Real-life Harry Potter movie locations in the UK

Locations Where Harry Potter Was Filmed

1. Alnwick Castle, Alnwick

Movie

Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone and the Chamber of Secrets

Filmed here

Alnwick Castle was used for exterior shots of Hogwarts during the first two movies. You may remember it specifically from the scene where Harry had his first flying class with Madam Hooch and saved Neville’s Remembrall, or later from his Quidditch practice session with Oliver Wood.

My thoughts

This is probably the most beautiful castle I’ve ever seen. The inside of the castle’s out of bounds as it’s privately owned, but its vast grounds and garden are accessible to the public.

2. Durham Cathedral, Durham

Movie

Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, the Chamber of Secrets and the Prisoner of Azkaban

Filmed here

Durham Cathedral lent its amenities to multiple corridor, classroom and courtyard shots. Most notable is the classroom of Professor McGonagall and the square-shaped grass courtyard where Ron’s wand backfired and caused him to vomit slugs.

My thoughts

This stunning piece of architecture just celebrated its thousandth birthday this year (in 2018). It’s very well preserved and you can freely roam the grounds without admission as long as there’s no service inside. From within the courtyard, it really looks like you are at Hogwarts.

3. Gloucester Cathedral, Gloucester

Movie

Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, the Chamber of Secrets, and the Half Blood Prince

Filmed here

Cloisters of Gloucester Cathedral appeared as various settings of Hogwarts’ interior. Most recognisable are the corridors where Harry and Ron discovered the petrified cat of Mr. Filch along with writing on the wall (The Chamber of Secrets has been opened, enemies of the heir – beware). Also, the Fat Lady’s portrait hung here in the first movie and it was this corridor where Harry and Ron first saw the big mountain troll at Halloween.

My thoughts

I was itching to visit this place particularly because of its prominent appearance in the second movie – and it didn’t disappoint. The cloisters are very well preserved, look amazing and also feature some beautiful glasswork dating back to 14th century.

4. Goathland Railway Station

Movie

Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone and the Chamber of Secrets

Filmed here

Hogsmeade Station where Hogwarts students arrived and departed from at the beginning and end of the school year.

My thoughts

There’s not much more to say about this place – it’s a tiny train station located in a valley. You can put it on your list if you travel near or to Whitby, as it’s not far away from there.

5. Lacock Abbey, Lacock

Movie

Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone

Filmed here

You could see the Abbey as a setting for classrooms of Professor Quirrell and Snape in the first movie (The Defence Against the Dark Arts classroom was later recreated on a studio set in all successive movies). It was also home of the Mirror of Erised and its cloisters and courtyard made an appearance as Hogwarts corridors and, well, a courtyard. Bonus – the real house of James and Lilly Potter is just a short walk from the Abbey.

My thoughts

Lacock Abbey is located on the outskirts of a tiny village that looks like it froze in time. As you are walking through the village towards the secluded Abbey, it’s very easy to imagine you are living in the Middle Ages. The Abbey itself has an eerie feeling to it as it’s separated from the village and I probably wouldn’t dare to stay there overnight. A bit scary.

6. Millennium Bridge, London

Movie

Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince

Filmed here

The opening scene of the 6th movie features this footbridge collapsing.

My thoughts

Millennium Bridge is just a drop in the water when it comes to all movie locations in London. If you are touring London, you will probably get to see it when you go visit St. Paul’s Cathedral.

Other film locations in the area

• Australia House – Gringotts Wizarding Bank
• King’s Cross Station – Platform 9^3/4 and Hogwarts Express
• London City Hall – opening scene of the 6th movie
• Great Scotland Yard – phone box leading to the Ministry of Magic
• Claremont Square – Grimmauld Place
• Piccadilly Circus
• Leadenhall Market – exterior for Diagon Alley and Leaky Cauldron
• Reptile House, London Zoo
• St Pancras Renaissance Hotel – entrance to King’s Cross

7. Oxford University, Oxford

Movie

Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, the Chamber of Secrets and the Prisoner of Azkaban

Filmed here

Oxford is home to multiple movie settings. Firstly, Bodleian Library and Duke Humfrey’s Library became the Hogwarts Library. Divinity School became the Hospital Wing while the Christ Church College’s corridors and staircases were the entrance to the Great Hall (dining hall in the same building served as an inspiration for the Great Hall) Lastly, the grounds at New College are where Draco Malfoy was transformed into a ferret by Mad-eye Moody.

My thoughts

No surprises here – Oxford University delivered on all fronts. It’s a unique small city breathing with history and prestige. You can easily spend here the whole day or afternoon just walking around. It doesn’t have a shortage of old buildings and packs probably the most Hogwarts movie locations in one place. All in all, it’s well worth a visit.

8. York Station & Shambles, York

Movie

Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone

Filmed here

The scene on a bridge where Hagrid walks Harry to King’s Cross station.

My thoughts

Apart from the short appearance in the first movie, York is also famous for its street – The Shambles – which is said to have been an inspiration for Diagon Alley. It’s a narrow medieval alley that with old crooked buildings that look magical. As of recently, the street now has two gift shops for Harry Potter fans, selling merchandise and various gifts.

Other Filming Locations You May Want to See

Scotland

• Glen Coe – Hogwarts grounds and surroundings
• Glenfinnan Viaduct – the famous bridge to Hogwarts
• West Highland Railway Line – Harry Potter-like rail journey
• Loch Shiel, Lochaber, Loch Eilit, Loch Arkaig – Hogwarts grounds
• Loch Etive – Harry, Ron and Hermione’s camping trip in 7th movie

Others Places

• 12 Picket Post Close, Martins Heron, Nr Bracknell, Berkshire – Dursley’s house on Privet Drive
• Hardwick Hall – Malfoy Mansion
• Harrow School – Professor Flitwick’s Charm Class
• Lavenham – Godric’s Hollow
• Warner Bros’ Harry Potter studio tour in London