If you’re a fan looking for all the Harry Potter film locations in the UK, you’re in the right place.
From castles and cathedrals to train stations and cobbled streets, you can actually walk through scenes you’ve seen on screen.
This guide will take you to Harry Potter film locations in England, Scotland and Wales. I’ll give you tips on what to see, how to get there and which spots are worth your time.
Whether it’s riding the Hogwarts Express, spotting the Leaky Cauldron or wandering Hogwarts corridors, this guide has everything you need for a Potter-filled adventure.
So, Potterheads, let’s get into it. Here’s the ultimate guide to Harry Potter film locations in the UK.
Harry Potter Film Locations in London
King’s Cross Station – Platform 9¾
Film: Most Hogwarts Express scenes
What to see: The trolley embedded in the wall for photos, plus the Harry Potter shop with wands, robes, scarves, and other memorabilia.
Exact spot: The trolley is in the main concourse, just before the train information boards.
Fun fact: The trolley was added after the first film. Fans love pretending to push it through the wall.
How to get there: Tube to King’s Cross/St Pancras.
Leadenhall Market – Diagon Alley & Leaky Cauldron
Film: Philosopher’s Stone
What to see: Cobblestone streets, the entrance to the Leaky Cauldron at Bull’s Head Passage, and atmospheric shopfronts.
Exact spot: Bull’s Head Passage near the Blue Posts pub.
Hidden gem: If you walk to the back alleys, you’ll see the little covered arcade that inspired Diagon Alley.
Anecdote: The production team chose Leadenhall Market because of its old-world charm—it was still a working market during filming.
How to get there: Tube to Bank or Monument.
If you want to see a full-scale version of Hogwarts and Diagon Alley, including rides and interactive experiences, here’s a guide to experiencing the Wizarding World in Orlando
Australia House – Gringotts Bank Interiors
Film: Philosopher’s Stone
What to see: Marble halls used as the interior of Gringotts.
Fun fact: The building is still an active bank. The film crew had to work around security and banking hours.
How to get there: Tube to Holborn.
Millennium Bridge
Film: Half-Blood Prince
What to see: The bridge destroyed by Death Eaters.
Hidden gem: Walk across for a view of St Paul’s Cathedral and the Shard, just like in the movie.
How to get there: Tube to London Bridge.
Claremont Square, Islington
Film inspiration: Dursleys’ neighbourhood exteriors
Fun fact: The square is residential, so it’s quiet and easy to imagine Harry arriving home.
North of England
Alnwick Castle, Northumberland
Film: Philosopher’s Stone & Chamber of Secrets
What to see: The courtyard where Harry had his first broomstick lesson and the grand staircase used for interior shots.
Anecdote: During filming, extras had to dodge real birds nesting in the courtyards.
Fun fact: You can still book broomstick lessons here in the summer.
How to get there: Around 1 hour’s drive from Newcastle; nearest train: Alnmouth.
Durham Cathedral, County Durham
Film: Philosopher’s Stone & Chamber of Secrets
What to see: Cloisters that doubled as Hogwarts corridors and the Chapter House used for classroom scenes.
Anecdote: Some cast members had to duck under the arches to fit into certain camera shots.
How to get there: A 5-minute walk from Durham city centre; Durham Station is close by.
Goathland Station, North Yorkshire Moors
Film: Philosopher’s Stone (Hogsmeade Station)
What to see: The station platform and waiting room where the Hogwarts Express first arrived.
Hidden gem: Take a ride on the vintage steam train across the moors for the full Hogwarts Express experience.
How to get there: Reachable by train from Whitby or Pickering.
York’s Medieval Streets
Inspiration: Wizarding town backdrops
What to see: The crooked timber-framed shops and narrow lanes of The Shambles, which look uncannily like Diagon Alley.
Fun fact: The street wasn’t used in filming but is thought to have inspired the magical look of wizarding towns.
Now this next one isn’t a film location, but I’ve added it because any true Potterhead will love seeing a place that allegedly inspired J.K. Rowling herself.
