Harry Potter Locations: Five Must Visit Places In The UK
The UK is famous for a lot of things: fish and chips, Big Ben, red buses and of course, Harry Potter.
To celebrate the 39th birthday of the boy who lived, we’ve scoured the internet and put together some of the must visit destinations in the UK for any potterhead.
From filming locations to anything connected to J.K.Rowling, have a read of our top Harry Potter destinations:
1. London
London is not only mentioned in the books, but it also made the big screen. There are filming locations scattered all around the city, here are just a few we recommend to visit!
The only way to Hogwarts is upon the Hogwarts Express which is caught from Kings Cross Station. You can visit the glorious Platform 9 ¾ and have your photo taken pushing a trolley through the barrier (but sadly you can’t actually pass through it).
A few other filming locations include: The Reptile House at London Zoo which appeared in the Philosopher’s Stone, Leadenhall Market and Borough Market were used for some parts of Diagon Alley and the Millennium Bridge which was used for the death eater chase scene in the Half-Blood Prince.
Discover more about the wizarding world at the Harry Potter Studio Tour which is located in Leavesden. Explore sets and props used in the films, wander through the forbidden forest and try a refreshing glass of Butterbeer. New for 2019, you can now enter Gringotts!
Book your Warner Bros. Studio Tour ticket and hotel stay from only £99.95pp.
2. York
A beautiful city in northeast England, York makes this list due to its well-known street called The Shambles which carries a high resemblance to Diagon Alley.
With its medieval atmosphere, it’s easy to see why as you stroll along the cobbled stones. Set in the heart of the city the street dates back to the 13th century and stepping onto it is like stepping back in time.
The Shambles is home to several independent retailers along with not one but THREE Harry Potter shops selling wizarding collectables, jewellery, homeware and much much more!
Don’t take our word for it, visit The Shambles for yourself on your next trip to York.
3. Durham Cathedral
Built in 1093, Durham Cathedral is located in the Durham World Heritage Site and is known for its beautiful Romanesque architecture.
The Cathedral doubled up as Hogwarts in several of the films, being used for both interior and exterior shots.
It’s stone vaulted ceiling, high arches and towers do give off a castle like effect, why not come see it for yourself!
The Cathedral today is still a place of worship and an important visitor attraction to the city, along with nearby Durham castle.
Take a look at our hotel near Durham.
4. Edinburgh
Edinburgh is famous for its connection to Harry Potter as J.K.Rowling spent a lot of time in the city whilst she was writing the books. As you walk around the place you can see how she was inspired for her famous story.
There are several tours that run throughout the city (some free) that show you all the connections to Harry Potter, but here are a few sites we think are worth visiting.
The Elephant Café is an eatery that claim to be ‘the birthplace of Harry Potter’ but the truth here is slightly stretched. However, J.K.Rowling did spend some time at the café and the toilet walls are covered in tributes to the wizarding world.
Graveyards can be gloomy and spooky but if you stroll through Greyfriars Kirkyard you may recognise some familiar names. J.K.Rowling took inspiration for characters from several of the headstones, you can even see Tom Riddle’s Grave.
Last but not least is Victoria Street. This cobbled stone wonder is lined with brightly coloured boutiques, including a joke shop and book shop, sound familiar? There are also several Harry Potter shops to visit.
Start planning your Edinburgh city break today.
5. Lacock
Sat just outside of Bath is the small medieval village of Lacock. This stunning place has made several TV and film debuts, including Harry Potter.
As you wander around the picturesque streets and pass the timber framed cottages, you may notice some familiar sites. There are a couple of houses that were used in the films and an Inn called Sign of the Angel which appeared in Deathly Hallows.
In the centre of the village is Lacock Abbey, dating back to the 13th century. The abbey was used for filming the corridors of Hogwarts and Snape’s potions classroom.
The abbey is a National Trust site that is open to the public so you can walk in the footsteps of your favourite Harry Potter stars!
Why not stop off at Lacock on your next Bath city break?
