Harry Potter Filming Locations

Today, I am taking you on an exciting journey to the most stunning Harry Potter filming locations in the UK. So, get comfortable on the sofa and join me in the magical world of Harry Potter!

This question has certainly crossed the minds of many Harry Potter fans: Is it all just fiction, or do the picturesque and magical places from the movies actually exist? Wandering the halls of Hogwarts, exploring the grounds of the ancient castle, and strolling through the shops of Diagon Alley - the dream of every Harry Potter fan! Join me on a journey into the world of witches and wizards, where you can let your imagination run wild! Here, you will discover where the creators of Harry Potter found their inspiration and which locations in London and throughout the UK became filming sites for the famous film series. As true fans, you absolutely cannot miss these Harry Potter filming locations!

This is where the exciting journey of young wizard Harry begins, as Platform 9 3/4 is the secret entrance to the famous Hogwarts Express for all members of the magical community. Unfortunately, I must disappoint you; I couldn't track down the real Express for you, but I did find the platform or, at least, the place that J.K. Rowling envisioned as the portal to the magical world. Between Platforms 9 and 10 at King's Cross Station, you will find a small 'monument' for all those who want to pretend to walk through the enchanted wall with their luggage trolley. It's worth a visit; there is also a very original fan shop next door that will inevitably remind you of Ollivanders in Diagon Alley.

While the scenes of the films set at King's Cross Station in London were filmed inside the building, a different exterior was used. Do you remember the scene with the sky-blue enchanted car in the second film, where Harry and Ron leave the station and fly over the rooftops of London? The red brick building you see here is not the façade of King's Cross; it is, in fact, St. Pancras Station, which was more suitable for filming while King's Cross underwent renovations.

After Ron and Harry finally get on track and find the Hogwarts Express route, a very precarious situation arises in which Harry is nearly thrown out of the car. What immediately comes to mind with this scene? Why, the picturesque viaduct and the fairytale landscape in the background, of course! This is not fake; it really exists! In beautiful Scotland, you can admire the Glenfinnan Viaduct with your own eyes and feel transported directly into the world of Harry Potter! And it gets even better: You can even ride the Hogwarts Express! You can learn more in my travel magazine!

Have you always dreamed of strolling through the corridors of Hogwarts and feeling the atmosphere of the famous school of magic? Then hurry to the colleges of England. It is no secret that J.K. Rowling drew inspiration from typical college life in her home country, and today the venerable universities, such as Cambridge or Oxford, radiate a very special, magical charm. No wonder that the University of Oxford is full of Harry Potter filming locations! For example, Christ Church College was used for various interior shots of the beloved films. Take a stroll through the halls of these impressive buildings - I promise you that you will recognize a lot!

In addition to the universities, Durham Cathedral and the cloisters of the splendid Gloucester Cathedral have suddenly seen an increase in tourists wishing to walk through the halls of Hogwarts. You can see how this dream can come true in the following pictures; both cathedrals instantly remind me of the mysterious school of magic.

As true fans, you will surely recognize the exterior of this medieval castle as one of the Harry Potter filming locations. Alnwick Castle was used for various exterior shots and instantly reminds you of the first flying attempts by Harry, Ron, and Hermione. You can experience real Hogwarts vibes in Northumberland, England, where this impressive estate is located.

It's a fast ride. The amusing journey in the so-called 'Knight Bus' in the third part of the series should stay in most of your memories. The magical bus drove through the streets of London and, among other places, over the Lambeth Bridge right by the Houses of Parliament. In the middle of the mentioned bridge, the Knight Bus squeezes between two approaching buses to reach the destination faster. Oh, how convenient magic can be when you have to deal with London traffic!

Another bridge that plays an important role in 'Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince' is the Millennium Bridge in the heart of the city. Admittedly, the destruction of the bridge in the film looked pretty real, but in reality, you can still cross this elegant structure without being attacked by dark wizards.

Are you fascinated by the impressive architecture of the wizarding bank Gringotts and want to know where the inspiration for the marble building with its high ceilings and busy goblins inside comes from? Then you should definitely visit Australia House in London, which was used for various interior shots of the bank as a film set and also closely resembles the building of the wizarding bank Gringotts. Unfortunately, there is no wizarding gold behind the marble walls, as the building actually houses the Australian Embassy.

Those who paid attention in 'Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone' should feel reminded of the entrance to the Leaky Cauldron and, thus, to the shopping street of wizards by the following picture. Leadenhall Market also invites you to linger, as its quaint alleys and small, lined shops make you feel as if you are already in the midst of Diagon Alley.

If these original filming locations haven't been enough for you, you can also take a trip to the Leavesden Film Studios, where most of our beloved Harry Potter films were shot.

In the Studio Tour, you will get to admire the real props and rooms that were used during filming. Among other things, you can stroll through the Great Hall of Hogwarts or visit the Gryffindor common room. A perfect way to dive into the world of magic.

Equally cool are attractions such as Harry Potter World in California and the Universal Studios in Florida. No expense was spared to recreate the world surrounding Harry Potter as authentically as possible. You can learn more about Universal Studios Orlando in my guide.

So, that was my little list of Harry Potter filming locations in the UK. I hope you enjoyed it and were able to dream a bit in the world of Harry Potter and co. Why not pick up the books again or rewatch the films? It's always worth it!