Where Harry Potter films were shot
It's probably no secret to you that most of the scenes of «Harry Potter» were filmed in England, and mostly in London. There's truly something magical about this city. But it's easy to get lost in all this variety. We'll help you – we've gathered the most interesting locations from the Harry Potter films that you'll definitely want to visit.
London: central locations of the magical world
The capital of Great Britain is where a large part of Harry Potter's magical world begins and lives. Many episodes were filmed in famous London locations. Here are the most memorable ones.
Platform 9¾
This is probably the most popular and desired attraction to visit. Yes, Platform 9¾ at London's King's Cross Station really exists; it was built in 2012. However, it's not an active platform, but a tourist attraction.
The enchanted platform can be found between platforms 9 and 10. But you definitely won't get lost — there's usually a long queue leading to it.
And of course, there's that famous monument: a luggage trolley with suitcases stuck in the wall.
Westminster Station
In 'Order of the Phoenix', the main characters descend into the underground at Westminster Station. It was opened back in 1868 and is still considered one of the main stations in the subway system. Here you can not only take memorable photos but also stroll through the nearby abbey — where British monarchs are crowned.
Leadenhall Market
Diagon Alley and the entrance to the Leaky Cauldron bar were filmed here — at the oldest market, Leadenhall Market. It can be found right in the center of London.
It's amazing that this place hasn't changed its appearance since 1881 — which is why the location perfectly conveys the atmosphere of Victorian England.
Here you can buy nice souvenirs to remember your trip: both Harry Potter themed and regular ones.
Reptile House at London Zoo
You probably remember the scene when Harry first discovered his ability to speak Parseltongue — the language of snakes. Well, this moment was filmed at the London Zoo, specifically in the Reptile House. It's home to some of the largest snakes in the world, as well as amazing lizards and crocodiles. There will be a sign in the zoo that will clearly show you where the scene was filmed.
Tower Bridge
In 'Order of the Phoenix', Harry Potter and his friends fly along the Thames past Tower Bridge to a secret headquarters. And you have the opportunity to retrace their path! Sign up for a river cruise and you can, if not fly, then at least sail past the famous landmarks.
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Harry Potter Museum at Warner Bros. Studio
If you want to fully immerse yourself in magic, then you definitely need to visit the Harry Potter museum in London. This place is very popular — so tickets should be bought at least a couple of months before your visit.
The 'Leavesden' film complex is still here, where you can see real film sets, costumes, props, and even try butterbeer.
Please note: if you still want to take a tour of this complex, you need to arrive at least 20 minutes before it starts — otherwise, you won't be allowed in.
There's also a museum where you'll have the opportunity to literally touch the Potterian universe with your own hands. There are many exhibits here, and some of them are very fun and interactive. For example, you can control Mrs. Weasley's knitting needles yourself.
Overall, this museum-park is a true must-visit. Here you'll visit professors' offices, learn more about wands and everything else related to the world of Harry Potter.
Scotland: magical landscapes
This country is world-renowned for its incredible landscapes. And they appeared in many films: 'Braveheart', 'James Bond', and, of course, 'Harry Potter'. The Glenfinnan Viaduct is precisely that famous place where the Hogwarts Express crossed the majestic arches of the bridge.
And there's also Loch Shiel, whose landscapes became a picturesque backdrop for scenes with the magical school. Visit Scotland — it's magical enough even without wizards.
Castles and Cathedrals of Great Britain
Many scenes from 'Harry Potter' were filmed in the grand castles and cathedrals of Great Britain. For example, Gloucester Cathedral was used for filming Hogwarts corridors, and Alnwick Castle became its prototype in the first two films. And these places are worth visiting — their Gothic style creates a unique atmosphere that many «Harry Potter» fans have fallen in love with.
Castles of Europe are always magical and definitely deserve a separate trip. Click on the link, and we'll gladly tell you about the best ones.
Buckinghamshire and Wiltshire: dark and mysterious places
Some of the most mysterious and dark scenes were filmed in the counties of Buckinghamshire and Wiltshire. For example, Lacock Abbey in Wiltshire was used for filming Hogwarts classrooms, as well as for the scene where Harry first sees the Mirror of Erised.
Oxford: university locations
Some Hogwarts locations were filmed at one of the world's leading universities. For example, the Bodleian Library became the library of the school of magic, and Christ Church College served as a prototype for some interior sets.
Moreover, the interior of the Great Hall in the films was inspired by the Oxford style — which is why it has such an 'academic' atmosphere.
Other famous locations
Godric's Hollow
The place where Harry Potter's parents' residential area was filmed. This is the interesting village of Lacock in Wiltshire, which was mentioned in Europe's very first census.
Horcrux Cave
Although almost all of «Harry Potter» was filmed in Great Britain, for this particular location, the film crew decided to go beyond its borders, though not very far — to Ireland. It was the Cliffs of Moher on the Atlantic coast that became the repository for the Horcrux hunted by Harry Potter and Albus Dumbledore.
House on Privet Drive
This is a two-story cottage where Harry Potter lived with his aunt, uncle, and cousin. In reality, this house stands in the town of Martins Heron in southeast England.
However, this house was merely an inspiration, as it was quite inconvenient for the film crew to travel there. The actual house from the films was built from scratch in the studio pavilions.
Fun fact: after the success of the first film, this house was sold for as much as 250,000 pounds.
Interesting facts and tips for travelers
– Prepare for your trip in advance. If you want to visit the most popular locations, an English visa and a ticket to London are enough. But if you're a die-hard fan, it would be a good idea to create a travel plan. First, get all the necessary visas and think about how you'll pay for things.
– Take care of yourself before visiting a large museum park. When we wrote that this is a very popular place, we weren't exaggerating. There are a lot of people here. And you might need to prepare for standing in queues. Given that the weather in London is unpredictable, you need to be ready for both scorching heat and pouring rain. But most importantly, bring water, some medication, and food. If you've been to major rock festivals, you probably know the drill.
– Plan your souvenir budget. There's plenty to buy here — from wands to hats and magical robes. Sometimes it's overwhelming, so make a list beforehand of what you definitely want to take home, otherwise, no wallet will be enough.
– Have fun. This trip will be one of the most exciting of your life. So make it themed: watch all the films, reread the books, get charged with magic — and go forth, to adventures!
– When going to England, don't forget to also get a Schengen visa to visit other cool places along the way. For example, travel to Portugal — especially if you like cinematic locations. Moreover, we've tried to write about all the great places you can see in Portugal.
In general, have a great trip to all Potterheads in England and beyond!
