Lavenham Aka Godrics Hollow
Appeared in: Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Part 1
Ah yes, the birthplace of both Harry Potter and Dumbledore. Thats a pretty star-studded alumni list
The quaint and adorable village of Lavenham can be found in Suffolk, and was the real-life inspo for Godrics Hollow thanks to its half-timbered Tudor style architecture . According to Harry Potter: Magical Places from the Films, the production team wanted something quintessentially English so that they could get a nice contrast with the Gothic styles of Hogwarts, and well, looks like they found it!
NOTE: Before you get too excited, apparently no cast members actually filmed here. Instead, Harry and Hermione were added into Lavenham shots through the magic of CGI, as most filming took place in-studio . A lot of the scenes were actually shot at Pinewood Studios because it had a beautiful garden and cedar tree in which they set up the set for the graveyard.
Oh, and if youre a curious cat like me, you can of the inside of Harrys birth home. Its gorgeous, and was on sale for about 1 million last year . Supposedly it has the most photographed door in England, second to only 10 Downing St.
The adorable streets of Lavenham
Privet Drive Little Whinging Surrey
Only true Potterheads will take a trip to the suburbs to visit Harrys childhood home. 4 Privet Drive was where we first met Harry and the unpleasant Dursley family in Harry Potter and the Sorcerers Stone. Technically, the home for the movies was filmed in Berkshire, so youll find all the crowds taking their pictures at 12 Picket Post Close in Martins Heron.
Off To Hogwarts We Go: Glenfinnan Viaduct Lochaber Scotland
This viaduct, 100ft above ground, is captured in several Harry Potter films on the route to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. You can journey through this magical landscape just as Harry and friends did, aboard the Jacobite steam train used as the Hogwarts Express in the movie.
See if you can spot where, in Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, Arthur Weasleys baby-blue flying Ford Anglia lands on the viaduct. The head of the Weasley family modified it to fit eight people, six trunks, two owls and one rat.
Read Also: What Harry Potter House Am I In Test
Below The Ground Floor
- “He was standing at the end of a long, dimly lit chamber. Towering stone pillars entwined with more serpents, rose to a ceiling lost in darkness, casting long, black shadows through the odd, greenish gloom that filled the place.”
- Harry exploring the Chamber
The Chamber of Secrets
The Chamber of Secrets was allegedly created deep under the dungeons of Hogwarts Castle during the Medieval times by Salazar Slytherin, who disagreed with the other Hogwarts founders on the merits of blood purity. The Chamber of Secrets was home to an ancient Basilisk, which was intended to be used to purge the school of Muggle-born students. The entrance could be found in Moaning Myrtle’sbathroom on the second floor. In order to gain entrance one had to say “open” in Parseltongue, and a sink would open into a slide. While falling down the large, dark pipe, one could see hundreds of other pipes leading off. At the end of the pipe, one was launched into a damp, stone chamber. This room was stated to be “miles beneath the school” and under the Lake. This was where Tom Marvolo Riddle used his ability to speak Parseltongue and attack Harry Potter.
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.
Don’t Miss: How Many Publishers Rejected Harry Potter
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?
What Harry Potter Sites Can I Visit From London
London makes a great base for visiting Harry Potter sites. There are a number of filming locations in the city itself, plus there are a number you can visit on easy day trips from the city. These include:
- Leadenhall Market
- Kings Cross Station
- The Harry Potter Studio
- Oxford University
- Gloucester Cathedral
- Lacock Abbey
Read Also: What Harry Potter House Am I In Test
Harry Potter Destinations You Can Visit In Real Life
J.K. Rowling probably couldnt have imagined how successful the Harry Potter series would be, and even though the series has ended, many people are still totally obsessed with Harry Potter. If youre a true Potterhead , you absolutely have to check out these Harry Potter destinations so you can tap into your inner wizard.
The Lion Arch The Path To Hagrids Hut
As you approach the castle from The Alnwick Garden, youll see the Lion Arch.
Youll instantly recognise it as the location where Harry, Ron, and Hermione walk down to see Hagrid in his hut within the Forbidden Forest.
There were some pretty awesome special effects made to make Robbie Coltrane who plays Hagrid to be that much taller than Harry and his friends!
The Lion Arch at Alnwick Castle
You May Like: Harry Potter Creature Quiz
What To See At Alnwick Gardens
I knew the Alnwick Gardens were big, but I didnt realize how many different attractions there are to see. Depending on how long you have to explore, you will probably need to prioritize what to see. Its important to also take into consideration what will be in bloom during your visit. We did not have time for several of the attractions.
