Calling all Muggles (and wannabe witches and wizards)! Because the best-selling guide sequence in historical past – 600 million copies and counting – it’s not shocking that you simply’ll discover a complete string of Harry Potter days out to carry the wizarding world to life.
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It’s virtually onerous to imagine that not so way back, the phrases Harry Potter, Voldemort and Hogwarts would have meant nothing – though the latter two would have raised just a few quizzical eyebrows. Over 25 years on from the publication of Harry Potter and the Thinker’s Stone on June 26, 1997, you undoubtedly needn’t cease at studying the tales and watching the movies.
And as my daughter found the wizarding world and have become a confirmed fan of Harry Potter herself, I had an added excuse to strive them out – from Harry Potter excursions to points of interest and filming places galore, these are my decide of one of the best, with 36 days out for Harry Potter followers (and a few additional magical bonuses).
CAUTION: Incorporates spoilers for those who haven’t learn all of the books…
Contents – click on to leap to a bit
The Warner Bros Studio Tour, Hertfordshire
The final word vacation spot for Potter followers – myself included – you could possibly simply spend all day on the Warner Bros Studio Tour.
Experience broomsticks, drink butterbeer, uncover props, see the Hogwarts Categorical and stroll into The Forbidden Forest, full with magical creatures and particulars on how the units and animatronics had been created.
As with all of the displays, the element is astonishing – take a look at hippogriff Buckbeak, whose feathers had been added by hand and stored groomed by the Creature Results crew. And for those who’ve all the time wished to go to Hogwarts, that is the one place you’ll discover the entire citadel.
A few of the newer additions embody the possibility to go to Gringotts Wizarding Financial institution, whereas in winter you possibly can uncover Hogwarts within the Snow or a Darkish Arts theme for Halloween.
Tickets promote out properly prematurely nevertheless it’s price firms like Golden Excursions which regularly have ticket and transport packages, in addition to checking for returns – you too can discover inns close to Harry Potter Studios London together with some with ticket packages.
For my full set of suggestions for the Harry Potter Studio tour, take a look at this put up
Alnwick Fortress, Northumberland
If Hertfordshire is the one place you’ll see the whole Hogwarts, Alnwick Fortress in Northumberland is without doubt one of the few the place you possibly can discover inside.
Showing as the varsity for witchcraft and wizardry, now you can strive your hand at broomstick classes within the grounds of Alnwick Fortress – on the very place the place Harry had his personal first flying lesson – in addition to recognizing the positioning within the Inside Bailey the place Ron and Harry crash-landed the flying Ford Anglia.
You’ll be able to even keep in a Harry Potter-themed room at Hallow & Crux in Alnwick, with nice names just like the Dumbledorm household room, a broomstick’s throw from Alnwick Fortress
There are additionally common occasions at Alnwick Fortress the place you possibly can study to make magic wands, plus Potter-inspired characters on some days.
Take a look at my evaluation of a day trip at Alnwick Fortress with children, together with broomstick classes
Harry Potter in Live performance, UK
After the primary screenings of Harry Potter and the Thinker’s Stone accompanied by the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra had been an instantaneous sell-out, the Harry Potter in Live performance sequence has been working by way of the remainder of the sequence.
And in addition to performances worldwide, there are new UK occasions for 2024 with Harry Potter And The Deathly Hallows Half 2 in Live performance in London and Edinburgh.
Earlier years have additionally seen performances elsewhere within the UK together with Liverpool, Glasgow, Gateshead, Tub, Bournemouth and Cardiff, in addition to the whole set of movies proven within the US, Australia and a few European locations – so it’s price maintaining a tally of the schedule.
Lacock Abbey, Wiltshire
The gorgeous Wiltshire village with its stone cottages and timber-frame homes has doubled as each Budleigh Babberton and Godric’s Hole – take a look at the Signal of the Angel pub, as soon as a Fifteenth-century service provider’s home, which appeared because the Babberton Arms within the sixth film.
But it surely’s Lacock Abbey which most followers flock to, with its 800-year-old buildings and cloisters that includes in a number of scenes at Hogwarts within the early motion pictures.
Spot the rooms the place Harry appears into the Mirror of Erised, Snape’s potions room and Professor Quirrell’s classroom – plus a bonus sixteenth century Belgian cauldron in a single cloister room which appears prefer it’s straight from a potions lesson, even when it wasn’t really a prop.
Take a look at our day in Lacock, exploring Lacock Abbey and wandering round Lacock village
Kings Cross, London
There’s a second likelihood to faux you’re off to Hogwarts and catching the Hogwarts Categorical at Platform 9 ¾ in London’s Kings Cross.
