Calling all Muggles who’d trade their mundane lives for a day in the wizarding world! Turns out, you can live the magic—if you know where to find the Harry Potter film locations. With the right map (ahem, travel guide), you can actually walk in the footsteps of your favourite wizards. Yes, we’re talking about the real Harry Potter filming locations—places where the magic happened. But where did they shoot Harry Potter, you ask? Spoiler alert: It’s not just in front of a green screen.
These real locations let you walk in Harry Potter’s footsteps and explore the world where magic truly comes alive.
Whether you’re a Potter expert or just curious, these stunning film locations let you relive the magic of the series. Just imagine yourself flying a broomstick at Alnwick Castle or picking up all your magical goods in Leadenhall Market.
Magic is everywhere—on the streets, in the air, and definitely underfoot. So, trade in your muggle sneakers for some wizarding boots and let’s explore where it all began.
The Hogwarts Castle: where magic began at Alnwick and Durham
Alnwick Castle in Northumberland perfectly doubles as Hogwarts, featuring in the iconic exterior and courtyard scenes of the Harry Potter films. The real magic unfolded as Harry took his first broomstick flight, guided by Madam Hooch’s sharp eyes at Hogwarts. If those scenes stuck with you, good news: you can join a training session onsite between 10 am and 3 pm. Grab your broomstick, and try not to break it!
Durham Cathedral’s cloisters, eerie and grand, featured in the first films where Harry first meets Professor McGonagall face-to-face.
Head to the cloisters and spot an inkwell with owls and wyverns—where history and magic beautifully intertwine. Alnwick Castle and Durham Cathedral are open to visitors—perfect for film fans and history lovers seeking magical experiences.
Harry Potter’s house: a muggle’s glimpse into Privet Drive
Now, if you want to take a gander at the Dursleys’ home on Privet Drive, you absolutely can! Yes, the place itself may not exist, but the inspiration put into the film’s set is real! 12 Picket Post Close in Bracknell served as Harry’s childhood home and featured in several iconic scenes.
Though privately owned, fans still visit to snap photos of the house where the magic (and Marge!) took flight. And sometimes, if you are lucky, you can take a quick tour of the inside and see the iconic closet. It’s the kitchen where Harry toiled and the bedroom Ron and the twins dramatically broke him out of. Wandering through this ordinary neighbourhood feels surreal as you relive magical book and movie moments in real life.
The real Diagon Alley: shopping for wands in London’s Leadenhall Market
Leadenhall Market in central London looks like a charming Victorian arcade, but step inside and Diagon Alley comes to life.
In Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, it served as the gateway where Harry first entered the wizarding world. The market’s quirky, almost-too-perfect charm feels like it was plucked straight from the pages of J.K. Rowling’s imagination.
Strolling through, you half-expect broomsticks to whizz past or cauldrons to bubble in quaint shopfronts. The Victorian architecture, with its colorful arches and golden detailing, is simply made for magical mischief. With a few magical steps, you’re suddenly where Harry bought his very first wand.
Today, the market bustles with cafés, shops, and even a cheeky butterbeer if you’re feeling wizard-worthy.
Platform 9¾ at King’s Cross: catch the Hogwarts Express (almost)
Fans love this famous spot in King’s Cross Station for the simple photo opportunity, and it’s easy to see why. The half-trolley seems to be gliding through the walls of Platform 9¾ into the magical train behind it. You’ll truly feel like you’re off to Hogwarts, boarding the magical train with friends for an unforgettable adventure.
Friendly staff help with your photo—and yes, you can wear the iconic Hogwarts scarf for the full experience. Once your photo’s done, head to the official Harry Potter shop right next to the photoshoot area. This two-story shop looks like Ollivanders and sells everything from original wands to house robes and magical merch.
Definitely shoot for the morning if you want to dodge the queue as much as possible; however, this is one of the most well-known Harry Potter movies shooting locations, so it’s especially busy on the weekends and during school holidays.
The forbidden forest and black lake: magical moments in the Scottish Highlands
The wild and dramatic landscapes of the Scottish Highlands formed the backdrop to some of the most atmospheric and memorable adventures in the Harry Potter film series, and nowhere more so than in the enigmatic heart of the Forbidden Forest and the still and sparkling expanse of the Black Lake.
Perhaps the most instantly recognisable location is the Glenfinnan Viaduct, near Loch Shiel. Fans will remember the Hogwarts Express crossing the vast, patterned iron bridge on its route to the school. Seeing the Jacobite Steam Train chugging along in real life is magical—it’s almost as if the enchantment has come to life.
A little farther along Loch Shiel, in the beautifully quiet waters of Loch Eilt, lies Eilean Na Moine. An unassuming little island that is actually the island where Dumbledore was laid to rest in The Half-Blood Prince. The nearby wilderness of the surrounding woodland and slopes of Gleann Beag was also used as the location for Hagrid’s hut.
