Introduction
From climbing castles and ancient cathedrals to cloudy lakes and dramatic train journeys, the Harry Potter films brought J.K. Rowling’s wizarding world to life using some of the most breathtaking real locations in the UK and Ireland. While many scenes were filmed on purpose-built sets, a huge part of Hogwarts and the wider magical world was created using real places you can still visit today.
If you’ve ever wondered where Harry Potter was filmed — or dreamed of walking through Hogwarts corridors, crossing the bridge destroyed by Death Eaters, or riding the Hogwarts Express — this guide is for you.
In this complete travel and fan guide, you’ll discover 15+ Magical UK & Ireland Filming Locations and across ,Scotland, Wales, including exactly which scenes were filmed where, whether you can visit them, and practical tips to help you plan your trip.
Where Was Harry Potter Filmed?
The Harry Potter movies were filmed across a combination of real UK & Ireland locations and studio sets.
- Warner Bros. Studios, London was used for interiors such as the Great Hall, common rooms, and classrooms.
- Real historic locations across the UK and Ireland were used for exterior shots, landscapes, and iconic scenes that required scale, atmosphere, and authenticity.
Filmmakers chose these locations because they already looked magical — medieval architecture, dramatic coastlines, and untouched landscapes helped create a believable wizarding world without heavy CGI. Many of these places are now popular tourist destinations, allowing fans to step directly into the world of Harry Potter.
15+ Magical UK & Ireland Filming Locations
Here are 15+ Magical and must visit Places across England ,Scotland, Wales and Ireland and also get the guide about the place with Personal experienced Practical Tip that make your trip more easy.
Harry Potter Filming Locations in England
Below are 6 Magical location in England with guide and tips for your tension free trip.
1. Alnwick Castle – Harry’s First Flying Lesson
Northumberland
Alnwick Castle was used as Hogwarts’ exterior courtyard in Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone and Chamber of Secrets. The most famous scene filmed here is Harry Potter’s first broomstick flying lesson with Madam Hooch, where students learn to mount their brooms.
Why this location was chosen:
The filmmakers selected Alnwick Castle for its authentic medieval architecture, expansive courtyards, and dramatic setting. Unlike CGI-heavy locations, Alnwick already looked like a real wizarding school, reducing the need for visual effects while adding historical realism to Hogwarts.
Can you visit today?
Yes. Alnwick Castle is fully open to visitors and is one of the most accessible Harry Potter filming locations in England.
Quick Visitor Tip: The castle offers broomstick training experiences during peak seasons — book tickets in advance if you’re visiting in summer.2. Lacock Abbey – Hogwarts Classrooms
Wiltshire, England
Lacock Abbey appears in multiple Harry Potter films, including Philosopher’s Stone, Chamber of Secrets, and Half-Blood Prince. Its interior rooms were used as Professor Snape’s Potions classroom, while the cloisters doubled as Hogwarts corridors.
Why this location was chosen:
Lacock Abbey’s 13th-century cloisters, stone walls, and untouched interiors made it ideal for portraying Hogwarts classrooms. The abbey required minimal set dressing, helping create an authentic medieval learning environment.
Can you visit today?
Yes. Lacock Abbey is managed by the National Trust and is open to the public year-round.
Quick Visitor Tip: Photography is allowed in most areas, but some rooms have restrictions — check signage before taking photos.3. Lacock Village – Medieval Streets of Hogwarts
Scene filmed: Beyond the abbey, Lacock village itself was used for exterior Hogwarts scenes and background shots. Its streets also appeared in other wizarding contexts due to their preserved medieval appearance.
Why this location was chosen:
Lacock village has remained largely unchanged for centuries, with no modern signage or streetlights, making it a perfect real-world stand-in for the wizarding world without digital alterations.
Can you visit today?
Yes. Lacock is a living village and completely free to explore, aside from attractions like the abbey.
Quick Visitor Tip: Visit early in the morning or on weekdays to avoid tour buses and enjoy quieter streets.4. Gloucester Cathedral – Hogwarts Corridors
Gloucestershire, England
Gloucester Cathedral’s cloisters were used as Hogwarts corridors, appearing in Chamber of Secrets, Half-Blood Prince, and Philosopher’s Stone. The famous message “Enemies of the Heir, beware” was filmed here.
Why this location was chosen:
The cathedral’s fan-vaulted cloisters and long stone passageways perfectly matched the visual identity of Hogwarts. Their height and symmetry added depth and drama to interior corridor scenes.
Can you visit today?
Yes. Gloucester Cathedral is an active place of worship but welcomes visitors daily.
