Where Was Harry Potter Filmed? 11 UK Locations You Can Visit

Calling all witches, wizards, and Muggles!

Have you ever wondered ‘where was Harry Potter filmed’ while watching the movies?

If you’ve ever dreamed of stepping into the magical world of Harry Potter, the UK is full of incredible locations that bring J.K. Rowling’s beloved series to life.

From the iconic Hogwarts Express to hidden spots around London and beyond, there are countless places where you can walk in the footsteps of Harry, Hermione, and Ron.

Whether you’re a die-hard Potterhead or simply looking for a whimsical adventure, here are the top Harry Potter filming locations in the UK that should be on every fan’s bucket list.

Many of these places are free to visit, so even you can even get your Harry Potter fix on a budget.

Lacock Abbey

Location: Lacock Abbey is located in Wiltshire, around three miles from the town of Chippenham and not far from the city of Bath.
Famous For: Hogwarts scenes in Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone and Harry Potter and The Chamber of Secrets
What To Do: Visit classrooms and corridors from the first two Harry Potter films.

Scenes from both Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone and Harry Potter and the Chamber Secrets were filmed at Lacock Abbey, with the cloisters being used for many of the corridors at Hogwarts.

Some of the classroom scenes were also filmed here, notably the one where Professor McGonagall goes to find Oliver Wood and Professor Quirrell is holding a large Igunana.

You can also see Professor Snape’s classroom which Harry Potter fans are sure to remember from the first film and Alan Rickman’s iconic performance.

These classrooms were closed when we visited but we were able to peer inside them from the door area.

Lacock Abbey’s Chapter house was used for the filming of scenes featuring the Mirror of Erised. These scenes are quite emotional as Harry is seeing his parents for the first time until Dumbledore arrives and explains the mirror will soon be moved.

“But remember this, Harry. This mirror gives us neither knowledge… or truth. Men have wasted away in front of it. Even gone mad. That is why tomorrow it will be moved to a new home. And I must ask you… not to go looking for it again. It does not do to dwell on dreams, Harry… and forget to live”

Lacock Abbey was also used for filming some parts of Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them: The Crimes of Grindelwald.

You can read my full post on Lacock Abbey here.

How Much Does Lacock Abbey Cost?

If you have a National Trust membership, entry to Lacock Abbey is free. National Trust Memberships can be purchased for as little as £10 a month and I think it’s well worth it.

For non National Trust members, entry prices (not including gift aid) are as follows:

Adult £20.00
Child £10.00
Family £50
1 adult and up to 3 children £30.00

Do I Need To Pay For Parking At Lacock Abbey?

National Trust members can park for free at Lacock when visiting the abbey and the village.

For non members parking costs £4.50 for the day.

Lacock Village, Wiltshire

Location: Lacock Village is located in Wiltshire, around three miles from Chippenham and close to the city of Bath. The village has a very ‘Olde World’ feel which makes it a popular filming location.
Famous For: Scenes from Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone and Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince were filmed here including Harry’s parent’s house and the house where Professor Slughorn is hiding.
What To Do: Take a walk around the village and see which Harry Potter filming locations you can spot. Lacock Village is almost entirely owned by the National Trust which helps to preserve its many buildings, some of which date back hundreds of years.
Please Note: Many of the filming locations in Lacock Village are private residences so please keep this in mind and be respectful when you visit.

Which Harry Potter scenes were filmed in Lacock?

Budleigh Babberton Pub, Church Street, Lacock

This building can be seen in the background as Dumbledore and Harry begin their search for Horace Slughorn in the fictional muggle village of Budleigh Babberton.

There is also a stone memorial that can be seen behind the trio as they leave.

Slughorns Hiding Place, Church Hill, Lacock

The scene where Dumbledore and Harry find Professor Sluhorn and ask him to return to Hogwarts is one of my favourites in the series.

The house from the film, pictured above, can be found on Church Hill and remains pretty much the same as it did in the films.

Harry Potter’s Parents’ House, Church Street, Lacock

Have you ever wondered where James and Lily Potter’s house is? Well, technically it’s in the fictional village of Godric’s Hollow.

However, the scenes for the first Harry Potter film were shot in the village of Lacock, Wiltshire.

The home of Lily and James Potter can be seen in a flashback when Hagrid explains what happened to Harry’s parents as they sit in the leaky cauldron pub in Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone.

While the door has changed colour slightly and the garden is a little more overgrown it is still clearly the location used in the film.

Scenes of Harry’s parent’s house in Godrics Hollow in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1 were filmed elsewhere.

Do I Need To Pay For Parking At Lacock Village?

Google Maps: Lacock Village National Trust Carpark

National Trust members can park for free at Lacock when visiting both the abbey and the village.

For non members parking costs £4.50 for the day.

