When I mentioned that we were going to London to my then-tween, her eyes lit up as she asked if we could visit all of the Harry Potter filming locations in London and around the rest of the UK. Her first pick was Alnwick Castle, or Hogwarts as she called it.
What’s a family adventure without a challenge? But this was one we rose to enthusiastically. After all, we had all read the books and seen the movies. And some of those locations are quite stunning.
As it turned out, while many of the Harry Potter filming locations in London are still existing venues, many more are actually studio sets. The good news is that Warner Bros also rose to the challenge. They created a designated studio tour opportunity that we loved.
We had plenty of time. We allocated six weeks in the UK and left the schedule open for an extended visit. Armed with a map (that turned out to have more errors than accuracies), we were ready to set out and hunt for the Harry Potter attractions in London and beyond.
Who is Harry Potter?
If you are asking this question, I have to wonder where you have been since 1997. Simply stop reading this page right now and instead watch at least the first of the Harry Potter complete collection. Or, even better, read the books, starting with the first one: Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone.
In contrast, fans, read on …
Harry Potter filming locations in London, England and Scotland
There are plenty of Harry Potter filming locations around London and even more outside the city. We tried to visit them all.
However, if asked to shorten the list to the three top Harry Potter filming locations in the UK, I would pick:
- Warner Bros Harry Poter Studio Tour (to get behind the scenes and see the sets),
- Glenfinnan Viaduct as the Hogwart’s Expresses passed over,
- Alnwick Castle (Hogwarts)
Warner Bros Harry Potter Studio tour
For die-hard fans, the studio is the end-all, the best of the Harry Potter filming location in London.
A mystical place full of hands-on and photo opportunities, it features three main areas – inside props, outside props, and special effects.
Perhaps it’s a hidden snitch (we found six), a chance for a selfie while donning one of the Hogwarts robes, or an opportunity to sit in the flying car; whatever attracts you, you can’t help but notice the magic.
For me, it was a chance to walk down Diagon Alley. While it was filmed in London in the first movie, the set above was used from the second film onwards. If you look towards the far end of Diagon Alley in the image, you can see Weasley’s Wizard Wheezes.
So many other studio sets are here too. Some we could walk through, like the dining room, others like the potions classroom, the boy’s dormitory, the headmaster’s office, and Hagrid’s hut, we could only view.
Possibly the most exciting part of the experience was being able to see the Hogwarts castle model (Alnwick Castle was also used). It fills a large room with viewing platforms all the way around it.
Where is the studio?
The studio is located just outside London and has plenty of car parking. However, if you don’t have a car in London, the best way to get there is by tour. Two of the most popular options are either one offering bus transit from London and self-guided viewing or a fully guided tour that includes train transport.
We have also toured the Warner Bros Studio in Los Angeles California, where the sorting hat now lives, and you can be sorted if you sit under it. Can you guess what it chose for me?
Hogwarts Express and the Glenfinnan Viaduct
If your kids are huge Harry Potter fans, don’t make the same mistake we did. Hogwarts Express travels through the Scottish Highlands in the summertime, and it books up well in advance.
The train runs from Fort Williams to the north and back, passing over one of the most memorable landscapes in the first movie, the Glenfinnan Viaduct.
We didn’t get a chance to ride the train as it was sold out the entire time we were in Scotland. However, we asked and were subsequently given directions to the train yard where our young fan could at least stand next to her train.
Pro Tip: Book early if you want to ride the Hogwarts Express as soon as you know your dates. We were there just outside of the high season, and it was booked over a month in advance. Reserve your Hogwarts Express tour from Edinburgh here.
Alnwick Castle – Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry
There are multiple Hogwarts. When looking at the entire structure in one overview, the model at the studio tour is used, there are various locations of the interior, but the courtyards (and many of the interior scenes) used Alnwick Castle.
It’s here that Harry and the others took broomstick flying lessons or had a Quidditch match.
And best of all, the castle tour options include the one we chose with a Harry Potter flair. As a result, we learned things like which castle rooms were used in which scenes and even some of the internal secrets.
