9 Harry Potter locations you can actually visit
It is 20 years since the first book was published
Last updated 31st Jul 2017
Harry Potter and his creator JK Rowling both celebrate their birthdays today (31st July). This year is also a special year as it is the 20th anniversary since the first book, Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, was released. JK Rowling initially struggled to get her book published and was turned down by 12 publishing houses before Bloomsbury took it on.
To celebrate, Hotels.com to have put together a guide of some of the most famous locations from the films and books.
Diagon Alley
Filming Location: Leadenhall Market, London
The first trip any budding wizard must make is to the cobbled streets of Diagon Alley, filmed at London’s Leadenhall Market. Head straight to Ollivander's to pick up the essential wizarding accessory, but don’t miss the secret entrance through The Leaky Cauldron, which is actually an optician in Bull’s Head Passage!
Leadenhall Market, London © iStock
Platform 9 ¾
Filming Location: Kings Cross St. Pancras, London
The infamous Platform 9 ¾ can be found at Kings Cross St. Pancras station in London. Although it isn't actually between platforms 9 and 10 you won't be able to miss a trolley with luggage embedded in the wall!
Just outside the station is the St. Pancras Renaissance Hotel where you’ll find yourself stepping straight into the film itself as the entrance to the station was filmed in this spot.
St Pancras Renaissance Hotel © Hotels.com
Hogsmeade
Filming Location: Goathland, Yorkshire
If you're aiming for Hogwarts then you should get off the train at Hogsmeade Station (real life Gothland Station near Whitby). There you’ll find yourself standing on the platform of Hogsmeade Station before heading to the Black Lake or catching the boats to Hogwarts.
Hogwarts
Filming Location: Durham Cathedral, County Durham
Durham Cathedral doubled as a film location for Hogwarts in Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone and Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets. Scenes filmed there included the release of Hedwig in the first film and the students turning animals into water goblets in the second.
Durham Cathedral © iStock
Christ Church, Oxford (The Great Hall)
Filming Location: The Great Hall, Christ Church Oxford University
The magnificent Great Hall in the beautiful surroundings of Christ Church College in Oxford is worth a visit. This is where the Sorting Hat scene was filmed and Harry, along with his friends' were told which house they were part of. Nearby, New College was where the cloister scenes were filmed.
Potions Class
Filming Location: Lacock Abbey, Chippenham
Creating potions is an important part of learning to be a wizard and many of the classroom scenes from the films took place in Lacock Abbey in Chippenham, including the moment Harry discovers the famous Mirror of Erised in the first film. Also found nearby is the Potter's house, as well as Budleigh Babberton where Professor Slughorn resides!
Moaning Myrtle’s Bathroom
Filming Location: Gloucester Cathedral, Gloucester
The setting of Moaning Myrtle’s bathroom was Gloucester Cathedral, along with the entrance to the Gryffindor common room, and the hall with the blood-smeared message.
Hagrid’s Hut
Filming Location: Glencoe, Scotland
Hagrid’s Hut was filmed in the beautiful background of Glencoe, Scotland. The scenes at Hagrid’s Hut all took place in the beautiful setting of Glencoe which is situated in the North West of Scotland looking onto the River Coe. It's possible to stay near where the scenes were filmed at the Isles Of Glencoe Hotel allowing you to take in the breathtaking views of the stunning Scottish countryside.
Isles Of Glencoe Hotel © hotels.com
The Burrow
Filming Location: Ottery St Mary, Devon
The scenes filmed at The Burrow, the family home of the Weasley family, all took place in Devon, just outside the idyllic village of Ottery St Mary.
This list was compiled by Hotels.com and many of the locations have hotels nearby which can be booked through the hotel booking site.