Ever dreamed of walking through the real Hogwarts or visiting Diagon Alley? You can. The magic of Harry Potter feels even more real when you visit the places where the movies were made. All across the United Kingdom, from the busy streets of London to the wild landscapes of the Scottish Highlands, the actual settings that brought the wizarding world to life are just waiting for you to explore. This guide will walk you through the top Harry Potter filming locations, so you can follow in the footsteps of your favorite characters.

1. Alnwick Castle, Northumberland: The Real Hogwarts

For many of us, when we picture the real Hogwarts, we’re actually thinking of Alnwick Castle. Located in Northumberland, this is the second-largest inhabited castle in England. Its incredible stone walls, huge grounds, and historic courtyards made it the perfect Harry Potter castle film location for Harry’s introduction to magic in the first two films.

Iconic Scenes Filmed at the Castle

The castle’s Outer Bailey is probably its most famous claim to Potter fame. This is the exact spot where Madame Hooch taught the first years their flying lessons in Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone. The moment where Harry makes a spectacular dive to catch Neville’s Remembrall, discovering he’s a natural Seeker, was filmed right on these grounds. Visiting the Alnwick Castle Harry Potter filming locations feels like stepping right into that scene.

The castle was used for more than just flying lessons. Its courtyards were where you’d see students walking between classes. And in Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, the inner bailey was the setting for that unforgettable scene where Ron and Harry crash the flying Ford Anglia into the Whomping Willow.

The Visitor Experience Today

Alnwick Castle really leans into its connection to the wizarding world, making it a great day out for fans. The most popular activity is the “broomstick training” session, held right on the lawn from the film. It’s led by fun “wizarding professors” and is a great photo op for all ages.

Beyond the broomsticks, the castle often has other Potter-themed events, like character meet-and-greets. As you explore, you can walk through the Lion Arch, which was used as a gateway from Hogwarts leading towards Hagrid’s hut and the Forbidden Forest Harry Potter filming location.

While its Harry Potter connection is a huge draw, Alnwick Castle has over 950 years of its own history as the home of the Percy family. It’s also been a filming location for shows like Downton Abbey, making it a true landmark of film and television.

2. Glenfinnan Viaduct, Scottish Highlands: The Journey to Hogwarts

There’s probably no image more iconic than the Hogwarts Express chugging across a beautiful, curving bridge. That stunning spot is the Glenfinnan Viaduct, a real-world marvel of engineering tucked away in the Scottish Highlands. Its role in the Harry Potter films has turned it into a must-see for fans, making it one of the most famous Harry Potter filming locations Scotland has to offer.

The Hogwarts Express on Screen

The viaduct shows up in several films and is central to some of the series’ best moments. Its most dramatic scene is in Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, when Ron and Harry fly the enchanted Ford Anglia alongside the Hogwarts Express. Those incredible aerial shots of the car and train were filmed right here, and the memory is etched into every fan’s mind.

It also appears in Prisoner of Azkaban when Dementors stop the train, and again in Goblet of Fire. The viaduct, along with the nearby Loch Shiel (which stood in for the Black Lake), creates the quintessential landscape of the Hogwarts grounds. This is one of the most beloved film locations of Harry Potter.

Riding the Real Hogwarts Express

The magic isn’t just on screen. The steam train from the movies is the real Jacobite Steam Train, which runs an 84-mile round trip between Fort William and Mallaig. It’s often called one of the greatest train journeys in the world, taking you over the viaduct and through the same epic landscapes from the films. Booking a ticket gives you the amazing feeling of being a student heading to school.

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How to Get the Perfect View

If you’d rather see the viaduct from a distance, there’s a popular walking path from the Glenfinnan Visitor Centre to a fantastic viewpoint. From there, you can get that classic shot of the train crossing the bridge’s 21 arches. Just be sure to check the Jacobite’s schedule in advance, as it runs seasonally and usually crosses twice a day.

The wild beauty of the Harry Potter Scotland filming locations provided the soul for the wizarding world’s outdoor scenes. A trip to Glenfinnan is a great start, and if you want to see more of these magical lands, consider booking one of the available Scottish Bus Tours.

3. Christ Church College, Oxford: The Inspiration for the Great Hall

The historic city of Oxford has a kind of magic all its own, so it’s no surprise its incredible architecture was used to bring Hogwarts to life. The main hub for this is Christ Church, one of the university’s most famous colleges. It served as both a direct Harry Potter filming location and the main inspiration for one of Hogwarts’ most important rooms.

