Where Did They Shoot Harry Potter? And How To Get There

Hey there travel enthusiasts and welcome to my post where we will check out the answer to the question where did they shoot Harry Potter. Harry Potter is a beloved book and film series that has captured the hearts of millions of fans around the world. 

The Harry Potter films were shot in various locations throughout England, including London, Oxford and Gloucester. Fans who want to visit these locations can take a tour of the Warner Bros. Studio in Leavesden, which is home to many of the original sets, costumes and props from the films.

So, for those Harry Potter fanatics amongst us, let’s have a look at not only where it was filmed, but how you can travel there to check it all out for yourself here. Let’s check it out.

Harry Potter: A Snapshot

The Harry Potter series begins with the introduction of a young orphan named Harry Potter, who discovers on his 11th birthday that he is a wizard. He learns about the magical world and is enrolled in Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. At Hogwarts, Harry befriends Hermione Granger and Ron Weasley and discovers that he’s famous in the wizarding world for surviving an attack by the dark wizard Voldemort as a baby.

The middle films in the series are marked by the return of Lord Voldemort, the series’ primary antagonist, who aims to conquer the wizarding world and subjugate non-magical people. Harry becomes more deeply involved in the fight against the Dark Arts and the stakes become higher. The threat from Voldemort and his followers, known as Death Eaters, grows as they infiltrate key institutions in the magical world, and Harry learns more about his connection to Voldemort.

The final films culminate in a desperate struggle against Voldemort and his forces. Harry, Ron and Hermione set out on a quest to find and destroy Voldemort’s Horcruxes, the objects containing pieces of his soul, which are the key to his immortality. The series reaches a dramatic climax in the Battle of Hogwarts, a deadly conflict involving students, teachers and various magical creatures. Key revelations come to light regarding Harry’s past, his connection to Voldemort, and the prophecy that binds them. The series concludes with a hard-fought victory, but not without significant personal losses.

Book your trip to where they shot Harry Potter here!

Where Did They Shoot Harry Potter?

Harry Potter is one of the most beloved movie franchises of all time and its filming locations have become a pilgrimage site for fans from all over the world. Here are some of the most famous Harry Potter filming locations that you can visit in the United Kingdom, Scotland and Wales.

United Kingdom

So, to answer the question where did they film Harry Potter, many of the filming locations are in London, which is easily accessible by public transport.

• King’s Cross Station: Platform 9 3/4, where Harry and his friends catch the Hogwarts Express, is located here. You can take a photo with the famous Platform 9 3/4 sign and even buy your own Hogwarts robe and wand at the Harry Potter Shop.
• Leadenhall Market: This beautiful Victorian market was the inspiration for Diagon Alley, the wizarding shopping street. You can see the blue door that was used as the entrance to the Leaky Cauldron in Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone.
• Australia House: This building was used as the interior of Gringotts Wizarding Bank in Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone.
• Leavesden: Tour the Warner Bros. Studio where much of the movie was shot. And while you are there, check out some filming locations for the Barbie movie as well.
• Oxford: The city of Oxford served as a backdrop for some of the most iconic scenes in the Harry Potter movies as well including the great hall located inside the Christ Church.

Check out these: 10 Things to do in Oxford

Scotland

Scotland is home to some of the most iconic Harry Potter filming locations, including Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.

• Glenfinnan Viaduct: This railway bridge is featured in Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets when the Hogwarts Express crosses it. You can take a scenic train ride on the Jacobite Steam Train, which crosses the viaduct.
• Alnwick Castle: This castle was used as the exterior Hogwarts castle filming location in the first two Harry Potter movies. You can take a tour of the castle and see the locations where Harry and his friends learned to fly broomsticks and played Quidditch.
• Edinburgh: J.K. Rowling wrote the first Harry Potter book in Edinburgh, and the city has several locations that inspired the series. You can visit The Elephant House café, where Rowling wrote the book, and Greyfriars Kirkyard, which inspired the names of several Harry Potter characters.

Wales

Wales has several Harry Potter filming locations, including a castle that was used as the location for the Triwizard Tournament.

• Caerphilly Castle: This castle was used as the location for the exterior of Hogwarts in Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone. You can take a tour of the castle and see the locations where Harry and his friends learned to fly broomsticks and played Quidditch.
• Freshwater West: This beach was the location for the scenes where Dobby the house elf is buried in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1.
• Swallow Falls: These waterfalls were used as the location for the Triwizard Tournament in Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire. You can take a scenic walk to the falls and see the location where Harry and his friends battled dragons and mermaids.

Are you in Los Angeles? Then you might want to check out the Harry Potter world at Universal Studios – it’s pretty awesome and the butter beer is delicious – trust me!

How Can I get There?

As above, the movies was shot in various locations around the United Kingdom. The United Kingdom is a popular tourist destination and has excellent transport links to all major cities and towns.