Freshwater West Beach, Pembrokeshire, Wales – Dobby’s Grave

Location: Freshwater West, Pembrokeshire. In the Harry Potter books, Shell Cottage is described as being a ‘lonely and beautiful place’ in Tinworth, Cornwall and is the home of Ron Wesley’s eldest brother Bill and his wife, Fleur Delacour.
Famous For: The heartbreaking beach scenes involving the death of beloved house elf Dobby were filmed at Freshwater West and not in Cornwall where the cottage is located in the books.
What To Do: In the years since the release of the final film, Harry Potter fans from all over the world have started making pilgrimages to this spot, creating a grave and memorial site dedicated to the deceased house elf who gave his life to save Harry and his friends.
What Not To Do: As the beach is located in an environmentally sensitive area, fans are asked to refrain from adding any more painted rocks or socks to the memorial.
Please Note: There was talk in recent years of removing the grave so please be respectful during your visit by taking extra care not to leave any litter.

Where Can I Park When Visiting Dobby’s Grave?

There is a nearby car park, which you can find using this link: Google Maps: Freshwater West Car Park

How Much Does Parking Cost At Dobby’s Grave?

The car park at Freshwater West is owned by the National Trust and is free for the public to use.

How Do I Find Dobby’s Grave at Freshwater West Beach?

From the car park at Freshwater West, make your way down onto the beach.

Head right and into the sand dunes and you should be able to find the grave marked with a wooden cross, painted pebbles and socks.

This is a popular tourist site so there are often crowds of people making it even easier to spot.

Are There Toilets Near Dobby’s Grave?

Yes, there are toilets located in the car park at Freshwater West.

Alnwick Castle

Location: Alnwick Castle is located in Northumberland, in the northeast of England. Specifically, it’s situated in the town of Alnwick, about 30 miles north of Newcastle upon Tyne.
Famous For: Scenes in Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone and Harry Potter and The Chamber of Secrets were filmed here including when Harry first learned to fly a broomstick with Madam Hooch and when he learned the rules of Quidditch with fellow Gryffindor Oliver Wood.
What To Do: Take a look around the inner Bailey and see where Harry and Ron crashed the flying Ford Anglia. Many of the courtyards and Bailey’s at Alnwick Castle were used for scenes of Hogwarts staff and students simply going about their days.
Extra Info: The Lion Arch at Alnwick Castle was used for general scenes going in and out of Hogwarts.

How Much Does It Cost To Visit Alnwick Castle Harry Potter Filming Location?

Below are the online ticket prices to visit Alnwick Castle.

These automatically become annual passes when purchased meaning you can return and relive your favourite Harry Potter scenes as often as you like.

Adult aged 17 years+ £20.50
Adult aged 60+ years and students £16.55
Child aged 5-16 years £10.80
Child 0-4 years FREE
Family of 2 adults and 2 children (aged 5-16 years) £55.65

Durham Cathedral

Location: Durham Cathedral is in the northeast of England and sits prominently on a hill above the River Wear.
Famous For: Many of Hogwart’s interior scenes were filmed here, as both the Cloisters and the Chapter House provided the perfect medieval look for the school’s interior.
What To Do: Take a stroll down the beautiful walkway with arched columns, which were used for scenes such as when Harry, Ron, and Hermione run through the corridors in The Philosopher’s Stone. This is also where Harry is seen gazing at the flying keys during the scene involving the magical keys in the first film.
Extra Info: Durham Cathedral often hosts Harry Potter events such as musical concerts and tours. There are also occasionally Harry Potter-themed items in the gift shop.

Gloucester Cathedral

Location: Gloucester Cathedral Gloucester Cathedral is located in the city of Gloucester, which is in the county of Gloucestershire, England. The cathedral sits right in the heart of the city, making it easily accessible for visitors.
Famous For: Gloucester Cathedral’s stunning cloisters were used to represent the hallways of Hogwarts in several Harry Potter films, notably Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone and Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets.
What To Do: Visitors to Gloucester Cathedral can see the exact locations where these scenes were filmed, and there are often special Harry Potter themed tours and exhibits.
The cathedral also hosts a Harry Potter trail that allows fans to visit the specific spots used in the movies.
Extra Info: In The Philosopher’s Stone, the cloisters were used as the location for Harry’s first journey through Hogwarts as a student, including scenes where he meets his fellow students and professors.

