Want to plan a Harry Potter trip and don’t know where to start? Keep scrolling for the top must-see Harry Potter destinations you can visit in real life!
This list of Harry Potter destinations you can visit was written by family travel expert Marcie Cheung and contains affiliate links, which means if you purchase something from one of my affiliate links, I may earn a small commission that goes back into maintaining this blog.
If you’re a fan of the Harry Potter movies, you’ll want to check out these places!
J.K. Rowling’s wizarding world is so magical it’s no wonder Harry Potter fans are still fascinated by it all these years later. And what better way to experience that magic than by visiting some of the real-life locations where the films were shot?
From London to Edinburgh (and even in the U.S.), these destinations will make any Potter fan feel like they’re part of the story. So put on your Gryffindor scarf and get ready for an adventure!
Keep scrolling to check out the coolest, must-see Harry Potter destinations!
Harry Potter Filming Locations FAQs
In Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone and Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, Alnwick Castle in England was the site of Hogwarts.
London’s Leadenhall Market was used as Diagon Alley in Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone. You can find the Leaky Cauldron (the secret entrance to the wizarding world) at the Bull’s Head Passage.
They filmed Hagrid’s Hut in Glen Coe, Scotland. They also filmed the bridge there as well as the lake that’s nearby.
Coolest Places Every Harry Potter Fan Should Visit
Leavesden Studios in England
All eight of the Harry Potter movies were filmed here. While many places had to be traveled to in order to shoot, many scenes were filmed right here.
You can take a studio tour to get a behind-the-scenes tour of everything from props to Dumbledore’s office.
Our family went here on our trip to London with kids over the summer, and we couldn’t believe how long we stayed! This is a must-do London attraction for any Potterhead.
I recommend booking the tour with the transfer from London since it’s about an hour outside the city. Check rates and availability.
Alnwick Castle
Did you know that Hogwarts Castle is kind of a real-life place? The outside shots of the magical Hogwarts castle were of Alnwick Castle, located in Northumberland.
While a little studio magic was done to make this castle what it was in the movies, you can still visit the castle grounds for broomstick flight training.
The Elephant House
Although this place isn’t the exact birthplace of Harry Potter, a true Harry Potter fan knows that this is where J.K. Rowling came to pen the fantasy world of Harry Potter and the world of magic.
In the early days, she would come here to write out pieces of the books, so it’s still a must-see place for all Potter fans.
Platform 9 ¾: King’s Cross Station in London
If you head to London, you can actually find a 9 ¾ platform there! You won’t find it like it was in the film. However, there is a sign and a luggage cart disappearing into the wall there.
I recommend going early in the morning. Otherwise, the line gets LONG.
There’s usually a staff member there with extra-long Hogwarts scarves so you can get the ultimate Harry Potter photo. You can pretend you’re on your way to Hogwarts Express. Cool, right?
Plus, it’s right next to a gift shop full of Harry Potter memorabilia that you won’t find at other Harry Potter stores (trust us).
This is by far one of the best Harry Potter locations in London!
London’s Leadenhall Market and Borough Market
The famous shots of Diagon Alley were shot right here in this spot. This is the closest you’ll be able to get to a place like The Leaky Cauldron or Ollivanders.
But you can experience the magic here by going through these two market locations. You can get some really cool shots of you getting close to the colorful walls, and you can pretend it’s Diagon Alley!
Read more: 15 Lovely London Tours for Families Worth Booking
Universal Studios: The Wizarding World of Harry Potter in the U.S.
All Harry Potter fans should experience this theme park for themselves. This place is full of magical Harry Potter-themed places, from Hogsmeade to Diagon Alley, recreated at Universal Studios.
You can ride attractions, get a Harry Potter wand in the parks, or even finally try a sip of Butterbeer. Plus, you can really visit Hogwarts!
What’s extra cool is that the theme parks get decked out for the holidays. It’s pretty amazing to see Hogwarts look Christmas-y and see fake snow over the attractions.
Universal Studios has locations in Orlando and Hollywood. I recommend going to Florida because it’s larger, and there are tons of other things to do in Orlando with kids!
Taking your kids with you? Here are 17 Must-Read Tips for Universal Studios Hollywood with Kids.
Harry Potter Store in New York City
Whether you are heading to New York City with kids or on a kid-free getaway, the Harry Potter Store is worth a stop!
While the store looks small from the outside, it is PACKED with all kinds of cool Harry Potter souvenirs and memorabilia.
There are also several fun photo ops. Of course, it’s hard not to go on a shopping spree there, but it’s definitely worth walking through just to soak in all the magic.
Plus, there’s even a Butterbeer Bar near the exit where you can get Butterbeer in a souvenir cup!
Czocha Castle in Poland
Known as The College of Wizardry in Poland, visitors come far and wide to stay here for a few days of magical school.
They study magic, sleep, and eat, even though there is no direct reference to the Harry Potter books or films.
It’s one of the most amazing experiences where you can experience a live-action role-playing Harry Potter experience.
Oxford University in England
Many famous scenes of the Harry Potter films took place right on the campus of Oxford University. So it’s a popular Harry Potter destination for fans to visit.
This is home to one of the most famous scenes in the movies of The Hogwarts Great Hall. The scenes of the Potter Stinks badges were filmed right there at Oxford.
Warner Bros Studios Hollywood Harry Potter Tour
If you’re already going to Universal Studios Hollywood, I highly recommend spending half a day doing the WB Studios Tour in Hollywood.
Your family can do the Sorting Hat experience (and yes, you can whisper to the staff member if your kids really want a certain house).
But they also have tons of really cool photo ops. Plus, you can ride on Quidditch brooms for a really fun video op. Check the latest rates and availability.
Harry Potter Locations Wrap-Up
If you love Harry Potter as much as I do, then you are going to feel like you’ve immersed yourself in the books and movies with these top places to visit. From awesome Harry Potter sights in London to U.S. theme parks, we have you covered!