Porto And The Hogwarts Library
Did you know that before Harry Potter and the Philosophers 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. 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, its full of legends linking the magical world to the city on the Porto Harry Potter Free Tour.
The Lack Of Glass Is Transparent
Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets ends the way a lot of Harry Potter movies end with Harry in Professor Dumbledore’s office, where the headmaster delivers a long speech justifying how and why he put Harry and his fellow Hogwarts student into so much danger, what with that frightening basilisk and all. During this scene, there are a lot of closeups as Dumbledore explains and Harry listens. Both characters wear glasses, and it’s pretty obvious here that neither of their spectacles have lenses in them.
The Seven Sisters Cliffs Sussex Aka The Campsite For The Quidditch World Cup
Appeared in: Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire
This is a beautiful spot worth visiting regardless of its Harry Potter connection, but you briefly spot the Seven Sisters Cliffs in all their chalky wonder when the portkey brings the gang to the Quidditch World Cup and Harry lands super awkwardly. You can see them especially well in the shot where Arthur Weasley and Golden Boy Diggory + his dad land gracefully like swans.
If youre looking for the specific spot where they land, it seems like it was a field nearby the Coastguard Cottages in Cuckmere Haven.
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Lacock Village And Abbey
This 13th-century abbey in Wiltshire and the pretty nearby village were used extensively for Harry Potter filming locations in England.
In The Philosopher’s Stone, the village of Godric’s Hollow and Godric’s Hollow Parish Church can be recognised in Lacock, and Harry’s parents cottage was filmed at the end of Church Street.
Lacock Abbey was yet another stand-in for Hogwarts, with the most recognisable location being the cloisters which were used as the halls of Hogwarts Castle. The Abbey ‘s Warming Room, containing a giant cauldron, was Professor Quirrell’s Defence Against the Dark Arts classroom, Professor Snape’s Potions Class was held in the Sacristy, and the Chapter House was where Harry found the Mirror of Erised in The Philosopher’s Stone.
Charming Snakes: Reptile House London Zoo England
Harry first discovered his gift for talking with snakes, in Harry Potter and the Philosophers Stone, at London Zoo‘s Reptile House. In the scene, Daniel Radcliffe speaks to an enormous Burmese python, but the enclosure filmed is actually home to the venomous black mamba, recognisable for its distinctive inky black mouth.
But dont leave it at that. London Zoo is the worlds oldest scientific zoo, dating back to 1828, and offers all sorts of incredible animal experiences. Once youve seen the snakes, immerse yourself in a butterfly paradise or get up close to big cats in the Land of the Lions.
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Where Was Harry Potter And The Prisoner Of Azkaban Filmed
Movie: Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, the Goblet of Fire, the Order of the Phoenix, and the Deathly Hallows Part 2 Shot: Glen Coe was used to film multiple Harry Potter scenes. It is the location of Hagrids Hut, the bridge leading to the entrance of Hogwarts, and some scenes were also filmed at the nearby lake.
Malham Cove North Yorkshire
Malham Cove is a massive limestone formation near to the village of Malham in North Yorkshire. It was formed over 12,000 years ago at the end of the ice age, and is in fact what is left of a massive waterfall.
Its a very picturesque location that is popular with walkers, and the large area at the top of what was the waterfall will be very familiar to Harry Potter fans.
This area was used in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1, when Harry and Hermione are travelling together in an effort to destroy the Horcruxes. The top of Malham Cove is where they camp for the night after being abandoned by Ron.
Malham Cove is free to visit, and the walking trail from Malham Village to the foot of the cove is around a mile each way. You can also climb to the top from a footpath at the base, which is quite steep. There are around 400 steps to conquer so we only recommended this if you are relatively fit!
If you have time, there are lots more natural attractions to see in the area and plenty of walking trails. You can see more on visiting as well as tips for walks, on this community website.
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West Highland Train Line
The West Highland train line was opened in 1901 to connect rather remote parts of western Scotland. The train line runs from Glasgow and then branches off to terminate in either Oban or Mallaig.
