For any Muggle or Harry Potter fan, a visit to England is your chance to step into the wizarding world and explore the real-life locations that brought J.K. Rowling’s magical series to life.
From iconic filming locations to places that inspired the books, here’s a Muggle-friendly guide to must-visit Harry Potter sites in England – let the magic unfold at every sight!
Top Harry Potter sites in England at a glance:
- Warner Bros. Studio Tour London – The Making of Harry Potter, Leavesden
- King’s Cross Station & Platform 9¾, London
- Leadenhall Market, London
- Millennium Bridge, London
- Alnwick Castle, Northumberland
- Durham Cathedral, Durham
- Gloucester Cathedral, Gloucester
- Lacock Abbey, Wiltshire
- Oxford University Locations
- Malham Cove, Yorkshire
- Hardwick Hall, Derbyshire
- Goathland Station, North Yorkshire
View the full map here.
Warner Bros. Studio Tour London – The Making of Harry Potter, Leavesden
No Harry Potter trip is complete without a visit to the Harry Potter Studio Tour London in Leavesden. This iconic and world-famous behind-the-scenes experience takes you through authentic sets, including the Great Hall, Diagon Alley, and Platform 9¾. See all the original costumes and magic props, and even try Butterbeer. It’s a must for every Potterhead!
King’s Cross Station & Platform 9¾, London
Head to King’s Cross Station in London to find the legendary Platform 9¾, which you can visit on our Harry Potter London Walking Tour. Although there isn’t a real magical portal to Hogwarts, you can take a photo at the trolley embedded in the wall and visit the Harry Potter shop nearby for memorable wizarding souvenirs.
Leadenhall Market, London
This stunning Victorian-covered market served as the entrance to Diagon Alley in the first film, Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone. You’ll recognise the blue-painted shop used as the entrance to the Leaky Cauldron. It’s an excellent spot for a wander and some magical shopping.
Millennium Bridge, London
Featured in Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, the Millennium Bridge is memorably destroyed by Death Eaters. The bridge stands in real life, and from here you can get fantastic views of the Thames and St. Paul’s Cathedral.
Alnwick Castle, Northumberland
One of the most recognisable locations, Alnwick Castle, was used for Hogwarts’ exterior shots in the first two films. This is where Harry and his classmates had their first flying lesson. Take part in unique broomstick training sessions to relive the magic!
Durham Cathedral, Durham
Durham Cathedral’s cloisters were used as the backdrop for Hogwarts’ corridors in The Philosopher’s Stone and The Chamber of Secrets. The Chapter House inside the cathedral was also used as Professor McGonagall’s classroom.
Gloucester Cathedral, Gloucester
Gloucester Cathedral’s spectacular interiors were transformed into Hogwarts corridors in the first two films. You’ll recognise its medieval cloisters from scenes featuring the mysterious writing on the wall in The Chamber of Secrets.
Lacock Abbey, Wiltshire
This picturesque abbey provided several Hogwarts interiors, including Snape’s Potions classroom and the room where Harry discovers the Mirror of Erised. The village of Lacock itself was also used for scenes in The Philosopher’s Stone and The Half-Blood Prince.
Oxford University Locations, Oxford
Oxford is home to several Harry Potter filming sites. The Bodleian Library’s Duke Humfrey’s Library was used as Hogwarts’ library, while Christ Church College’s grand staircase and Great Hall inspired the Hogwarts dining hall.
Malham Cove, Yorkshire
This dramatic limestone formation appeared in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1 as the camping spot where Harry and Hermione hide from Voldemort’s forces. A trek to the top will reveal breathtaking views of the Yorkshire countryside – a true escape from the real world.
Hardwick Hall, Derbyshire
This grand Elizabethan mansion served as the inspiration for Malfoy Manor in The Deathly Hallows films. Its eerie appearance makes it the perfect setting for the dark and foreboding home of the Malfoy family.
Goathland Station, North Yorkshire
Fans will recognize Goathland Station as Hogsmeade Station in The Philosopher’s Stone. Located in the North York Moors, this charming station is part of the heritage North Yorkshire Moors Railway, offering a nostalgic steam train experience.
Whether you’re an avid Harry Potter fan or just looking to experience or re-experience the movie magic, these locations across England offer a chance to enter the fantastic wizarding world. Grab your wand (or camera) and get ready to explore!
