Explore iconic Harry Potter filming locations tours and experiences in the UK and USA, from Hogwarts castles to Diagon Alley. Step into the magic today!
The Harry Potter films transported fans into a magical world filled with breathtaking landscapes, ancient castles, and hidden alleys. Many iconic spots can be visited in real life, making them a must-see for every Potterhead.
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Magical Harry Potter Filming Locations Tours & Experiences
If you’re planning a tour of all Harry Potter filming locations, this guide will take you through the most spellbinding places from the series. Pack your wand, and get ready for an enchanting adventure!
#1. Alnwick Castle, England
The First Flight at Hogwarts
Located in Northumberland, Alnwick Castle is one of the most famous Harry Potter filming locations in England. It served as the backdrop for Hogwarts in The Sorcerer’s Stone and The Chamber of Secrets.
Fans will recognize the Outer Bailey as the place where Harry and his classmates had their first flying lesson with Madam Hooch. This is also where Neville Longbottom lost control of his broom and where Harry’s Quidditch talent was first noticed.
Alnwick Castle‘s impressive stone walls and courtyards make it a must-visit for anyone wanting to relive the early Hogwarts magic.
#2. Glenfinnan Viaduct, Scotland
The Journey to Hogwarts
Towering over the Scottish Highlands, the Glenfinnan Viaduct is one of the most iconic Harry Potter filming locations in Scotland. Featured in multiple films, this breathtaking railway bridge is best remembered for carrying the Hogwarts Express.
The most famous scene occurs in The Chamber of Secrets, when Harry and Ron chase the train in the flying Ford Anglia, narrowly avoiding disaster. The viaduct is also featured in The Prisoner of Azkaban when Dementors halt the train in search of Sirius Black.
A ride on the Jacobite Steam Train (Hogwarts Express) offers fans the chance to recreate the magical journey.
Book a tour:
- From Edinburgh: Magical Highlands Tour with Hogwarts Express
- From Edinburgh: 2-Day Highlands Tour with Hogwarts Express
#3. Christ Church College, Oxford
The Great Hall’s Inspiration
For those looking for Oxford Harry Potter filming locations, Christ Church College is a must-visit. The college’s magnificent dining hall was the inspiration for the Great Hall at Hogwarts, with its long wooden tables, high ceilings, and floating candle-like chandeliers.
The grand stone staircase leading to the hall was also used in The Sorcerer’s Stone, where Professor McGonagall welcomed first-year students. Walking through Christ Church feels like stepping into the heart of Hogwarts.
Its medieval architecture and rich history make it a key stop on any Oxford Harry Potter tour, offering fans a glimpse into the magic of the films.
#4. King’s Cross Station in London
Platform 9¾ 🚂✨
Platform 9¾ is the magical train platform at King’s Cross Station in London, where Hogwarts students board the Hogwarts Express.
In the Harry Potter films, it’s a hidden entrance between Platforms 9 and 10, accessible by running through the brick wall. Today, fans can visit King’s Cross Station, where a Platform 9¾ photo spot — complete with a luggage trolley disappearing into the wall — is set up for pictures.
There’s also a Harry Potter shop nearby, selling exclusive wizarding merchandise. This spot is a must-visit for any Harry Potter tour in London!
Book a tour
- Magical London: Harry Potter Guided Walking Tour
- London: Harry Potter Walking Tour with Magical Afternoon Tea
#5. Leadenhall Market, London
The Entrance to Diagon Alley
One of the most charming Harry Potter filming locations in London, Leadenhall Market’s Victorian-style architecture made it the perfect choice for the exterior of Diagon Alley.
The market’s vibrant, colorful storefronts and intricate details brought the magical shopping street to life in The Sorcerer’s Stone. The entrance to the Leaky Cauldron served as the gateway to Diagon Alley and was filmed at the shop at 42 Bull’s Head Passage.
Walking through Leadenhall Market feels like stepping into the wizarding world, making it a must-visit stop on any London Harry Potter tour.
Book a tour
- Magical London: Harry Potter Guided Walking Tour
- London: Harry Potter Walking Tour with Magical Afternoon Tea
#6. Warner Bros. Studio Tour, London
The Ultimate Experience
For the most immersive Harry Potter tour London experience, the Warner Bros. Harry Potter tour is unbeatable.
This studio tour in Leavesden allows fans to walk through real sets used in the films, including the Great Hall, Dumbledore’s office, the Forbidden Forest, and even a full-scale replica of Diagon Alley.
You can see authentic costumes, props, and behind-the-scenes magic, including how the filmmakers brought creatures like Buckbeak and the Basilisk to life.
Booking Warner Bros. London Harry Potter tour tickets in advance is essential, as this is one of the most popular attractions for Potter fans worldwide.
#7. Edinburgh, Scotland
The Birthplace of Harry Potter
A visit to Harry Potter filming locations in Edinburgh is a pilgrimage for true fans. While the city itself wasn’t a filming location, it’s where J.K. Rowling wrote much of the series.
