17 Captivating Harry Potter Locations in England

England, in the United Kingdom, contains a magical mix of landscapes and locations that inspired the world of Hogwarts. This page provides a list of Harry Potter locations in England for you to visit, plus a map showing each location.

From ancient university halls to historic village streets, each Harry Potter filming location in England is gloriously unique.  I’ve included a separate section for London, plus also two locations just outside England.

Disclaimer: This post is written by me (an independent travel blogger) and is not affiliated to Warner Bros., JK Rowling, Penguin Publishing or any other official Harry Potter agency. All opinions are my own, and facts are reproduced to the best of my knowledge.

I’ve split this post into three sections, which I have outlined below.

The pink links will take you straight to each section, or you can keep scrolling through the article to read it all.

Harry Potter Locations in England

1. Alnwick Castle – The exterior of Hogwarts in the first two films, including Harry’s first flying lesson.
2. Lacock Abbey – Interior shots of Hogwarts, especially its cloisters.
3. Durham Cathedral – Hogwarts interiors, such as the classroom and corridors in the first two films.
4. Gloucester Cathedral – Used for several Hogwarts interiors, including the scenes from Chamber of Secrets.
5. Goathland Station – The setting for Hogsmeade Station.
6. Black Park – The Forbidden Forest scenes were filmed here.
7. Oxford University – Locations like Christ Church and the Bodleian Library were used for Hogwarts interiors.
8. Hardwick Hall – Featured as Malfoy Manor in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1.
9. Lacock Village – Featured as the backdrop for Godric’s Hollow in Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince.
10. Seven Sisters Country Park – Appeared in Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire during the Quidditch World Cup scenes.
11. Malham Cove – Featured in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows as a campsite where Harry and Hermione hide during their journey.

Harry Potter Locations in the City of London

1. King’s Cross Station – Home of Platform 9¾, where students board the Hogwarts Express.
2. Leadenhall Market – Used as the entrance to Diagon Alley in Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone.
3. Millennium Bridge – Featured in Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, destroyed by Death Eaters.
4. The Reptile House at London Zoo – Where Harry first speaks to a snake in Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone.

Harry Potter Locations Not Far from England (could be visited on a day trip)

1. Glenfinnan Viaduct (Scotland) – The iconic track of the Hogwarts Express, located in the Scottish Highlands.
2. Edinburgh (Scotland) – While not featured in the films, the city has many Rowling-related locations, including the Elephant House café and Greyfriars Kirkyard.

Harry Potter Locations in England – introduction.

Read on for my guide to Harry Potter locations in England.

As a British travel blogger, I have of course visited most of the places on this list!

There are several more Harry Potter related places in London city, but the ones in this post are the main ones.

1. Alnwick Castle (Northumberland)

Alnwick Castle served as the exterior of Hogwarts in the first two films, most notably in scenes like Harry’s first flying lesson.

Located in Northumberland, this grand castle is open to visitors and often offers Harry Potter-themed events and broomstick training sessions. Try Harry Potter’s Alnwick Castle and Borders tour, which departs from Edinburgh.

2. Lacock Abbey (Wiltshire)

Lacock Abbey is one of the most popular Harry Potter locations in England, as it was used for many interior shots of Hogwarts, particularly the cloisters, as you can see below.

The abbey’s mediaeval architecture makes it an atmospheric place to visit, with specific rooms used in filming still recognisable to fans.

A great tour is the Guided Tour of Harry Potter Film Locations of Lacock & Cotswolds, which is excellent because it includes the beautiful Cotswolds, too.

3. Durham Cathedral (Durham)

Another significant location for Hogwarts scenes, Durham Cathedral’s cloisters were used in Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone and Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets.

The stunning Gothic architecture served as the backdrop for moments like Harry’s first explorations of the castle.

Try a private tour which includes the City of Durham and the cathedral itself.

4. Gloucester Cathedral (Gloucestershire)

Gloucester Cathedral was also used as a stand-in for Hogwarts’ interiors.

The fan-vaulted cloisters appear in several key scenes, including when the Chamber of Secrets is opened, and messages are scrawled on the walls. They also lead to the Gryffindor common room.

The cathedral is open to visitors year-round. Check the programme of events here, or book a cathedral guided tour.

5. Goathland Station (North Yorkshire)

Goathland Station in the North York Moors was used as Hogsmeade Station, where the Hogwarts Express drops off students arriving at the school in the Philosopher’s Stone.

In real life, this charming country station still operates and retains its magical connection for Harry Potter fans.

The station also has a cute little tea room where you can enjoy coffee and cake; see the opening hours here.

Further reading: The Best Harry Potter Gifts You Can Buy on Amazon.

6. Black Park (Buckinghamshire)

Located next to Pinewood Studios, Black Park was used for many forest scenes in the Harry Potter films.

It doubled as the Forbidden Forest, where some of the more dangerous moments in the story took place.

The park is easily accessible from London and offers beautiful woodland walks for those wanting to experience a piece of Harry Potter’s world. Check the opening hours here.

