The world of Harry Potter is full of magic and wonder. While the story is set in a mystical and largely fictional Britain, several real locations were used as evocative backdrops for the movies.
Many Harry Potter fans are curious to discover the real-life locations where the movies were filmed. Some parts of the franchise were created in studios like Warner Bros and Leavesden, but several famous scenes from the Harry Potter movies were shot in beautiful destinations throughout the United Kingdom.
From the picturesque streets of London and Oxford to the breathtaking landscapes of Scotland, these places are a must-visit for any Potterhead.
In this post, we’ve compiled a list of 19 of the most iconic Harry Potter filming locations you won’t want to miss.
Get ready to immerse yourself in the wizarding world as we take you on a journey to see the Great Hall, Hagrid’s Hut, and more iconic places!
The Top 19 Harry Potter Filming Locations In The UK
Alnwick Castle, Alnwick, England
With a history of over 950 years, Alnwick is the second-largest inhabited castle in the UK and one of the most beautiful castles in England.
This mighty castle also starred in the 2001 “Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone” and 2002 “Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets” movies as the magical Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry during the
The Outer Bailey of the Alnwick Castle is where Harry and his fellow students learn to play the wizarding sport of Quidditch.
Address: Alnwick NE66 1NQ
Also Read: The Best Harry Potter Experiences In The UK
King’s Cross Station, London, England
King’s Cross railway station is a legendary railway terminus in London and one of the busiest stations in the United Kingdom.
In the Harry Potter movies, the Hogwarts Express departs from Platform 9¾ at King’s Cross Station, located in the arched wall between platforms 4 and 5.
Address: Euston Rd., London
Durham Cathedral, Durham, England
The Durham Cathedral is an Anglican Cathedral built between 1093 and 1133 in the Romanesque style. Ideally located at the heart of Durham’s World Heritage Site in England, this alluring church was the location for more than one scene in the Harry Potter franchise.
In Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, the cathedral cloisters are where Harry releases Hedwig, his owl, in the snow in his first year and where Ron vomits slugs in the Chamber of Secrets.
Be sure to also check out the cathedral’s Chapter House, which in the movies is Professor McGonagall’s classroom, where the class transfigured goblets into rats.
Address: Durham DH1 3EH
Also Read: The Best Guide To Hogwarts In The Snow
New College, Oxford, England
Founded in 1379, New College is one of the oldest colleges at the prestigious Oxford University. While visiting the picture-perfect buildings of this dazzling institution, you’ll easily recognize several places featured in the “Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire” movie.
For instance, the cloisters and courtyard within New College are seen as Harry walks through a crowd of Hogwarts students who ridicule him by wearing “Potter Stinks” badges.
The courtyard of the New College is the place where Harry tells Cedric Diggory that the first task they’ll face in the Triwizard Tournament is dragons. Also, in the courtyard, you’ll find the tree where Draco Malfoy sits taunting Harry, which prompts Professor Moody to turn Malfoy into a ferret.
Address: Address: Holywell St, Oxford
Christ Church College, Oxford University, Oxford
Part of the Oxford University, Christ Church College is one of the oldest colleges in Oxford. It was founded in 1546 by King Henry VIII and was the inspiration and filming location for several Harry Potter scenes.
The college’s spectacular Great Hall inspired Hogwarts’ dining hall, which was actually filmed on a set in the Warner Bros. Studios in London.
The artfully embellished Christ Church Staircase in the Bodley Tower appeared in the “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone” and “Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets” movies. The top of the staircase is where Harry, Hermione, Ron, and others walk to meet Professor McGonagall in “Sorcerer’s Stone.” In the second film, after Harry and Ron miss the Hogwarts Express train and have to get to Hogwarts in the Weasley’s car, they ascend these stairs only to find Argus Filch, Hogwarts’ cranky caretaker.
Known for their eye-catching Gothic architecture, the Christ Church cloisters are also seen in “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone” as the Hogwarts corridor where Harry glances at the quidditch trophy won by his father. It’s also the place where Hermione explains to Harry that being a seeker is in his blood.
