⚡ Harry Potter: guide to magical locations
The series of books and films about Harry Potter have long been bestsellers. What if you can revive your fantasies and go on a real journey to the places of the known universe? It's time to dust off your magic wands. We invite you to take an unforgettable journey into the magical world of JK Rowling!
King's Cross Station
The story of a boy who managed to survive began from the main place for all London travelers – King's Cross Station. And literally: the idea arose when Rowling was traveling on a train. In the book, Harry goes to Hogwarts, passing through platform 9¾ at this very station.
King's Cross is well remembered by fans of the film franchise. After the release of the films, the place became so popular that they even created a location for a photo session at one of the stations. Now Potter travelers can hold on to that same luggage trolley halfway on the Hogwarts Express. Unfortunately, you won't be able to go further – platform 9¾ is available exclusively to wizards. But don't worry: for Muggles, there is a shop in King's Cross where you can buy Potter memorabilia.
Glencoe Steam Locomotive, Loch Shiel and Glenfinnan Valley
The route from Fort William to Mallaig has been used numerous times in filming. The reason is clear: the place is very picturesque. It is not for nothing that the route is considered one of the most touristic in the area. Somewhere in the middle of the road rises a huge viaduct, remembered thanks to the film ” Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets”. Built over a century ago in the Glenfinnan Valley, next to the beautiful Loch Shiel, the viaduct is surrounded by lush greenery. And from here it offers an amazing view of the surrounding mountains.
The Glencoe steam locomotive is one of the most famous in Scotland. It was built in 1941 and used on the mountain railway. In 2001, the locomotive was purchased by The West Coast Railway Company and completely restored. After this, “Glencoe” was used in the iconic scene of the first Harry Potter film, where the young wizard goes to Hogwarts for the first time.
Today, the railway in the Glenfinnan Valley, along with the famous steam locomotive, is actively used for tourist trips. Here fans can feel the atmosphere of the magical world of Harry Potter. And along the way you will also enjoy the magnificent landscapes of Scotland.
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Alnwick Castle
There is no fan who would not like to visit Hogwarts. This dream can be partially realized: some of the first two films were filmed at Alnwick Castle (Northumberland). Near the castle you can not only take a walk, but also learn the basics of Quidditch – flying on a broom. It will not be difficult for a real Potterman to notice that the courtyard of the building was also used as one of the Hogwarts locations.
Alnwick Castle was built in the 11th century. For 700 years it was the residence of local counts. In addition, a powerful structure protected the borders of Northern England from Scottish invasions. Surrounded by high walls and a moat, the castle is still a real fortress. Here you will find magnificent gardens, walking trails and even a waterfall.
Alnwick Castle is a true gem of Northumberland. It is not for nothing that it is recommended for visiting not only by Potter fans. Centuries later, Alnwick managed to preserve its ancient appearance, which to this day attracts tourists and filmmakers.
Gloucester Cathedral
One of the most majestic cathedrals in England is located in the historic city of Gloucester. It was founded in 678. For a long time, the coronations of English monarchs took place here. Gloucester witnessed other historical events. This has made this place one of the most popular among tourists.
The same scene from the film “Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets”, where a bloody warning is found on one of the walls of Hogwarts, was filmed here. In order for the cathedral to turn into a school for young wizards, a little magic had to be done on its decoration. They removed everything related to religion (images of Adam and Eve on the stained glass windows), as well as modern things like electricity.
Some parishioners were against the premises of the city's main cathedral being used for filming films about a boy wizard. But the clergy had a different opinion. They considered JK Rowling's brainchild a fairy tale for children, and not propaganda of magic and witchcraft. However, during filming, dissatisfied people broke some of the stained glass windows of the ancient building. This was the most serious damage in the entire history of the cathedral.
London Zoo
One of the most memorable scenes of the first Potter film is the Dursleys' trip to the zoo, where Harry discovers his ability to speak with snakes. Its name is not mentioned in the book. However, the film franchise used London Zoo as a filming location.
Lions, tigers, giraffes and other famous inhabitants of the zoo are always welcome to visitors. Tourists are invited to look at many different animals. Their total number exceeds 20 thousand, including rare and unique species.
By the way, there are also special exhibitions and shows with animals, which anyone can watch. Meanwhile, Harry Potter fans can try speaking to a cobra or a boa constrictor in Parseltongue. Perhaps your attempts will be crowned with success!
Warner Bros Studio Tour
Where else can you immerse yourself in the atmosphere of the mysterious world of magic if not on the set of the Harry Potter films? Just north of Watford, you'll find the same film studios used to create the beloved franchise. After filming ended, Warner Bros decided not to dismantle the sets. Instead, the studio was expanded and opened to the public.
Since then, Muggles can see props and costumes used in films, sit in on potions classes, or buy souvenirs. The fans will be delighted. The opportunity to walk through the Great Hall of Hogwarts and feel like a first year with the Sorting Hat on your head doesn't come around often.
Harry Potter: Exhibition
X hotels would enter the Ministry of Magic through a telephone booth? Or maybe walk along Diagon Alley or call a patronus? What was previously available only to wizards can now be tried by visitors to the “Harry Potter: Exhibition” show, dedicated to films about the boy wizard. The exhibition travels around the world and details of its current location can be found on the website.
You don't have to watch everything to enjoy the event. After all, visitors will be able to see not only the most important plot points, but also behind the scenes. Experience the meticulously recreated Gryffindor common room, student dormitories, and even the Forbidden Forest. Want to test your Quidditch skills? You can do this too. Runes, artifacts, witchcraft recipes, mythical creatures and magical books – the exhibition can only be compared to a tour of the real Hogwarts.
Georgian House Hotel
You can complete your journey through the Harry Potter universe in an equally original way by booking a room at the Georgian House Hotel (London). The rooms are decorated based on the Potter series. You can enter your room only through a bookcase-shaped door. Stained glass windows, stone walls, arches, chests, four-poster beds and cauldrons create the atmosphere of a medieval Gothic castle.
The most inquisitive will love the bar, hidden from other eyes on the ground floor of the hotel. Corridors decorated with portraits, flooded with soft candlelight, will lead to a secret room. You will have a unique opportunity to prepare your own potion and cast a spell over it under the supervision of the main wizard.