Top Harry Potter Filming Locations

More than a decade has passed since British author J.K. Rowling published the final 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 decades, and new generations are getting in on the fun as well.

If you’re a Harry Potter fan and you enjoy traveling, you should consider checking out some of the top filming locations, as well as some of the real-life places that served as inspiration for the series. Read on to allow Civitatis to open 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’.

1. Harry Potter Filming Locations in London City

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!

2. 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. As you make your way around the city, you can easily imagine why—see the city’s main spots on our 2-day Porto itinerary from our guide.

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, which you can learn more about on this Porto Harry Potter Free Tour.

3. 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. As you make your way through the city, you’ll come to understand why so many comparisons are drawn between Edinburgh’s Victoria Street (just off of Edinburgh’s Royal Mile) and the famous Diagon Alley.

Another location frequented by fans is Greyfriars Kirkyard. The tombs in this graveyard are thought to have served as inspiration for some of the series’ beloved characters. You’ll find a Robert Potter, William McGonagall, Elizabeth Moodie, and none other than Thomas Riddle—can you find any others? This location certainly has a spooky vibe, though, of course, it’s important to be respectful if you do decide to visit!

4. Warner Bros. Studios, where Harry Potter was filmed!

Want to see more? A must for any Potter-head is a tour of the Harry Potter Warner Bros. Studio Tour 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, jelly beans of every flavour and even a wand!

5. 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!

6. All Aboard the Hogwarts Express!

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 Hogwarts Express. If you’re in Inverness, you can hop on board this steam train by booking the Highlands Tour.

During this activity, you’ll embark on the railway used by the Hogwarts Express, traversing Scotland’s incredible countryside and crossing the Glenfinnan Viaduct—one of the most iconic filming locations in the series, and a route which made our list of the most beautiful train rides in the world.

7. Extra! Harry Potter Amusement Parks

We can’t end without mentioning the many Harry Potter theme parks that have been built around the world. Cities such as Orlando, Los Angeles and Osaka have created magical worlds, which allow fans to step into the Harry Potter universe and live like a wizard for a day!

Themed areas and rollercoasters will make you forget about the Muggle world and fall in love with the wizarding world all over again. Make all of your dreams come true and visit these Harry Potter filming locations for yourself—there’s no end to the magic!