Real-life Harry Potter movie locations in the UK
Unless you live under a rock, you’re probably well familiar with the story of Harry Potter. The saga of a young wizard written by J.K. Rowling first took the world by storm more than two decades ago and is still a big hit even today (currently in the form of a movie series Fantastic Beasts).
If you’re like me, Harry Potter had a big influence on your childhood (or early adulthood). As a fan of this story since I was around 11, it was a must for me visit some of the Harry Potter movie locations once I moved to Leeds, UK to study at a university.
During preparing and shooting eight movies, the makers of Harry Potter took a lot of inspiration from all around the UK – old buildings, castles, cloisters etc. Even though I didn’t get to see them all, I managed to visit some real-life filming locations where the film’s most famous scenes were brought to life.
Map of Harry Potter Movie Locations
Below I will briefly take you through all the movie locations I explored and point out other cool places that also appeared in the movie but I have yet to visit. I hope this information will help you as an inspiration for your next magical trip to the Great Britain or at least help you uncover the origins of your favourite movie scenes. Read on.
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 93/4 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
If you enjoyed this and found it helpful, please share it with someone who also likes Harry Potter and/or might be planning a trip to the UK to follow Harry Potter movie locations. In case I missed something, feel free to let me know. I always appreciate feedback and constructive comments.