Address: St Aldate’s, Oxford OX1 1DP
Bodleian Library, Oxford University, Oxford, England
The Bodleian Library is the main research library of the University of Oxford and one of the oldest libraries in Europe. Here, you’ll find 13 million printed items, including century-old manuscripts, Shakespeare’s First folio, and one of only 21 surviving complete copies of the Gutenberg Bible.
The gorgeous Divinity School is another treasure found within the Bodleian Library. Oxford’s oldest teaching room, Divinity, was Hogwarts Infirmary, where Harry recuperates after his first encounter with Voldemort in “Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone”.
Divinity is also where Professor McGonagall led the dance lessons in the “Goblet of Fire” movie.
Duke Humfrey’s Library, also located within Bodleian, appears in “Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone” in the scene where Harry walks through this area protected by his invisibility cloak.
Address: Broad St, Oxford OX1 3BG
Lacock Abbey, Wiltshire, England
Built as a nunnery of the Augustinian order in the 1200s and turned into a Tudor family residence later on, Lacock Abbey is a known location for several productions like Harry Potter and Downton Abbey.
In “Harry Potter And The Chamber Of Secrets,” the abbey’s Sacristy Room is featured as the classroom where Professor Snape makes his potions.
Harry is chosen for Gryffindor’s Quidditch team in the halls of the 13th-century Lacock Abbey, and the cloisters at Lacock have also served as Hogwarts corridors on many occasions.
Address: Lacock, Chippenham SN15 2LG
Jacobite Steam Train, Scotland
Potterheads visiting Scotland can’t pass up the chance to hop aboard the Jacobite Steam Train. Also known as the Hogwarts Express, the train departs from Fort William and lets passengers catch a glimpse of the most beautiful landscapes of the Scottish highlands. During the 84-mile round-trip, which ends in Mallaig, you’ll come across the iconic 21-arched Glenfinnan viaduct and other locations made famous in Harry Potter movies.
Piccadilly Circus, London, England
One of London’s top attractions, Piccadilly Circus is a vibrant road junction and public square in the West End.
You might recognize this square from the “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows I” movie, where Harry, Ron, and Hermione flee from the Death Eaters and nearly get hit by a bus.
Also Read: The Best Things To Do In London In Winter
Bull’s Head Passage, London, England
An optician in Bull’s Head Passage, in London’s Leadenhall Market, was featured in the first Harry Potter film. The place was the entrance to the wizard’s pub, the Leaky Cauldron, which leads to the Diagon Alley in “The Philosopher’s Stone.”
Address: Gracechurch St, London EC3V 1LT
Gloucester Cathedral, Gloucester, England
Located in Gloucester, southwest England, the Gloucester Cathedral is a Grade I listed building featured in three Harry Potter movies. These are “Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone,” “Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets,” and the “Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince.”
Dating back to 678, the cathedral’s majestic interiors were used for several shots portraying Hogwarts’ interiors.
The cathedral cloisters can be seen in “Philosopher’s Stone” when the troll traps Hermione in the toilets. They were also used as the corridor leading up to the Gryffindor common room.
Address: 12 College Grn, Gloucester GL1 2LX
Warner Bros Studio, London, England
A Warner Bros Studio Tour is necessary for London’s Harry Potter fans. While visiting the studio, Potterheards will see iconic sets of the movie, including the Great Hall and Diagon Alley, learn about the special effects that brought magical creatures to life, and see real costumes from the movie.
Address: Studio Tour Dr, Leavesden, Watford WD25 7LR
London Zoo, London, England
Home to more than 18,000 animals, the legendary London Zoo was featured in the “ Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone” movie. The scene where Harry talks with a snake and discovers he speaks Parseltongue was filmed in the zoo’s Reptile House.
Address: Outer Cir, London NW1 4RY
Loch Etive, Argyll and Bute, Scotland
Surrounded by idyllic countryside and dramatic mountains, the mighty Loch Etive in Scotland can be seen in the “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows” parts 1 and 2.
This is where Harry, Hermione, and Ron had a camping trip in “ Deathly Hallows I” and where the trio is left after jumping off the back of a dragon following their escape from Gringotts in London.
Australia House, London, England
Located on the Strand in London, Australia, House is a Grade II listed building that houses the diplomatic mission of Australia in the United Kingdom.
The building’s marble interior is best known for being the Gringotts Bank, the wizard’s bank run by goblins in the Harry Potter films.