Gandy Street, Exeter
- What to see: A narrow cobbled street lined with quirky shops and bars.
Fun fact: If you squint, it’s easy to imagine wizards slipping in and out of spell shops here.
- For general ideas on exploring Exeter, see this guide.
Doe Lea & Chesterfield, Derbyshire
Film: Hogwarts exteriors (wide shots)
- Fun fact: These rural spots were used for sweeping exterior shots of Hogwarts’ grounds, giving the castle its epic backdrop.
South of England
Lacock Abbey & Village, Wiltshire
Film: Philosopher’s Stone & Chamber of Secrets
What to see: Cloisters as Hogwarts corridors, Snape’s classroom, village streets used in exterior shots.
Exact spots: Cloisters at the abbey; village streets for walking scenes.
Anecdote: Some doors and shop windows were temporarily aged for filming.
How to get there: 15-minute walk from Chippenham Station.
Gloucester Cathedral, Gloucestershire
Film: Multiple Hogwarts corridor scenes
What to see: Cloisters and hallways used for Hogwarts interiors.
Exact spots: The Chapter House staircase featured shots of students running through Hogwarts.
Fun fact: The cathedral’s medieval architecture gives it an instantly magical feel.
- How to get there: Train to Gloucester Station, then a short walk.
Christ Church & New College, Oxford
Film: Philosopher’s Stone & Chamber of Secrets
What to see: Grand staircase at New College for corridor shots; Christ Church inspired the Great Hall design.
Fun fact: The dining hall at Christ Church wasn’t filmed but gave the look for Hogwarts’ Great Hall.
- How to get there: 15-minute walk or taxi from Oxford Station.
Hardwick Hall, Derbyshire
Film: Philosopher’s Stone (Hogwarts exterior)
What to see: Stunning Elizabethan architecture and sweeping exterior views used in the film.
Exact spots: The grand façade and huge windows were featured for Hogwarts’ exterior shots.
Fun fact: Nicknamed “more glass than wall,” its huge windows made it perfect for magical exterior scenes.
How to get there: 10-minute walk from the village; nearest train: Chesterfield.
Harry Potter Film Locations in Scotland
Jacobite Steam Train & Glenfinnan Viaduct
Film: Hogwarts Express scenes
What to see: Steam train ride over the iconic viaduct.
Exact spots: The bridge itself is where the train famously flies through the Highland scenery.
Fun fact: The train is nicknamed the “Hogwarts Express” by fans and runs May–October.
How to get there: Departs from Fort William; 2.5-hour drive from Glasgow.
Glen Coe
Film: Hogwarts exterior shots
What to see: Mountains and valleys used for dramatic Hogwarts shots.
Hidden gem: Early morning mist can make it look truly magical.
How to get there: 2-hour drive from Glasgow.
Edinburgh
Film inspiration: Streets and cafes inspired Rowling’s world
What to see: Elephant House café, Victoria Street (Diagon Alley vibes).
- Fun fact: Rowling wrote much of the series in Edinburgh. Victoria Street is said to have inspired Diagon Alley.
Harry Potter Film Locations in Wales
Pembrokeshire Beach
Film: Outdoor scenes with Dobby
What to see: Stunning coastline, quiet and magical.
Hidden gem: Sunset visits make it feel completely wizarding.
How to get there: Drive from Haverfordwest; nearest train: Pembroke Dock.
Tips
Plan ahead: Many castles and cathedrals have limited hours.
Take a tour: Some sites offer Harry Potter-specific guided tours.
Check transport: Rural spots like Goathland and Alnwick are easier by car.
Dress comfortably: Lots of walking is involved.
Bring a camera: Many spots are perfect for magical photos.
From London streets to Scottish mountains, Northumberland castles to Pembrokeshire beaches, these Harry Potter film locations in the UK let you step straight into the wizarding world.
Ride the Hogwarts Express, explore Hogwarts corridors or wander Diagon Alley. If you want a full-scale version of this, Orlando is the place to visit. Head here for more.
