It’s a bit embarrassing to admit, but even as an adult who’s celebrated their 29th birthday multiple times, I still feel like a child when I dive into the world of Harry Potter. The magic of Harry Potter brings me right back to being seven years old, where I connect deeply with the characters, laugh with them, and feel their fears and sorrows. The enchanting world with its cosy cobblestone streets of Diagon Alley, the impressive scenery from the Hogwarts Express, and the majestic dining hall of Hogwarts never fails to capture my imagination.
What makes it even more magical is that these places exist in some form. Let’s take a journey through the real-life locations that bring the world of Harry Potter to life.
The adventure starts in old Oxford, about 60 miles west of London, known for its stunning university architecture. Christ Church College here doubles as Hogwarts, and has educated many historical figures, including 12 former British Prime Ministers. Christ Church is a sight to behold, and if you’re planning to study in Oxford, the student accommodation is worth checking out—it’s no Hogwarts but still impressive.
Next, we visit the Bodleian Library, one of Europe’s oldest libraries. Its Divine School served as Hogwarts’ hospital wing, and Duke Humfrey’s Library stood in for the Hogwarts library, famously appearing in a scene where a book screams at Harry.
From Oxford, we drive to the picturesque Cotswolds, known for its charming villages and houses built from fossil-rich limestone. Here, we find Lacock Abbey, built in 1232. This abbey and its neighboring village served as the backdrop for numerous Harry Potter scenes. The cloisters were used for Hogwarts classrooms and the courtyard featured several times. It’s in the abbey that Harry discovers the Mirror of Erised.
A short drive takes us to Gloucester, just 25 miles northeast and near the Welsh border. Gloucester Cathedral’s dark corridors were used for Hogwarts interiors. Fans will recognize details like the Gryffindor common room entrance and the troll scene from the girl’s bathroom.
Our journey then leads us 200 miles north to York’s old center, where The Shambles, voted one of England’s most picturesque streets, stood in for Diagon Alley.
Next, we enter the North Yorkshire Moors National Park, a stunning landscape of moorland, forests, valleys, and coastline. Here, we catch the North Yorkshire Moors Railway from Pickering to Goathland, known as Hogsmeade in the films. The station and its surroundings are delightfully familiar, making it a perfect place for tea before heading back.
Continuing north, we reach Durham, a city with a 2000-year history. Durham Cathedral and Castle, both UNESCO World Heritage Sites, were used for Hogwarts scenes in the first two films. The chapter house served as Professor McGonagall’s classroom, and the cloisters as the Quidditch practice area.
Not far from Durham is Alnwick Castle, recognizable as the location for Madame Hooch’s flying lessons and some Quidditch matches.
Finally, we drive to Edinburgh, the capital of Scotland. Here, J.K. Rowling wrote the first Harry Potter book in The Elephant House café while keeping warm. Although there are no other specific Potter sites in Edinburgh, the city’s rich history and beautiful architecture make it worth a visit. As we wrap up our café visit, we spot the Glenfinnan Viaduct on a £10 note, representing another iconic spot from the films that we choose to admire on the note instead of making the three-hour drive to see it in person.
For more Harry Potter sights in London, check out guides specifically devoted to exploring the magical spots in the city.
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