The Magical Guide to Top ‘Harry Potter’ Film Locations

From the cupboard under the stairs to the great halls of Hogwarts, the wizarding world of ‘Harry Potter’ feels like a fantastical place filled with magic and wonder. But many fans might be surprised to know that they don’t need to apparate or ride the Hogwarts Express to visit many iconic ‘Harry Potter’ film locations.

Scatter across the United Kingdom are various recognizable landmarks and landscapes that served as backdrops to bring J.K Rowling’s magical stories to life onscreen. As a diehard ‘Potterhead’, seeing these real film sites in person is a dream come true.

So grab your wand, hop on your broomstick and use this handy guide to navigate yourself to the top sights where ‘Harry Potter’ was filmed. Just be sure to abide by the International Statute of Secrecy while you’re there.

Alnwick Castle - Hogwarts Exterior

The sheer majesty of this medieval castle makes it easy to see why it was chosen to portray the exterior of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry for the first two ‘Harry Potter’ films. Towering turrets, stone archways and emerald green landscapes surround Alnwick Castle located in Northumberland, evoking the same magical atmosphere.

Visitors can sign up for broomstick lessons, just like Harry did for his first flying class with Madam Hooch. The Alnwick Castle grounds also served as a backdrop for the iconic first flying lesson scene. Tour the outer castle courtyard where the famous “it’s levi-o-sa, not levio-saa” scene between Ron Weasley and Hermione Granger was filmed.

Gloucester Cathedral - Hogwarts Corridors

With its soaring pillars and candlelit chandeliers, Gloucester Cathedral is every inch as magnificent on the inside as Hogwarts Castle. Harry Potter fans will instantly recognize its cloistered corridors as the setting where the scene of Harry releasing Hedwig in the first movie was filmed.

The cathedral's exquisite fan-vaulted ceiling also served as inspiration for the enchanted ceiling of the Great Hall where candles seem to float against a backdrop of a night sky. Beyond just the famous movie sets, visitors can also see exhibits of costumes and props from the Harry Potter films.

King’s Cross Station - Platform 9 3⁄4

To enter the wizarding world, first you must simply walk through a seemingly solid brick wall between platforms 9 and 10 at King’s Cross railway station in London. This real-life destination draws scores of excited ‘Harry Potter’ fans who want to recreate the iconic scene of pushing their cart through the magical barrier that leads to Platform 9 3⁄4 and the Hogwarts Express.

Visitors can pose with half a luggage trolley that seems embedded into the brick wall, along with a hanging sign for Platform 9 3/4 photo opp. Make sure to sport a red and gold Gryffindor scarf for maximum magical effect in your photos at this London spot. Just remember muggles can’t actually board any trains to Hogwarts here.

Christ Church - Hogwarts Hall & Staircase

As one of the oldest college buildings in Oxford University, Christ Church comes with grand timbered ceilings, stone columns and cobblestone floors that look straight out of Hogwarts’ hallowed halls. Scenes featuring the grand staircase and corridors leading to the Great Hall entrance were shot here for the first movie when Harry gets his first look at the wondrous wizard school.

Visitors can also view the actual costumes worn by characters like professors Dumbledore and McGonagall encased behind glass. Walk through the impressive dining hall and see if you get sorted into Gryffindor at the Harry Potter attraction inside. Fun fact - even before the movie, Lewis Carroll based his Alice in Wonderland book here which has a magical feel all on its own.

Lacock Village - Godric's Hollow

With its quaint cottages and charming churchyard cemetery, Lacock village served perfectly as Godric’s Hollow where Harry’s parents lived and were buried. Located in Wiltshire, visitors can walk past cottages like the one where Harry was born and his memorial statue stands, as seen in the Deathly Hallows.

Other landmarks include the picturesque St. Cyriac’s church and its graveyard where Harry’s parents’ headstone still stands today for photo ops. Wander around the medieval village that looks frozen in time, floo powder not needed. Make sure to also grab butterbeer and cauldron cakes from the onsite Harry Potter themed cafe and shop selling merch.

Australia House - Gringotts Bank

While Gringotts Wizarding Bank operated by goblins was created purely through movie magic, Australia House served as its exterior. Catch a glimpse of the same marble facade and imposing columns that the Golden Trio strode through in the first film to reach the goblin tellers and vaults.

Located right near Trafalgar Square, the Australia House building in London typically serves as the Australian High Commission and consulate. Visitors can sn