Harry Potter Filming Locations
in London and Beyond
For millions of fans around the globe, visiting the filming locations of Harry Potter is a dream. Luckily, the magic lives on in real-life locations found all over the UK. From the streets of London to the halls of Oxford, visiting these sites gives fans a live connection to their beloved films.
Are you planning your magical adventure to the UK? A Harry Potter filming locations map is just what you need to access these places, especially if you are exploring Harry Potter filming locations in London. Join us as we guide you through all the must-see sites.
HARRY POTTER
EXPERIENCES IN LONDON
Magical tours and guided experiences
The world of Harry Potter becomes even more fascinating when you take a guided tour throughout the UK. Yes, the Platform 9¾ at King’s Cross Station and the Warner Bros. Studio Tour offer these on-site, but did you know that other tour providers specialise in taking you from each Harry Potter filming location to the other? You can even customise your own tour experience with some providers, choosing from walking tours, bus tours and even some overnight stays.
Warner Bros. Studio Tour London
If you are a Harry Potter fan, then the Warner Bros. Studio Tour London is a must-visit destination. Located just outside of London, take part in this guided studio tour that takes you behind the movie sets of Harry Potter. Here, you will see the real sets, costumes and props used. The tour begins in the Great Hall, then, as you move through the tour, you’ll have the chance to explore other sets like Diagon Alley, complete with Ollivanders Wand Shop, Weasleys’ Wizard Wheezes, and Gringotts Wizarding Bank.
The Warner Bros. Studio Tour London is located in Leavesden, about 20 miles northwest of Central London. You can get there easily by train from London Euston to Watford Junction. From there, you can hop onto a shuttle bus that will take you directly to the studio. The total travel time is about 45 minutes. As tickets sell out quickly, it’s advisable to buy tickets well in advance. Prices start at £51.50 for adults and £40.00 for children aged 5-15. Alternatively, If you are planning on coming as a family or group, there are additional VIP packages available. The studio is open daily with tours running throughout the day.
Filming locations in Oxford
Apart from housing a renowned university, Oxford is one of the main Harry Potter filming locations. The stunning town and renowned buildings were used as the backdrop for many iconic scenes in many of the Harry Potter films.
Christ Church College is one of the most famous colleges in Oxford and it played a significant role in bringing Hogwarts to life. Its dining hall was used as the inspiration for the Great Hall of Hogwarts. The college’s grand dining hall served as the inspiration for the Great Hall at Hogwarts. While the actual Great Hall scenes were filmed on sets, the resemblance is uncanny, and walking through Christ Church’s hall feels like stepping into the wizarding world. The College is open from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM, and they offer guided tours or self-tours if you prefer. Ticket prices range from £17 to £22, with discounts offered to students and seniors.
Next, the Bodleian Library is one of the oldest libraries in Europe and doubled as Hogwarts Library and the Infirmary in many of the films. Its medieval style and architecture gave the perfect setting for scenes that required magical ambiences and secretive studies. Standard guided tour tickets start at £9 per adult, with extended tours available. It is highly advisable to book well in advance, as tickets sell quickly.
Finally, New College was the backdrop for several important scenes, such as when Malfoy was turned into a ferret in “Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire.” Visit New College from 10:30 AM to 5:00 PM during the summer months, with reduced hours in the winter season. Entry is £8 for adults, with discounts available for seniors, students and children.
Platform 9¾ at King's Cross Station
This has become an iconic location for Harry Potter fans to visit from all over the world. This historic station is where the Hogwarts Express departs from and takes all the young witches and wizards to Hogwarts School.
You can visit the platform, which is marked by a luggage trolley that appears halfway through a wall. There is a souvenir shop located here, where you can buy memorabilia.
The shop is designed to resemble Ollivanders Wand Shop, and it’s the perfect place to take a photo.
Other Harry Potter filming locations
- Leadenhall Market: Used as the entrance to Diagon Alley in “Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone.”
- London Zoo: The Reptile House where Harry talks to a snake in “Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone.”
- Millennium Bridge: Destroyed by Death Eaters in “Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince.”
- Piccadilly Circus: The trio appears here in “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1.”
- St. Pancras Renaissance Hotel London: The exterior of the train station used in “Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets.”
- St. Paul’s Cathedral: The staircase of the Divination Tower in “Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban.”
- King’s Cross Station: The starting point of the train to Hogwarts, featuring the famous Platform 9¾.
- Lambeth Bridge: The bridge the Knight Bus crosses in “Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban.”
- Alnwick Castle: Used for exterior shots of Hogwarts in the first two films.
- Durham Cathedral: Featured in some Hogwarts scenes in the first two films.
- Gloucester Cathedral: Used for various interior scenes of Hogwarts.
- Westminster Station: Harry uses this station in “Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix.”
- Borough Market: Used as the location for the Leaky Cauldron in “Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban.”
- Christ Church: Its Great Hall inspired the design of Hogwarts’ Great Hall.
- Lacock Abbey: Used for some interior Hogwarts scenes, including Snape’s classroom in “Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone.”
- Australia House: The interior was used as Gringotts Bank in “Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone.”
- Bodleian Library: Used as part of Hogwarts’ library in several films.
- The Leaky Cauldron: Appears in different locations: Leadenhall Market (“The Philosopher’s Stone”) and Borough Market (“The Prisoner of Azkaban”).
- Scotland Place: Used as the entrance to the Ministry of Magic in “Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix.”
- Cecil Court: Served as inspiration for Diagon Alley.
Must have memorabilia and souvenirs
No Harry Potter adventure is complete without picking up some memorabilia to mark your excursions. There are many top spots throughout the UK where you can find Harry Potter souvenirs and replicas of props from the famous films. From wizard wands to robes, you will surely find something to take home. One of the best places to find these items is at the Harry Potter Shop at Platform 9¾ at the King’s Cross Station in London. The Warner Bros. Studio also has an amazing shop, full of authentic replicas and collectibles to choose from. The Bodleian Library in Oxford and the Christ Church College both have shops where you will find Harry Potter-themed souvenirs.
Explore Harry Potter's world
A holiday to explore the world of Harry Potter filming locations is an experience that you and your whole family will never forget. From the streets of London to the historic colleges of Oxford, you will be visiting many iconic filming spots. As you plan your Harry Potter-themed holiday, choosing the right place to stay is vital. Urban Retreat Apartments is a wonderful choice as it offers a centrally located base for your journey. Access all the Harry Potter filming locations in London with ease from one of the many accommodation options in Mayfair. So grab your wand and get ready for an unforgettable trip!