In fact, our guide was in high school when they did some of the filming. Like her classmates and friends, she auditioned to be an extra. Unfortunately, she was not selected. And if you listen to her subtle bitterness, she might have you believe they selected every teenager except her.
The 11th-century Alnwick Castle sits on the east coast of England in Northumberland. This European fairytale castle has been the filming site for Harry Potter, Downton Abbey, Robin Hood Prince of Thieves (1991) and several other feature films and television shows.
Interestingly, the 150-room castle remains the current home and seat of the Duke of Northumberland, although the family steer clear of the public areas.
More Harry Potter filming locations in London and the rest of the UK
London Zoo Reptile House – Photo credit: Karen Roe (CC BY 2.0)
Film locations outside of London
- Oxford University, Oxford, England
There are four key film locations at Oxford University: Divinity School building doubled as Hogwarts hospital in the infirmary scene; Christ Church was used as Hogwarts Great Hall; The medieval library was initially used before it moved to Alnwick, and the New College cloisters were used in several scenes. - Cloister in Glouster Cathedral, Gloucester
This 1000-year-old cathedral doubles as the hallway a few times: when they were looking for Moaning Myrtle, when Harry and Ron hid from the trolls, and Nearly Headless Nick.
Harry Potter filming locations in London
- Kings Cross Station (Platform 9 3/4), London
Our first stop was Platform 9 3/4. It’s at the Kings Cross station in London. It’s easy to spot. Simply look for the sign on the wall or the long queue of people waiting for a turn to get onto the secret platform and take their photos. Pro Tip: Put something into the trolley (cart), and have your “student” simulate running for a more realistic image. The magic will do the rest. - St Pancras International, London
Connected to Kings Cross Station is the facade of St Pancras, the Weasley’s car takes flight in the second movie. - London Zoo, London
Who can forget when Harry first discovered he could talk to snakes while in the Reptile House at the London Zoo? - Millennium Bridge, London
Of course, we walked across the Millenium Bridge leading from Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre to St. Paul’s Cathedral. However, we found the better shot from the theatre side. You may know the Millenium Bridge as the Harry Potter Bridge. - Leadenhall Market (Diagon Alley), London
Home to the original Diagon Alley and the entrance to the Leaky Cauldron, this Victorian mall is a stunning masterpiece in its own right. - Australia House (Gringotts Wizarding Bank), London
The scenes filmed at the only bank in the Wizard’s world were actually shot in the lavish interior of Australia House on Strand in Central London.
Our adventure searching for the Leaky Caldron
One of our London adventures took us in search of the streets used around the Leaky Caldron.
It was marked by the two little martini glasses on a fairly useless map we had downloaded (I am not sharing it here, as it more often took us to the wrong spots than the correct ones.)
We thought we recognized one of the streets. As Sarah stopped to smile on a corner for a photo, a man approached her. It was obvious to us that he had tipped back a few, as he smelled like a pub, but he kept a safe distance.
He assured us we were close to the Leaky Caldron used in Harry Potter. In fact, according to him, we were just one building off…(he pointed at the building Sarah is standing in front of in the second shot.
He assured us that this boarded-up building was, in fact, used in the third movie. Do you remember it? We sure don’t.
(The actual Diagon Alley is located in the Warner Bros studio, although the entrance to the Leaky Cauldron pub, the gateway between the muggle world and Diagon Alley, is in Bull’s Head Passage in Leadenhall Market.)
See more of our adventures in London.
One final adventure in Edinburgh
Claiming to be the birthplace of Harry Potter (in a huge window display), The Elephant House is one of the places J.K. Rowling wrote the first book in the series of Harry Potter.
Of course, we couldn’t just walk by with a huge Harry Potter fan in the family. My daughter needed to sit in her seat, or at least in the one shaped like an elephant that she imagined J.K. Rowling used.
Sharon Odegaard
What an awesome castle! The gardens with those rounded borders looks so inviting. But how could you pass up broomstick flying?! Amazing!
eileen g
wow. it looks like a neat castle even without the Hollywood connections. i don’t recall it from Harry Potter specifically but it certainly has the right look and feel for those movies. my daughter would love it, especially the flying lessons.