The Elephant House Café is famously known as the “birthplace of Harry Potter,” where Rowling spent countless hours writing. Greyfriars Kirkyard is another must-visit spot, as tombstones here, including one for “Tom Riddle,” inspired character names.
A Harry Potter tour in Edinburgh will also take you to Victoria Street, which is said to have inspired Diagon Alley. The city’s Gothic architecture makes it easy to see why it influenced Rowling’s world.
Book a tour:
- Edinburgh: Magical Harry Potter Highlights & Wizards Tour
- Edinburgh: Harry Potter Magical Guided Walking Tour
#8. Lacock Abbey, England
Snape’s Classroom & More
Lacock Abbey, a stunning medieval monastery, is one of the most atmospheric Harry Potter filming locations in the UK. Several scenes from Hogwarts were filmed here, including the dark and moody Potions classroom, where Professor Snape first introduced Harry to potion-making.
The cloisters were also used as the corridors of Hogwarts, as seen in The Sorcerer’s Stone when Harry discovers the Mirror of Erised and in The Chamber of Secrets when the petrified Mrs. Norris is found.
Walking through these ancient halls, you can almost hear Snape’s voice echoing through the stone walls, adding to the immersive experience.
#9. Durham Cathedral, England
Hogwarts’s Majestic Halls
A stunning part of the Harry Potter filming locations in England, Durham Cathedral played a significant role in bringing Hogwarts to life.
The cathedral’s cloisters were used as the snowy Hogwarts courtyard in The Sorcerer’s Stone, where Harry walks with Hedwig in winter. The Chamber of Secrets was where Ron vomits slugs after a backfired spell.
Durham Cathedral’s massive Norman architecture and towering stone columns add to the magical atmosphere, making it a must-see for Potter fans looking to step into the wizarding world.
#10. Cliffs of Moher, Ireland
The Horcrux Cave
One of the most dramatic Harry Potter filming locations in Ireland, the Cliffs of Moher, provided the setting for the dark and haunting cave where Dumbledore and Harry search for Voldemort’s Horcrux in The Half-Blood Prince.
Rising 700 feet above the Atlantic Ocean, these rugged cliffs create an eerie, foreboding atmosphere, perfect for the tense and emotional scene. The crashing waves and jagged rocks make it easy to see why this location was chosen for one of the series’s most intense moments.
A visit here will leave you in awe of nature’s magic and the film’s stunning cinematography.
#11. Gloucester Cathedral, England
Hogwarts’ Haunted Corridors
A highlight among all Harry Potter filming locations, Gloucester Cathedral’s ancient cloisters doubled as the hallways of Hogwarts in several films. In The Sorcerer’s Stone, the cathedral appears when Harry and Ron pass the “Enemies of the Heir” message written in blood on the wall.
In The Half-Blood Prince, the cathedral’s cloisters are featured in various Hogwarts scenes. The Gothic arches and intricate stone carvings add an air of mystery and magic, making it one of the most captivating locations for fans to explore.
#12. Eilean Na Moine, Loch Eilt, Scotland
The Final Resting Place of Albus Dumbledore
Nestled in the serene waters of Loch Eilt, Eilean Na Moine served as the final resting place of Albus Dumbledore in Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince.
This small, atmospheric island is surrounded by the rugged beauty of the Scottish Highlands, making it one of the most breathtaking Harry Potter filming locations in Scotland.
The loch itself also appeared in scenes where Hagrid skips stones and Harry speaks with Sirius Black in Prisoner of Azkaban. While the island is inaccessible, fans can admire its mystical beauty from the shoreline or on a Harry Potter tour in Scotland.
#13. The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, Florida
The Magic of Hogsmeade and Hogwarts
For Harry Potter fans in the USA, a must-visit destination is The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studios in Orlando, Hollywood.
Step into the enchanting streets of Hogsmeade, where you can sip on Butterbeer, browse for a wand at Ollivander’s, and stock up on wizarding treats at Honeydukes.
Don’t miss the Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey ride inside Hogwarts Castle, or take a thrilling journey on Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure.
Whether you’re a Gryffindor, Slytherin, Ravenclaw, or Hufflepuff, this immersive world is pure magic!
Book a tour:
#14. Harry Potter and the Cursed Child on Broadway
Step into the magical world of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, the award-winning Broadway play that continues the beloved saga.
Set 19 years after the Battle of Hogwarts, the story follows Harry, Ron, Hermione, and their children as they navigate new challenges, time travel, and dark magic.
With stunning special effects, spellbinding performances, and breathtaking stagecraft, the production brings the wizarding world to life like never before.
Playing at the Lyric Theatre in New York City, this must-see theatrical experience is perfect for fans eager to witness magic unfold right before their eyes.
And while you’re there, don’t forget to visit the Harry Potter Shop in New York.
