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What Castle Was Harry Potter Filmed

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Top Sights Where Harry Potter Was Filmed

Harry Potter Filmmakers | Building the Hogwarts Castle w/ Robbie Scott

Harry Potter’s story is set in a magical, largely fictional Britain, but the film series used many real locations as evocative backdrops. Other settings, like Diagon Alley, exist only at Leavesden Film Studios .

Many of the real-life filming sites are closed to visitors, far out of the way for most travelers, or an unmagical disappointment in person for all but the most committed fan. But plenty of locations are worth visiting for their own sake these are my top picks.

London

Harry first realizes his wizard powers in The Sorcerer’s Stone when talking with a snake at the London Zoo’s Reptile House.

When Hagrid takes Harry shopping for school supplies, they enter the glass-roofed Leadenhall Market and approach the storefront at 42 Bull’s Head Passage the entrance to The Leaky Cauldron pub .

Harry catches the Hogwarts Express train at King’s Cross Station. Inside the glass-roofed train station, on a pedestrian sky bridge over the tracks, Hagrid gives Harry a train ticket. Harry finds his way to the magical platform 9¾ with some help, but these days it’s well-signed, with a luggage cart that looks like it’s disappearing into the wall, and a cleverly located gift shop. Expect a 30-minute wait for a photo with the cart.

In The Prisoner of Azkaban , The Leaky Cauldron’s exterior was shot on rough-looking Stoney Street, at the southeast edge of Borough Market, near The Market Porter pub. En route there, the Knight Bus squeezes between Muggle buses on Lambeth Bridge .

Near Bath

Popular Harry Potter Filming Locations That You Can Visit

Harry Potter is more than just a fictional character. He is popular among the youth of not just today but of the youth years back. Harry Potter is a British-American film series based on the novels of the famous author J.K. Rowling. The main theme of the Harry Potter movie was magic. It is a collection of fantasy movies with magic in it. There are wonderful Harry Potter Filming Locations in the movie that make this series more lively.

If you have watched the films then you must be fantasized by the locations that the movie was filmed. So to satisfy your curious mind, we present you 15 Harry Potter Filming Locations that you can even visit today.

Where Was The The Leaky Cauldron Filmed

In the first film the entrance to the Leaky Cauldron was filmed in Leandenhall Market in London. Leandenhall Market was built in the late 19th century and is a beautiful example of a Victorian market. Also this was the location for some exterior Diagon Alley scenes. In the Prisoner of Azkaban film they used Borough Market and the interior shots were done in the Leavesden Film Studios.

Borough Market

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Harry Potter And The Order Of The Phoenix

Hogwarts in Order of the Phoenix

The Order of the Phoenix film sees the least changes as nothing noticeable happens to the castle. However:

  • The Training Grounds Tower is redesigned once again.
  • The Entrance Gates are added further down the hill to the back of Hogwarts. It is possible that these were present in the previous film adaptations but were not shown.
  • The Central Tower is shortened by two stories to make the new Astronomy Tower seem taller.
  • The Quidditch Pitch is moved to the opposite side of the Wooden Bridge beyond Hagrid’s Hut. It is possible this change was there before, but not seen until Half-Blood Prince.
  • An unnamed tower is removed from the front side of the Quad.
  • The Lookout Tower has been redesigned, being thinner and taller than before. The turrey protruding from its side has been moved from the back to the front and steepened.

Hogwarts after the Battle of Hogwarts

While omitted from Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1 aside from a brief cameo appearance, once the film was released, it was shown that although the third film had the highest number of modifications to date, Deathly Hallows: Part 2 has arguably the highest number of changes to prominent features and locations in and around Hogwarts. The noticeable changes to the castle are as follows:

Extra Harry Potter Amusement Parks

Ultimate Alnwick Castle Harry Potter Guide  One Step ...

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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Inner Bailey & Rampart Wall Ron And Harry Fly Into The Whomping Willow

If you head on over to the Inner Bailey which is right next to the entrance to the staterooms, youll notice the rampart walls that surround it.