With a store to get your own home scarf (and wand, chocolate frogs, Niffler for those who fancy), you possibly can pose for images with a baggage trolley part-way by way of the wall – there’s often a queue which shrinks in the course of the day, so getting there early or late is usually greatest.
You can too flip up late with your personal digicam and props. Platforms 4 and 5 had been those which had been really used for filming.
For extra concepts of Harry Potter places in London, take a look at my decide of one of the best
St Pancras, London
It may need pretended to be Kings Cross when Harry and Ron flew overhead within the Weasleys’ Ford Anglia, however the spectacular neo-gothic constructing is definitely St Pancras Worldwide and the St Pancras Renaissance resort.
It’s simple to pop subsequent door to Kings Cross when you’re there and pose at Platform 9 3/4.
Leadenhall Market, London
Who wouldn’t need to step by way of the hidden door into Diagon Alley? In actual life, it’s not off Charing Cross Highway – as an alternative the Victorian coated market within the Metropolis of London was used for the road of wizarding retailers within the first film.
And the way in which in to The Leaky Cauldron? You want the curved door subsequent to the optician in Bull’s Head Passage… beforehand blue, it’s now been painted white.
Take a look at my four-page mini information to Harry Potter’s London, together with recommendations on a few of the greatest locations to go to, filming places, wizarding trivia and even a few of the inspirations behind the tales.
The Market Porter Pub, London
This pub close to Borough Market was remodeled into The Third Hand bookstore within the Prisoner of Azkaban, whereas the constructing subsequent door was additionally used as The Leaky Cauldron.
It opens early for the market merchants, so you could possibly even begin your exploring from 6am.
The Millennium Bridge, London
The dramatic begin of Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince options the Millennium Bridge between St Paul’s Cathedral and the Tate Fashionable collapsing after the Dying Eaters assault.
Whereas it’s affectionately recognized to Londoners because the wobbly bridge, fortunately it not wobbles and wasn’t destroyed by darkish magic, so you possibly can nonetheless stroll throughout it.
The prepare station café the place Harry reads concerning the assault is definitely on platforms 1 and a pair of of Surbiton station, simply exterior London, however for those who’re exploring the capital, Piccadilly Circus, Tower Bridge, Westminster station and Lambeth Bridge have all cropped up as properly.
Scotland Place, London
On the nook the place Scotland Place and Nice Scotland Yard meet, Harry discovered the cellphone field for the customer’s entrance to the Ministry of Magic.
The cellphone field itself was a prop, so that you’ll have to make use of your creativeness.
Take a look at my four-page mini information to Harry Potter’s London, together with recommendations on a few of the greatest locations to go to, filming places, wizarding trivia and even a few of the inspirations behind the tales.
Australia Home, London
This ornately grand Edwardian constructing on the Strand stood in for Gringott’s Wizarding Financial institution, full with goblins.
Within the Muggle world, Australia Home is the workplace of the Australian Excessive Fee, so that you will not be allowed inside – take ID, cross your fingers and ask the safety guards very properly for a fast look.
Claremont Sq., London
Wander round Claremont Sq. in Islington and it’s not onerous to imagine you’re really in Grimmauld Place – numbers 23-29 impressed filming the outside of Sirius Black’s household residence, headquarters of the Order of the Phoenix.
The sq.’s odd form has its personal secret to inform, courtesy of an 18th century water reservoir which was later coated over.
Virginia Water, Surrey
The lengthy lake not removed from Windsor was used as Hogwarts’ Black Lake within the third and fourth movies.
It’s right here that Harry rides the Hippogriff and the place Hermione passes messages between Harry and Ron in the course of the Triwizard Match. Loch Shiel in Scotland took its place in later movies.
Ashridge Woods, Buckinghamshire
The gorgeous woodland the place the Quidditch World Cup is held – and the place the Dying Eaters memorably make an look – is definitely Ashridge Wooden, a part of the Nationwide Belief’s Ashridge Property.
The distinctively gnarled previous beech, which doubled because the Whomping Willow, was additionally on the property till it collapsed in 2014.
The chalk cliffs, the Seven Sisters which give the park its title, had been used as one other location within the fourth movie, the place the Portkey whisks Harry for the Quidditch World Cup – from Beacon Hill in Berkhamsted.
Wookey Gap caves, Somerset
A few of the Wookey Gap caves seem within the second film as a part of the Chamber of Secrets and techniques itself.
And when you shouldn’t stumble throughout a basilisk, these Somerset caves – which have been utilized by people for round 50,000 years – are as spookily atmospheric as anybody may want.
Oxford strolling tour
Comply with in Harry’s footsteps on a self-guided strolling tour of Oxford, whose historic buildings have cropped up repeatedly as filming places.