The Great Hall: A Grand Inspiration

While the Great Hall scenes with the floating candles were filmed on a huge set at Warner Bros. Studios, the set’s design was directly inspired by the real Great Hall at Christ Church. When you walk into the college’s dining hall, the sense of being at Hogwarts is immediate. The long tables, high walls with portraits, and amazing roof were all recreated by set designers. It’s still a working dining hall for students, who eat there just like Hogwarts students did.

The Bodley Staircase: A Grand Entrance

While the Hall was an inspiration, other parts of Christ Church were actual Harry Potter filming locations in Oxford. The college’s grand stone staircase from the 16th century is recognizable from several key scenes. This is where Professor McGonagall greets the first-year students in Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone right before the Sorting Ceremony.

The staircase shows up again in Chamber of Secrets in a flashback. Harry sees a memory of a young Tom Riddle talking to Dumbledore here. With its beautiful vaulted ceiling, it feels like a truly magical entrance.

Visiting Christ Church Today

If you’re planning a visit, remember that Christ Church is a working college. Access to the Great Hall and staircase can be limited, especially during term and meal times. It’s a good idea to check the college’s website for opening hours and any closures before you go.

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4. Bodleian Library, Oxford: Home to the Hogwarts Infirmary and Library

As the main library for the University of Oxford, the Bodleian is one of Europe’s oldest and most impressive libraries. Its stunning buildings gave the filmmakers two different but equally important Harry Potter Hogwarts film location spots, making it a key part of any Potter tour of the city.

Duke Humfrey’s Library as the Hogwarts Library

Step into the medieval Duke Humfrey’s Library, and you are immediately in the Hogwarts Library. As the oldest reading room in the Bodleian, its dark wood shelves and ancient books create an atmosphere of deep history and knowledge. You can just imagine Hermione feeling right at home here.

The library was used in several important scenes. It was the Restricted Section, where Harry snuck in at night with his Invisibility Cloak in Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone to look for information on Nicolas Flamel. The quiet, historic aisles were the perfect setting for the school’s library.

The Divinity School as the Hogwarts Infirmary

Next to the library is the Divinity School, a masterpiece of Gothic architecture with an incredibly detailed vaulted ceiling. In the wizarding world, this beautiful hall became the Hogwarts Infirmary.

This is where Harry wakes up at the end of Philosopher’s Stone after his fight with Voldemort. We see it again in Chamber of Secrets with petrified students like Hermione, and it’s where Ron recovers from being poisoned in Half-Blood Prince. The space was also used in Goblet of Fire as the room where Professor McGonagall teaches the Gryffindors to dance for the Yule Ball.

Essential Visitor Information

Since this is a working library, access is managed carefully. You can often visit the Divinity School with a general ticket. However, to see Duke Humfrey’s Library, you have to book a guided tour. These tours are very popular and sell out fast, so it’s smart to check the Bodleian Library’s website and book your spot ahead of time.

5. Leadenhall Market, London: The Real Diagon Alley

Before Diagon Alley was built as a massive set at Warner Bros. Studios, the filmmakers needed a real place that could capture the hidden magic of the wizarding world’s main shopping street. They found it in Leadenhall Market, a gorgeous Victorian covered market in the heart of London. It’s one of the best Harry Potter film locations in London.

A Glimpse into the Wizarding World

It was here, in Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, that we first get a look at the wider magical world. We see Hagrid leading an amazed Harry through the market, which served as the exterior for Diagon Alley. With its ornate roof and cobbled floors, Leadenhall Market was the perfect choice for a place hidden from Muggle eyes.

Finding the Leaky Cauldron

The key spot to find here is the entrance to the Leaky Cauldron, the pub that acts as the gateway to Diagon Alley. For the movie, a storefront in Bull’s Head Passage, a small alley off the main market, was turned into the pub’s entrance.

Today, you can find the exact location at 42 Bull’s Head Passage. The storefront is now an optician’s office with a blue door (it was painted black for the film). Standing there, it’s easy to imagine Hagrid tapping the bricks to reveal the magical street beyond. It’s a highlight of any wizards london walking tour of harry potter film locations.

Visiting the Market Today

Leadenhall Market is still a busy marketplace with shops, restaurants, and pubs. What’s so magical about it is the contrast between its old-world charm and the modern skyscrapers of London’s financial district that surround it. Stepping inside really does feel like stepping back in time.

For any fan exploring the Harry Potter filming locations in London, a walk through Leadenhall Market is a must. It’s a fantastic photo op and a chance to feel the same wonder Harry did when he first discovered the wizarding world.

6. King’s Cross Station, London: The Gateway to Hogwarts

No magical journey can begin without a starting point, and for witches and wizards, that’s always Platform 9 ¾ at London’s King’s Cross Station. This real, busy train station is one of the most iconic and easy-to-visit Harry Potter locations filming took place, linking the Muggle and magical worlds.

