The Harry Potter films were shot in locations across England, Scotland and Wales, with London serving as one of the most recognisable settings.
A map of Harry Potter filming locations can help you understand where the major sites are located and plan your journey more efficiently. Some attractions are close enough to visit on the same day, while others are spread across the country and are better suited to a longer road trip or rail journey.
The main areas to explore include:
If you are planning a Harry Potter-themed trip, start by choosing the locations you most want to see.
King’s Cross Station is one of the most iconic Harry Potter locations in London.
In the films, the station is where young witches and wizards begin their journey to Hogwarts by travelling through Platform 9¾. Although the magical platform itself was created for the story, King’s Cross has become an essential stop for fans visiting London.
The beautiful Victorian architecture of Leadenhall Market provided the setting for one of the wizarding world’s most memorable entrances.
The market was used as the exterior of the Leaky Cauldron in Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone. Its ornate roof, historic details and atmospheric passageways make it easy to understand why the location worked so well on screen.
Lambeth Bridge features in Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban during the Knight Bus sequence.
The famous triple-decker bus squeezes between two London buses while travelling through the city. The scene uses the real bridge and surrounding roads as part of the fast-moving journey.
London’s Millennium Bridge appears in Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince during a dramatic sequence showing the bridge being destroyed by Death Eaters.
The real bridge connects St Paul’s Cathedral with the Tate Modern across the River Thames. Although the film transformed the location through visual effects, the bridge remains an instantly recognisable part of the movie’s London setting.
Beyond London, some of the most important Harry Potter filming locations can be found throughout England.
Located near London, the attraction provides an opportunity to explore original sets, props, costumes and production details from the film series. Visitors can see how the filmmakers created locations such as the Great Hall and explore sets and objects that helped bring the stories to life.
Alnwick Castle in Northumberland is one of the most recognisable castle locations connected with the Harry Potter films.The castle grounds were used for Hogwarts-related scenes, including flying lessons in Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone and Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets.
Durham Cathedral played an important role in creating the interior world of Hogwarts. Its historic architecture appears in several scenes across the series, helping create the atmosphere of the magical school. The cathedral’s medieval design and distinctive stonework make it one of the most memorable real buildings associated with Hogwarts.
Gloucester Cathedral provided another important Hogwarts filming location. The cathedral’s cloisters were used as corridors within Hogwarts, with the distinctive medieval architecture appearing in several films
Lacock Abbey in Wiltshire was used for several Hogwarts scenes. The historic abbey’s medieval rooms and architecture helped create the magical atmosphere of Hogwarts. Its connection to the films makes it a popular destination for fans exploring filming locations beyond London.
Christ Church is closely associated with the visual identity of Hogwarts. The college’s Great Hall is often mentioned in connection with the Hogwarts dining hall. While the film’s Great Hall was recreated on a studio set, the architecture of Christ Church helped inspire its design.
Goathland Railway Station in North Yorkshire was transformed into Hogsmeade Station for the Harry Potter films. The station appeared in Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone as the place where students arrive near Hogwarts.
The dramatic limestone landscape of Malham Cove in Yorkshire was used in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. The location appears during Harry, Ron and Hermione’s journey as they travel away from Hogwarts.
The Glenfinnan Viaduct is arguably one of the most famous Harry Potter filming locations in Scotland. The railway viaduct appears in scenes featuring the Hogwarts Express as it travels through the Highlands towards Hogwarts. Its curved structure surrounded by dramatic mountain scenery has become an iconic image for fans around the world.
Glenfinnan Station is another important stop for Harry Potter fans exploring the area. The station sits within a spectacular Highland landscape and is connected to the railway journey featured in the films. Visitors can combine a trip to the station with the nearby viaduct and Glenfinnan Monument, making the area an excellent destination for a full day of sightseein
The scenery around Loch Shiel contributes to the wider landscape associated with Hogwarts and the Scottish Highlands. The loch's dramatic surroundings provide the kind of remote, atmospheric setting that helped define the visual identity of the Wizarding World.
Fort William is an excellent base for exploring several Harry Potter-related locations in the Scottish Highlands. Its location near Ben Nevis and the Glenfinnan area makes it a practical starting point for visitors planning to explore the landscapes associated with the films. The town can also serve as part of a wider Highland itinerary.
Steall Falls near Fort William is one of Scotland's most impressive natural locations connected with the Harry Potter films. The waterfall and surrounding Highland landscape were used as part of the scenery in the Wizarding World, including scenes associated with the Triwizard Tournament.
The dramatic landscapes around Glencoe helped create the wild and remote atmosphere of the Harry Potter world. The area is associated with scenes around Hogwarts and the surrounding Scottish landscapes. Its mountains, valleys and changing weather make it one of the most atmospheric parts of a Harry Potter-themed journey.
The UK’s Harry Potter filming locations continue to captivate visitors with their remarkable combination of historic architecture, dramatic landscapes, and magical cinematic history. Across London, England, Scotland, and Wales, each destination offers a different connection to the Wizarding World, from grand cathedrals and ancient castles to railway stations and spectacular Highland scenery.
Whether you’re searching for famous Harry Potter locations or exploring lesser-known filming sites, the journey offers a unique way to experience Britain’s diverse landscapes and heritage. Walk through historic buildings that helped bring Hogwarts to life, discover the locations behind unforgettable film scenes, or follow the route of the Hogwarts Express through the Scottish Highlands.
Every destination reveals a different part of the films’ story, ensuring that no two Harry Potter journeys are ever quite the same. From first-time visitors wondering where the Harry Potter films were filmed to dedicated fans planning a complete UK adventure, these locations provide an unforgettable connection to one of cinema’s most beloved magical worlds.
The first film introduced many locations that became instantly recognisable, including: King's Cross Station Leadenhall Market London Zoo Alnwick Castle Durham Cathedral Oxford locations Gloucester Cathedra
Notable filming locations include: Alnwick Castle Durham Cathedral Gloucester Cathedral King's Cross Station Oxford locations
Notable locations include: Lambeth Bridge Gloucester Cathedral Scottish Highland scenery Other locations around Hogwarts and Hogsmead
Notable filming locations include: Steall Falls Scottish Highland scenery Oxford locations Historic English locations
The fifth film continued to use Hogwarts and surrounding landscapes while expanding the wider wizarding world. Locations across England and Scotland contributed to the film's visual setting.
The sixth film featured several recognisable London locations, including: Millennium Bridge London locations Historic English settings Scottish landscapes
The Harry Potter films were filmed across the UK, using locations in London, England, Scotland and Wales alongside purpose-built studio sets and visual effects.
Many filming locations can be visited, including King’s Cross Station, Leadenhall Market, Alnwick Castle, Durham Cathedral, Gloucester Cathedral, Oxford locations and the Glenfinnan area in Scotland. Access varies by location.
Hogwarts was created using a combination of real locations, studio sets and visual effects. Historic locations including Durham Cathedral, Gloucester Cathedral and Oxford buildings helped create the school’s appearance, while many interior scenes were filmed on purpose-built sets.
Some of the best-known London locations include King’s Cross Station, Leadenhall Market, London Zoo, Millennium Bridge, Lambeth Bridge and Australia House.
Scotland is known for locations including Glenfinnan Viaduct, Glenfinnan Station, Loch Shiel, Steall Falls, Fort William and the landscapes around Glencoe.