Harry Potter locations in the UK

As a Harry Potter fan, going to Scotland for a year was a dream come true. The saga has been filmed in many places across the United Kingdom, but most of those famous landmarks are located in Scotland! 

Here are some of my favorites:

HP locations - Glenfinnan Viaduct 

Glenfinnan Viaduct

Built in the 19th century and located in the Scottish Highlands, you might recognize the Glenfinnan viaduct from a few Harry Potter films when the Hogwarts Express crosses it.

The easiest way to access the locations is by car or by booking an organized trip. There are many organisations that will propose this trip. 

Also, if you would prefer to see the Jacobite steam train cross the viaduct, I would recommend to go between the month of April to October. The train stops functioning during the winter season. 

 

HP locations - Edinburgh

Victoria Street

Edinburgh is the most visited city in Scotland, and while walking in the city might have made you feel like you were in Harry Potter, did you know that a lot of places (hidden or not) have actually inspired J.K. Rowling to write the famous saga?

Victoria Street with its colorful shops, pictured here, was a source of inspiration for the most magical shopping street of Harry Potter, Diagon Alley.  

When taking walks in Edinburgh, J.K. Rowling would sometimes find herself in Greyfriar's Kirkyard. Although a bit morbid, if you walk in the cemetery, you can find find the graves which inspired some famous characters such as Robert Potter, William McGonagall, Thomas Riddell and more. 

If you want more magic, you can go inside a few coffee shops, where the famous author has written her first book such as the Elephant House or the Nicolsons Cafe. 

Edinburgh being the capital of Scotland, you can easily travel to edinburgh by train or coach from any Scottish city.

HP locations - Alnwick Castle 

Alnwick Castle

With a history of more than 950 years, Alnwick castle has been, over the years, the hosts of many TV series or films such as Downtown Abbey or Transformers. However, the most famous of them is Harry Potter, and more particularly the first two films. 

This castle was the film location of various scenes. The flying classes or when Harry learns to play Quidditch all took place on the outer Bailey of the castle. When walking around in the castle's courtyard and baileys you can notice where multiple scenes of Harry and his friends walking in Hogwarts have been filmed. It is truly magical!

Although situated in England, the castle is not far from the Scottish borders and can be accessible by car or by booking an organized trip with organisations such as Viva Tour or International Student Tour Scotland. 

HP locations - Durham Cathedral

Durham Cathedral

Built in the 12th century, Durham cathedral is renowned for its Norman and romanesque architecture and is also the resting place of The Venerable Bede. 

Alike the Alnwick Castle, the cathedral was also the host of the first two Harry Potter films, the Philosopher Stone and the Chamber of Secrets. Multiple locations have been filmed such as the Cloister, the Cloister Garth, and the Chapter House. 

You may recognize the cathedral in McGonagall's classroom,  the corridor where Harry Potter frees Dobby, or the scene where Ron vomits slugs. 

Durham is also located in England, at the north of Alnwick. I suggest spending the day visiting both locations. This monument is often part of the same package deal when booking an organized trip for the Alnwick Castle. You can also access the city by car, or by direct trains or coaches from Edinburgh. 

Don't hesitate to follow my Pinterest page to see more photos about the trips!