Traveling to England

And as most of the Harry Potter filming locations are located in England, it is probably best to fly into London’s Heathrow Airport. From there, you can take a train or bus to the filming locations. Alternatively, you can rent a car and drive there yourself.

Traveling to Scotland

Some of the Harry Potter filming locations are located in Scotland, including the Glenfinnan Viaduct and the Hogwarts Express train. The best way to get to Scotland is to fly into Edinburgh or Glasgow. From there, you can take a train or bus to the filming locations. Alternatively, you can rent a car and drive to the locations.

Traveling to Wales

Wales is home to some of the Harry Potter filming locations, including the Brecon Beacons National Park and the Llandaff Cathedral. The best way to get to Wales is to fly into Cardiff or Bristol. From there, you can take a train or bus to the filming locations or again, rent a car and drive.

When traveling to the Harry Potter filming locations, it is important to plan ahead and book accommodation in advance. Many of the locations are in rural areas, so it is best to stay nearby to avoid long journeys. It is also important to check the opening times of the locations too as some may be closed on certain days or during certain seasons.

Book your trip to where they shot Harry Potter here!

Tour Packages

Due to the popularity of the films, there are many tour packages available that can take you to some of the most iconic locations from the movies. Here are some of the options available:

UK Tour Packages

There are many tour packages available that focus on the filming locations in London and other parts of the UK. Some of the most popular options include:

• Harry Potter London Walk: This walking tour takes you to some of the most famous locations in London, including Platform 9 3/4 at King’s Cross Station and the entrance to the Leaky Cauldron in Leadenhall Market.
• Harry Potter Studio Tour: This tour takes you behind the scenes at the Warner Bros. Studio in Leavesden, where many of the movies were filmed. You can see the sets, costumes and props from the films up close.
• Harry Potter Bus Tour: This tour takes you to some of the most iconic locations in London, including the Ministry of Magic and the entrance to Diagon Alley.

Scotland Tour Packages

Many of the outdoor scenes in the Harry Potter movies were filmed in Scotland. If you’re a fan of the movies, visiting these locations can be a great way to immerse yourself in the world of Harry Potter. Some of the most popular tour packages include:

• Edinburgh Footsteps of JK Rowling Tour: This walking tour takes you to some of the locations that inspired JK Rowling when she was writing the books, as well as some of the filming locations in Edinburgh.
• Harry Potter and the Highlands Tour: This tour takes you to some of the most beautiful locations in Scotland, including the Glenfinnan Viaduct (which was used as the location for the Hogwarts Express) and the village of Glencoe (which was used as the location for Hagrid’s hut).
• Harry Potter Private Tour: If you want a more personalized experience, you can book a private tour that can be customized to your interests. You can visit the locations that are most important to you and spend as much time as you like at each one.

Wales Tour Packages

Wales is home to some of the most stunning locations from the Harry Potter movies. If you’re a fan of the movies, visiting these locations can be a great way to experience the magic of the wizarding world. Some of the most popular tour packages include:

• Harry Potter and the Welsh Valleys Tour: This tour takes you to some of the most beautiful locations in Wales, including the Brecon Beacons (which were used as the location for the Quidditch World Cup) and the town of Caerphilly (which was used as the location for Hogwarts).
• Harry Potter and the Pembrokeshire Coast Tour: This tour takes you to some of the most stunning locations on the Welsh coast, including Freshwater West Beach (which was used as the location for Shell Cottage) and St. Govan’s Chapel (which was used as the location for the cave where Harry and Dumbledore search for a Horcrux).

Tips for Visiting Harry Potter Locations

When planning a trip to the Harry Potter filming locations, there are a few tips to keep in mind to make the most of the experience.

• Firstly, it is important to do your research and plan ahead. Some locations, such as the Warner Bros. Studio Tour in London, require advance booking. It is also a good idea to check opening hours and any special events or closures before you go.
• Secondly, dress appropriately for the weather and wear comfortable shoes. Some locations, such as Alnwick Castle, have outdoor areas that may require walking on uneven surfaces.
• Thirdly, consider purchasing a guidebook or taking a guided tour to get the most out of your visit. These resources can provide insider information and help you navigate the various filming locations.
• Fourthly, be respectful of the locations and follow any rules or guidelines. Some areas may be off-limits or require special permission to access.
• Finally, don’t forget to bring your camera to capture all the magical moments. However, be mindful of any photography restrictions and be respectful of other visitors.

FAQs

Conclusion

In conclusion, the filming location for Harry Potter was primarily set in England, Scotland and Wales in the U.K. and well worth a visit no matter your interest in the films. And as usual, let me know of your experiences here and what you loved about these areas.

Also, please do not hesitate to comment below if you have any questions, concerns, or corrections or would like me to check anything else out for you.

Until next time.

Have fun

Paul

More United Kingdom Filming Locations

• Where did they shoot The Batman?
• Where did they shoot Barbie?