Take a ride with Hogwarts Express — seriously!
As we said we would, we bring you all major movie locations in the UK! And of course, we’ll start with the most important one — Harry Potter. Filmed all across the UK, Harry Potter locations remain one of the most popular travel destinations in the UK.
Glenfinnan viaduct
You waited for your Hogwarts letter but it never came? Don’t worry, if you’re reading this the chances are you got into (or you’re about to!) one of many amazing UK universities and that’s almost as great as getting into Hogwarts. While you enjoy your muggle version of Hogwarts, don’t miss the chance to experience the real Hogwarts Express journey. That’s right, Hogwarts Express is a real thing, and its most famous feature — the wonderful viaduct featured in almost every movie — is located in Scotland. Even better, there is an old steam train going over it, and it’s possible to buy a ticket! Riding over the Glenfinnan viaduct will take you from Fort William to Mallaig in the north of Scotland. The tickets are mostly seasonal, but we’ve heard they have some Christmas routes coming up!
Platform 9 ¾
And since you need a magical platform to get to Hogwarts Express, you HAVE to visit Platfrom 9 ¾ located in London’s King’s Cross train station. And while you’re there, walk up to St Pancras International Station too and look for St Pancras Renaissance Hotel. The exterior of the hotel was used as the entrance to King’s Cross station and Mr Weasley’s flying car was parked in front of the hotel in Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets.
Leadenhall Market
Obviously, before boarding the train, you’ll need some magical equipment to get your magic going! And where do we get that? Diagon Alley (not diagonally, remember?). In real life, Diagon Alley is in London and it’s located in Leadenhall Market, a beautiful covered Victorian market in the City of London. Being a modern day market, not only you can take a few photos of the location, but do a bit of shopping as well!
And of course, don’t forget the Leaky Cauldron, which is in real life an optician in Bull’s Head Passage also in Leadenhall Market.
Alnwick castle
Now that we got you to Hogwarts, and we got you a broom in Diagon Alley, the next step is learning to fly! As one of the first things Harry did when he joined the School of witchcraft and wizardry was joining the Quidditch team, let us take you to where he learned his first flying steps. The scene was filmed on the grounds of Alnwick castle in North England. The castle is open mostly during the spring/summer months, but it’s worth the wait as they do offer broomstick training. How cool is that.
Gloucester and Durham Cathedrals
With Gloucester cathedral being almost as famous as King’s Cross’ platform 9 ¾, we had to put it on this list. Remember Harry and Ron looking for Hermione while Professor Quirrell shouts ‘THERE’S A TROLL IN THE DUNGEON!’ and then suddenly passes out in Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone?
Now that you have a scene in your mind, all the halls Harry, Ron and the troll walked were actually filmed in the 1000 year old Gloucester cathedral. Even JK Rowling has used Gloucester Cathedral as an inspiration for Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.
Speaking of cathedrals, Durham cathedral was one of the classrooms in Hogwarts! At Durham cathedral you can visit the hallway Dobby was freed in, get a peek into Professor McGonagall’s classroom and search for the entrance to the headmaster’s office.
Millenium bridge
In Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince (movie no.6), the attack of deatheaters destroyed a bridge in London. That bridge is the pedestrian Millenium bridge, located in central London. Now, don’t be surprised when you see it looking all normal and muggley — the footbridge wasn’t harmed in the scene as the scene was shot with special effects. You still can use your imagination, take a few photos with beautiful St.Paul’s cathedral showing in the background.
As most of these locations are in fact in London, there is a Wizards Bus Tour of London that allows you to explore the muggle capital city of the UK. As of all other locations, there are so many more, all around the UK, with wonderful views and options to explore. Keep in mind current Tiers and guidance in your area, and make sure if you do decide to travel, travel responsibly.