This area of Alnwick Castle featured in Harry Potter and the Chamber of secrets. Its when Ron and Harry fly in the Ford Anglia over Hogwarts and end up crashing into the Whomping Willow!

Youll notice that the Whomping Willow isnt there, It was, unfortunately, some amazing CGI.

But, you can follow the scene through to the Inner Courtyard archway. This is where the car spits out their luggage and decides to leave them and drive off!

Can You Stay At Alnwick Castle

Although it would be amazing to stay at Hogwarts, its not possible at this time!

But, there are some amazing properties that are located in the quaint medieval town of Alnwick that you may prefer on your visit

The Hogs Head Inn An award winner in the North East England Tourism Awards, this place was named after the Harry Potter tavern! I love the Inn Collection Group and their properties are always cosy, with a hearty breakfast and friendly service. This Inn has 53 en-suite rooms for rent with a pub and restaurant onsite.

The Cookie Jar This boutique accommodation is an award-winning cosy retreat located right in the heart of Alnwick. The bedrooms are all unique and the amazing interiors are just to die for! Theres a terrace and Bistro onsite.

The Bondgate Boutique Another boutique property in a Grade II listed building dating back to the 1700s. But, youll find cosy modern furnishings in their beautiful rooms.

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Other Locations On The Sixth Floor

Main article:Filius Flitwick’s office

The Ravenclaw Head’s office was the thirteenth window from the right of the West Tower. The office contained portraits, a desk, and sleeping quarters. This was where Sirius Black was held captive, awaiting the Dementor’s Kiss in 1993. He was rescued by Harry Potter and Hermione Granger, and escaped on Buckbeak the Hippogriff.

Book Alnwick Castle Harry Potter Tour

Alnwick Castle Filming | Harry Potter | Downton Abbey | Elizabeth | The Hollow Crown

Have you been to Scotland? If so What suggestions do you have for our next trip. We would love to go back and do a road trip.

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Seven Sisters Country Park

Movie: Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire.Shot: The Seven Sisters cliffs were used for spectacular shots where Harry Potter walks up the hill to find the boots that transport him to the Quidditch World Cup.Fact: The Seven Sisters, the cliffs that give the park its name, are entirely made of chalk from the English Channel. In movies, they are often used as stand-ins for the White Cliffs of Dover since they are relatively free of modern architecture. This is another filming location familiar with the Hollywood lifestyle having appeared in the blockbusters Robin Hood: princes of Thieves and Atonement.Getting there by train: There are regular rail services from London to Brighton, Seaford, and Eastbourne.Getting there by car: The Seven Sisters Country Park is situated in Exceat, only 10 min away from Seaford by car. The car park is closed overnight and will cost you £3.50 for the day.Price: Free.

Divinity School At Bodleian Library

Also at the Bodleian Library, the Divinity School served as the Hogwarts infirmary. The Divinity School is a medieval building constructed in the perpendicular style. It was built between 1427 and 1483 and is the oldest surviving purpose-built building at Oxford University. The biggest draw at the Divinity School is the ceiling. It has incredibly elaborate lierne vaulting, meaning there are tertiary ribs in the vaulting that span two other ribs rather than originating at the central boss. And there are 455 bosses in the ceiling.

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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

Harry Potter Sites By Train + Day Tours

Harry Potter Film Locations at Alnwick Castle

It is actually easy to see all the sites in this post without needing a car. Heres a quick itinerary.

3 Days in London

Start your Harry Potter adventure with 3 days in London. Wed suggest one full day to see all the Harry Potter sights in London, either on your own or on a walking tour.

Then, use your other two days to take a day trip to the Harry Potter Studio and Oxford, and a day trip to Gloucester and Lacock Abbey.

If you want to see more of London, just add in a day or two check out our 2 day London itinerary for some ideas.

Once you are done in London, take the train up to York. This takes around 2 hours, and youll get the best prices if you buy your tickets in advance.

2 Days in York

York makes a good base for a number of Harry Potter filming locations, plus the city itself is beautiful. Its also said that the film producers visited the Shambles area of the city to get some inspiration for creating Diagon Alley.