Chesil Beach Dorset Aka Home To The Burrow
While of course, the exterior of the impossible gravity-defying Burrow was accomplished through CGI, and the interiors were all shot on sets in Leavesden, the backdrop for the Burrow was inspired by a marsh near Chesil Beach in Dorset.
According to Stuart Craig, the HP production designer, this remote location seemed like the perfect place for the Burrow given its flatness really accentuated the weird impossible structure of the building.
Don’t Miss: Are The Spells In Harry Potter Real Words
The Real Harry Potter Castle
The saga of the highly acclaimed Harry Potter films has generated among the fans a hunt for the real places where the story is set. For enthusiasts, all this can become the starting point for a holiday in England , and a fun way to put yourself on the trail of the real Harry Potter castle !
Un viaggio nei luoghi della saga
A Harry Potter tour can only start in the most magical place in the series, the fabulous School of Witchcraft of Hogwarts . The real Harry Potter castle is Alnwick Castle and is located in the British county of Nothumberland near Scotland .
The castle was built in 1096 and is still perfectly preserved. After strolling through the park where Harry practiced purposefully or played Quiddich, visit the interior rooms they still contain period furniture and paintings . Then enjoy the wonderful panorama from the walls. Alnwick Castle also offers many amusements: children canmeet the Dragon Master to learn all about dragons and master the sword.
Many of the scenes set in Hogwarts, however, were shot in Oxford. In particular, the Great Hall corresponds to the canteen of Christ Church College, while the library where the three magicians friends devised a thousand strategies to fight Voldemort is the fourteenth-century Bodleian Library .
A magical track to reach the castle
Harry and Lego fans? then you could opt for a Lego Harry Potter Hogwarts Castle. Guaranteed fun!
Option A: The Landscapes Surrounding Hogwarts
Many of the dramatic backdrops in the Harry Potter films were inspired, shot and made from composites of unique landscapes in the Scottish Highlands.
According to Harry Potter: Magical Places from the Films, Production Designer Stuart Craig was greatly inspired by Glencoe, and sent the team up there many times to get photography for background shots and inspiration.
While the end of product was more of a dramatic, idealized version of reality , they DID film on location for a few weeks in Glencoe for Prisoner of Azkaban, the most extensive on location shoot they did in Scotland for the entire franchise.
So, if you want to visit the landscapes surrounding Hogwarts in real life, Glencoe is your place!
Recommended Reading: How Much Did Daniel Radcliffe Make From Harry Potter Movies
How To Find The Setting For Different Classes & Offices At Hogwarts
While Im still awaiting my Hogwarts acceptance letter, I can still say that Ive stopped by a few different Hogwarts classes over the past few years!
Over time, many Hogwarts offices/classes moved to film at the Warner Bros Studios in Leavesden, in the initial films many classrooms were shot on location for authenticity.
Here are some Hogwarts classroom locations you can visit in real life.
Newcastle To Alnwick Castle
Its about a 45-minute drive from Newcastle to Alnwick. If you want to take public transportation, the easiest way to Alnwick Castle from Newcastle is to take either the X15 or X18 bus from Haymarket bus station. Then walk six minutes to the castle from the bus station. That will take about an hour an half.
If you would like a faster option, take the Cross Country train headed to Glasgow and get off the train at Alnmouth station. Then either take a taxi or the X18 bus from Alnmouth station to Alnwick, which is about 4 miles. This way takes a little more than an hour.
If you take the train or one of the buses from Newcastle to Alnwick Castle you can save 20% discount on Castle only tickets! .
Read Also: Are The Harry Potter Movies On Amazon Prime
Harry Potter Uk Filming Locations By Scene
In this guide Ive listed the Harry Potter locations by real world filming locations. However, if you would prefer them listed based on the scene of each film, heres a list to help you do just that. This includes entries from this guide, as well as our comprehensive guide to Harry Potter filming locations in London and in Scotland.
- Diagon Alley Leadenhall Market, London. Borough Market, London
- Platform Nine and Three Quarters Kings Cross Station, London
- Gringotts Bank Australia House, London
- Ministry of Magic Scotland Place, London
- Hogwarts Infirmary Divinity School, Oxford
- Hogwarts Library Duke Humfreyâs Library, Oxford
- Hogwarts Hallways New College & Christ Church College , Oxford. Gloucester Cathedral, Gloucester. Durham Cathedral, Durham. Lacock Abbey, Lacock.
