on your way to Hogwarts.

🎟️ Booking: Reserve via West Coast Railways. Prices start around £60.
🕒 Season: Runs from mid-April to October.
📍 Nearby Stay: Fort William or Mallaig offers charming B&Bs.

 3. Warner Bros. Studio Tour, Leavesden

The crown jewel for fans. Here, you don’t just see Harry’s world—you step inside it. Walk through the Great Hall, peek into Dumbledore’s office, visit the Forbidden Forest, and even sip Butterbeer.

Every corridor brings a rush of emotion, like reliving childhood memories in real time.

🎟️ Tickets: From £51–£61. Book early at wbstudiotour.co.uk
🕒 Plan 4–5 hours minimum to explore the entire tour.
🛍️ Shop Alert: The gift shop has everything—wands, costumes, Honeydukes candy, and more!
🍽️ Backlot Café: Be sure to try the creamy Butterbeer ice cream—it’s a frosty treat straight out of the wizarding world! 🍦

 4. Christ Church & Bodleian Library, Oxford

Oxford brings an elegant charm to the world of magic. The Great Staircase and Dining Hall of Christ Church directly inspired Hogwarts, and the Bodleian Library served as the Hogwarts infirmary in multiple scenes.

It’s quiet, scholarly, and deeply atmospheric—like you’re inside a very old spell.

🎟️ Entry Fee: Around £10–£16 depending on day/time
🕒 Go early morning for fewer visitors.
🍽️ Eat Nearby: Try The Handle Bar Café for hearty food and cozy vibes.
🛍️ Oxford Gift Shops often carry limited Potter-themed merchandise.

 5. London’s Magical Corners: King’s Cross Station & Leadenhall Market

At King’s Cross Station, you’ll find the legendary Platform 9¾. There’s even a photo-op trolley halfway through the wall—and a themed shop right beside it.

Not far from there is Leadenhall Market, a beautifully preserved Victorian market that was used for Diagon Alley exteriors and the Leaky Cauldron entrance.

🎟️ Platform 9¾: Visiting is completely free, but if you want an official photo with the trolley, printed copies are available for a fee. 🛍️ Wizarding Finds: Step into the shop and explore shelves lined with spellbinding souvenirs—whether it’s a soft house scarf, a handcrafted wand, or a box of Bertie Bott’s Every Flavour Beans, there’s a little magic for everyone to take home. 🍽️ Nearby Treat: The Cauldron Pub (in London and Edinburgh) serves magical cocktails and potion-inspired meals.

 Other Magical Spots Worth Visiting

✨ Lacock Abbey (Wiltshire) – Potions classroom & Hogwarts interiors
✨ Gloucester Cathedral – Creepy Hogwarts corridors
✨ Durham Cathedral – A serene and historic site used for several Hogwarts classroom scenes.
✨ Cliffs of Moher (Ireland): Towering above the crashing waves, this breathtaking coastline set the scene for a powerful moment in Half-Blood Prince, blending beauty with a hint of darkness.

These lesser-known locations offer a more peaceful way to experience the wizarding world—perfect for those who prefer quiet wonder over bustling crowds.

 Best Time to Visit

The UK is magical all year round, but each season brings a different vibe:

 Must-Do Shopping for Potterheads

✨ Platform 9¾ Shop (London)
✨ Warner Bros. Studio Store
✨ House of MinaLima – A design gallery/shop by the artists behind the film props
✨ Edinburgh Harry Potter Shops – Especially near Victoria Street, the “real” Diagon Alley

 Magical Dining Experiences

Want to dine like a wizard? These places go all out:

• The Cauldron – Mix-your-own potions & themed dishes
• The Treehouse Restaurant – Wooden walkways, forest vibes, fairy lights
• Backlot Café – At the studio tour; home of the best Butterbeer treats
• The Elephant House Café – A peaceful café in Edinburgh where J.K. Rowling began crafting the earliest parts of Harry’s story here, turning quiet moments into pure magic.

Booking & Travel Tips

✅ Book studio tickets and train journeys at least 2–3 weeks in advance
✅ Consider combo tours (e.g., walking tour + studio entry) to save
✅ Use UK Railcards or group passes for travel discounts
✅ Bring along a cloak or your house scarf—it’s the perfect way to blend in with the magic and feel like a true Hogwarts student.
✅ Always check castle and site openings—some are seasonal

Suggested 4-Day Magical Itinerary

Day 1: King’s Cross ➝ Leadenhall Market ➝ MinaLima
Day 2: Warner Bros. Studio Tour
Day 3: Oxford Colleges ➝ Dinner in town
Day 4: Travel to Alnwick or Scotland for Viaduct/Train Ride

Final Thoughts

This journey isn’t just about seeing places. It’s about feeling something again—something you might’ve felt the first time you read The Philosopher’s Stone under your blanket at night. Or when you first watched that snowy owl deliver a letter that would change a boy’s life.

As you stand where the magic happened, you’ll realize:

It’s not just about the castles and cathedrals. It’s about rediscovering the wonder that lives in you.

So pick up your wand, fasten your cloak, and step into the adventure that’s been waiting for you. Your letter to Hogwarts may not have arrived, but the adventure? It’s still out there—waiting for you. 🪄💫

If you’re planning a longer adventure, don’t miss our Ultimate United Kingdom Travel Guide (2025) for everything you need to know—from visas to cultural tips.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is it possible to see all the Harry Potter filming locations in a single trip?

Many key locations can be explored in a single trip, though how much you see will depend on your schedule and travel pace. With about a week or more, you can explore key spots across England and Scotland by planning your route carefully.

2. Do I need to buy tickets for the Warner Bros. Studio Tour in advance?

Yes, it’s highly recommended! Studio tickets tend to get booked up quickly, particularly during school holidays and festive seasons. Book early online to secure your preferred date and time.

3. Is the Hogwarts Express a real train I can ride?

Yes! The Jacobite Steam Train runs between Fort William and Mallaig in the Scottish Highlands, offering the same scenic route seen in the Harry Potter films. The train travels the same scenic route shown in the films, passing over the legendary Glenfinnan Viaduct along the way.

4. Are these locations family-friendly for kids?

Absolutely! Most sites offer fun for all ages—from interactive museum experiences to castle grounds and themed cafés. Some tours even offer kid-friendly activities like wand-making or scavenger hunts.

5. When is the best time to go on a Harry Potter-themed trip to the UK?

Spring (April–June) and autumn (September–October) bring mild weather, lighter crowds, and an ideal setting for a magical adventure. Winter is also magical, especially during the “Hogwarts in the Snow” event.