Book your tickets:
- NYC: Harry Potter and the Cursed Child Broadway Tickets
- Harry Potter Shop, New York: Magical Experiences
Harry Potter Filming Locations Itinerary in the UK
Step into the wizarding world with this magical Harry Potter tour UK itinerary, covering iconic filming locations across England and Scotland.
Day 1: London
The Wizarding Capital
📍 King’s Cross Station (Platform 9¾) – Snap a photo of the famous trolley disappearing into the wall.
📍 Leadenhall Market (Diagon Alley) – Wander through this Victorian market, which inspired the entrance to the Leaky Cauldron.
📍 Millennium Bridge – Walk across the bridge destroyed by Death Eaters in The Half-Blood Prince.
📍 Australia House (Gringotts Bank) – Marvel at the grand architecture used as the exterior of Gringotts.
📍 Warner Bros. Studio Tour London – Explore the Great Hall, Forbidden Forest, and Hogwarts Express and sip on Butterbeer.
Day 2: Oxford
A Scholar’s Hogwarts Adventure
📍 Christ Church College – Walk through the Great Hall, the inspiration for Hogwarts’ dining hall.
📍 Bodleian Library – Visit the Divinity School, used as Hogwarts’ infirmary and where McGonagall taught Transfiguration.
📍 New College Cloisters – Spot the iconic courtyard where Draco Malfoy was turned into a ferret.
Day 3: Lacock & Gloucester
Hidden Hogwarts Gems
📍 Lacock Abbey – See Snape’s classroom, the Hogwarts corridors, and the Mirror of Erised’s location.
📍 Gloucester Cathedral – Explore the enchanting cloisters featured as Hogwarts’ hallways in multiple films.
Day 4: Alnwick Castle & Durham
Flying Lessons & Magical Towers
📍 Alnwick Castle – Experience Hogwarts’ first-year flying lessons and wander the castle grounds seen in The Sorcerer’s Stone.
📍 Durham Cathedral – Discover the cloisters used for Hogwarts’ classrooms, including scenes with Harry, Ron, and Hermione.
Day 5: Scotland
The Land of Hogwarts
📍 Glencoe & Glenfinnan Viaduct – Ride the Jacobite Steam Train (Hogwarts Express) across the famous viaduct.
📍 Loch Eilt (Eilean Na Moine Island) – Admire the serene setting of Dumbledore’s tomb.
📍 Edinburgh – Visit Victoria Street, said to be the inspiration for Diagon Alley and explore J.K. Rowling’s writing spots.
Bonus: Ireland
The Forbidden Forest
📍 Cliffs of Moher – Walk along the rugged cliffs used as the entrance to Voldemort’s cave in The Half-Blood Prince.
Top 10 Harry Potter Collectibles & Merchandise
These Harry Potter collectibles and merchandise bring the magic to life as you snap enchanting photos at iconic Harry Potter filming locations. Grab your wand, broomstick, or robe, and make every moment feel like a scene from the Wizarding World!
- 🪄 Wands from Ollivander’s – Own replicas of Harry, Hermione, or Voldemort’s wands.
- 🧣 House Scarves & Robes – Show your Gryffindor, Slytherin, Ravenclaw, or Hufflepuff pride.
- 📖 Marauder’s Map – Discover the secrets of Hogwarts with this detailed replica.
- 🏆 The Golden Snitch – Catch this iconic Quidditch ball for your collection.
- ☕ Mugs & Cauldrons – Enjoy Butterbeer in a themed mug or cauldron-shaped cup.
- 🔮 Time-Turner Necklace – Channel your inner Hermione with this elegant piece.
- 🎲 Harry Potter LEGO Sets – Recreate Hogwarts, the Forbidden Forest, and more.
- 🦉Hedwig Interactive Owl – Harry’s loyal snowy owl plush companion.
- 🧹 The Nimbus 2000 broomstick – Fly in with this iconic broomstick.
- 🎩 The Sorting Hat plush – Let the Sorting Hat decide your Hogwarts house at home.
Looking for deals? Buy cheap Harry Potter merchandise on Amazon or check stores for new Harry Potter merchandise releases.
Looking for official Harry Potter merchandise? Universal Studios is a fantastic place to shop. You’ll find Wizarding World of Harry Potter merchandise, including exclusive robes, wands, and Butterbeer mugs.
You’ll also find unique Harry Potter merchandise and rare Harry Potter collectibles at these official Harry Potter shops.
Now’s your chance to step into the wizarding world! This Harry Potter filming locations tour will take you through enchanting castles, magical streets, and breathtaking landscapes seen on screen.
Don’t just imagine Hogwarts — experience it firsthand by booking a Harry Potter tour today. Explore these magical Harry Potter filming location tours and experiences, and bring the magic to life. The magic awaits!
This article is for informational purposes only. Harry Potter and all related trademarks are the property of Warner Bros. and J.K. Rowling.
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