From York, you can take a full day tour which includes a visit to Durham Cathedral and Goathland train station. If you want to visit Malham Cove, you could also do this by combination of train and bus from York.

After York, its another 2 hours or so by train up to Edinburgh.

3 Days in Edinburgh

From Edinburgh, we recommend taking a day trip down to see Alnwick Castle. Then take another day trip to experience Glencoe, the Hogwarts Express and other filming locations in Scotland.

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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

Harry Potter 20th Anniversary: The Uk Film Locations

It’s 20 years since the boy wizard Harry Potter hit the big screen.

In November 2001, Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone was released in cinemas and it was cool for adults to be seen on beaches, buses or trains with their heads in one of the phenomenally-popular children’s books.

However, no one location would do to bring the wizarding magic to life when the novels were made into films.

A number of locations including cathedrals, a castle and places of historic interest across England soon had new claims to fame.

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Alnwick Castle Harry Potter Filming Locations

So, lets dive straight into the Harry Potter filming locations you can find around Alnwick Castle.

On my visit, a kind lady behind the counter gave me a visitor map and crossed off the locations for me. She even got film stills out of the locations too! So, dont hesitate to ask if you feel youll get stuck.

But, its easy to explore the grounds self-guided and if youre a real Potterhead, youll instantly recognise the locations any way!

Here are all the Alnwick Castle Harry Potter filming locations.

Bonus: Plenty Of Other Cool Productions Have Also Filmed At Gloucester Cathedral

ALNWICK CASTLE REAL HOGWARTS VIDEO

So while this isnt Harry Potter related, I wanted to point out a few other awesome productions that used Gloucester Cathedral as a filming location. A recent one is actually Avengers: Endgame, where the cathedral was the setting for scenes at Asgard.

Sherlock and the 2008 Doctor Who Christmas special also filmed here.

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View From The Hogwarts Express

Where: Train line between Corrour and Rannoch stations

Movie: Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince

Shot: During the shots of Hogwarts Express you can see a hut, which is approximately 1 mile from Corrour Station in the direction of Rannoch.

Fact: The guest house at Corrour is the highest point on the West Highland train Line. It is 17 miles from the nearest public road and only accessible by train or by foot.

Getting there by train: Corrour train station is a 3 hour direct train journey from Glasgow Queen Street and 51 min by train from Fort-William.

Getting there by car: Corrour is 150 miles north of Glasgow and accessible via A9. The guest house isn’t accessible by car so you will have to continue on foot to reach it.

Price: Free

Movie: Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2

Shot: Exterior shots of dragon flight were filmed at Loch Arkaig.

Fact: In 1746, Jacobite treasures were said to have been hidden here.

Getting there by train: Fort William is the nearest train station with daily train services operating between Glasgow and Fort William.

Getting there by car: the closest Town is Fort William. Fort William is a 2.5 hour drive north of Glasgow and 1 hour drive south of Inverness on the A82.

Price: Free

Harry Potter Filming Locations In London

Kings 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 Voldemorts 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!

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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:

  • Further Reading
  • What Is Alnwick Castle

    Harry Potter Film Locations at Alnwick Castle

    Hogwartsduh?! No, Im just kidding.

    Alnwick Castle is a Grade I listed castle and country home in the town of Alnwick in Northumberland.

    It has a long history dating all the way back to the 11th century and was first built during the Norman conquests. It has since been heavily renovated over time.

    For over 700 years it has been owned by the Percy family or the Lions of the North. Their noble family members have been mentioned in plays by Shakespeare, fought in the Battle of Bosworth, rebelled against Queen Elizabeth I, played a part in the Civil War and World Wars too!

    Today, Alnwick Castle and gardens are privately owned by the 12th Duke and Duchess of Northumberland. However, the Percy family only live in a part of the castle.

    Theyve opened up the rest of Alnwick castle, the staterooms and their renaissance gardens to tourists. It sees well over 800,000 people visit every year!

    Alnwick Castle has risen to fame on being the location of Hogwarts in the Harry Potter movies and also TV series like Downton Abbey.

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