Warner Brothers Studio Tour – The Making of Harry Potter

Location: The Warner Bros. Studio Tour London – The Making of Harry Potter is located in Leavesden, Hertfordshire, England. It is situated about 20 miles (32 km) northwest of central London
Famous For: Warner Brother Studios is the ultimate place to visit for any Harry Potter fan as you can see many of the sets used for the film and explore themed areas such as Gringotts Bank and Diagon Alley.
What To Do: The Warner Bros. Studio Tour offers an immersive experience into the world of the films. Visitors can explore iconic sets like The Great Hall and Diagon Alley, see authentic props and costumes, and learn about the special effects and filmmaking techniques that brought the wizarding world to life.
Extra Info: Highlights include stepping aboard the Hogwarts Express at Platform 9¾, experiencing green screen broomstick flying, and enjoying seasonal exhibits like Hogwarts in the Snow. Don’t forget to visit the Studio Shop for exclusive Harry Potter merchandise.

How Much Are Tickets To Warner Brother Studios?

Standard tickets cost £56 for adults and £45 for children. Children aged four and under can visit for free.

You can also purchase family tickets and tickets that include a digital guide and paperback souvenir guide.

How Far In Advance Do I Need To Book Tickets To Warner Brothers Studios?

While it is sometimes possible to grab last-minute tickets to Warner Brother Studios, it does get booked up well in advance, especially during weekends and school holidays, so my advice is to book as soon as you know the dates you’d like to visit.

How Long Do I Need For A Visit To Warner Brothers Studios?

Most people spend around 3-4 hours looking around the various parts of the Studios and then taking some time to look around the gift shop too.

However, die-hard fans may want to allow some extra time to explore and you may also want to factor in time to stop for a Butterbeer in one of the cafes.

Once you’re inside Warner Brothers Studios you can take as long as you need so my advice would be to book morning tickets so you’re not limited on how long you can be there.

New College, Oxford

Location: New College is located in Oxford, England, in the heart of the city, making it easy to find for tourists and locals alike.
Famous For: The Cloisters of New College were used as the backdrop for the scene in Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire when Harry, Ron, and Hermione walk through the Hogwarts courtyard.
What To Do: New College is open to the public, and you can visit the college’s grounds, cloisters, gardens, and chapel. New College is often included in walking tours of Oxford that take visitors to various Harry Potter filming locations throughout the city.
Extra Info: Entry to New College typically requires a ticket, and you can check the college’s website for opening times and availability before visiting.

Other Harry Potter Filming Locations in Oxford:

Bodleian Library: Used for scenes like the Hogwarts Library and the Restricted Section in The Philosopher’s Stone.

Christ Church: The grand dining hall at Christ Church inspired the Hogwarts Great Hall.

Divinity School: This was used as the Hogwarts Infirmary in Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone.

Glenfinnan Viaduct, Scotland (AKA The Harry Potter Train Bridge)

Location: The Glenfinnan Viaduct is located in the Scottish Highlands, near the village of Glenfinnan.
Famous For: One of the most famous scenes in all of the Harry Potter films involves Ron’s dad’s pale blue flying Ford Anglia as it follows the Hogwarts Express through the Scottish countryside after Harry and Ron find the gateway to platform 9 and three-quarters have been mysteriously blocked. Ron’s rather dubious car flying skills lead to Harry almost being thrown from the vehicle as they fly over the Glenfinnan Viaduct which is now often referred to as the Harry Potter bridge.
What To Do: The best way to experience it is to walk to one of the designated viewpoints to get a fantastic view of the viaduct against the backdrop of Loch Shiel and the surrounding hills. The Viaduct Viewpoint is a popular spot to get the best angle for photos.
Extra Info: See below for instructions on how to get the best views of the Glenfinnan Viaduct. You could also take a look at some local hiking trails that pass through the area.

How To View The Glenfinnan Viaduct

There are two ways to view the Glenfinnan Viaduct, by land or by train.

The land option gives a better view of the Harry Potter bridge and is perfect if you’re planning on taking some photographs, especially if you time it for when the Jacobite steam train is passing over.

The best times to visit would be during the summer months, when the train runs more frequently, but be prepared for some chilly Scottish weather!

View The Glenfinnan Viaduct On land

From the Glenfinnan Visitor Centre: If you prefer to view the viaduct from land, head to the Glenfinnan Visitor Centre. From here, you can take a short walk to a viewpoint with stunning views of the viaduct, which spans the beautiful Glenfinnan Valley. It’s the perfect spot to snap some pictures and watch the trains go by.
Hiking to the Viaduct Viewpoint: For those who love a bit of adventure, there’s a well-marked trail that leads you to an even better vantage point of the viaduct. It’s a moderate hike of about 20-30 minutes, depending on your pace, but the panoramic views from the top are well worth it.
By Car: You can also drive to Glenfinnan, which is located off the A830 road, and follow the signs to the visitor centre or viewpoints. The viaduct is easy to spot, especially during the times when the Jacobite train is running.

Go Over The Glenfinnan Viaduct By Train

The best way to experience the Glenfinnan Viaduct in all its glory is by taking the Jacobite Steam Train, which runs on the West Highland Line from Fort William to Mallaig.

