Step Into the Magic: Harry Potter Filming Locations in the UK
When my girls were 10 and 8, we asked them, “If you could go anywhere on vacation, where would it be?” They answered immediately—and in perfect unison—London!
Why? Because we love the Harry Potter series. We’ve read all the books (multiple times) and watched all the movies, but more than that, we’ve felt the words and emotions. We’ve been deeply invested in the characters and their lives—they live in our hearts.
So… off to the U.K. we went!
You can find my full U.K. itinerary here. This post highlights the Harry Potter sights we mixed in with general U.K. sightseeing and merriment!
In London…
Leadenhall Market
In Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone, Harry and Hagrid walk through this beautiful covered market on their way to the Leaky Cauldron during Harry’s very first trip to Diagon Alley. (The entrance to the Leaky Cauldron was filmed at a nearby optician’s shop)
Beyond its magical connection, Leadenhall Market is simply lovely. With its ornate Victorian architecture, colorful roof, and charming alleyways, it feels like stepping back in time. The market is home to a variety of shops, cafés, pubs, and restaurants, making it a great place to wander and grab a bite.
King’s Cross Station & Platform 9¾
King’s Cross Station is worth a visit even without it’s Harry Potter fame. The station boasts beautiful architecture and serves as a major hub for London’s underground and rail travel. But of course, for Harry Potter fans, the real draw is Platform 9¾—home to the famous luggage trolley disappearing halfway through the wall.
Depending on the time of day, there can be a fairly long line to get your photo taken, but be patient—it’s absolutely worth it. When it’s your turn, the staff will let you choose a Hogwart’s house scarf and a friendly attendant holds it behind you so it looks like you’re running straight through the wall. It’s a small touch that makes the experience feel extra magical.
After your photos, you’re (naturally) guided straight into the Harry Potter shop next door—and I have zero complaints about that!
St. Paul’s Cathedral
Of the London sites, this may have been my favorite stop on our Harry Potter filming mission. For most tourists visiting London, St. Paul’s Cathedral is already high on the must-see list, but did you know the staircase used for the Divination classroom scenes is hidden inside this stunning church?
During our visit, we took our time wandering through the cathedral, all the while I kept thinking, Where are the stairs? They have to be here somewhere! I assumed they’d be clearly marked or surrounded by a crowd, but we couldn’t find them anywhere. My husband wisely suggested I ask for help, and although I hate doing that, I approached woman working at the front desk and asked where the Harry Potter stairs were.
She smiled and said, “Well, that’s the magic question!”
She led us past a roped-off area of the cathedral, pulled out a skeleton key, and showed the girls how to unlock a small door. Behind it was the most magical spiral staircase. She explained the history of the stairs, let us wander down them, and allowed us to take as many photos as we wanted. Before we left, she even handed the key to the girls so they could lock the secret door themselves.
I’ve since read that you can also see the staircase as part of the paid Public Triforium Tour offered by the cathedral. I can’t say whether visitors are still shown the stairs simply by asking, as we did back in 2022—but if you’re a Harry Potter fan, it’s definitely worth inquiring or booking the tour!
Millennium Bridge
After visiting St. Paul’s Cathedral, it makes perfect sense to continue on foot across the Millennium Bridge just outside the church. This sleek pedestrian bridge is another memorable Harry Potter filming location—featured in Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince during the dramatic scene where the Death Eaters fly through London and destroy the bridge.
The bridge is still very much intact today and offers views of the Thames and the surrounding city, making it a great spot for photos.
Piccadilly Circus
Piccadilly Circus is a major road junction in London’s West End, where six streets converge. Thanks to its central location and iconic neon billboards, it’s one of the city’s most popular (and busiest) tourist spots. While it can get pretty crowded, Harry Potter fans will recognize this location. Piccadilly Circus appears in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 1, in the scene where Harry, Ron, and Hermione apparate here after the Death Eaters crash the wedding.
London Zoo
Harry Potter fans will recognize the zoo from Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone, where the Reptile House appears in the memorable scene in which Harry discovers he can speak Parseltongue while talking to a snake.