Running Through the Barrier

The most famous scene here is, of course, running through the brick barrier to a hidden platform. In Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, the Weasleys show a confused Harry how to get through the wall between platforms 9 and 10 to board the Hogwarts Express. It becomes a key part of every school year.

Fun fact for those looking for filming accuracy: the scenes were actually shot between Platforms 4 and 5. In the real King’s Cross, platforms 9 and 10 are separated by tracks, not a solid wall. The filmmakers chose a spot that looked better on camera to create that iconic moment.

The Platform 9 ¾ Photo Opportunity

To celebrate its role in the series, the station has a permanent tribute for fans. In the main concourse, you’ll find the famous Platform 9 ¾ photo spot. A luggage cart is set up to look like it’s disappearing into the wall, right under a “Platform 9 ¾” sign. Looking for it is easier than finding it on a Harry Potter filming locations London map, just follow the crowds!

It’s a must-do for any fan in London. There’s often a line, but it’s well-managed, with a professional photographer available (you can take your own photos too). Staff even provide house scarves and wands to make the picture perfect.

The Harry Potter Shop and a Full-Circle Ending

Right next to the photo op is The Harry Potter Shop at Platform 9 ¾. It’s designed to look like Ollivanders and is filled with merchandise, from wands and robes to Chocolate Frogs.

The station’s importance comes full circle in the epilogue of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. The final scene of the saga, set “19 Years Later,” was filmed back at King’s Cross, showing the main characters seeing their own kids off to Hogwarts. It was a perfect ending right where the journey began.

7. Warner Bros. Studio Tour London – The Making of Harry Potter: Where the Magic Was Made

While other spots on this list are real places the filmmakers used, the Warner Bros. Studio Tour in Leavesden is where the magic truly happened. This was the creative home of the Harry Potter film series for more than a decade. It’s not a theme park; it’s the actual studio where the eight films were made. A visit here lets you step onto the real sets you know so well, making it the ultimate destination for seeing all Harry Potter filming locations under one roof.

Stepping into the Great Hall

The tour starts with a truly amazing moment. After a short film, the screen rises to reveal the real stone doors of the Great Hall. You’re invited to walk onto the actual set where students were sorted and feasted. You can walk on the stone floor, see the house tables, and view the costumes of professors like Dumbledore and Snape. It’s a mind-blowing start to the tour.

Walking Through Iconic Sets

From there, you can explore a massive soundstage filled with the wizarding world’s most famous places. You can:

• Explore Diagon Alley: Walk down the cobbled street and look into the windows of Ollivanders, Flourish and Blotts, and Weasleys’ Wizard Wheezes. The detail is incredible.
• Enter the Forbidden Forest: Walk through the dark, misty woods, passing under giant tree roots and coming face-to-face with Buckbeak and Aragog.
• Visit Dumbledore’s Office: See the headmaster’s office, filled with his astronomical tools, the Sorting Hat, and the Sword of Gryffindor.
• See the Gryffindor Common Room: Step inside the cozy common room, with its fireplace, armchairs, and original props used by the actors.

Discovering the Secrets of Filmmaking

The Studio Tour is more than just sets; it’s a deep dive into the craftsmanship that brought the magic to life. You can see thousands of real props, from Harry’s Nimbus 2000 to the Horcruxes. There are whole sections on creature effects, showing how characters like Dobby and the goblins were made. You can even try riding a broomstick with the same green screen tech used in the films.

Newer additions, like the stunning Gringotts Wizarding Bank set with a fire-breathing dragon, mean there’s always something new to see. The Harry Potter film studio location is a true pilgrimage for any fan, giving you a huge appreciation for the artistry that went into creating the wizarding world.

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8. Glencoe, Scotland: The Dramatic Soul of the Hogwarts Grounds

If the castles and cathedrals gave Hogwarts its architecture, the wild, epic, and beautiful landscapes of Glencoe gave it its soul. This world-famous valley in the Scottish Highlands provided the perfect backdrop for some of the most memorable outdoor scenes in the Harry Potter series, especially from Prisoner of Azkaban onward. The Glencoe Harry Potter filming locations are truly breathtaking.

Home to Hagrid’s Hut

The most important set built in Glencoe was Hagrid’s Hut. For Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, the filmmakers built the gamekeeper’s cabin on location at Torren Lochan. The beautiful setting, with its pumpkin patch and smoking chimney, brought Hagrid’s home to life. This is where the trio visited their friend and where the tense scene with Buckbeak’s near-execution happened. The views across the loch are instantly recognizable to any fan of the Harry Potter films locations.