- Hogwarts Exteriors Alnwick Castle, Northumberland
- Broomstick lessons at Hogwarts Alnwick Castle, Northumberland
- Hogwarts Classrooms Lacock Abbey, Lacock, Durham Cathedral, Durham
- Lily and James Potterâs House in Godricâs Hollow Lacock
- Budleigh Babberton Lacock
- Harry and Hermiones Camp Malham Cove, North Yorkshire
- Hogsmeade train station Goathland Train Station, Yorkshire
- Hogwarts Express Scenery Glenfinnan Viaduct, Scottish Highlands
- Hagridâs Hut Clachaig Gully, Glencoe, Scotland
- Dobbys Grave Pembrokeshire Coast, Wales
- Dumbledores Grave Loch Eilt, Scotland
Loch Shiel Aka The Lake By Hogwarts
Of all the lakes that subbed in for the lake by Hogwarts, Loch Shiel is perhaps the most distinctive.
You can see it clearly during the whole Ford Anglia flying scene in Chamber of Secrets, but its most visible in the Chamber of Secrets extended version, when you see Harry perched on a viewpoint having an existential crisis about the fact that he can speak parseltongue. Well, this viewpoint is on a hill just behind Glennfinnan visitor center and yes, hes overlooking Loch Shiel! A path next to the visitor center is said to bring you straight to this view
Loch Shiel also makes several cameo appearances in later films when theyre doing landscape shots of the Hogwarts Express, and also in Goblet of Fire, at the very end when you see Durmstrangs boat and the pretty pegasus carriage from Beaux-Batons leaving.
You May Like: How Did Voldemort Get His Wand Back
Discover Harry Potter Filming Locations With Scottish Tours
No need to seek out these magical places for yourself – let us show you the most iconic Harry Potter locations. Treat your favourite Potterhead to one of our Harry Potter tours:
We pride ourselves on delivering award-winning and expert tours every time at Scottish Tours. See our full programme and book your Scotland Tour online.
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.
Don’t Miss: Harry Potter First Movie
Option E: The Great Lake
Over the years, production managers have used a variety of locations for Hogwarts Great Lake.
Tracking down a place that properly looks like the lake though might be a challenge, given that theyd often used a clever mix of Virginia Lake in Surrey, England , mixed in with composite background shots from famous Scottish lakes.
So, really, the Great Lake is a bunch of lakes kinda mushed together.
Nonetheless, the Virginia Water Lake in Surrey, England is easily recognizable as where, in Prisoner of Azkaban, Harry flies with Buckbeak and later fights off dementors by the lake.
Its also seen prominently in some of the scenes in Goblet of Fire, like during the second Triwizard Cup challenge, and for a few other scenes like Neville fishing/Harry reading when Hermione comes and has to pass messages between Harry and Ron.
But yes, the majority of the super dramatic landscapes you see in the films, especially lake-related ones, make use of background shots from Scotland, including Loch Shiel, Loch Eilt, and Loch Arkaig.
Experience Harry Potter Alnwick Castle Broomstick Training
One of my favourite experiences while visiting all the Alnwick Castle Harry Potter filming locations was the Broomstick lessons! It definitely felt surreal as the class takes place in the Outer Bailey just like in the movies.
Although Madam Hooch wont be around, the wizarding professors that run the sessions are hilarious and really get into it!
They will teach you the basics of mastering your broomstick. Youll practice your mounting skills, dismounting the broom and learning how to manoeuvre the grounds!
Youll be shouting at your broom in no time and whizzing around the courtyard.
Also Check: Who Gives Harry Potter The Nimbus 2000
Option B: The Forbidden Forest
Remember: The Forbidden Forest is out of bounds for all students
But not the real life locations! So yes, if you want to visit them, youre totally free to do so.
A variety of forests around the UK were used for filming Forbidden Forest scenes, although pretty much all the magical, otherworldly additions were either accomplished on a set or with CGI, so visiting these spots will look very different from the sets in the films.
Nonetheless, if you dig forests or are simply curious, here are some real life Forbidden Forests that you can visit.
Black Park, Buckinghamshire: Used throughout the franchise for a few small scenes, including Hagrids Hut in the first two films, the detention scene from Philosophers Stone where they head into the Forbidden Forest for the first time, and a few wider shots in Chamber of Secrets like when the Ford Anglia is driving away from Aragog. It was also used in Order of the Phoenix, as Hogsmeade Station, when they constructed a special track and station set for the students to step off and transfer from the train to the Thestral-pulled carriages.
Frithaden Beeches Wood in the Chiltern Hills of England: This is actually where the real life model for the Whomping Willow once stood, but sadly the famous Queen Beech as it was known split in half and collapsed back in 2014. This is also the forest they walk through on their way to the portkey to the Quidditch Cup in Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire.