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train going over the Glenfinnan Viaduct bridge

Harry Potter Locations - Where Was it Filmed?

For fans of the Wizarding World, there’s nothing quite like stepping into the real-life locations that brought the magic of Harry Potter to the big screen. From enchanted castles to mysterious alleyways, the UK and Ireland are filled with filming spots that transport you straight into J.K. Rowling’s magical world. 

If you’re ready to discover the magic for yourself, grab your wands and brooms to explore the best Harry Potter filming locations. And who knows what secrets await around every corner...

Was Harry Potter All Filmed in a Studio?

While a lot of the scenes seen in the Harry Potter franchise were filmed in the studio, many will be pleased to hear you can actually take a film location tour to visit a number of the real-life locations for yourself. Not restricted to one area of the UK, fans of the films can see the likes of Hogwarts Castle at Alnwick Castle, or the Hogwarts Express riding across the Glenfinnan Viaduct. Where will you take flight to first? 

lacock abbey arches

5 Filming Locations to Visit for Harry Potter Fans

Ready to Follow the Magic? The UK and Ireland are filled with enchanting Harry Potter filming locations, and there’s no better way than small-group tour. Whether you’re riding the Hogwarts Express route in Scotland, exploring Hogwarts’ halls in England, or standing above of a Horcrux cave in Ireland, these locations will bring the magic to life. Let’s see Britain on screen and take a look at our top 5 filming locations for Harry Potter. 

1. Alnwick Castle – The Real-Life Hogwarts (England)

  • Why visit? It’s a stunning historic castle that brings Hogwarts to life with engaging activities and beautiful surroundings. 

One of the most iconic filming locations, Alnwick Castle served as the inspiration and part structure of Hogwarts in Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone and Chamber of Secrets. It’s here that Harry and his classmates had their first flying lessons, and you can even try your hand at broomstick training on the very same grounds. So hands up who’s ready to take flight? And who knows, maybe you’ll make the team for the next season of quidditch. 

2. Glenfinnan Viaduct – The Hogwarts Express Journey (Scotland)

  • Why visit? The scenery is simply magical, and seeing the train in motion feels like stepping into the films. 

Perhaps the most famous Harry Potter filming location, the Glenfinnan Viaduct is where the Hogwarts Express crosses the stunning Scottish Highlands. Featured in multiple films, this breathtaking railway bridge is best experienced by watching the Jacobite Steam Train chug across its 21 arches. With your acceptance letter in hand (aka, your booking confirmation…) make your way to the Glenfinnan Viaduct to catch your glimpse. For those who have more time, look to book a seat on the locomotive and experience the full route which takes around 2 hours to complete.  

3. Lacock Abbey – Hogwarts Classrooms (England)

  • Why visit? The atmospheric medieval architecture makes it feel like a real-life Hogwarts. 

Lacock Abbey, a beautiful historic site in Wiltshire, was used for multiple Hogwarts interior scenes. Its covered walkway, rolling arches and grand halls appeared as the backdrops within Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone and Chamber of Secrets, including Professor Snape’s potions class. Walk the halls for yourself and see if you can recreate your favourite scenes, bonus points for any props you bring. 

edinburgh colourful streets

4. Glencoe – The Home of Hagrid’s Hut (Scotland)

  • Why visit? The wild, untamed beauty of Glencoe makes you feel like you’ve truly stepped into the Wizarding World. 

The rugged landscape of Glencoe, in the Scottish Highlands, was used in Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban as the setting for Hagrid’s Hut and the surrounding Hogwarts grounds. The area’s dramatic mountains gazing down at you and rolling hills that get lost in the distance, make it one of the most scenic Harry Potter locations in all of Scotland, and one you’ll want to come back to time and time again. 

5. The Cliffs of Moher – The Horcrux Cave (Ireland) 

  • Why visit? It’s one of Ireland’s most awe-inspiring natural wonders, and its connection to the films makes it even more special. 

These towering cliffs on Ireland’s west coast were featured in Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince as the dramatic location of the Horcrux cave, where Harry and Dumbledore seek out the next item cloaked as a Horcrux. Standing atop of the Cliffs of Moher and looking out over the Atlantic, you’ll understand why this otherworldly location was chosen for such a pivotal scene.   

Why Is Edinburgh Famous for Harry Potter? 

While writing what we now know as Harry Potter, JK Rowling was living in Edinburgh, so took a lot of inspiration from the city’s landmarks and features. Some are more obvious to spot than others, but how many can you find on your next tour from Edinburgh? Maybe you knew about Victoria Street, and its inspiration for Diagon Alley, but did you know The Balmoral Hotel has a suite dedicated to JK Rowling? The author used room 552 to create the final book of the series, after her rise to fame and needing somewhere secluded to get those creative juices flowing. It’s also been said Rowling took inspiration for character names from Greyfriars's cemetery, namely Tom Riddle. See if you can spot the grave yourself on your next visit. Discover more Harry Potter sites in Edinburgh with the help of our guide. 

Allow Us to Do the Planning For You 

Not only are we an award-winning, small-group tour operator, but we like to take you beyond the ordinary and open your eyes to the lesser well-known spots. Think secrets hidden within the depths of ancient caves, or newfound beauty spots for your next Instagram post, all the while having our driver-guides tell the stories only the locals know. Looking to make your trip that much more unique? Contact our private tours team who go above and beyond to provide the perfect tour of your chosen destination.  

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