A Backdrop for Key Moments

Beyond Hagrid’s home, Glencoe’s rugged mountains were the backdrop for many other scenes, establishing the huge scale of the Hogwarts grounds. The covered bridge was often added into the Glencoe landscape, and it’s the setting where Hermione confronts Malfoy. In Goblet of Fire, the terrain was used for challenges during the Triwizard Tournament. Its raw beauty gave the later films a grittier feel as the story grew darker.

Visiting Glencoe Today

Today, the film sets are long gone to preserve the natural beauty, but the magic of the landscape is still there. The spot where Hagrid’s Hut stood is near the Clachaig Inn, and a short walk will take you there. As you look out at the mountains, you can easily picture the Hogwarts Express in the distance or a Hippogriff flying overhead.

Glencoe is a paradise for hikers, photographers, and anyone who loves stunning scenery. Exploring the beautiful filming locations Harry Potter Scotland has to offer is an unforgettable adventure. To see Glencoe and other magical spots, you can Check our Tours.

9. Freshwater West, Pembrokeshire, Wales: A Poignant Farewell

Not all Harry Potter filming locations are about grand castles and magic. Freshwater West beach in Wales holds a unique and deeply emotional place in the series. This wild, windy stretch of sand was the location for Shell Cottage and, most importantly, the final resting place of Dobby the house-elf.

Shell Cottage: A Seaside Safe Haven

In Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 1 and Part 2, the beautiful Shell Cottage, home to Bill and Fleur, was built in the dunes of Freshwater West. It was a key safe house for Harry, Ron, and Hermione after they escaped from Malfoy Manor. It was here they mourned their loss and planned their Gringotts heist. The isolated beauty of the beach was a stark contrast to the danger they were in, making it one of the most memorable Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows filming locations.

The Death and Burial of a Free Elf

The most heartbreaking scene filmed at Freshwater West is Dobby’s death. After saving the group from Bellatrix Lestrange, Dobby dies in Harry’s arms on the beach. In a powerful, magic-free moment, Harry digs Dobby’s grave by hand in the dunes. The filming locations Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1 used here marked a real turning point in the story.

A Fan-Made Memorial on the Dunes

While the Shell Cottage set was removed after filming, the spirit of the location lives on through a touching, fan-made tribute. In the dunes, you’ll find a simple memorial for Dobby, marked by stones painted with heartfelt messages and quotes. The Harry Potter Deathly Hallows filming locations have a special place in fans’ hearts, and this one is particularly moving.

It’s become a tradition for visiting fans to leave a painted pebble or, most fittingly, a sock to symbolize Dobby’s freedom. This unofficial memorial shows the powerful connection fans have with the story. A visit to Freshwater West is less about seeing a film set and more about taking part in a shared, emotional journey.

10. Durham Cathedral, Durham: The First Halls of Hogwarts

In the early days, before all the massive sets were built, the filmmakers needed a real place with history and a magical atmosphere to be Hogwarts. They found it in Durham Cathedral, a stunning Norman-era building and UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its historic halls became some of the first parts of the Harry Potter Hogwarts filming location we ever saw on screen.

The Cloisters as the Hogwarts Quadrangle

The most recognizable part of the Durham Cathedral Harry Potter filming locations is its beautiful cloister, a covered walkway around a peaceful central garden. This area was used several times as the Hogwarts quadrangle, where students would walk between classes.

Two key scenes from the Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone film locations were filmed here. The snow-covered cloister is where Harry releases Hedwig to fly into the winter sky. In a much messier scene from Chamber of Secrets, this is where Ron’s “Eat slugs!” spell backfires on him when he tries to defend Hermione.

The Chapter House as McGonagall’s Classroom

The cathedral’s Chapter House, with its stone arches and scholarly feel, was the perfect setting for a Hogwarts classroom. It was turned into Professor McGonagall’s Transfiguration classroom in The Philosopher’s Stone. This is where the first-years have their first lesson, learning to turn animals into water goblets. It’s a scene that perfectly sets up Professor McGonagall’s character and gives Hermione her first chance to shine.

Visiting the Cathedral

A visit to Durham Cathedral today is an amazing experience, both for its Potter connections and its own incredible history. You can walk freely through the cloisters and stand in the exact spots where these iconic scenes were filmed, feeling like you’ve been transported to Hogwarts.

It’s important to know that the Chapter House is a working part of the cathedral and usually isn’t open to the public. However, the cloisters are more than enough to satisfy any fan on a Harry Potter film locations tour. Walking through these ancient corridors gives you a real connection to the early days of Harry’s magical education.

So grab your wand (or at least a good map) and start your journey. The magic of the wizarding world and all the locations Harry Potter was filmed are waiting for you to rediscover them.