A Magical Harry Potter Travel Guide: Real-World Locations Every Wizard Should Visit
Follow the footsteps of Harry, Hermione, and Ron as you explore iconic filming sites, wizarding landmarks, and hidden magical gems.
Accio Passport! Your Magical Adventure Starts Here.
For fans of Harry Potter, there's nothing quite like stepping into the world of Hogwarts, Diagon Alley, or the Forbidden Forest—and you don’t need a Time-Turner to do it. Across the UK and beyond, real-world locations brought the Wizarding World to life on screen, and many are open to visitors today.
I specialize in fantasy travel that makes your favorite stories real, and this is your complete guide to the top Harry Potter travel experiences you can actually visit.
Warner Bros. Studio Tour – London
Location: Leavesden, England
Why Go: This is the ultimate pilgrimage for Potterheads. Walk the actual sets used in the films—from the Great Hall to Diagon Alley and the Forbidden Forest. You can spend hours here, and it's a special treat if you go on your birthday (I won't ruin it). The three times I have went here, I have spent approximately 4 hours there, not including shopping. They have a nice little snack bar, mid-way through with Butterbeer to break up the tour and provide refreshments. This is the one must see for any Harry Potter fan while visiting London. If you plan your trip right, you can take the tube from King's Cross Station and see 9 3/4 Platform on your way to the studio tour.
Visit Warner Bros. Studio Tour London
Insider Tip: Book your tickets months in advance—it will sell out, especially during school holidays.
The Jacobite Steam Train – Scotland (aka the Hogwarts Express)
Location: Fort William to Mallaig, Scotland
Why Go: Ride across the Glenfinnan Viaduct, just like Harry and Ron. The Jacobite Steam Train is a magical experience even for Muggles. Be careful though as it's closed during winter months. The tickets for this will sell out quick so if you have any interest in going you have to book quickly. There is a number of ways to do this trip, but the best is booking your tickets to actually ride the train, and maybe stay and explore on each end of the train ride.
Ride the real Hogwarts Express
Travel Tip: Sit on the left side heading toward Mallaig for the best views of the viaduct!
Alnwick Castle – England
Location: Northumberland, England
Why Go: This castle doubled as Hogwarts in the first two films—it's where Harry had his first flying lesson. This castle is located approximately an hour and a half from Edinburgh and is easily accessible by rental car or as part of a seperate tour from the city. Like the Jacobite train, this one is also closed during winter months.
Magic Moment: Join a broomstick flying lesson on the exact lawn where Harry trained in Sorcerer’s Stone.
Oxford – England
Location: Oxford, England
Why Go: Christ Church College and the Bodleian Library were filming sites for Hogwarts’ interiors, including the iconic Great Hall. There are guided tours available as part of other Harry Potter packages, but Oxford alone is a sight to see if you are able to. If you're inclined, you can also add Stonehenge or a visit to the historic town of Bath, to add to the adventure.
Fan Fact: The staircase used when Harry first enters Hogwarts is here—and it’s open to the public.
Edinburgh – Scotland
Location: Edinburgh, Scotland
Why Go: The birthplace of Harry Potter. J.K. Rowling wrote much of the series here, inspired by the city’s gothic architecture and moody charm. Edinburgh is one of my favorite cities in the world. This city has so much to offer from spooky and mysterious, to history, you won't find yourself running out of things to do.
Explore Harry Potter sites in Edinburgh
Magic Moment: Visit the cafés she wrote in and explore Greyfriars Kirkyard, said to have inspired many names in the series. They are currently reopening the "Elephant House," where J.K. Rowling wrote much of the book.
Fantasy Travel Tips
- When to Go: Spring and fall offer fewer crowds and better weather. I've went 3 times in April and the weather has actually been great all three times. If you want the more moody feelings of Edinburgh, then a fall trip is a must.
- Book Early: Especially Warner Bros. Studios and The Jacobite Train. I've had too many people wait till the last minute and see that there was no availability.
- Pair Destinations: Do an England + Scotland combo for the ultimate magical experience. If you made your way across the pond, there is no reason to not do both if you have the time and availability.
Ready to Make Your Own Magic?
Want to include these stops in a custom Harry Potter itinerary—or pair it with your own Lord of the Rings, Outlander, or Game of Thrones adventure?
Let me help you plan your magical trip
Or explore more fantasy travel inspiration in my Fantasy Castle Guide.
Travel Like a Wizard, Not a Muggle
Whether it’s your first trip to Hogwarts or your tenth, I’ll help you turn your love for magic into a journey you'll never forget. From flying lessons to steam trains, your magical story begins here.
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