Are you a true Potterhead? If yes, you must add these real-life locations—where JK Rowling’s famous film series were filmed—to your travel bucket list.
The overwhelming love that the novel received, set the stage for the making of the eight films, based on JK Rowling’s creation—which further received global admiration and critical acclaim. In fact, on the day Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2 premiered, it reached a record-breaking milestone for becoming the highest-grossing film on the opening day, in the history of cinema. The eight visually appealing movies were filmed at various locations across the U.K. in Wales, England, and Scotland and Warner Bros’s studios.
From the place where Harry fought the Hungarian Horntail in the fourth series of the franchise to the house where the Dursleys lived—several filming locations can be visited by the public. Let us hop on our magical brooms and set out to these eight locations that feature in the Harry Potter saga.
London’s most spectacular Victorian market—Leadenhall Market—is where most of the Diagon Alley scenes were shot. This London-based market also houses the store that was depicted as the Leaky Cauldron’s entrance in Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, the fourth instalment of the mega-franchise.
Did you know that you can book a ticket and ride the Hogwarts Express? This Jacobite steam train begins its journey from Fort William and runs up to Mallaig—while taking you across the iconic 21-arched Glenfinnan viaduct, built over the River Finnan.
Let’s be honest, every Harry Potter fanatic wants a photo pushing the luggage cart at Platform 9 ¾, donning Gryffindor’s iconic robe. Well, that dream can be achieved at London’s Kings Cross station. The station also houses a gift shop where you can find a wide range of Harry Potter memorabilia.
Only the diehard fans of Harry Potter take a trip down the suburbs to get a glimpse of Harry’s home, where he grew up. 4 Privet Drive is where Harry was raised by the Dursley family and we have watched it in the first three films. The property on which the movie was filmed is in Berkshire, and when you visit the location, you can find people capturing photos at 12 Picket Post Close.
Remember when young Harry sneaked into Hogwarts’ library late at night, donning his invisibility cloak? Well, that scene was filmed in the Duke Humfrey’s Library—Bodleian Library’s oldest reading room. To explore that room, you have to book a private tour. The infirmary depicted in the four films of the franchise was also filmed in Bodleian Library.
At Harrow school, you can visit the room where Hermione used the ‘Wingardium Leviosa’ spell for the first time to make a feather levitate, under the guidance of Professor Flitwick in the Charms class. A visit to this boarding school will allow you to walk through the Fourth Form Room, where all the young wizards learned to perfect the Wingardium Leviosa spell.
This spectacular waterfall is the location where one of the contests from the Triwizard Tournament was filmed. In Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, Harry fought against the Hungarian Horntail at Steall Falls.
Warner Bros. Studio brought the magical world to life by creating this award-winning experience for all Harry Potter fans. With visually appealing sets, authentic props, original costumes and exciting shows—this amusement park will bring out the child in you.
We understand how difficult it is for you to accept the fact that you never received your Hogwarts letter from an owl, but visiting any of these real-life locations will surely delight the hidden wizard in you.
