Remember the “boy who lived”? The wonderful and magical realm of Harry Potter has captured the hearts of millions through books and movies. And if you are a true Potterhead, visiting the fantastic filming locations of the iconic film must be on your wishlist.
8 Magical Harry Potter Filming Locations For You To Visit
1) Alnwick Castle
Located in Northumberland, this majestic Alnwick Castle was used for scenes in Philosopher’s Stone and the Chamber of Secrets.
This place holds some of the most important memories of the series. From Broomstick lessons to learning Quidditch, the Alnwick Castle is the location for it all.
On your tour around the castle, you will fondly remember the courtyard where Harry and his friends would roam, the pathway leading to their classroom, and the hilarious scene in which Ron crashed his father’s magical flying car in the Inner Bailey.
2) Durham Cathedral
Durham Cathedral has many scenes from the Harry Potter movies. The Cloisters of the Church would remind you of the beautiful scene when Harry lets Hedwig fly around the castle or the funny moment when Ron pukes out the slugs.
The most simple yet familiar scenes shot here were the ones with Ron, Harry, and Hermoine walking in between the lessons.
As you move into the Cathedral Chapter house, you will be amazed to see Professor Minerva McGonagall’s classroom. It’s here where the attempts for the magical transformation of Goblet into rats or vice versa took place.
3) Millennium Bridge
Located in the Thames Embankment in London, the whole setting of Millennium Bridge or the Wobbly Bridge or the Harry Potter Bridge was one of the Harry Potter Filming locations used to film the scenes of Half-blood Prince. The attack launched by the Voldemort’s Death Eaters is a terrifying scene shot here.
4) London Zoo Reptile House
Most of the scenes of the Harry Potter series were shot in and around the whole of the UK, and London Zoo is one of the most famous.
It was Dudley Dursley’s 11th birthday when they all visited the Reptile House. When Dudley saw the snake moving, he pressed himself against the show glass, which suddenly vanished. As he fell inside, chaos ensued. The visitors were running all over, screaming in fear.
It’s here when, when talking to the snake, that Harry first realises there’s something unique and strange about him.
5) Leadenhall Market
The scene of Harry and Hagrid entering the Leaky Cauldron through a blue door on their way to Diagon Alley, the magical shopping corner for the Wizards, was shot for the Philosopher’s Stone. After the remarkable shot, Leadenhall Market is famous among tourists. Today, it offers luxurious dining options and charming shopping centres to visitors.
6) King’s Cross Station
Remember Harry and his mates running to board the Hogwarts Express? Every time they needed to cross the pathway of Platform 9 3/4 in the King’s Cross station? The places where the Harry Potter series was shot have become quite historic.
The historic moment remains when Harry and his friends get through the other side of the wall, i.e., from platform 9 to 10, just by vanishing into it. Magical. But in reality, both the platforms have tracks laid between them instead of the magic wall. And here at King’s Cross Station, you can see that iconic sign that brought magic to your life.
7) Gloucester Cathedral
Innumerable Hogwarts scenes were shot in a beautiful church setting, and various scenes from The Philosopher’s Stone were shot in the Cloisters of the Gloucester Cathedral.
The place became the setting for numerous significant scenes of the films. Starting from the “troll in the dungeon scene” to Snape’s unbreakable vow, the cathedral was the place behind these iconic shots.
8) Christ Church College
Christ Church College in Oxford was founded in 1525. Its architectural uniqueness and awe-inspiring designs make it a popular shooting location for many films. Harry Potter is one of them.
The staircase of the Tudor Great Hall was used as a set-up for Harry Potter filming locations. It’s the place where Harry and Tom Riddle meet first. And yes, it’s again here where Professor McGonagall meets Harry, Ron and Hermoine.
However, Christ Church is a working college and a religious institution, and you must buy tickets beforehand to get entry or even a guided tour.
The Last Chapter
A couple of decades have passed since the first Harry Potter film was released, but the adventure, the charisma, and the magic remain.
If you ever wish to revisit those magical childhood moments, these stunning filming locations of Harry Potter are just the perfect places for your next adventure.
Last Updated on March 5, 2024 by Joshita
