Magical Congress Of The United States Of America
The Magical Congress of the United States of America is the magical body in charge of governing the wizarding population of the United States of America. It is led by the President of the Magical Congress of the United States of America. Unlike the No-Maj United States Congress, which is divided into a House of Representatives and a Senate, the MACUSA is unicameral. The MACUSA is located within the Woolworth Building in downtown New York City and spans hundreds of stories.
Newt Scamander visited the building in the film Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them, when he was brought in by Porpentina “Tina” Goldstein for threatening the Statute of Secrecy by using magic in front of Jacob Kowalski, a No-Maj.
Walk In Harry Potter’s Footsteps
Harry Potter fans love Lacock Abbey, in Wiltshire, which stood in as Hogwarts for two of the films. Challenge your friends to a wizard duel, play hide and seek in the grounds and pick up a family trail to explore the area.
Lavenham, in Suffolk, has also featured in the films. Avid fans will recognise it from scenes in Godrics Hollow. Freshwater West, six miles west of Stackpole in Pembrokeshire, was the filming location for the beach scenes with Dobby and home to Shell Cottage.Watch out for the Whomping Willow on Ashridge Estate, Hertfordshire, which takes the form of a gnarled and knotted 400 year old beech tree. Visit Malfoy Manor, also known as Hardwick Hall in Derbyshire. Hardwick was used to film the exterior scenes of the Malfoy’s home in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows.
St Pancras Renaissance Hotel
Movie: Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets.Shot: St Pancras Renaissance Hotel was used as the entrance to Kings Cross station in Harry Potter and The Chamber of Secrets.Fact: The Renaissance Hotel has been seen worldwide by millions as a filming location for not only Harry Potter films, but also 102 Dalmatians, Batman, Richard III and others.Closest tube station: Kings Cross St. Pancras, 5 min walk.Price: Free.
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Goathland Train Station Yorkshire
Another filming location for Harry Potter in Yorkshire was Goathland train station. Found in the North York Moors in the village of Goathland , this was the filming location of the Hogwarts train station, Hogsmeade.
The station appeared in Harry Potter and the Philosophers Stone. When the train pulls into the station, we can see Hogwarts in the distance . Its here that Hagrid welcomes the first years and takes them to the boats which they cross to the school.
It also features at the end of the same movie, when the students head home after the end of their first year of adventures at Hogwarts.
Goathland train station is a part of the North Yorkshire Moors railway, and is an active station, with services running to Whitby. Its free to visit, and theres a fee to park if you park on site. You can even stay on site, in the camping train.
There are also a variety of experiences on offer, including the chance to ride a steam train or take a ride on a classic Pullman dining train.
If you want to do an activity like this, we recommend you book in advance as they do not run every day or year round.
Extra Harry Potter Amusement Parks
We cant 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. Rowlings unique creation. Theres no end to the magic!
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Cast Will Reunite To Celebrate 20 Years Since The Film Franchise First Began
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The first image from the forthcoming Harry Potter reunion has been released, showing lead actors Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson and Rupert Grint in the Gryffindor common room.
The Harry Potter 20th Anniversary: Return to Hogwarts special premieres on HBO Max on 1 January 2022.
It will celebrate 20 years since the release of Harry Potter and the Philosophers Stone, which came out in the US and UK in November 2001. In the US, the film was titled Harry Potter and the Sorcerers Stone.
Seven other films followed, including The Prisoner of Azkaban and The Goblet of Fire, plus two movies spanning author JK Rowlings final book, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows.
The HBO special promises to tell an enchanting making-of story through all-new in-depth interviews and cast conversations, inviting fans on a magical first-person journey through one of the most beloved film franchises of all time.
Present: Focus As A Producer And Pixels
As early as 2009, magazine reported that Columbus, , and Mark Radcliffe were working on a film adaptation of ‘s novel . Released in 2011, the film of the was directed by with Columbus serving as producer. The film and novel recount the story of a young white aspiring journalist, Eugenia “Skeeter” Phelan, and her relationship with two black maids, Aibileen Clark and Minny Jackson, during the . The film received critical and commercial success, earning $216.6 million worldwide. Roger Ebert described it as “involving and wonderfully acted”, and Amy Biancolli of the San Francisco Chronicle called it “a film that makes us root for the good guys, hiss at the bad and convulse in laughter when good wreaks vengeance with a smile”. At the , won the for her role. The film also received three other nominations: , and Best Supporting Actress. The film won the .
