For Harry Potter fans, England is more than just a beautiful country with a rich history. It’s a treasure trove of real-life locations that inspired the Harry Potter books and the filming locations that brought the wizarding world to life on screen.
As a huge Harry Potter fan, I’ve been obsessed with England since I was a kid. I used to plan my travel to the U.K. in my head, almost solely based on locations from the books. When I finally visited in college, I looked around at the history and culture of the country but was secretly only looking for locations I had seen in the films or places that looked like what I’d imagined when reading.
And now, after having visited countless times and traveling around the country by train, bus, and car, I thought I’d share all of the amazing places I’ve found. With Platform 9 ¾ in London, cathedrals and abbeys that stood in for Hogwarts, and all of the amazing shops, stores, and experiences, there are so many must-see Harry Potter locations in England.
But don’t forget, Harry Potter was also filmed in Scotland. So if you wanted to see the arched Glenfinnan Viaduct (home to the Jacobite Steam Train aka the Hogwarts Express), and beautiful and majestic exterior locations around Hogwarts, see my post on Harry Potter Locations in Scotland. Or, for the best Harry Potter shops, cafes, and experiences in Edinburgh, see my post on Harry Potter locations in Edinburgh. Or see all of my Harry Potter guides.
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Harry Potter Filming Locations in England
Before I go into some of the amazing Harry Potter places in England (like the Warner Bros Studio Tour), I wanted to answer the most asked question: where was Harry Potter filmed? So without going on any more, let’s get into Harry Potter shooting locations in England.
Leavesdon Studios (Warner Bros Studio Tour)
As seen in: All 8 films
If you know anything about the Harry Potter films, you know that much of the filming was done at Leavesdon Studios just north of London. Countless sets were created at Leavesdon to bring the films to life like the Great Hall, the Dursley House, Diagon Alley, and the Ministry of Magic, among others.
Leavesdon Studios was also the home for all props, costumes, and stunt coordinators during filming, making it the actual HQ for the filming of Harry Potter.
Today, you can visit Leavesdon Studios for the Warner Bros Studio Tour: The Making of Harry Potter. The tour evolves and expands regularly. Sets, props, and costumes are being expanded, swapped with other collections around the world (like the Studio Tour in Hollywood or Tokyo), or brought out of storage.
A few must-visit items are the sets for The Great Hall, Diagon Alley, Platform 9 ¾ (with the Hogwarts Express), Gringotts Wizarding Bank, Dumbledor’s Office, and The Forbidden Forest. You can also see countless props and costumes up close like all of the characters wands, clothes, and the magical creatures. Some of my favorites include Dobby, The Knight Bus, and the miniature replica of Hogwarts Castle.
Another great thing the tour does is have seasonal themes to create even more magic and display their collection in a slightly different light. Some themes return each year to give you a dose of your favorite Harry Potter moments, while others are brand new to experience.
Prices start at £51.50 (adult), Kids 5-15 are £40, and Kids 4 and under are free. There are also family packages available at a slight discount.
See tickets on Viator or GetYourGuide.
Address: Studio Tour Dr, Leavesden, Watford WD25 7LR
Alnwick Castle
As seen in: The Sorcerer’s Stone, The Chamber of Secrets
Alnwick Castle is one of the UK’s largest inhabited castles. It featured heavily in the early Harry Potter movies and regularly hosts events in connection with the series, making it one of the most popular Harry Potter places to visit in England.
Mainly, Alnwick Castle was used for outside shots like the student’s first quidditch lesson in The Sorcerer’s Stone when Neville breaks his arm and Harry catches the Remembrall after Malfoy stole it, when Hagrid drags the giant Christmas trees into the Castle, and when the trio head to Hagrid’s hut. The exterior is also used in various scenes in The Chamber of Secrets, most notably when Harry and Ron run into the Whomping Willow in Mr. Weasley’s car.
Getting to Alnwick is an easy 2-hour drive on the A1 from Edinburgh or 45 minutes from Newcastle upon Tyne. Or, you can try a day tour from Edinburgh or Newcastle so you don’t have to deal with the motorways or trains and busses.
Parking is £3, and tickets inside are £18.50 for adults and £9.74 for kids.
Address: Alnwick NE66 1NQ
Durham Cathedral
As seen in: The Sorcerer’s Stone, The Chamber of Secrets
For the first two Harry Potter films, Durham Cathedra,l south of Newcastle upon Tyne, served as a Hogwarts filming location for a few memorable scenes. The first location you’ll recognize is The Cloister. These covered walkways were used to film many of the scenes as the trio (and other students) walks between classes in both films.
The Cloister Garth is the square of grass in the middle of the Cloister. This was the location in the Sorcerer’s Stone when Harry walks with Hedwig in the snow and watches her fly away. In the Chamber of Secrets this is where the Gryffindors confront the Slytherin quidditch team, learning about their new Nimbus 2001 brooms, and Ron tries to curse Malfoy only to have it backfire.
The Chapter House was also used as Professor McGonagall’s Transfiguration classroom in the first two films.
Movie lovers may also recognize a few locations in Durham Cathedral as Asgard in Avengers: Endgame when Loki and Thor go back in time.
Open Sunday 12PM to 4PM (the cafe, museum, and shop at 11AM).
There is no entry fee but a £5 donation per person is encouraged.
To make the most of your trip, try this Harry Potter Yorkshire Day trip to get to Durham and Goathland Station.