This is the very train that doubles as the Hogwarts Express in the films! You’ll pass over the viaduct and have the chance to enjoy the breathtaking scenery of the Scottish Highlands.

Tickets for the train can be booked in advance on the Jacobite Steam Train website.

Clachaig Gully, Glencoe, Scotland,

Location: Glencoe is located in the Scottish Highlands, in the Argyll and Bute region of Scotland.
Famous For: In Prisoner of Azkaban, the scenes of Hagrid’s Hut and the surrounding areas were filmed in Glen Coe, specifically around the Glencoe Valley. The rugged, remote landscape provided the perfect backdrop for the secluded and wild nature of Hagrid’s home. Glen Etive is particularly notable for its stunning scenery, and you can visit areas along the valley and loch that were used for various Harry Potter scenes.
What To Do: Park your car at the Clachaig Inn. Head along the road until you come across a gravel path on your right. Continue along this gravel path until it connects with a well-worn trail that winds its way through the bracken. Follow this trail uphill for a short distance to arrive at the location of Hagrid’s hut.
You can also do the Glen Etive Walk which gives you great views of the landscape featured in the film.
Extra Info: Please keep in mind that Hagrid’s Hut was a set built especially for the films, so you are unable to see the Hut itself from this Harry Potter filming location.

Where Was Harry Potter Filmed In London? 7 Filming locations

London has iconic Harry Potter filming locations that bring the magical world to life. I’ve put together this list of the most popular.

1. Kings Cross Station (Hogwarts Express Departures – Platform 9¾)

Location: King Cross Station
Famous For: In the Harry Potter films, Platform 9¾ is the magical platform at King’s Cross where students board the Hogwarts Express to go to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. In reality, Platform 9¾ doesn’t exist, but the filmmakers used parts of King’s Cross Station to film the scenes. The actual platform used in the films is Platform 4, though it doesn’t have the magical barrier in real life.
What To Do: Fans can pose with a trolley that appears to be disappearing through the wall, just like in the films. It’s located near the main concourse, and there’s a sign marking Platform 9¾. It’s a popular location so be prepared to queue!
Extra Info: There’s also a gift shop nearby selling all sorts of Harry Potter merchandise, from wands to scarves, so you can take home a souvenir.

2. Leadenhall Market (Diagon Alley)

Location: Leadenhall Market, Gracechurch Street
Famous for: The exterior of Diagon Alley and the entrance to the Leaky Cauldron.
What to do: Wander through this Victorian covered market, which served as the setting for Diagon Alley in Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone. The blue door of the Leaky Cauldron is located in the market.

3. Australia House (Gringotts Bank)

Location: The Strand
Famous for: The exterior of Gringotts Bank in the films.
What to do: The grand entrance to Australia House was used as the setting for the wizarding bank, Gringotts. While the building is home to the Australian High Commission and not open to the public, you can admire its impressive architecture from the outside.

4. Borough Market (The Leaky Cauldron & The Wizarding World)

Location: Southwark Street
Famous for: Featured as a location in Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, particularly in scenes where Harry runs into the Leaky Cauldron and interacts with the magical community.
What to do: Visit Borough Market to see the charming street setting, which was used in several scenes showcasing the bustling wizarding world.

5. The Great Court at the British Museum (Hogwarts Library)

Location: Great Russell Street
Famous for: The interior of the Hogwarts Library in the films.
What to do: The stunning architecture of the British Museum, particularly the grand Great Court with its glass ceiling, was used in Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone to portray Hogwarts’ library. While the museum itself is a treasure trove of historical artifacts, the architecture alone is worth a visit.
Extra Info: The museum is free to visit but avoid queues by making a reservation ahead of time.

These locations are spread across the city, so you can easily make a day of exploring London through the eyes of a Harry Potter fan.

6. St. Pancras Station

Location: Euston Road
Famous for: Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets. It appears in the film during the scene where Harry and Ron fly the Weasley’s flying car to Hogwarts after missing the Hogwarts Express.
What to do: While the station is a major transport hub, its Victorian Gothic architecture makes it an awe-inspiring place to explore, and you can snap a photo of the stunning exterior that served as a backdrop for the Hogwarts journey.

7. Millenium Bridge, London

Location: Millenium Bridge. Find the bridge on the Thames Path, between St. Paul’s Cathedral and Tate Modern
Famous For: While the Millennium Bridge wouldn’t have existed yet in the original Harry Potter timeline, however, it can be seen during the opening scenes of Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince.
What To Do: While the bridge is not a traditional “set,” you can walk across this pedestrian suspension bridge to take in views of the Thames and St. Paul’s Cathedral, all while imagining the chaos of the Death Eater attack.