Quick Visitor Tip: Entry is free, but donations are encouraged. Be respectful during services and quiet hours.5. Durham Cathedral – Hogwarts Cloisters
County Durham
Durham Cathedral was used in Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone for early Hogwarts cloister scenes, including moments where students walk between classes.
Why this location was chosen:
As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Durham Cathedral features Norman Romanesque architecture, which helped establish Hogwarts’ ancient and scholarly atmosphere in the first film.
Can you visit today?
Yes. Durham Cathedral is open to visitors, though some areas may have access restrictions.
Quick Visitor Tip: Check the cathedral’s website for filming-related guided tours, which offer deeper context for fans.6. Christ Church College, Oxford – Great Hall Inspiration
Oxford
No scenes were filmed directly inside Christ Church College; however, its dining hall inspired the design of the Hogwarts Great Hall used in the studio sets.
Why this location was chosen:
Christ Church’s grand hall features long wooden tables, high ceilings, and a historic academic setting, which influenced the visual concept of Hogwarts’ main gathering space.
Can you visit today?
Yes. Christ Church College is open to visitors, though entry requires a ticket.
Quick Visitor Tip: Book tickets in advance, especially during university term time and summer months.Harry Potter Filming Locations in London
London is home to several iconic Harry Potter filming spots that are easy to visit and perfect for fans who want to walk in the characters’ footsteps. From magical platforms to historic markets, these locations bring the wizarding world to life in the heart of England.
1. King’s Cross Station – Platform 9¾
London
Platform 9¾ is one of the most famous Harry Potter locations in the world. The original scenes were filmed between platforms 4 and 5, but today you’ll find a dedicated photo spot complete with a luggage trolley disappearing into the wall.
Why visit:
Beyond taking the perfect fan photo, you can explore the Harry Potter shop nearby, stocked with wands, robes, and other memorabilia.
Tips: Arrive early to avoid crowds, especially on weekends and school holidays.2. Leadenhall Market – Diagon Alley
City of London
Leadenhall Market, with its ornate Victorian architecture, was used as the exterior of Diagon Alley in Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone. The covered streets, brightly painted doors, and cobbled lanes instantly evoke the magical shopping district.
Why visit:
It’s a living market with shops, cafes, and beautiful architecture — perfect for photography and a short London wander.
Tips: Go in the morning when shops are open but before crowds arrive for the best experience.3. Millennium Bridge – Death Eater Attack
London
The Millennium Bridge is famous for its appearance in Half-Blood Prince, when Death Eaters attack London, and the bridge dramatically collapses.
Why visit:
Today the bridge is fully open to pedestrians and provides stunning views of the Thames, St. Paul’s Cathedral, and Tate Modern.
Tips: Combine your visit with a short walking tour of nearby Harry Potter filming locations, like Borough Market and Southbank.Harry Potter Filming Locations in the Cotswolds
The Cotswolds are renowned for their picturesque villages and medieval streets — a perfect backdrop for Hogwarts exteriors.
1. Lacock Village – Medieval Hogwarts Streets
Wiltshire
Lacock village has been used in multiple films to represent the Hogwarts exterior and other wizarding locations. Its cobbled streets, historic buildings, and timeless charm make it feel like stepping straight into the films.
Why visit:
The village is beautifully preserved and perfect for a relaxed walking tour while spotting familiar Harry Potter landmarks.
Tips: Visit early in the day or on weekdays to avoid tour buses, and stop by Lacock Abbey for interior Hogwarts scenes.2. Slughorn’s House – Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince
Lacock, Chippenham
In Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, Harry Potter and Professor Dumbledore visit Professor Horace Slughorn, who is hiding from the Death Eaters. They try to convince him to return to Hogwarts and take up a teaching position as part of Dumbledore’s plan to strengthen the school.
Filming location:
This scene was filmed in the village of Lacock, using a private house that perfectly matched the quiet, hidden feel of Slughorn’s temporary home.
Quick Visitor Tip: The house is privately owned, so visitors should admire it respectfully from the outside.3. James and Lily Potter’s House – Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone
Church Street, Lacock, Chippenham SN15 2LB
In Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, Hagrid tells Harry the truth about what happened to his parents. During this emotional flashback, we see Lily Potter holding baby Harry in a window, followed by the green flash of Voldemort’s curse.
Interesting fact: The house used in this film was later replaced with a different version created using CGI in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows films.4. The Babberton Arms, Budleigh Babberton – Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince
6 Church Street, Lacock, Chippenham SN15 2LB
In Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, Harry and Dumbledore walk through the fictional village of Budleigh Babberton while searching for Professor Slughorn. During their walk, they pass a village pub called the Babberton Arms.
Interesting fact:
The pub seen in the film is actually the Sign of the Angel, a historic pub located in Lacock village.
