Film Locations, Tours and More Magical Experiences for Harry Potter Fans in the U.K.

The first Harry Potter book was published in the U.S. in 1998, followed by six additional novels and eight blockbuster movies, but a new 10-year-long Harry Potter television series premiering in 2026 will introduce the wizarding world to a new generation, ensuring Harry Potter-related travel will thrive well into the future.

There are Harry Potter filming locations and experiences across the United Kingdom, and after recently visiting Alnwick Castle in Northumberland, a filming location for 2001’s “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone,” and the Platform 9 ¾ photo op in London’s King’s Cross train station, I’m convinced most travelers will love adding a dash of wizarding magic to their itinerary, especially those who identify by their Hogwarts House — I’m a Hufflepuff, by the way.

Here are seven magical opportunities for Harry Potter fans visiting the U.K.

Harry Potter Experiences in London

The obvious attraction to visit is the Warner Bros. Studio Tour London – The Making of Harry Potter in Leavesden, which is about 20 miles from central London.

But “Platform 9 ¾” at King’s Cross Station — where Hogwarts students catch the train to school — is easy to add to any London visit as train tickets aren’t required. While there's no actual Platform 9 ¾, clients can take a photo with a luggage trolley magically disappearing into the wall, just like in the movies (they can even don their house colors for the shot). Next door, a whimsical shop carries Hogwarts gear, chocolate frogs, wands and exclusive Platform 9 ¾ souvenirs.

A lesser-known wizarding location in London’s Soho neighborhood is House of Mina Lima, an experiential gallery and store showcasing the work of Miraphora Mina and Eduardo Lima. These talented artists created the “graphic universe” of the Harry Potter movies, including Harry’s iconic Hogwarts acceptance letter, the Marauder’s Map and the Daily Prophet newspaper.

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Clients may have visited Diagon Alley at Universal Orlando Resort, but the real Diagon Alley is Leadenhall Market in London City, the filming location for Harry's first visit to the wizarding world’s shopping street and the Leaky Cauldron pub (currently a coffee shop with a bright yellow door) in the first movie. For 2004’s “Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban,” theLeaky Cauldron entrance was filmed at Borough Market (about a 15-minute walk away).

To easily take in a variety of series sites, Brit Movie Tours offers private and group tours on foot, by bus or by taxi that visit Harry Potter filming locations across London.

Another fun way for clients to see London’s Harry Potter filming locations is on a three-hour driving tour with Small Car Big City that whisks clients on magical adventures in classic Mini Coopers (each car accommodates three passengers).

“Our best-sellers are our two-hour Panoramic tour and four-hour Best Bits, but we have a myriad of tours from history to food and drink to Harry Potter,” said Robert Welch, owner of Small Car Big City. “We love to work with agents and can tailor tours to [clients’] exact requirements.”

Filmed in Oxford, England

A short train ride from London is Oxford, the filming location for several iconic scenes in the Harry Potter movies. However, the entire city evokes the magical world in J.K. Rowling’s books, says Hayley Beer-Gamage, chief executive of Experience Oxfordshire.

"A visit to Oxford should be on every Harry Potter fan's itinerary,” Beer-Gamage said. "Fans will recognize the world-famous Bodleian Library which doubled for the equally famous Hogwarts library and infirmary. In Christ Church, they’ll find the easily recognizable staircase [and] magnificent Tudor Great Dining Hall, the inspiration for Hogwarts’ Great Hall.”

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One of the best ways to ensure clients don't miss any of the magic is to book the Harry Potter Highlights with Oxford Official Walking Tours.

Alnwick Castle in Northumberland, England

The 950-year-old Alnwick (pronounced Ann-ick) Castle starred as Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry in “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone,” when Harry attends his first broomstick flying lesson and learns the rules of the wizarding sport Quidditch (both filmed in the castle's Outer Bailey). It also appears in “Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets” when Harry and Ron crash their flying car into the Womping Willow (filmed in the Inner Bailey).

“Alnwick Castle has featured in lots of TV and film productions, but by far the biggest seller — even after 25 years — is the Harry Potter connection,” said Anna Unger, a Blue Badge guide with Newcastle Tour Company. 

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In addition to taking filming location tours of the castle and grounds, Harry Potter fans can book Broomstick Training, taught by Alnwick’s resident wizarding professors, which includes a lesson and a “flying” photo (15- or 30-minute sessions are available). Alnwick Castle is open seasonally.

Inspiring Locations in Edinburgh, Scotland

Because J.K. Rowling wrote the Harry Potter books in Edinburgh, the city inspired many of her locations and characters — including her infamous villain.

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Clients who visit Greyfriars Kirkyard will find headstones with familiar names, such as Anne and Robert Potter (Harry’s family name), William McGonagall (who shares a last name with Hogwarts Transfiguration Professor Minerva McGonagall), Thomas Riddell (Tom Marvolo Riddle became Lord Voldemort in Rowling’s stories) and more. Rowling allegedly adjusted spellings to prevent tourists from associating the graves directly with her characters, but that has not stopped wizarding world buffs from visiting.

The Potter Trail offers 90-minute walking tours of Edinburgh designed especially for Harry Potter fans (available seasonally). Founded in 2012 by Edinburgh University's Comedy Society members, the entertaining public tours are free (donations are optional); paid private tours are also offered.

Of course, one of the most iconic symbols of the wizarding world is The Hogwarts Express, and Harry Potter-loving clients can check this major attraction off their wizarding bucket list on full-day tours from Edinburgh with Haggis Adventures, featuring a two-hour journey on the historic Jacobite Steam Train, including crossing the famous arched Glenfinnan Viaduct in the Scottish Highlands.

"Film and TV continue to be powerful motivators for travel, and Harry Potter remains one of the most iconic examples,” said Carl Walsh, senior vice president, USA for VisitBritain. “These locations not only bring the stories to life, but also encourage travelers to explore … Britain’s rich history and culture — experiencing the real-life magic behind the scenes."