Warner Bros. Studio Tour: The Making of Harry Potter
This is technically not in London, but it is an easy train trip from London to Watford Junction. We spent the better part of a day at the Warner Bros. Studio Tour: The Making of Harry Potter. This was a true highlight of our trip. From walking through the Great Hall to strolling down Diagon Alley and seeing the Hogwarts Express up close, every corner felt magical. The level of detail in the sets, costumes, and props was incredible, and we easily could have stayed even longer. If you’re traveling with Harry Potter fans, plan for at least half a day—and be sure to book tickets well in advance.
In Whales…
Freshwater West Beach, Wales
This beach was used to film Dobby’s grave and also served as the backdrop for Shell Cottage, making it an especially emotional location for Harry Potter fans.
In The Cotswolds…
We explored the Cotswolds with Dave from Cotswold Tours & Travel—an amazing guide, fellow Harry Potter fan, and someone who was fantastic with our kids! The goal for the day was to see Harry Potter filming locations, but we also stopped a few times for photos or short walks in the charming towns full of homes that look like they belong in a fairy-tales.
Gloucester Cathedral
Our first stop was Gloucester Cathedral. This breathtaking cathedral is steeped in history, but for us Potter fans, the real magic was in the cloisters (covered walkways surrounding the courtyard, traditionally designed for quiet reflection). These cloisters served as the hallways of Hogwarts, most notably in Chamber of Secrets. I quickly became obsessed with cloisters after this visit! You can find cloisters in multiple cathedrals around the UK, and they are always stunning. I could have stayed there all day.
Lacock Village
More of the interior hallways of Hogwarts were filmed at Lacock Abbey, in the cloisters (!) and in the courtyard. You can also find Lily and James Potter’s house, as well as Slughorn’s hideout in Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince here. I so wish we had had time to visit here. If I were to do it again, I would have at least 2 days in the Cotswolds!
Oxford
Next, we headed to Oxford, where you can find inspiration for Hogwarts’ dining hall, the grand staircases, and even peek into the windows of the Hogwarts hospital wing. Oxford itself is charming, with historic architecture and magical vibes that feel straight out of the films.
Fun bonus: Oxfordshire is where Emma Watson (Hermione) grew up. My oldest daughter, who idolizes Emma, kept her eyes peeled for a glimpse of her walking the streets—but alas, no luck!
In North England…
Alnwick Castle
Alnwick Castle is close to the border of England and Scotland. We took the train up to Edinburgh and checked into our Airbnb. The next morning, we boarded the train again and went back into England to visit Alnwick Castle for the day (about a 2 hour train ride). This stop easily makes my list of the best Harry Potter filming locations we’ve visited. It served as a set for several scenes in the first few films, but it’s most famous for the iconic moment in Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone where Harry and his classmates first learn to ride broomsticks.
The best part? You can actually take broomstick flying lessons! It was one of the most hilarious, entertaining, and joyful experiences I’ve ever witnessed. The “professors” are witty and playful, guiding you through the art of flying while also teaching you how to tak perfectly timed photos—mid-jump to look like you’re soaring, or mid-drop to make it look like you’re commanding your broom “up.”
Beyond broomstick lessons, you can tour the castle itself (which is still a lived-in home) and participate in other hands-on activities. My girls even made a bar of soap during our visit! Alnwick Castle perfectly blends history, magic, and family fun.
In Scotland…
Edinburgh
Edinburgh is a walkable city, we took the city train a couple of times, but if you stay near the Royal Mile, you can walk to these 3 spots.
Elephant House
The Elephant House café is famously where J.K. Rowling wrote large portions of the early Harry Potter books. It’s a must-see for any fan hoping to step into the place where so much magic began. Unfortunately, when we visited, the café was closed due to a fire that had occurred earlier in the year.
Victoria Street
Just a short walk away is Victoria Street, said to have inspired Diagon Alley. It’s easy to see why—with its curved layout, colorful storefronts, and charming old-world architecture. Strolling along the street are many shops and restaurants.
