Harry Potter’s world is filled with magic and wonder, featuring countless iconic locations that have captured the hearts and imaginations of fans around the globe. While much of this fictional realm may be made up, many locations in the series were inspired by real-life locations in the UK that can be visited today. If you’re a fan of Harry Potter, there’s no better way to experience its allure than by taking an immersive journey through some of its most beloved real-life locales featured in books and films – in this article! Join us as we embark on our magical journey through some important real-life locations from the universe of Harry Potter!
Platform 9 3/4 at King’s Cross Station
One of the most iconic locations in Harry Potter’s world is Platform 9 3/4 at King’s Cross Station in London. In the books and films, this platform serves as where Hogwarts students board the Hogwarts Express train to school. While you cannot actually board from this iconic platform, you can visit it and take a photo with its iconic luggage trolley that appears halfway through the wall.
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studios
Though not an actual location from the books, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studios in Orlando, Florida and Hollywood, California is a must-visit destination for Harry Potter fans. Here you’ll find replicas of Hogwarts Castle, Diagon Alley, Hogsmeade, and Forbidden Forest as well as rides based on both books and films as well as delicious Butterbeer beer!
The Elephant House Cafe in Edinburgh
The Elephant House Cafe in Edinburgh is renowned as the site where J.K. Rowling wrote much of her first Harry Potter book. Though it no longer serves as her workspace, fans of the series still flock here for drinks and snacks inspired by Harry Potter themes, as well as stunning views of Edinburgh Castle from its terrace.
Alnwick Castle in Northumberland
Alnwick Castle, England served as the exterior location for Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry in the first two Harry Potter films. Today, visitors to this castle can take a tour around its grounds and explore inside, which features various rooms from the films.
Gloucester Cathedral
Gloucester Cathedral in England was featured in several scenes from Harry Potter films, including when Harry discovers the Mirror of Erised. With its stunning fan-vaulted ceiling and stained-glass windows, Gloucester Cathedral has become a popular destination for architecture admirers as well as Harry Potter fans alike.
Christ Church College in Oxford
Christ Church College in Oxford, England was used for several scenes of the Harry Potter movies, including its Hogwarts Great Hall. Visitors to this stunning hall can explore its vaulted ceiling and portraits of past college members.
The Jacobite Steam Train
The Jacobite Steam Train is a real-life steam train that travels through Scotland’s Highlands. It was used as inspiration for Harry Potter’s Hogwarts Express train in the films, traversing Glenfinnan Viaduct – used as its location to cross a bridge on its way to Hogwarts School in the films.
The Royal Botanic Gardens in Edinburgh
The Royal Botanic Gardens in Edinburgh, Scotland was used as the backdrop for Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix when Harry and Professor Dumbledore visited a cave to retrieve a locket. These stunning gardens boast stunning views of Edinburgh Castle as well as an abundance of plants and flowers.
While touring these real-life locations, take time to savor the history and magic that surrounds you. Consider scenes from books and films inspired by these locations and imagine the lives of characters who visited them. Doing so will give you a greater understanding of Harry Potter’s world as well as its inspirations.
Finally, taking a journey through the real-life locations of Harry Potter offers an unforgettable chance to enter into the world of books and films. By visiting Platform 9 3/4 at King’s Cross Station, Universal Studios’ Wizarding World of Harry Potter, Elephant House Cafe in Edinburgh, Alnwick Castle in Gloucester Cathedral, Christ Church College in Oxford, Jacobite Steam Train and Royal Botanic Gardens in Edinburgh you will have an intimate connection with its universe as well as gain greater understanding of where its inspirations originated from – so why not start planning your own magical journey today?