Address: Durham DH1 3EH, United Kingdom
Goathland Train Station
As seen in: The Sorcerer’s Stone, The Chamber of Secrets, The Prisoner of Azkaban
Goathland Train Station in North Yorkshire gained fame as Hogsmeade Station in the first three Harry Potter movies. The station served as the backdrop for memorable scenes like when Harry leaves Hogwarts for the first time, saying he’s “not going home, not really.” Visitors flock to experience the magic firsthand, stepping into the world of Hogwarts as they stroll along the platforms where Harry and his friends embarked on their adventures.
For an immersive experience, consider taking a ride on the historic North Yorkshire Moors Railway, which operates from the station. While it’s not exactly the Hogwarts Express, it’s a great alternative for true Harry Potter fans.
If you’re in York, I recommended this day tour to see the North Moors and Whitby that includes a stop at “Hogsmeade Station.”
Address: Goathland, Whitby YO22 5NF
Malham Cove, Skipton
As seen in: The Deathly Hallows part 1
Malham Cove in Skipton is the setting for one of the iconic camping spots where Harry and Hermione spent time while on the hunt for horcruxes. You’ll recognize it in the scene where Harry figures out how to open the Golden Snitch and Hermione shows Harry the symbol for the Deathly Hallows in The Tales of Beedle the Bard as they sit on the Limestone Pavement at the top of Malham Cove.
Malham Cove is a large curve limestone formation, formed by a waterfall carrying meltwater from glaciers more than 12,000 years ago. Today you can rock climb or head up to the limestone pavement for a view of Malham Village, Cawden, and Kirkby Malham.
The easiest way to visit Malham Cove would be to drive or take a tour as the nearest train station is about 45 minutes away, and it’s over a mile from the closest bus station, possibly making for a long trip.
One of these tours may be a great option if a car isn’t for you.
Address: Malham, Skipton BD23 4DJ
Queensway Tunnel, Liverpool
As seen in: The Deathly Hallows part 1
The Queensway Tunnel in Liverpool was used for one of the first exciting scenes in The Deathly Hallows. During the Battle of the Seven Potters, when Harry and Hagrid are riding the flying motorbike and the Death Eaters chase them into a tunnel where they drive on the walls and ceiling. Also called the Birkenhead Tunnel, filming apparently took place at off-peak hours under the guise of regular scheduled maintenance.
If you have your own vehicle, you can experience the tunnel simply by driving through. Otherwise, you’ll need to catch a taxi or uber. Hopefully no cars have to drive on the ceiling.
Liverpool was also used for filming Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them, Creed, Captain America: The First Avenger, The Batman, and Peaky Blinders.
Address: Queensway Tunnel, Liverpool
Hardwick Hall
As seen in: The Deathly Hallows part 1
The Elizabethan country house Hardwick Hall, located between Sheffield and Notthingham, was used for the majority of the exterior shots for Malfoy Manor in the opening sequences of The Deathly Hallows part 1. At first glance, the real Hardwick Hall doesn’t look much like Malfoy Manor. CGI was used for the towers and the hedgerows along the path to the front of the house.
While production only filmed the exterior of the house, many locations inside were used as inspiration for the interior of Malfoy Manor. If you visit Hardwick Hall, you’ll recognize the entrance hall looks similar to the scene where Voldemort and his followers sit around a long table discussing Harry while Charity Burbage hangs in the air above them.
If you want to visit this Harry Potter shooting location, the exterior is open from 9:30AM to 4:30PM while the interior is open from 11AM to 3PM.
£19 for adult, £9.50 for child, kids under 5 are free.
Address: Hardwick Old Hall, Hardwick Gardens, Doe Lea, Chesterfield S44 5QJ
De Vere House, Lavenham
As seen in: The Deathly Hallows part 1
The De Vere House in Lavenham is maybe not one of top Harry Potter film locations most people think of compared to Alnwick or King’s Cross, but it’s definitely one of my favorite. De Vere House is where they filmed Harry Potter’s childhood home. Called “The Harry Potter House” by locals and the media, this timber-framed house that seems the epitome of a wizard dwelling.
The amazing thing about De Vere House is that it’s actually a Bed and Breakfast. You can stay in Harry Potter’s House in the 2 double bedrooms with en suite facilities available for guests.
Lavenham itself can also be recognized as Godric’s Hollow from when Harry and Hermione walk in the snow on Christmas. It’s important to note that none of the cast actually traveled to Lavenham. Apparently, they filmed the actor’s separately in a studio and stitched the footage together.
Even if you don’t want to stay at the De Vere House you can take photos outside (supposedly it’s the second most photographed doorstep in the UK after 10 Downing Street), and wander around this quaint town to see Lavenham Guidehall and The Swan at Lavenham, which are both recognizable from the movie.
Address: 72 Water St, Lavenham, Sudbury CO10 9RW
Blenheim Palace
As seen in: The Order of the Phoenix
Blenheim Palace is a 17th-century stately home about a half hour north of Oxford. This World Heritage site is known as the birthplace and the home to the 12th Duke and Duchess of Marlborough, but for Harry Potter fans, it’s known as one of the Harry Potter film locations.
Technically, Blenheim Palace itself isn’t in any of the movies, but a tree, commonly called The Blenheim Harry Potter Tree, can be seen in one of Snape’s flashbacks during Harry’s Occlumency lessons.
In the scene, a young Snape is at Hogwarts being tormented by Harry’s dad, James, while Snape’s childhood love (and Harry’s mom) Lily watches.
You can visit Blenheim Palace to see a beautiful and historic home for around £30. But, if you just want to see the Harry Potter Tree and don’t mind walking, you can enter Blenheim Park for free and walk from either Woodstock or Combe and walk to the tree’s exact location.
Address: Woodstock OX20 1PS