Rhonda Albom
Only parts of it were used for Harry Potter, like the courtyard where the flying lessons were.
Therie
This is exactly every Harry Potter fan’s dream! It must have been a surreal experience strolling on the castle’s grounds. It’s also quite amusing to know that it’s actually a place of residence. Thank you for sharing your experience Rhonda! Worth the read!
Rhonda Albom
My girls would sure agree with you.
elisa
what a cool day trip, I am sure kids (and adults!) love it. i am not fan of Harry Potter (just saw a couple of films by chance) but I immediately recognized the site. overrun by tourists in a 150 rooms castle? cannot believe it . . .
Rhonda Albom
LOL – I think their complaint was more about the coming and going, not the being there.
Joan Torres
Haha, interesting place to visit, especially if you go wit your kids! I wonder how is it like to live in one castle like that! I sure that the Duke and Duchess of Northumberland have a second residence!
Rhonda Albom
I can’t imagine living in 150 rooms. I sure wouldn’t want to have to clean the place.
Michele {Malaysian Meanders}
Of course, you have to pick broomstick flying over looking at a garden! My kids would make the same choice. I can’t imagine living in a place like this — with or without tourists milling around. I suppose they have to sell tickets to pay for some of the upkeep.
Rhonda Albom
I think all parents will agree with our choice.
Laura Lynch
Pretty sure I’d be moving to the summer residence as well. Who would want all of those tourists trapsing through your house? I mean, it’s an incredibly castle and I’d love to see it too. They’re nice to share it with everyone. Love the broomstick photo.
Rhonda Albom
Agreed. I wonder if that is why the close the castle to tourists in the winter.
Van
I would love to visit ALL the locations of the Harry Potter movies, haha. That would probably take like a whole week or so but it would be so much fun!
Rhonda Albom
We hit quite a few of them.
Edith
The castle looks beautiful! I would seriously be so excited to visit and feel like I’m in a Harry Potter scene. How fun that you got to enjoy it!
Rhonda Albom
It is so beautiful, and filled with Harry Potter stories if you take the tour about it.
Vicki Louise
It’s such a gorgeous castle – its no wonder it’s been featured in so many films. I’d love to try learning to fly a broomstick – and whilst I’m sure the guided tour was informative, I can imagine a bitter tour guide added a little extra something to made the day more memorable!
Rhonda Albom
Yes, it is so true. We barely remember most of our guides, but she will not be forgotten.
Ahila
Beautiful photos! I am sure your daughters enjoyed the broomstick flying lessons 🙂
Rhonda Albom
I enjoyed them too 🙂
Emily
Gorgeous castle! It’s on my list to go to next time I’m up north. My little girl would love finding all the Harry Potter locations and riding the broomstick. (So would I!)
Rhonda Albom
I did it, so you can too.
tracy collins
Great post! I grew up (well the first 13 years of my life anyway) in Northumberland. I have yet to visit Alnwick Castle – we usually end up in Barter Books (the best second hand book shop in the entire world – check out the post on my site if you plan to ever visit Alnwick again!)
Rhonda Albom
It’s that the way it always is. We don’t visit the locals spots unless we have visitors.
Trekking with Becky
Although I’m not a Harry Potter fan, I LOVE castles! I can’t believe I didn’t recognize this from the movie, Elizabeth; I’ll have to watch it again just to find this castle. 😀
Rhonda Albom
I was surprised to see how many movies were filmed here.
RaW | Ramble and Wander
I’d love to visit this castle! It must be really huge with 150 rooms! Amazing (and amusing too!) to think that the family thinks there are too many tourists so much so they have to move to their summer residence whilst the castle is opened to the public… 🙂
Rhonda Albom
I can see where it would be pretty awful to have that many people on your property everyday, even if you had 150 rooms to yourself. Just the coming and going would be annoying.
Laura
Both, for sure! I have a new interest in British history, but of course Harry Potter is cool, too. Also, I love the photography tips you included!
Thanks for the linkup – we’re joining in for the first time!
AlicevstheWorld
This is seriously awesome!
Rhonda Albom
My girls thought so too.