The Tudor eating corridor at Christ Church school impressed Hogwarts’ Nice Corridor, whereas the staircase was used throughout filming, and Mad Eye Moody famously turned Draco Malfoy right into a ferret within the cloisters at New Faculty.
The Divinity College on the Bodleian Library seems as the varsity’s infirmary, plus for those who take a particular tour, you possibly can see Duke Humfrey’s Library the place Harry used his invisibility cloak to entry the restricted part.
When you’d slightly strive a guided tour, this 90-minute Harry Potter tour of Oxford contains entry to the Divinity College.
Take a look at my evaluation of a Harry Potter tour of Oxford with children
Hardwick Corridor, Derbyshire
Elizabethan mansion Hardwick Corridor doubled as Malfoy Manor, the primary base of the Dying Eaters within the later motion pictures, with filming inside and outdoors the property.
For some bonus magic, children can discover fairy homes within the gardens too – though you gained’t discover albino peacocks strolling throughout the grass.
Gloucester Cathedral
One other slice of Hogwarts, this historic setting was additionally used as a location for the wizarding college within the first two movies.
The appropriately named Darkish Entry, within the north-eastern nook of the cloisters, was the place the warning message in blood appeared within the second movie, in addition to the place the flood from the women bathrooms was filmed.
Harry and Ron additionally hid from the troll within the first film in Gloucester cathedral’s Lavatorium, whereas the West Slype door turned the doorway to Gryffindor’s frequent room.
Durham Cathedral
Yet one more of the historic buildings used to face in for a few of the exterior and inside photographs of Hogwarts, the Chapter Home at Durham Cathedral was the positioning of Professor McGonagall’s transfiguration class within the first two movies.
The traditional cloisters additionally seem in each of the primary two motion pictures as a part of Hogwarts.
Goathland Railway Station, Yorkshire
Take a journey to Hogsmeade, aka the station for the village of Goathland on the North Yorkshire Moors, which seems within the first film, the place Harry will get out of the Hogwarts Categorical on his first journey to highschool.
It additionally doubles for Hogsmeade station on the finish of the movie, as Hagrid offers Harry the photograph album – all future scenes had been filmed on stage units although.
For extra concepts of days out in Yorkshire, take a look at my prime locations to go in York for Harry Potter followers in addition to issues to do in Whitby with children – the tip of the North Yorkshire Moors Railway line
Malham Cove, Yorkshire
Lower than a mile exterior the village of Malham in Yorkshire, the weird curved limestone rocks appeared because the camp the place Harry and Hermione conceal from Voldemort in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows.
Freshwater West, Wales
This stunning seaside in Pembrokeshire was the backdrop for Shell Cottage, residence to Invoice Weasley and the positioning of Dobby’s grave.
The cottage itself was eliminated fully after filming, however you possibly can nonetheless go to the beautiful setting.
Glenfinnan Viaduct, Scotland
The closest factor to travelling on the Hogwarts Categorical itself is to get a ticket for the Jacobite Steam Prepare which runs by way of the Highlands from Fort William to Mallaig, the identical route utilized by Harry and his associates on the way in which to highschool.
The hanging Glenfinnan Viaduct with its 21 arches is essentially the most well-known spot alongside the 84-mile spherical journey.
Glen Coe, Scotland
The wild and delightful surroundings of Glen Coe has been utilized in quite a lot of scenes, not least within the third film as the placement of Hagrid’s Hut at Clachaig Gully (after it moved from Black Park in Buckinghamshire, not removed from filming at Pinewood).
Its wild surroundings has additionally been used as a location for the bridge resulting in the doorway of Hogwarts.
Three close by lochs have additionally appeared as places: Dumbledore’s Grave at Loch Elit, Loch Etive as one of many camp websites partly considered one of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, whereas dragons had been added to photographs of Loch Arkaig.
Edinburgh’s Harry Potter places
Whereas Edinburgh wasn’t one of many filming places for the Harry Potter motion pictures, it performs an vital function within the books – it was right here that JK Rowling wrote the tales, famously beginning within the Elephant Home cafe to remain heat and ending within the metropolis’s five-star Balmoral Resort.
And there are quite a lot of locations to go to which helped encourage her. Your record of Harry Potter issues to do ought to embody Greyfriars Kirkyard, the place you’ll spot a gravestone for Thomas Riddle, in addition to Victoria Road, considered one of many locations which lays declare to be the inspiration for Diagon Alley.
Take the free Potter Path tour which covers all the primary Harry Potter locations in Edinburgh, and gained’t value you a single knut (although do carry just a few galleons as a tip on the finish).
Discover extra issues to do in Edinburgh with children right here
Extra Harry Potter issues to do
London Strolling tour
If you need somebody to carry the central London places to life, take a look at the Tour for Muggles, whereas Brit Film Excursions has one other strolling tour choice in addition to a coach tour which take within the highlights.