The untamed beauty of the surrounding landscapes is stunning, and you can easily spend days exploring the magic at your own pace. With or without a broomstick, whether you’re a fan of the film, a devotee of natural beauty, or simply want to indulge in a little Potter nostalgia, with its blend of the cinematic and the deeply real, the Highlands of Scotland will never disappoint.
Oxford’s ancient halls: stepping into Hogwarts interiors
Both Christ Church College and the Bodleian Library have historic architecture and a rich tradition of scholarship. They also happen to be a reasonable representation of the Hogwarts filming locations. These revered institutions are both achingly beautiful and deliciously Potter-themed to help you piece together the magic.
When the cameras rolled in the Bodleian Staircase at Christ Church, they captured the magical moment when Harry, Ron, and Hermione first met Professor McGonagall. This moment set the tone for their years at Hogwarts, and some other less iconic but pivotal moments, like Hermione telling Harry about the Quidditch trophy his father earned, were also filmed there.
Just a short walk away, in the Bodleian Library’s Divinity School, the vaulted ceiling, stained glass windows, and ancient, misty stone walls were transformed into the Hogwarts infirmary. For fans who want to explore these halls deeper, a guided tour is a safe and easy way to discover this hallowed ground.
The Hogwarts Express Route: Ride the Train Through Glenfinnan Viaduct
For an enchanting train ride, you’ll never forget, the Jacobite Steam Train is perfect for travelling, Harry Potter-style, through a beautiful, enchanting landscape. The train chugs along the same route as the Hogwarts Express, through the picturesque Scottish Highlands in spectacular form, letting you soar over the Glenfinnan Viaduct, the elegant archway bridge, a place that has now become somewhat of an emblem within the world of witches and wizards.
As the train smoothly arches over the bridge, you can experience stunning views over Loch Shiel and the hills. The Fort William to Mallaig train rides in the warmer months and during the school holidays are a great time to explore the express route. However, expect to see crowds of equally eager and excited visitors.
The Jacobite Steam Train is incredibly popular (especially in the warmer months and school holidays) and only runs from April to October, so it’s worth booking your tickets from Fort William to Mallaig at least two months in advance. We’d recommend going a little later in the year, from mid-September to early October, to skip the summer rush. Also, sit on the carriage’s left side to get the best view of Glenfinnan Viaduct, Loch Shiel, and Dumbledore’s Grave.
Other Unmissable Spots: From the Ministry of Magic to Hogsmeade
One of the top Harry Potter tourist attractions in the UK is undoubtedly the stunning cloisters at Gloucester Cathedral. On seeing it, you will most likely quickly recall these narrow Hogwarts passageways, an iconic film set in Harry Potter.
These beautiful corridors, through which the films’ main characters strolled along and learned what that whispering in the walls was all about, were indeed captured in a number of blockbuster movies.
The building’s imposing arches, dark walkways, and ornate carvings only add to the enchantment of the place. If you’re down at Myrtle’s toilet stop, keep your eye out! This is where the flooding took place in Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets.
On the other hand, the Millennium Bridge stands proud and strong in London. A far cry from the dramatic Hollywood-style scene where it shatters and crumbles into the Thames, falling victim to a mob of Death Eaters in The Bridge.
And while any true Harry Potter fan knows Hogsmeade is nowhere to be found, but in the imagination of J.K. Rowling (and later to be built for all of us at Universal Studios), a similar real-life village in North Yorkshire can be found and is a gorgeous dead-ringer for Hosmede that you will absolutely adore!
Plus, with its cobbled streets and old-style train station, there’s no arguing about the inspiration it offers for the snow-covered village near Hogwarts. It adds a delightful wintry touch to the Potter pilgrimage.
Plan Your Magical Journey: How to Visit Harry Potter Filming Locations on a Group Trip
And there you have it—the ultimate magical adventure across the UK, where the wizarding world meets the real one. But here’s the thing: the Harry Potter set locations are just the beginning. There’s a whole world to explore beyond the magic—charming streets, stunning landmarks, and a touch of history at every turn. From the cobbled wonders of Diagon Alley to the majestic sweep of the Glenfinnan Viaduct, you’re in for more than just a trip down memory lane.
So, why not make it even more magical with a group trip to London? With WeRoad’s guided tours, you’ll step straight into the wizarding world, discovering not only the answer to “Where was the Harry Potter movies filmed?” but with plenty of time to wander through the best sights in the city—and beyond.
It’s not just a trip; it’s an experience, full of wonder, new friendships, and, of course, a little bit of magic. Ready to pack your robes and embark on the adventure of a lifetime?