Swati & Sam
This such an amazing post. A big Harry Potter fan myself, would love to visit this place someday. The castle looks so majestic. In fact the gardens look even more beautiful than the castle. I am sure your kids must have had a great time.
Rhonda Albom
We didn’t have time to really explore the gardens, so we didn’t pay to get in. That garden shot is what you can see from the entrance. And yes, my girls loved it.
Rebecca
You can certainly see why it’s been in a lot of films, what a castle!
Rhonda Albom
So true, It’s picture perfect.
Rachel Heller
When my son was about 12 and my nephew about 13, my husband and I took them on a Harry Potter tour including Alnwick Castle as well as Lacock Abbey (where some classroom scenes were filmed), Oxford (the great hall and the stairway), a guided tour of Harry Potter film locations in London, a ride on the Hogwarts Express in the Scottish Highlands, and a few other stops I can’t remember right now. It’s a great combination for traveling with young teens: they spent their time trying to identify film locations, and we got to enjoy all sorts of historical buildings. At Alnwick they were “too old” for the broomstick lessons, but we spent quite some time watching a lesson!
Rhonda Albom
Yes, we did nearly all of these. We were in Scotland on the wrong day so we just visited the Hogwarts Express. Interesting that you kids thought they were too old for the broomstick flying. When we were there I was one of several adults in our group.
corinne
Rhonda, We are a family of Harry Potter lovers, so we might need to go to Alnwick next we’re in England. Love it.
Rhonda Albom
There is so much Harry Potter sightseeing all over England. This was a highlight, but there are a few others in Oxford and of course London.
Laura
Is this the same castle that they do the Downton Abbey tours at? I went to HP World, but didn’t visit any of the filming sets whilst I was living in England.
Rhonda Albom
It sure is. Downton Abbey used it after our visit. The castle was used in both the 2014 and 2015 Christmas shows.
Handmade Jewelry Haven
How fortuitous that I read this today! I just got my 11 year old the first Harry Potter book from the library today!
Thanks for sharing!
– Lisa
Rhonda Albom
Do a quick search on this blog for Harry Potter. My tween was a huge fan when we were in the UK. We visited lots of movie sights.
Rhonda Albom
Yes to most of the movies, no to seeing him live at the castle.
Suze
I’d be bitter like your guide if I wasn’t selected to be in the film! Love the broomstick photo but don’t mention the editing tool who must not be named 😉 It’s simply pure magic 😉
Rhonda Albom
LOL – I didn’t mention it in this post, so it’s optional if you want to spoil the magic.
Paul Pietrangelo
I totally enjoyed this blog Rhonda especially your little fun with a bit of Lightroom editing. Your daughters must have really enjoyed this visit. Have a great evening my friend.
Cruisin Paul
Rhonda Albom
Thanks Paul, and yes this was a highlight for all of us. I took broomstick flying lessons too.
Pat
Wow! My grandson –a Harry Potter fan–would love to visit this castle! How well preserved it is!
Rhonda Albom
It’s the current home of the Duke and Duchess of Northumberland.
Anda
I’d love to visit the British countryside and some of these glorious castles. I am a great fan of all the movies that used the Alnwick Castle as a filming location. Unfortunately, I don’t have much recollection of the castle’s exterior. Perhaps the scenes were filmed more inside.
Rhonda Albom
I was surprised by plenty of them when I did the research for this post
Molly
This is on my list of places to visit one day. I have heard that the gardens are beautiful too
Mollyx
Rhonda Albom
I have heard the same about the gardens, maybe one day we will get back, but I doubt it with so many places to see in the world.
Lyn aka The Travelling Lindfields
I have always thought that David and I visited every castle in Britain when we were first married – including the ruined ones – but we must have missed Alnwick. Oh no! Now we’re going to have to go back. I like the Lightroom effects.
Rhonda Albom
This one is quite a bit off the beaten track, all the way on the east coast near the Scotland border.
Efthimis K.
I love castles and I love them more if they are featured in the Harry Potter movie series 🙂 Great photos! I hope I can visit the castle soon!
Rhonda Albom
LOL – that seems to be a popular opinion.