In 2013, Columbus co-authored the book series with . Shortly, Columbus returned to the Percy Jackson series, as an executive producer for the sequel titled . Directed by , and starring much of the cast from the previous installment, the film grossed $200.9 million worldwide. However, it received a divided critical reaction. Columbus next produced , the final installment in the Night at the Museum series. Released in December 2014, the film was a financial success, grossing $363.2 million at the box office. It was also Robin Williams’ final film appearance before his death.
Upcoming projects
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Harry Potter And The Deathly Hallows Part 2
After destroying one Horcrux and discovering the significance of the three Deathly Hallows, Harry, Ron and Hermione continue to seek the other Horcruxes in an attempt to destroy Voldemort, who has now obtained the powerful Elder Wand. The Dark Lord discovers Harry’s hunt for Horcruxes and launches an attack on Hogwarts School, where the trio return for one last stand against the dark forces that threaten both the Wizarding and Muggle worlds.
Eilean Na Moine Loch Eilt
The island of Eilean na Moine sits just off the shore of the evocative Loch Eilt in the Scottish Highlands. Visible from the West Highland Railway line, the loch is a short drive from the village of Glenfinnan.
Loch Eilt features in a number of shots as the grounds of Hogwarts more specifically The Black Lake throughout the earlier films, and in Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince and Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1 as the location of Albus Dumbledores grave.
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Harry Potter And The Order Of The Phoenix
Harry’s fifth year begins with him being attacked by Dementors in Little Whinging. Later, he finds out that the Ministry of Magic is in denial of Lord Voldemort’s return. Harry is also beset by disturbing and realistic nightmares, while Professor Umbridge, a representative of Minister for Magic Cornelius Fudge, is the new Defence Against the Dark Arts teacher. Harry becomes aware that Voldemort is after a prophecy which reveals: “neither can live while the other survives.” The rebellion involving the students of Hogwarts, secret organisation Order of the Phoenix, the Ministry of Magic, and the Death Eaters begins.
Was Harry Potter Filmed At Edinburgh Castle
Despite the connection between Edinburgh and the Harry Potter series, none of the filming for the movies took place in Edinburgh. But fans will still find many places to visit that were real-life places in J.K. Rowlings life and places around the city that may have inspired Harry Potter characters and places.
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Harry Potter Filming Locations In The Uk
This list contains what we think are some of the more important and spectacular filming locations for Harry Potter in the UK.
There are of course many more locations than we have listed here, but we think that these are an excellent representation of the locations you can visit.
If you are looking for even more locations you can visit, check out our detailed guides to Harry Potter filming locations in London and Harry Potter filming locations in Scotland.
Planning Your Visit To The Harry Potter Movie Sites In Scotland
Now that you know where Harry Potter was filmed in Scotland and a bit about each location, we thought you might also want some tips for planning your visit to these sites and to Scotland in general.
We include transport tips, a list of Harry Potter tours in Scotland, lodging tips, and additional attractions that may be of interest to Harry Potter fans.
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The Top Harry Potter Filming Locations In The Uk
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If youve watched the Harry Potter films, youve probably enjoyed seeing some of the spectacular landscapes, scenery, and properties on the screen. You might now be wondering where Harry Potter was filmed and if you can visit these sites in the UK.
Well, were here to help! Weve visited many of the the real world Harry Potter filming locations in England and Scotland, as well as the actual filming studio where the other scenes were put together.
Based on our experiences, we wanted to share with you some of our favourite Harry Potter filming locations to help you plan your own magical experience.
Contents:
The Leaky Cauldron: Leadenhall Market London England
Wizard pub, The Leaky Cauldron, was set in what is now an opticians in Bulls Head Passage, Leadenhall Market. Behind that was where the glittering Diagon Alley shopping street was imagined, selling spell books and potions so enticing that Harry wished he had eight eyes to see.
Whilst you probably wont find any magic shops, the ornate Victorian marketplace is a splendid place to pick up some Harry Potter inspired British fashion. Bag yourself a classic wax Barbour jacket, as sported by Ron Weasley in Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone.
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Alnwick Castle Aka Hogwarts
And if youre looking to see where many exterior Hogwarts shots were filmed, head over to Alnwick Castle, doable as a day trip from Edinburgh.
A LOT of Hogwarts scenes were filmed here, most notably the scene in the first film when Madam Hooch is teaching the kiddos how to fly, and also where Harry is learning how to play Quidditch. Many of the shots that involve the students walking around Hogwarts outside , were filmed at Alnwick Castle as well.
Do you see the Hogwarts resemblance?
Duke Humfreys Library At The Bodleian Library Aka Hogwarts Library
Appeared in: Harry Potter and the Philosophers Stone, Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix
Duke Humfreys Library is the oldest reading room in Oxfords making it a fitting place to play the stunning Hogwarts Library. Yes, this room is where Harry takes the invisibility cloak for its first spin during the first film . You also see Ron, Hermione and Harry studying here later on, and of course, who can forget the polyjuice potion research conducted in Chamber of Secrets?