7. Oxford University (Oxford)

Oxford University served as a key filming location for Hogwarts interiors. It’s one of the most recognisable Harry Potter locations in England for sure.

Christ Church’s majestic dining hall inspired the Great Hall, and the cloisters were used for various Hogwarts corridors.

Additionally, the Bodleian Library was featured as the Hogwarts library and infirmary, making the iconic institution a must-visit for Harry Potter fans seeking to enter the magical world. 

The Harry Potter In Oxford tour from London includes private transport.

8. Hardwick Hall (Derbyshire)

This grand Elizabethan mansion was transformed into Malfoy Manor in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1.

The imposing exterior of Hardwick Hall, with its towering windows and eerie atmosphere, was the perfect backdrop for the dark and sinister home of the Malfoy family.

Hardwick Hall is managed by the National Trust, and you can see visitor information here.

For a luxury private tour, try Hardwick Hall & The Beauty of The Peak District.

9. Lacock Village (Wiltshire)

The charming and well-preserved Lacock Village provided the backdrop for Godric’s Hollow in Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, where Harry’s parents lived.

Its historic streets and mediaeval buildings evoke a sense of timeless magic, making it an ideal location for one of the series’ most emotionally charged scenes.

If you are interested in the surrounding areas, you can combine Windsor Castle, Stonehenge and Lacock Village in one tour.

10. Seven Sisters Country Park (East Sussex)

This stunning coastal park appeared in Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire during the Quidditch World Cup scenes.

The sweeping cliffs and dramatic landscapes offered a fittingly majestic setting for the magical event.

If you’re in London, try this Seven Sisters & South Downs Tour, which includes train tickets.

11. Malham Cove (North Yorkshire)

 Malham Cove is a striking limestone formation that served as a picturesque campsite for Harry and Hermione in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows.

This stunning location features dramatic cliffs and lush greenery, providing a serene yet dramatic backdrop for their journey.

Harry Potter Locations in the City of London.

I have separated the London locations, as you could visit all these iconic city locations in one day. These are just a few of the main Hogwarts locations in London:

12. King’s Cross Station

Perhaps the most famous Harry Potter site in London, King’s Cross Station is where students board the Hogwarts Express from Platform 9¾.

You can visit the real King’s Cross and find the magical trolley disappearing into the wall at the dedicated Harry Potter photo spot. There’s also a nearby Harry Potter shop selling themed merchandise. 

Here is a popular short Harry Potter walking tour with platform 9 3/4.

13. Leadenhall Market

This charming Victorian market in the City of London was used as the entrance to Diagon Alley in Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone.

In the film, Harry Potter first discovers the enchanting world of witches and wizards when Hagrid takes him to this very location. The entrance to Diagon Alley is disguised as an unassuming shop called the Leaky Cauldron, which serves as a gateway to the bustling marketplace filled with magical shops.

As Harry steps through the Leaky Cauldron, he is introduced to the wizarding world for the first time, culminating in a memorable moment where he gazes in awe at the array of magical goods available in the shops beyond.

The popular London Tour for Muggles includes a stop at Leadenhall Market.

14. Millennium Bridge

This modern pedestrian bridge is featured in Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince and is the one destroyed by Death Eaters in the film.

While the destruction is cinematic, you can walk across the real Millennium Bridge to experience the iconic views of St. Paul’s Cathedral and the River Thames.

The Original Harry Potter Locations tour covers the Millennium Bridge and many other locations!

15. The Reptile House at London Zoo

In Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, Harry speaks to a snake for the first time at the Reptile House in the London Zoo.

Visitors to the zoo can see the exact enclosure where the scene was filmed, which has become a fan-favourite spot. Purchase your London Zoo tickets here.

Also see my post on things to do in London relating to Harry Potter.

Harry Potter Locations Not Far From England (Easily Reachable on a Day Trip)

The two entries below are actually in Scotland, but not far from England, and could be visited on a day trip. You may also be interested in my post 15 Magical Harry Potter Locations in Scotland.

16. Edinburgh, Scotland

The city of Edinburgh may not feature in the films, but it has deep ties to J.K. Rowling’s writing process.

You can visit the cafes where the author wrote parts of the series, like The Elephant House, or explore Greyfriars Kirkyard, where names that inspired characters like Tom Riddell can be found. Both of these two places feature in my popular things to do in Edinburgh post.

Browse Harry Potter Edinburgh tours here.

17. The Glenfinnan Viaduct (Scotland)

Further afield, the Glenfinnan Viaduct is one of the most iconic Harry Potter locations, famous for its role as the track for the Hogwarts Express. This is one of the most famous Harry Potter locations in Scotland, but there are lots more.

You can take a day trip from Edinburgh or Glasgow to see the viaduct and, during certain times of the year, ride the Jacobite Steam Train across it – just like the students of Hogwarts!

The most popular private tour which includes the Glenfinnan Viaduct train is this one.

Map of Harry Potter locations in England.

This Google Map shows all the Harry Potter locations in England (and Scotland) as listed in this post. If you are viewing on a phone, you can use two fingers to pinch and drag the map.