Address: Strand, London WC2B 4LA
Clachaig Gully, Glencoe, Scotland
Want to see the place where Hagrid’s Hut used to stand? Then, go to Clachaig Gully, in the picturesque village of Glencoe, Scotland.
While the hut in the “Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban” movie is no longer in Clachaig Gully, the place will still dazzle you with its immense natural charm.
The location is accessible by scenic nature trails, and visitors can soak in the beauty of Scotland’s rugged landscape during the hike.
Address: Ballachulish PH49 4HX
Seven Sisters Chalk Cliffs, Sussex, England
The Seven Sisters are dramatic chalk sea cliffs on the English Channel coast in southeast England. These picturesque geological formations were the backdrop for the scene where Harry and his friends take a portkey to the Quidditch World Cup in The Goblet of Fire” movie.
A must-visit for Harry Potter fans and outdoor enthusiasts alike!
Address: South Downs National Park, Sussex, England
Swinley Forest, Berkshire, England
Stretching over 2,600 acres of gentle hills, Swinley Forest is an enchanting woodland on the Surrey and Berkshire border. A large portion of “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Parts” 1 and 2 takes place in the countryside of the U.K. Most of these scenes were filmed in Swinley Forest in Surrey.
The forest is dotted with towering Scots Pine trees and features dozens of scenic trails, making it a prime location for hiking and biking amidst nature.
Address: Bracknell RG12 7QW, England
Goathland Train Station, North York, England
The Goathland Train Station was featured in the first Harry Potter film as the Hogsmeade Station, where the Hogwarts Express arrived, bringing students of the Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.
The station is located in the North York Moors National Park in Yorkshire, a scenic destination filled with charming villages and nature trails through forests and woodlands.
Address: Cow Wath Bank, Goathland, Whitby, England
FAQ
Where are the Harry Potter films filmed?
The Harry Potter scenes were filmed in locations all over the U.K., including England, Scotland, and Wales, as well as in Ireland.
Where was Harry Potter filmed in the UK?
The top Harry Potter locations in the UK are:
- Alnwick Castle, Alnwick, England;
- King’s Cross Station, London, England;
- Durham Cathedral, Durham, England;
- New College, Oxford, England;
- Christ Church College, Oxford University, Oxford;
- Bodleian Library, Oxford University, Oxford, England;
- Lacock Abbey, Wiltshire, England;
- Jacobite Steam Strain, Scotland;
- Piccadilly Circus, London, England;
- Bull’s Head Passage, London, England;
- Gloucester Cathedral, Gloucester, England;
- Warner Bros Studio, London, England;
- London Zoo, London, England;
- Loch Etive, Argyll and Bute, Scotland;
- Australia House, London, England;
- Clachaig Gully, Glencoe, Scotland;
- Seven Sisters Chalk Cliffs, Sussex, England;
- Swinley Forest, Berkshire, England;
- Goathland Train Station, North York, England.
Where is Hogwarts Castle located in real life?
Many Hogwarts scenes were filmed in Alnwick Castle, in England.
Where was Diagon Alley filmed?
The entrance to the Leaky Cauldron Pub, which leads to Diagnonal Alley, is, in real life, an optician in Bull’s Head Passage in Leadenhall Market, London.
Diagon Alley scenes were also filmed in the Warner Brothers Studios in Leavesden.
Where was the Hogwarts Library filming location?
The Hogwarts Library was filmed in the Duke Humfrey’s Library, part of the Bodleian Libraries, at Oxford University, England.
Where was the first Harry Potter movie filmed?
“Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone “ was filmed at Warner Bros. Studios, Leavesden, and in historic locations around the United Kingdom. These places include Oxford University, Piccadilly Circus and the Alwinck Castle, in England, and the Scottish Highlands, to name just a few.
Where was Snape’s potions classroom filmed?
Snape’s potions classroom (“Harry Potter And The Chamber Of Secrets”) was filmed in Lacock Abbey in Wiltshire, England.
Where was Gringott’s filming location?
The scenes for Gringotts Wizarding Bank were filmed in the interior of Australia House in London, England.
Where was Harry Potter filming Hagrid’s hut?
Hagrid’s hut was filmed in Clachaig Gully in Glencoe, in the Highlands of Scotland.
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