Rob+Ann
What a fantastic castle! We’d go visit even without the Potter connections, but that does make it just a little more fun. Definitely want to see the gardens, too, so thanks for the heads up that we’ll need to allow some time. Good stuff!
Rhonda Albom
There is plenty to see, so allow at least half a day if you want to see both.
Mary {The World Is A Book}
This is great! I’m such a fan of castles, Harry Potter and Downton Abbey and this would just make my trip. I haven’t heard of Alnwick before but it’s definitely going into my UK bucket list. Love this and it looks so beautiful.
Rhonda Albom
It’s a bit out of the way, on the east coast near the Scotish border.
David @Travelsewhere
Such an incredible castle and that it was used for Harry Potter is just a great bonus. Hadn’t heard of Alnwick before but it looks like a great place to stop at in the English countryside. Like the editing job you did on that photo by the way 😉
Rhonda Albom
Thanks. I was pretty pleased with that photo also.
Anisa
The castle looks lovely and so much history. I hope to visit it someday. I don’t blame you tour guide for being upset about not getting in the movie.
Rhonda Albom
I don’t blame her for being upset either, but this was ten years later and she was still whining about it.
Lyn @ A Hole in my Shoe
Awseome castle but OMG this is the second post today I’ve come across about Harry Potter inspired travel. I must be the only person around to have never read a book or seen a movie in the hugely popular series. Hmm
Rhonda Albom
It’s my kids who are huge Harry Potter fans. I can’t stay awake during the movies. Really.
Phoebe | Lou Messugo
LOVE the pic of flying on the broomstick, what incredible memories for your kids. I’ve been to Alnwick castle with my kids but it was low season and apart from a “Dumbledore” wandering around there were no HP activites. Didn’t matter rally, it’s still an amazing castle. #wkendtravelinspiration
Rhonda Albom
I wonder if they change what they do seasonally. I haven’t’ seen too many others write about the Broomstick flying. And, how cool to see Dumbledore.
budget jan
I’d love to go there if I were in the area. Like the fun shot on the broom.
Rhonda Albom
It’s well off the beaten path, so you would have to be going there on purpose.
Amila Wickramarachchi
What a beautiful castle!I love every detail of it.And the broomstick flying is really interesting!
Rhonda Albom
I loved it too, and the broomstick flying was just fun.
Lyssie
This is SO cool! I love Harry Potter and had no idea Hogwarts was a real place…I need to visit ASAP!!! Love the picture of you flying on the broomstick 🙂
Rhonda Albom
Only some of it was filmed here. The school hospital scene was filmed in Oxford (we went there too). Plus some was filmed in a studio.
Lexa Cain
I love castles! This one is absolutely fabulous! Thanks for the pics, and have a great weekend. 🙂
Rhonda Albom
Thanks Lexa.
Nancie
I’ve never gotten into the Harry Potter scene. However, I love castles, and this is a beauty. You did a great job with your Lightroom edits.
Rhonda Albom
I am not a huge Harry Potter fan, but my girls are.
Sally-Ann Brown
What a beautiful, mystical, and historic looking spot, no wonder they chose this for the location of the “Harry Potter” films.
Rhonda Albom
I agree, it’s a perfect castle.
jill
I think I could be interested in all three but British History would be my number one reason for visiting. Looks like a very interesting place. Love your photos!
Rhonda Albom
Dare I admit, we have never seen Downton Abbey.
Natalie
Oh, how wonderful!! What a spectacular vacation for the kiddos. I’m a big believer in reading before a trip. I make lists of kids’ books for destinations so families can read up before the family vacation. Doing so increases the educational value of the trip AND helps them remember it even more. There is no better book to read for kids than Harry Potter! They are already obsessed with the fantastic series (
Rhonda Albom
We homeschooled all the way through (one of our girls is in her last year of high school equivalent, the other is in her second year at Uni). I completely agree about reading and learning before you go. Living history is the best.
Ingrid Theresa
Stunning pics! What a great read. Thank you for sharing.
Rhonda Albom
Thanks Ingrid.
The Adventure Ahead
How cool is this! We just came back from visiting the Hogwarts at Universal Studios in Florida, but this is much, much cooler! Love the flying broomstick picture. I did not realize that the same castle had been used in both the Harry Potter films and the Robin Hood movie- now I want to watch them both back to back and compare! Thanks for sharing!
