Harry Potter was born over 20 years ago. Since then, the young wizard has never ceased to fascinate readers. Each book is a real voyage, both fantastic and geographical, since the saga could be one of the best ambassadors for tourism in Great Britain, since the films based on these stories are such an invitation to visit the country! Most of the settings are, in fact, rich in grandiose natural landscapes. From London to Glencoe andOxford, here are 10 Harry Potter film locations to discover as soon as possible.
1- Glencoe and Hogwarts Lake
Glencoe is one ofScotland's most beautiful regions. Particularly cinematic, its landscapes have served as the backdrop for numerous films. It's here, for example, that Hagrid's hut with its famous pumpkin patch - now dismantled - can be found, or the Hogwarts lake seen in The Prisoner of Azkaban when Harry flies over it on a hippogriff. It's also at Glencoe that Hermione strikes Malfoy, again in Prisoner of Azkaban.
Must-read article : to find out more, read our article on must-sees in Glencoe.
2- Durham Cathedral, a breathtaking classroom
Durham Cathedral© Tanasut Chindasuthi - Shutterstock.com
Durham Cathedral, in north-east England, is a jewel of Norman architecture. Built in the 12th and 13th centuries, it is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its majestic cloister is the setting for several scenes in the films, including the one in which Professor McGonagall teaches her pupils how to transform animals. It is also here that Harry Potter releases the owl in Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone.
The article to read: discover England through our must-see places to visit in the country.
3- The Bodleian library, one of Harry Potter's filming locations
Bodleian library© JJFarq - Shutterstock.com
The setting for the Hogwarts library wasn't chosen at random: it's the UK's largest university library, Oxford's Bodleian Library. Built in 1602, it houses 9 million books, and J.R.R Tolkien and Oscar Wilde studied there! Brilliant examples for young wizards! In fact, the library's oldest reading room, Duke Humfrey's Library, was the setting for the film.
Article to read: take advantage of your stay in Oxford to visit the Cotswolds. You'll discover other filming locations from the saga.
4- Alnwick Castle, between fiction and reality
In north-east England, Alnwick Castle was built in the 12th century. Many films have been shot here, including Robin Hood and Downtown Abbey. As you approach the building, you're reminded of Harry Potter's first flying broom lessons! The castle was the setting for many of the saga's scenes, and today you can take part in a guided tour of the main filming secrets.
The activity to book: a tour of Anlwick Castle and the Scottish Borders, departing from Edinburgh.
5- Malham Cove, a magical landscape
Malham Cove© climbwhenready - Shutterstock.com
At the heart of the Yorshire Dales National Park, the green lung of the British region of the same name, Malham Cove is an impressive carpet of limestone formed during the Ice Age when a river melted. It's reached after a beautiful hike up a 400-step staircase. In Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Hermione and Harry set up camp in this rocky setting to escape Voldemort.
6- Seven Sisters and the Quidditch World Cup
The Seven Sisters cliffs© Paul Daniels - Shutterstock.com
Between Eastbourne and Seaford, on the south coast of England, the Seven Sisters are white chalk cliffs that offer charming, rolling walks overlooking the English Channel. In fact, they are one of the best-known images of the British coastline. In Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, Harry climbs to the top of these stone giants to find the Portoloin that will take him to the Quidditch World Cup.
7- Leadenhall market, the crossroads
Leadenhall Market is a covered market in the heart of London's City district. Its famous arcades were used as the backdrop for the "chemin de traverse", a fictional street that wizards use to enter the magical world in Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone. Every day, many fans of the saga wander the aisles of this market in search of the entrance to the Le Cauldron Baveur pub, the coveted secret passage!
Related article: plan your stay with our 3-day itinerary tips for London.
8- Millennium Bridge, one of Harry Potter's film locations
Millennium bridge© andrew medina - istockphoto
Built to mark the year 2000, the Millennium Bridge was intended to be a monument to modernity. The bridge was criticized from the outset for its lack of safety, as it swayed when crossed by large numbers of people. It has now been made safe, and allows you to cross the Thames with a superb view of St Paul's Cathedral. In Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, the bridge's collapse is staged at the beginning of the film.
9- The Elephant House, the origins of the saga
The Elephant house© Claudine Van Massenhove - Shutterstock.com
It's not a film location, of course, but its place in this ranking is richly deserved! Indeed, it was in thisEdinburgh bar that J.K. Rowling wrote the adventures of Harry Potter. The author used to come here for a coffee before imagining the magical stories of her favourite hero. A few years later, both the author and the bar, which has become a veritable sanctuary, are enjoying great success!
Related article: What to do and see in Edinburgh in 2 or 3 days? Itinerary tips
10- King's Cross Station among Harry Potter film locations
Platform93/4 at King's Cross Station© Massimo Parisi - Shutterstock.com
King's Cross Station is right next to London's St Pancras International station . If you've always dreamed of going to Hogwarts, you'll be familiar with the famous93/4 platform from which the Hogwarts Express departs! Near tracks 4 and 5, you'll see the famous supermarket trolley sinking into the wall, topped by a sign indicating the track. It's the perfect place to become a real little wizard and take a souvenir photo!
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