10 Magical Harry Potter Filming Locations You Can Visit

1. Glenfinnan Viaduct, Glenfinnan, Scotland

The start of the magical journey to Hogwarts, the Glenfinnan Viaduct was used as part of the railway journey during the Chamber of Secrets and Prisoner of Azkaban. With the viaduct towering 100 feet (30 meters) above Loch Shiel, fans can board the Jacobite steam train from Glenfinnan Station to Fort William and Mallaig and get breathtaking views of the Scottish Highlands along the way. An adult single ticket starts at 37 USD (30 GBP) with return tickets for 44 USD (35 GBP). Guests also have the option to travel 1st class, with single tickets starting at 68 USD (54 GBP) and return tickets for 74 USD (59 GBP).

Glenfinnan Viaduct/Jacobite Steam Train

Address: A830 Rd, Glenfinnan PH37 4, UK

Website: Glenfinnan Viaduct/Jacobite Steam Train

2. Durham Cathedral, Durham, England

Fans will easily recognize this 1,000-year-old building for its courtyard and Cloister prominently used during the first two films. This towering Gothic structure with intricately carved stoned and multi-colored stained glass is a sight to behold for fans and non-fans alike. For 6.33 USD (5 GBP), guests can learn about the history of the site on a 1 hour guided tour. The Open Treasure exhibition gives guests an inside look on several areas of the cathedral, such as the Monks’ Dormitory, the Great Kitchen, and several artifacts which were previously closed-off to the public. Guests can also purchase a souvenir from the Cathedral Shop or grab a bite to eat at The Undercroft Restaurant, which also serves afternoon tea. Admission is free, however, donations are welcome. Tickets for the Open Treasure exhibition are 9.50 USD (7.50 GBP).

Durham Cathedral

Address: The Cathedral Office, The College, Durham DH1 3EH, UK

Website: Durham Cathedral

3. Duke Humfrey’s Library, Oxford University, England

One of the oldest libraries in Europe, Duke Humfrey’s Library, a part of the Bodleian Library, is located in Oxford University. Serving as a backdrop for the Hogwarts Library, fans can explore the aisles framed by towering bookcases on a self-guided audio tour or on the guided Mini, Standard, and Extended tours, which also include a visit to the Divinity School, Convocation House, and the Chancellor’s Court depending on the tour.

If you are looking to take home a gift, there are two shops within the Bodleian and the Weston libraries which sell uniquely designed souvenirs modeled after the library’s collection and plenty of award-winning titles published by Bodleian Library Publishing. Guests can experience guided tours starting at 7.60 USD (6 GBP). Audio tours start at 3.17 USD (2.50 GBP).

Duke Humfrey's Library

Address: Bodleian Library Broad Street, Oxford OX1 3BG, UK

Website: Duke Humfrey’s Library

4. Divinity School, Oxford University, England

Sharing a space with the Bodleian Library, the Divinity School is oldest teaching room at the university. The location was prominently used throughout the films as the Hogwarts Infirmary. Through either the audio or guided tours, guests can marvel at the meticulously designed 15th-century ceiling and elegant stained glass windows while learning about the history of the space. After the tour, guests can enjoy a meal at the Bodleian Cafe, which offers a selection of sandwiches, salads, pastries, coffee, and tea. Admission is 1.27 USD (1 GBP), however, this site is included on most tours of the Bodleian Library, which range from 3.17 USD (2.50 GBP) to 17.73 USD (14 GBP).

Divinity School

Address: Bodleian Library, Broad Street, Oxford OX1 3BG, UK

Website: Divinity School

5. King’s Cross Station - London

Probably the most recognizable location from the films, King’s Cross Station has become a popular destination due to the famous Platform 9 ¾. Guests can get a professional photo taken with the replica trolley from the films at the west side of the station and shop for a variety of Harry Potter merchandise at the adjacent gift shop. Don’t want to wait in line? A VIP Photo Pass can also be purchased for 25 USD (20 GBP), which includes a Platform 9 ¾ lanyard, professional photograph, and a spot at the front of the line. The trolley is also available all day for guests to take their own pictures.

King's Cross Station

Address: The Harry Potter Shop at Platform 9 ¾, Kings Cross Station, London, UK

Website: King’s Cross Station

6. Christ Church College, Oxford University, England

Plenty of notable scenes were filmed at Christ Church College at Oxford. The most prominent location, the Hall, served as the inspiration for the Great Hall at Hogwarts and features portraits of previous members of the college, including several monarchs and its founder Henry VIII. The grand staircase leading to the Hall was also featured in both The Sorcerer’s Stone and The Chamber of Secrets. Dating back to the 16th-century, Christ Church has deep connections to history which can be felt throughout its many halls.

Along with being the alma mater of 13 prime ministers, the site was briefly home to Charles I and was also where Lewis Carroll wrote Alice in Wonderland while teaching mathematics at the college. Tickets start the 8.87 USD (7 GBP). Guests can also book a guided tour for 16 USD (13 GBP) which details the history behind several areas throughout the college and features locations prominent in Harry Potter and Alice in Wonderland.

Christ Church College

Address: Christ Church, St. Aldates, Oxford, OX1 1DP, UK

Website: Christ Church College

7. The Millennium Bridge, London, England

Located in the heart of London between St. Paul’s Cathedral and Shakespeare’s Globe, The Millennium Bridge served as backdrop for the opening Death Eater scene in The Half-Blood Prince. The first dedicated pedestrian footbridge in the city, the bridge connects guests to plenty of notable sights in the City of London.

The Millennium Bridge

Address: Thames Embankment, London SE1 9JE, UK

Website: The Millennium Bridge

8. Gloucester Cathedral, Gloucester, England

Famous to Harry Potter fans for serving as the intricately designed halls of Hogwarts, this impressive Cloister was created as a housing area for the monks who used to reside in the abbey. Some notable scenes it was used for include the entrance to the Gryffindor Common Room and the corridor where the chilling, blood-scrawled message was found in the Chamber of Secrets. Other notable highlights include Edward II’s tomb, and the Whispering and Tribune galleries, which provide great views of the 72-foot (22 meter) tall Great East Window. Admission is free, however, donations are welcome.

Gloucester Cathedral

Address: 12 College Green, Gloucester, GL1 2LX, UK

Website: Gloucester Cathedral

9. Freshwater West, Pembrokeshire, Wales

This popular surfing beach was home to the Shell House in The Deathly Hallows. Freshwater West also served as the final resting place for Dobby the house elf. Although all set pieces have since been removed, this scenic beach is still frequently visited by Potter fans. Parking is free and visitors can grab local seafood from the food truck Cafe Mor, famous for their seaweed brownies.

Freshwater West

Address: Along the B4319 road, Pembrokeshire, Wales

Website: Freshwater West

10. Alnwick Castle, Alnwick, England

Featured as the iconic Hogwarts Castle, the historic Alnwick Castle was used for exterior shots during the films, the most notable being the flying lesson scene in The Sorcerer’s Stone. Guests can also test their flying skills in a Broomstick Training session led by actors in costume. Along with Harry Potter events, the castle also hosts plenty of other medieval-themed activities, as well as movie nights and concerts. Tickets start at 17.67 USD (13.95 GBP) online and 19.63 USD (15.50 GBP) at the gate.

Alnwick Castle

Address: Alnwick NE66 1NQ, UK

Website: Alnwick Castle

Experience the Harry Potter magic at these must-see locations

With plenty of filming locations to choose from, fans can experience a piece of the Harry Potter films themselves on a trip to the UK this travel season.