Edinburgh Castle
No visit to Edinburgh would be complete without seeing Edinburgh Castle. Perched dramatically above the city, it’s not hard to imagine how J.K. Rowling drew inspiration from this fortress when creating Hogwarts.
In the Scottish Highlands…
Next, we rented a car, held our breath as we got on the left-hand side of the road and we were off to the Scottish Highlands!
Hagrid’s Hut - Glencoe
To visit this filming site, park just outside the Clachaig Inn and take a short, walk up to the Torran Lochan viewpoint. This trail leads to where the set of Hagrid’s Hut once stood. While the hut itself is no longer there, the view makes it easy to imagine exactly where it used to be.
The girls had a blast running through the ferns, playing hide-and-seek, and exploring the magical surroundings. It’s a peaceful spot that combines a touch of Harry Potter nostalgia with the natural beauty of the Scottish Highlands—a perfect place for kids to burn off some energy while soaking in the scenery.
Use the postcode PH49 4HX for the Clachaig Inn. Or, there is a helpful Google Pin to follow.
Glenfinnan Viaduct - Fort William
Visiting the Glenfinnan Viaduct was such a fun experience! The scenery is absolutely stunning, and the combination of the viaduct and the train feels truly magical. I looked up the train times to make sure we would be there when the train passed. If you know me, you know I’m always on time—usually a little early—so we arrived with plenty of time to spare, and I’m so glad we did! (Arrive at least 45–60 minutes before the scheduled train time to secure a good spot, especially in peak summer.)
After figuring out parking, we walked a short path to a spot with a perfect view of the viaduct. Soon, the area was bustling with people. We were lucky to find a good seat on a rock, though many others had to stand or you can sit on the grass if its not too muddy. Looking back, I think being slightly lower on the hillside might have made for an even better photo.
But the moment the train went by and the conductor puffed out the smoke—it was incredible. I couldn’t help imagining all the kids aboard, heading off to Hogwarts! Afterward, we wandered along the surrounding paths a bit more, soaking in the breathtaking views before heading off to find Dumbledore’s grave site.
Dumbledore’s grave site - Fort William
Just a 20 min drive from Glenfinnan is the little island of Eilean Na Moine on Loch Eilt, that is featured as Dumbledore’s gravesite in the movies.
When we visited, this spot was still something of a hidden gem. There’s a small pull-off along the road, big enough for only a couple of cars. From there, a short muddy path leads to the lake, revealing a breathtaking view—including the island where Dumbledore’s grave was filmed.
If your timing is right, you can even see the train pass on the far side of the lake! When we arrived, we had the place entirely to ourselves, allowing us to fully soak it in. It felt like stepping into a secret, magical corner of the Scottish Highlands.
Steall Waterfall - Fort William
This hike was absolutely worth it! The trail itself is fun—complete with tiny rivers to cross, large stepping stones along the path, and stunning woodland scenery. It’s the kind of hike that feels adventurous without being too strenuous, making it perfect for families.
When you reach the open field at the end, the view opens up to Steall Waterfall that served as the backdrop for the Quidditch pitch in the Harry Potter films. We were lucky to have the place mostly to ourselves, which made it even better. The girls had fun exploring, hopping across rocks and trying to skip rocks on the water.
Our trip to the United Kingdom ranks as one of our top favorite trips! I think a big reason we loved it so much was the Harry Potter filming locations. As you can see, the countryside is absolutely beautiful—but on its own, that’s not always enough to get my girls excited. You can ready my full blog post on our UK trip here.
If I say, “Come on, girls, let’s go for a hike to a waterfall!” the usual reaction is a groan and, “How many waterfalls do we really need to see?” (My answer, of course, is ALL of them!)
But if I say, “Come on, girls, let’s go for a hike to a Harry Potter filming location,” they’re instantly up and ready to go. So, we were surrounded by incredible natural beauty while recognizing scenes from our favorite stories—total win-win!
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“If life lets me live to be a very old age I shall never live this moment again. Treasure them all.”
- Albus Dumbledore
