20 Must-Visit Travel Destinations for Harry Potter Fans

Real-life Harry Potter filming locations

Even though the Harry Potter series has ended, its magical world still captivates fans. The films continue to make many destinations and theme parks highly attractive to visitors.

Alnwick Castle – London

The first place where Harry Potter learned to fly a broomstick

Built in the 11th century, Alnwick Castle is where Harry first learns to fly a broomstick. This appears in the film “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone.” It is also where Harry learns the rules of Quidditch.

The Elephant House in Scotland

A Harry Potter shop to buy school supplies and wands

At The Elephant House in Scotland, you can enjoy coffee and a book in a peaceful setting. J.K. Rowling spent much time here writing Harry Potter. It became one of the world’s most famous book series.

Leadenhall Market in London

Diagon Alley looks quite different from the film version. The director created it with a mysterious and magical style.

Leadenhall Market in London is the real-life Diagon Alley in Harry Potter. The Leaky Cauldron in “Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire” was also filmed here.

The Jacobite in Scotland

The first train where Harry Potter met his two best friends

The Jacobite in Scotland recalls the famous Hogwarts Express. From April to October, it runs from Fort William to Mallaig. The journey passes through many stunning landscapes.

The North–South Railway ranks among the world’s top train travel experiences.

Black Park in Buckinghamshire

The location where many forest battles occurred in Harry Potter

It was used for the Forbidden Forest scenes. Hagrid shows Harry dragons here in “Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire.”

Georgian House Hotel in London

Georgian House Hotel in London offers Harry Potter-themed rooms. The decor includes spell books, potions, cauldrons, trunks, and castle-style details. The hotel also provides a walking tour to London filming locations from the films.

The Wizarding World

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter parks in Los Angeles, Florida, and Osaka attract many visitors. Guests can revisit childhood memories and explore Hogsmeade and Hogwarts. They can ride the Hogwarts Express and visit shops and restaurants in the magical world.

The place where the wizarding world meets the human world

Platform 9¾ is a must-visit for any Harry Potter fan. It is located at King’s Cross Station in London. There is a photo spot with the famous trolley and souvenir shops.

Bodleian Library at Oxford University

Bodleian Library at Oxford University appears in Hogwarts library and infirmary scenes. Visitors must book in advance to join a guided tour of the library.

Christ Church at Oxford University

The dining hall of the wizarding houses

Christ Church at Oxford University inspired Hogwarts’ Great Hall in the films. You can also see the stairs where Professor McGonagall first meets Harry, Hermione, and Ron.

Harrow School in London

Harrow School in London filmed Professor Flitwick’s Charms class. Hermione, played by Emma Watson, learned to levitate a feather. This scene appears in “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone.”

Harry Potter: The Exhibition

“Harry Potter: The Exhibition” is a traveling show around the world. Visitors can see thousands of items, including costumes, props, creatures, and Hogwarts rooms. Check the website to find its current location. The latest stop will be Philadelphia, USA, in early 2022.

London Zoo

The first time Harry Potter discovered he could speak with snakes

London Zoo is one of the oldest zoos in the world. Visit the Reptile House, where a Burmese python spoke to Harry. This appears in “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone.”

4 Privet Drive in Little Whinging, Surrey

The unfair life Harry Potter had with his uncle

Fans cannot miss 4 Privet Drive in Little Whinging, Surrey. This is where Harry lived during his childhood. The house appears in early scenes with Harry and the Dursleys in “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone.”

Goathland Station in England

Goathland Station in England became a popular tourist spot. Filmmakers transformed it into Hogsmeade station in Harry Potter. It is the final stop where students disembark to start a new Hogwarts year.

Balmoral Hotel, J.K

In Room 552 at Balmoral Hotel, J.K. Rowling finished the final Harry Potter book. The room is now called the “JK Rowling Suite” and costs £2,500 per night. It includes a tour and Harry Potter-themed cocktails.

Glencoe Valley in Scotland

The valley where many fierce battles took place

Glencoe Valley in Scotland hosted many outdoor scenes in “Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban.” It was the location for Hagrid’s hut. Other films like “Highlander,” “Monty Python,” and “Rob Roy” also used this valley.

Seven Sisters Country Park in East Sussex

Seven Sisters Country Park in East Sussex is a famous scenic spot. It was used in “Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire.” Harry and the Weasley family watched the Quidditch World Cup there.

Loch Shiel in Scotland

Loch Shiel in Scotland was used for Hogwarts lake scenes. The most memorable scene shows Harry flying on Buckbeak around the school. This appears in “Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban.”

Steall Waterfall in Scotland

Steall Waterfall in Scotland is a stunning natural site. It was used in “Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire.” Harry faces the Hungarian Horntail dragon here during the Triwizard Tournament.