Where Was Harry Potter Filmed? Must-See Locations
More than a decade has passed since British author J.K. Rowling published the last instalment of Harry Potter‘s adventures at Hogwarts, but the wizarding world is as alive today as it was 20 years ago. Plays, theme parks, prequels, hundreds of merchandising items and continuous book re-releases have allowed the magic to continue on for many years. Are you a true Harry Potter fan? If so, you’ll definitely want to see the must-visit filming locations where Harry Potter was filmed. So Civitatis is opening up the chamber of secrets for you! Don’t worry, there’s no basilisk here, but you’ll be sure to discover more about the ‘Boy who lived‘.
Harry Potter Filming Locations in London
King’s Cross station where the train leaves for Hogwarts, Piccadilly Circus where Harry, Ron and Hermione flee from the Death Eaters, the destruction of the Millennium Bridge during Voldemort’s darkest days, the Westminster tube station leading to the Ministry of Magic… London is definitely a key player!
The UK capital is one of the most distinctive filming locations throughout the Harry Potter series, so one of the best ways to see them all is to book a London Harry Potter tour – a must-see!
Porto and the Hogwarts Library
Did you know that before Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone was first published in 1997 J.K. Rowling had lived in Portugal a few years? The famous author moved to Porto in the early 1990s to teach English. There, she met her future husband, who she later divorced shortly after having her daughter.
Her time in the tiled city may have influenced her to create part of the magical universe. Although the author herself has denied it, it was believed that the Lello bookshop was the perfect inspiration for the Flourish and Blotts shop, where Hogwarts students buy their books. Although Porto is not one of the Harry Potter filming locations, it’s full of legends linking the magical world to the city on the Porto Harry Potter Free Tour.
The origins of Harry Potter in Edinburgh
After her years in Porto, Rowling moved to Edinburgh. It was here, frequenting quaint coffee shops, that she finished the first novel in the series. In fact, ten years later she also finished the last lines of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows in a hotel in Edinburgh.
You’ll be surprised to see the interesting comparisons between Edinburgh’s Victoria Street, and the famous Diagon Alley. You can discover all this and much more during the Harry Potter Free Tour.
Warner Bros. Studios, where Harry Potter was filmed!
Want to see more? A must-visit Harry Potter filming location for any true fan is the Warner Bros. Studios in London. Here you’ll discover Snape’s potions classroom, the fearsome Dolores Umbridge’s office, a giant replica of Aragog, 4 Privet Drive, Hagrid’s hut… You’ll be amazed!
During your visit, you can also try the famous butterbeer or buy items from this magical universe, including chocolate frogs, dragees of all flavours or choose your favourite wand.
Hogwarts Halls in Oxford
If there’s another city that stands out for its must-visit filming locations, it has to be Oxford. Specifically, Christ Church College, which was used as inspiration to create the Hogwarts Great Hall. Here, you’ll find the authentic stairs that lead to the castle’s dining room, where Minerva McGonagall welcomes new students.
The cloisters of New College and the Divinity School are other locations you can visit during the Oxford Harry Potter Tour. You’ll see the School of Witchcraft and Wizardry’s infirmary, the courtyards used for several film scenes, the Hogwarts library… You’ll be surprised!
In search of the Hogwarts Express in Scotland
Who hasn’t dreamed of receiving a letter signed by Albus Dumbledore himself inviting us to Hogwarts? While you wait for the letter, you can enjoy travelling on the famous Hogwart’s Express. If you’re in Inverness, you can hop on board this steam train by booking the Highlands Tour.
You’ll also cross the Glenfinnan Viaduct, one of the most popular Harry Potter filming locations – a unique experience!
Extra! Harry Potter amusement parks
We can’t end without talking about the many Harry Potter theme parks that have been built around the world. Cities such as Orlando, Los Angeles and Osaka have built their own versions of the wizarding world.
Themed areas and rollercoasters will make you forget about the Muggle world and experience J.K. Rowling’s unique creation. There’s no end to the magic!