Filming location:
Lacock’s preserved medieval streets made it an ideal filming location for this quiet wizarding village.
Quick Visitor Tip: You can visit the pub today and enjoy a meal or drink while standing in a real Harry Potter filming location.Related Post
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Harry Potter Filming Locations in Scotland
Scotland’s dramatic landscapes were essential in creating the wild and magical surroundings of Hogwarts. Rugged mountains, misty lochs, and sweeping valleys gave the films a sense of scale and adventure.
1. Glenfinnan Viaduct – Hogwarts Express
Highlands
The Glenfinnan Viaduct is one of the most recognisable Harry Potter locations, featuring in multiple films as the route of the Hogwarts Express. Steam trains still run along the viaduct today. Scene: Mr. Weasley’s flying Ford Anglia lands on the viaduct whilst Ron and Harry are trying to locate the Hogwarts Express in Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets. The train also stops on the viaduct when the dementors invade it in Prisoner of Azkaban.
Why visit:
It’s a dream spot for photography and railway enthusiasts, and you can see the iconic train cross the viaduct during the tourist season.
Tips: Check the Jacobite Steam Train schedule ahead of time for a chance to see the real-life Hogwarts Express in action.
2. Glencoe – Outdoor Hogwarts Scenes
Highlands
Glencoe was used for outdoor shots near Hogwarts, including areas around Hagrid’s hut. Its dramatic mountains and valleys add depth and mystery to the films’ Hogwarts grounds.
Why visit:
The scenery is breathtaking for hiking, photography, or simply enjoying the magical landscapes.
Tips: Weather changes rapidly; bring waterproof clothing and sturdy footwear.
3. Loch Shiel – The Black Lake
Highlands
Loch Shiel represented the Black Lake in several Hogwarts scenes. Its long, narrow shape and serene surroundings made it ideal for filming.
Why visit: It’s a peaceful spot with incredible scenery — perfect for a quiet walk or photography.
Tips: Limited facilities nearby, so plan ahead with snacks and water.Harry Potter Filming Locations in Wales & Ireland
1. Freshwater West – Shell Cottage
Pembrokeshire, Wales
Freshwater West Beach was the exterior for Shell Cottage in Deathly Hallows. Its natural dunes and open coastline give it a magical and remote feeling.
Why visit:
The beach is relatively untouched, making it ideal for fans wanting an immersive, atmospheric experience.
Tips: Check tides and weather; the beach can be rough and windy.2. Cliffs of Moher – Horcrux Cave Inspiration
County Clare, Ireland
Although not filmed directly, the Cliffs of Moher inspired the dramatic cave scenes in Half-Blood Prince.
Why visit:
The cliffs are stunning and often included in Harry Potter-themed itineraries in Ireland.
Tips: Stick to marked paths for safety; the area is very exposed to wind and weather.Warner Bros. Studio Tour London
Warner Bros. Studio Tour is where many interior scenes were filmed, including the Great Hall, Diagon Alley, and Dumbledore’s office.
Why visit:
This is the ultimate stop for Harry Potter fans. You can see original props, sets, costumes, and behind-the-scenes details.
Tips: Book tickets in advance, and allocate at least 3–4 hours to explore the entire tour.Best Harry Potter Filming Locations by Category
- Best Castles: Alnwick Castle, Durham Cathedral
- Best Villages: Lacock Village
- Best Scenic Landscapes: Glencoe, Loch Shiel
- Best Train Scene: Glenfinnan Viaduct
- Best Free Locations: Millennium Bridge, Leadenhall Market
Travel Tips for Visiting Harry Potter Filming Locations
- Visit early in the morning to avoid crowds.
- Check opening hours for historic sites and cathedrals.
- Respect filming locations that are active religious or heritage sites.
- Scotland locations are best visited between May and September for optimal weather.
- Bring comfortable walking shoes and waterproof clothing for outdoor sites.
- Plan travel logistics in advance, especially for remote locations like Glenfinnan or Freshwater West.
FAQs
- Where was Hogwarts filmed in real life?
Hogwarts was filmed across multiple locations, including Alnwick Castle, Durham Cathedral, Gloucester Cathedral, and studio sets at Warner Bros. Studios.
- Can you visit Harry Potter filming locations?
Yes, most Harry Potter filming locations are open to the public, though some require tickets or have limited access.
- Are Harry Potter filming locations free to visit?
Many locations are free, such as bridges and outdoor landscapes, while castles and abbeys usually charge entry fees.
- How many Harry Potter filming locations are in the UK?
There are over 30 confirmed filming locations across the UK, with additional inspiration sites in Ireland.