This is considered one of the most scenic rail journeys in the UK, and even the world, as the train travels through scenic landscapes of mountains, lochs, rural farmland, heather moors, and small villages.
In Harry Potter, many of the filming locations we list can be seen from or are located near this train route including Rannoch Moor, Loch Shiel, the Glenfinnan Viaduct, and Loch Eilt. Scenes shot from and along this line were used throughout the films, especially in shots of the Hogwarts Express.
For instance in the movie Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince, the Hogwarts Express is seen traveling between Corrour and Rannoch stations through Rannoch Moor. In Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1, the Death Eaters board the train around this same area.
Corrour train station features in the 1996 movie Trainspotting. Corrour is an interesting spot just because it is the highest railway point in the UK and it is also one of the most remote train stations. Corrour is only accessible by train, or by hiking as the nearest road is 17 miles away!
The Wizarding World Finally Believes That Voldemort Is Back
One of the biggest issues Harry and Dumbledore face in the beginning of “Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix” is that the Ministry of Magic and the rest of the wizarding world do not believe the young wizard’s claims that Voldemort has returned. After “Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire” and the death of Cedric Diggory , that still isn’t enough for Cornelius Fudge , the current Minister for Magic. It takes the battle at the end of the film between the Death Eaters and the Order of the Phoenix to truly convince them of the truth. Of course, they’re ones to be in denial until they see it for themselves.
Like any other politician, Fudge initially convinces himself that Dumbledore has some machinations about wanting to be the Minister for Magic himself, and so he believes that the claim that Voldemort has returned has to do with that. Of course, it also seems like Fudge is too scared to really do anything, and to actually face the possibility that the Dark Lord is back is too much for him. In the end, his avoidance and denial still leads to his downfall in politics, as Fudge resigns from his position as Minister after admitting the truth about Voldemort’s return. This makes Harry and Dumbledore happy, as people appear to finally be taking the threat seriously.
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Quidditch Matches And More: Glencoe Argyll Scotland
The natural drama of the Scottish Highlands provided the perfect backdrop for the first two Harry Potter movies. The Quidditch matches inter-house broomstick ball games – were filmed in front of Glen Nevis. You’ll recognise the spectacular Steall Falls there from the Tri-Wizard Tournament in Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire.
Once voted Scotlands most romantic glen, its also a beautiful scenic place with plenty of holiday lodges and cottages. Or if youre into hill walking, its a great entry point to the Highlands.
Leadenhall Market London England
A post shared by Leadenhall Market on May 18, 2018 at 1:00am PDT
The entrance to wizards pub the Leaky Cauldron is in real life an optician’s in Bulls Head Passage, which you can find in Leadenhall Market in the City of London. Leadenhall is a superb example of a Victorian covered market with an ornate painted roof.
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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.
Goathland Station North Yorkshire
But perhaps the most magical location of all is Goathland Station on the North Yorkshire Moors Railway. This setting was transformed into Hogsmeade station in Harry Potter & The Philosophers Stone. The final stop for the Hogwarts Express saw Harry, Hermione and Ron step out into the wizarding world of Hogwarts for the very first time.
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Canon Harry Potter Erotica
There is a small corner of the Internet dedicated to those of us who prefer the canonical Harry Potter couples. Personally, my favorite couple will always be Ron and Hermione, and not even J.K. Rowling herself can talk me out of this. Clearly, Im not the only Potterhead who feels this way as Romione erotica seems to be the most abundant out of all of the canon erotica out there.
Fanfic author JessWithOneEss is out there killing the Romione game. Highlights from the author include Anxious, a 31-chapter epic exploration of Ron and Hermiones very adult relationship, and Midnight, a sexy Deathly Hallows-era one shot.
Some Romione erotica highlights from other authors: In Midnight Swim by lrthunder, Hermione finds Ron skinny dipping, and the situation quickly escalates. In Happy Birthday, Hermione! by phantompopcorn, Ron gives Hermione the best kind of birthday present.
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If youre into other canon pairings, many of the more conventional pairings are often included in non-canon erotica. As much as I prefer my canon couples, non-canon erotica is where the Harry Potter fandom really starts having fun.