The library comes into view again in Half-Blood Prince, when Hermione is seeeeeeething about Rons new romance with Lavender, and theyre both contemplating who to invite to Slughorns big Christmas bash.
How to visit this Harry Potter location for yourself: You can easily visit the Bodleian Library through a guided tour. They have tours of different lengths but even the shortest one allows you to visit both Duke Humfreys Library and also the Divinity School . More info here.
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Harry Potter Studio Tour Leavesden
Without doubt, if you are only going to do one Harry Potter related activity when you visit the UK, we think you should make it this a visit to the Harry Potter Studio.
This is where the majority of all eight of the Harry Potter movies were filmed. Following the shooting being completed, Warner Bros. decided to turn much of the property into an attraction that you can visit today.
Unlike the Wizarding World of Harry Potter theme parks in the USA and Japan though, this isnt somewhere you come to take rides. This is more of an experience where you can learn all about what went into making the movies.
Expect to visit original sets, like the Great Hall, Diagon Alley, and the Forbidden Forest. Youll learn all about the green screen technology and digital art that went into creating the Harry Potter world, as well as the models, costumes, and props that brought it all to life.
There is so much to see here it is quite overwhelming. Thankfully theres also butterbeer available for purchase to calm you down.
The tour is, for the most part, self-guided, and it will last you in the region of 3 4 hours to see everything.
In terms of the practicalities of visiting, the Harry Potter Studio Tour is found in Leavesden, just to the north of London. You can get here by public transport, or you can take a guided tour like this which includes transport.
Wed suggest reading through our detailed guide to the Harry Potter Studio Tour for more information and to make the most of your trip.
Platform : Kings Cross Station London England
The Hogwarts Express departs from Platform 9¾ of Kings Cross Station, which is actually the arched wall between platforms 4 and 5.
Or, head towards the entrance to platforms 9, 10 and 11 on the west side of the station where youll find a trolley disappearing into the magical realm through a wall marked Platform 9 ¾. To help you get into character theres a shop selling fun accessories from round Harry Potter specs to Hufflepuff hair scrunchies.
Outside is the Neo-Gothic facade of St Pancras where the Weasley’s magical Ford Anglia, with its powers of invisibility, takes off in Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets.
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Lambeth Bridge Aka The Bridge The Knight Bus Whizzes Across
Appeared in: Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban and Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix
Do you remember that scene with the Knight Bus at the start of Prisoner of Azkaban, when its whizzing across a bridge and has to compress itself to fit between two red double decker buses?
Yup, that bridge is none other than Londons Lambeth Bridge!
It also makes a super super brief appearance in Order of the Phoenix when they are flying over the Thames.
Imagine the Knight Bus whizzing across this
The Elephant House Caf And Spoon Caf
JK Rowling hung out in The Elephant House on George IV Bridge and in Spoon on Nicolson Street while she wrote The Philosopher’s Stone, and she finished writing Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows in room 552 of the grand Balmoral Hotel next to Waverley train station now known as the JK Rowling Suite.
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St Pancras Station Aka Where The Ford Anglia Takes Off
Appeared in: Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2
This picture-perfect train station is where the Ford Anglia takes off in the Chamber of Secrets when Ron and Harry need to get to Hogwarts after missing their train. 7 muggles might have seen them take off at the time, but now thousands of muggles pass it everyday
The station also makes a final appearance in one of the films final scenes ever in Deathly Hallows Part 2, when they show it again just before the scene where their kiddos are all being sent off to Hogwarts to begin a much less eventful school year than their parents.
No Ford Anglia, but this car is pretty cute
Freshwater West Beach Aka Home To Shell Cottage
Appeared in: Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1 and 2
This Welsh beach in Pembrokeshire Coast National Park is where Shell Cottage is set. It appears in the two Deathly Hallows movies, notably during a very sad scene that is so sad I cant even type it out.
Unfortunately, the cottage isnt there anymore for you to explore. In fact, due to bad weather, they had to build the cottage somewhere else and then lug it over just before filming. That said, its still a beautiful beach, and for a time, you could even visit Dobbys actual grave here.
*holding back tears*
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Walk Through Leadenhall Market
Its believed that Leadenhall Market in London served as some strong inspiration for Diagon Alley, and was partly filmed there, including the entrance to the Leaky Cauldron which is actually an opticians in real life.
For Potterheads, you should definitely take a slow ramble through the market you may even find some magical products to buy!