Rhonda Albom
I am surprised Universal Studios has Hogwarts. I would have thought Warner Bros kept it exclusively for themselves.
shere
I love the lightroom’s effect in the picture! and the trick for flying was also great 😀
I won a trip with my picture of Liam flying away 🙂
Rhonda Albom
That is so cool. Where did the trip you won take you?
Sarah E. Albom
What a beautiful castle. Though my favourite part of it will always be that broomstick flying lesson. Ever since then I find myself floating off the ground every so often. They taught us “up” but not “down”. A little worried to be honest – I might get stuck like Neville Longbottom!
Rhonda Albom
So far you have been safe, so I am not too worried.
Kat
Putting this one on my list of places to visit in the UK. I didn’t realise that you could go to the “Hogwarts” castle! Looks like heaps of fun. #PhotoFriday
Rhonda Albom
It was only used in some of the scenes. There is also a Harry Potter studio tour outside of London.
Ruth
150 room? That is something else! I think that is one of the reasons I love to visit castles. The architecture is impressive but you learn a lot of mind blowing facts. I remember seeing the photo of your daughter in the broom before. Super cool! #TPThursday #wkendtravelinspiration
Rhonda Albom
We could only go into very few of the 150 rooms.
Hilary Melton-Butcher
Hi Rhonda – they’ve done masses to the Castle since the present Duke became Duke and his dynamic Duchess got going with the place. When I was up there in the 1970s … it wasn’t open … but I’ve watched it change a great deal since the Duke succeeded his brother in 1995. I’d love to see the gardens – the Duchess has done wonders with them …
Fantastic the kids were ‘able to fly’! .. but I hope one day you get to go back and see the gardens … lovely photos – cheers Hilary
Rhonda Albom
I hope we get back to the gardens one day too. Since I had spent so much of our day at Rievaulx Abbey, we just didn’t have time to see it all. Harry Potter won out.
Jade
I love castles, so enjoyed this collection of pictures… I would have wandering around with my Harry Potter eye on though, spotting locations! Love the broomstick shot!
Rhonda Albom
I wonder if our guide showed us all the HP spots.
Comedy Plus
Never got into Harry Potter, but I’d love to see the castle. That would be most fun.
Have a fabulous day. ☺
Rhonda Albom
We took a Harry Potter focused tour, but there were others to choose from. The castle is lovely.
Alex J. Cavanaugh
I didn’t know it was used in Robin Hood. Fine looking castle. Bet the bitter guide was amusing.
Rhonda Albom
She was totally amusing and memorable. She is in a few of my photos. As I was reviewing them for this post one of my girls walked by and said, “Remember how bitter she was, it was hilarious.”
Ruth Daly
Wow, great post, really enjoyed your photos and commentary – and love the broomstick shot! This is somewhere I’ll have to visit. #PhotoFriday
Rhonda Albom
Thanks Ruth, and yes it is somewhere to visit.
L. Diane Wolfe
If your guide was so bitter, why was she a guide at the castle? LOL
Beautiful shots. I’d rather roamed around the gardens than fly on a broom.
Rhonda Albom
That is the exact question we wondered. But she did give all sorts of interesting information about the filming problems. Like the time a big wind came up and all the fake snow got blown all over the castle grounds and massive cleanup effort that followed.
Lolo
I’d love to check out this castle! I didn’t realize that it had been used in so many films! Pinned! #wkendtravelinspiration
Rhonda Albom
Many of them are since we visited, so I hadn’t realised either until I did the research. It’s a perfect castle for a setting.
Paula McInerney
I want to go to Hogwarts. Love Harry Potter.
Rhonda Albom
That’s exactly what my girls said 🙂
Tanja (the Red phone box travels)
gorgeous castle! I am a big fan of HP books and movies but visiting this castle seems a great experience even without the HP connotations:)
Rhonda Albom
You are correct. One of my girls is a huge HP fan, so we did the HP tour and the Broomstick flying lessons, rather than spending lots of time in the interior.