Safety Comes First In The Wizarding World Of Harry Potter
Harry Potter is only 12 years old in Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, but is anyone of any age ever truly ready to wage a life-and-death battle with the basilisk the huge, magical, evil serpent hiding out in the deepest bowels of Hogwarts? But “the Boy Who Lived” lives on, stabbing the beast through the head with the powerful sword of Godric Gryffindor. That’s an extremely sharp and dangerous weapon, so sharp and dangerous that the set’s weapons handlers capped it with a safety tip … and they forgot to remove that safety tip before filming. It’s visible when Harry is fighting the Basilisk from atop the giant skull in the Chamber of Secrets.
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Lord Voldemort Had A Hole In More Than His Soul
Lord Voldemort was born as Tom Riddle in 1920s England, a time before metal fillings to treat tooth cavities were commonplace. Of course, that’s not the case for Ralph Fiennes, who was born into the 1960s and a world where a trip to the dentist was no big deal. But after Voldemort takes on his final, monstrous form with a brand new body in Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, a part of the actor shines through the character’s elaborate makeup and prosthetics. When the Dark Lord opens his mouth wide to maniacally cackle during a duel with Dumbledore, a filling in an upper molar is visible.
Leadenhall Market Aka The Entrance To The Leaky Cauldron
Appeared in: Harry Potter and the Philosophers Stone
Leadenhall Market is one of the prettiest little spots in London, and well worth a visit!
When does it appear in Harry Potter?
Well, you see Leadenhall Market briefly in Harry Potter and the Philosopher Stone when Harry and Hagrid are headed to the Leaky Cauldron and Harry is reading about how he can choose from An owl, a cat, and a toad
You see the famous covered market in the background as Harry reads that line, but then they step into a smaller side street where they enter the Leaky Cauldron.
You can actually still visit that shop today but its like, an optometrist, so dont make it weird.
While you dont see it too clearly in the film, this market is pretty magical on its own
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Bodleian Library Divinity School
Next up on our Harry Potter tour of Oxford? The Bodleian Librarys gorgeous Divinity School.
The Divinity School is another spot where Oxford University and Harry Potter meet. It was used as a filming location in Harry Potter and the Philosophers Stone and in subsequent films as the Hogwarts Infirmary.
Remember that scene in the Philosophers Stone when Harry is recovering after his first encounter with Voldemort and Dumbledore comes to visit him. Or when Harry and Hermione use the time turner leaving poor Ron in the hospital bed in Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban.
No doubt you recognise it, the combination of the beautiful lierne vaulted ceiling and those windows isnt easily mistaken.
The Divinity School not only features as Hogwarts hospital, it makes an appearance in Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire as the hall in which the students practice their Triwizard Tournament dances.
Who knew that all that awkwardness took place in such a beautiful location?
Fee for entering the Divinity School £2
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.
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What Harry Potter Sites Can I Visit From Edinburgh
Theres a popular misconception that Edinburgh was a Harry Potter filming location.
Edinburgh does have a strong Harry Potter connection, as it was the home of J.K. Rowling. However, none of the Harry Potter films were filmed in Edinburgh.
That said, Rowling wrote the majority of the books in Edinburgh, and many locations in the city are believed to have served as inspiration for places and even characters in the books.
Weve put together a guide to the key Harry Potter locations in Edinburgh, as well as a guide to the cafes where Harry Potter was written in Edinburgh, to help you find these.
However, as already mentioned, none of the films were actually shot in Edinburgh.
From Edinburgh though, you can take day trips to many of the actual Harry Potter filming locations. These include Glenfinnan Viaduct, Alnwick Castle, Loch Shiel, Loch Etive, and many more.
Bodleian Library Duke Humfreys Library
Duke Humfreys Library also makes an appearance in Harry Potter and the Philosophers Stone.
You know the scene where Harry is wearing the invisibility cloak and looking for information in the restricted section of Hogwarts Library? Yep, you guessed it thats the Duke Humphreys Library.
Fee for entering Duke Humfreys Library: Can only be accessed on a tour. Cost £6.
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