Stepping onto British soil feels like an instant transport to the enchanting world of Harry Potter that we all long for. Every place here exudes a rich British charm, with ancient buildings standing tall as if narrating stories from centuries past.
The cobblestone streets stretch beneath your feet, each step echoing with history. Walking these streets, you can almost smell the magic in the air, and it seems as if the laughter of Harry, Hermione, and Ron still resonates around you.
Why not don a wizard’s robe, pick up your wand, and embark on a magical journey in search of traces of Harry Potter’s world? Let’s set off together to explore those wondrous places where Harry, Hermione, and Ron once stood side by side! 
King’s Cross Station
Platform 9¾
King’s Cross Station is a historic large railway terminus that has been one of London’s transport hubs since 1852. Over time, it has evolved into a comprehensive transport hub, serving not only numerous domestic railway lines but also connecting to London’s five international airports and facilitating travel to other countries.
King’s Cross Station showcases various architectural styles and historical traces. Although the main building isn’t typically Gothic or Victorian, some ancient architectural structures and materials are preserved inside, with surrounding buildings displaying Gothic and Victorian architecture.
Apart from being a transport hub, King’s Cross Station is also famous for its association with the Harry Potter series. The “Platform 9¾, the gateway to the magical world,” described in the novels, is modeled after this station. This setting attracts countless Harry Potter fans to take photos with the half-entered luggage trolley into the magical world.
Alnwick Castle
Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry
Alnwick Castle, located in the town of Alnwick in Northumberland, England, is a medieval-style building in northern England, known as the “Windsor Castle of the North” during the Victorian era.
The castle’s walls are high and solid, meticulously constructed from stone, enduring centuries of wind and rain while maintaining its dignity and grandeur. The main castle structure sits amidst lush gardens, harmoniously coexisting with the natural surroundings. The courtyard, surrounded by walls, is filled with green trees and blooming flowers, adding vitality and energy to the ancient castle.
Alnwick Castle served as the primary filming location for Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry in the Harry Potter series, especially memorable for the scenes where students learn to fly on broomsticks.
Shambles, York
Diagon Alley
Shambles, located in the heart of the historic city of York in Northeast England, is an old street full of medieval charm, known for its unique half-timbered buildings, rich historical background, and bustling commercial atmosphere.
Walking down Shambles feels like stepping through time, from the bustling reality into the magical and fantastical world of Harry Potter. Each cobblestone, wooden door, and streetlamp tells a story of magic intertwined with reality.
Shambles served as the filming location for Diagon Alley, where one can witness flying broomsticks and taste authentic butterbeer. Deep in the alley, there are Harry Potter memorabilia shops, a shopping haven for fans, with every detail evoking their endless longing and love for the wizarding world.
Christ Church College
Hogwarts Great Hall
Christ Church College is one of the oldest colleges at Oxford University. Most of its buildings are in the Gothic style, with towering spires, intricate carvings, flying buttresses, and stained-glass windows, each detail showcasing the craftsmanship and pursuit of beauty. The hall and chapel, in particular, are architectural jewels, with their internal decorations and layout leaving visitors in awe.
The Hogwarts Great Hall, library, and dining room scenes from the Harry Potter novels all have their real-life counterparts in Christ Church College. The grand Gothic architecture and exquisite decorations of the hall closely match the descriptions of Hogwarts’ Great Hall, making it a sacred place in the hearts of many fans.
The movies also frequently chose Christ Church College as a filming location. The long staircases and corridors seen in the films were shot here.
Gloucester Cathedral
Hogwarts Cloisters
Gloucester Cathedral, situated in Gloucester in the southwest of England, is a magnificent and historic Gothic structure, with its history tracing back to the Middle Ages, witnessing centuries of British history.
Gloucester Cathedral is a typical Gothic building, with vast internal spaces where light filters through stained glass windows, creating a kaleidoscope of colors, crafting an atmosphere of mystery and solemnity. The choir stalls, altar, and sanctuary are adorned with fine wood carvings, stone carvings, and frescoes.
Gloucester Cathedral is not just a religious building; it’s also a valuable heritage of British history and culture. It houses many historical artifacts, including the king’s throne, ancient altars, and precious statues. The cathedral also holds numerous manuscripts, books, and artworks, making it an important resource for studying British medieval history and culture.
In the Harry Potter films, the cloisters were used as the corridors of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Here, scenes of students walking, talking, and embarking on various adventures were filmed. Besides the cloisters, Gloucester Cathedral was also used for filming other scenes, like the bathroom and the north transept.
Goathland Station
Hogsmeade Station
Goathland Station, a small station that balances functionality with a sense of history, is nestled in a corner of the town. The exterior is constructed with red brick and dark wood, though showing signs of age, it remains sturdy and practical. The slate roof tiles glisten in the sunlight, adding a touch of rustic charm to the station.
Goathland Station is more than just a transport node; it’s like a bridge connecting the past with the future. Every time a train roars by, it seems as if one can hear the echoes of history and the call of the future, making one lose themselves in this unique intersection of time.
Goathland Station was the filming location for Hogsmeade Station in the Harry Potter series. At the end of “The Philosopher’s Stone,” Hagrid and Harry bid farewell here, and Hagrid gifts Harry a family photo album.
Hardwick Hall
Malfoy Manor
Hardwick Hall, a historic and uniquely styled building, is located in Chesterfield, Derbyshire, England. Constructed between 1590 and 1597 by the renowned architect Robert Smythson, it is one of the earliest examples of the Renaissance style interpreted in England.
The architectural style of Hardwick Hall is stately and elegant, with solid stone construction, a high-arched entrance hall, and square towers at each corner, all showcasing the unique charm of Baroque architecture. The interior features numerous exquisite tapestries and furniture, most of which are listed in the family’s 1601 inventory, reflecting the wealth and taste of the estate.
In “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows,” as Voldemort’s base, the location where Death Eaters meet and captives are held, Malfoy Manor, was filmed here.
Lacock Abbey
Potions Classroom
Lacock Abbey, an ancient and solemn abbey in Wiltshire, England, dates back to the 13th century and is one of the best-preserved medieval abbeys in England.
Lacock Abbey is known for its grand Gothic architecture, with its main structure built from solid stone that has withstood centuries of weather. The interior retains the medieval layout and appearance.
In the courtyard, ancient fountains and sculptures tell tales of the past, while meticulously trimmed flower beds and lawns showcase the abbey’s pursuit and respect for natural beauty.
For film enthusiasts, Lacock Abbey is most famously recognized as the filming location for Professor Snape’s Potions classroom in the Harry Potter series.
Warner Bros. Studio Tour London – The Making of Harry Potter
In 2012, Warner Bros. opened this filming location to the public. It’s not just a production studio but a magical world full of memories. The studio has preserved many iconic sets and props from the films, incorporating modern technology to provide an unparalleled interactive experience.
Visitors have the opportunity to delve into the making of the Harry Potter films, with displays of behind-the-scenes interviews, character analysis, and more. Here, one can step into the film sets and immerse themselves in the world of Harry Potter.
At King’s Cross Station’s Platform 9¾, we seem to cross the boundaries of reality, embarking on the magical journey aboard the Hogwarts Express; at Oxford University’s Christ Church College, those ancient and majestic buildings make us feel as if we’re in Hogwarts’ classrooms, breathing in the magic; at Gloucester Cathedral’s cloisters, the long, colorful corridors make us sense the mystery and the unknown of the wizarding world.
Although we can’t truly enter the magical world, these filming locations are enough to let us feel the thick magical atmosphere. Let’s embark on this unique Harry Potter magical journey together!