Go to the Home of MinaLima
You’ll know the work of graphic design duo Miraphora Mina and Eduardo Lima – aka MinaLima – for those who’ve watched a single Harry Potter movie. The pair had been the brains behind the whole lot from the Marauder’s Map to packets of Bertie Bott’s Each Flavour Beans.
And you’ll go to their London gallery and store in Soho – previously at Greek Road, it has moved to close by Wardour Road. Entry is free though you could must queue…
Take the UK tour
If you wish to pack in as many Potter places as potential into one journey, Brit Film excursions has a full-day journey which visits Lacock and Gloucester Cathedral, in addition to JK Rowling’s residence.
Costing from round £700 per individual, it’s not low cost nevertheless it’s excellent for those who reside and breathe Potter. The earlier two-day tour which additionally included Oxford is not operating.
Or there’s additionally a less expensive Wizards London Bus tour overlaying the places within the capital, in a three-hour tour.
The Palace Theatre, London
This West Finish theatre is the venue for the sell-out play, Harry Potter and the Cursed Baby – Components I and II.
Ordinarily you’ll want to guide properly prematurely, though it’s price maintaining a tally of the positioning for returned and cancelled tickets coming again on sale. When you’re based mostly in or close to London (or are simply feeling fortunate), you too can play the Friday Forty lottery on the Todaytix app, with an opportunity to get a pair of tickets at £40 every for the 2 performances.
A shorter model can be now carried out in New York, San Francisco, Toronto, Melbourne and Hamburg.
Keep in Harry’s childhood residence
OK so it’s not *actually* Harry’s residence nevertheless it’s the closest you will get to residing the story – the De Vere Home in Lavenham, which doubled as Godric’s Hole, is offered to lease.
Unsurprisingly, it’s highly regarded so guide properly prematurely – it’s a must to share a toilet however have a personal room and sitting room. And might be pretty sure that Voldemort gained’t flip up unexpectedly when you sleep.
The village itself seems in Harry Potter and The Deathly Hallows, Components 1 and a pair of, though Daniel Radcliffe and Emma Watson had been added to the footage later with a little bit of CGI magic – conveniently it snowed throughout filming, simply because it does within the guide.
When you’re planning Harry Potter journeys past the UK, followers can even love Spellcast Cottage, one other Harry Potter-themed AirBNB in Wexford, Eire – sleep within the cabinet below the steps or the dormitory-style bed room, and don’t miss the key room or the dragon faucets within the lavatory
Eat and sleep Potter
For followers, what higher crowning glory than a wizard afternoon tea (full with eye of newt scones) after which heading to mattress within the Wizard or Enchanted Chambers on the Georgian Home Resort.
There’s no official Harry Potter hyperlink however with trunks, cauldrons and four-poster beds, it’s the closest you’re more likely to come to the Gryffindor dormitory for those who didn’t get a letter by owl aged 11.
You can too strive a Wizard Afternoon Tea on the Wizard Exploratorium in Soho, in addition to Potion Making – in addition they run wand-making classes (scroll down for extra)
A wizard Escape Room
When you love the considered Escape rooms, there are at present a a few wizarding-themed escape rooms in London.
Wizarding College: Fang of the Serpent at Breakin Escape Rooms isn’t formally linked to Harry Potter, however for those who’ve learn the books (The Chamber of Secrets and techniques particularly), you’ll have a head begin on fixing quite a lot of the clues on the website in Highbury & Islington, north London.
Or Enigma Quests College of Witchcraft and Wizardry escape room in Shoreditch is designed to check you on the whole lot from Charms to Potions – solely those that get an Excellent grade will escape! Beneficial for age 8+.
Wand making on the Wizard Exploratorium
Are you actually a Harry Potter fan for those who haven’t dreamed about strolling into Ollivanders and your wand selecting you? You’ll be able to’t fairly try this within the Muggle world, alas, however the subsequent smartest thing is making your personal wand.
The Wizard Exploratorium isn’t formally linked to Harry Potter (in reality, it says so very particularly!) however the half-hour Magic Wand Expertise is ideal for younger followers.
After selecting your magical model (gentle, darkish or earth magic), you get to choose your wand, the core and a particular ‘tree essence’ (saves slicing down all these wand timber), earlier than practising just a few primary spells.
Herstmonceux Fortress, Sussex
When you’ve ever longed for an owl to reach together with your letter about becoming a member of Hogwarts, East Sussex is – alas – most likely the closest you’ll get.
At Fifteenth century Herstmonceux Fortress, The Bothwell College of Witchcraft is just for over 18s, however you possibly can uncover first-hand the way it feels wish to be sorted right into a home, be a part of magical classes and meet the extraordinary creatures within the grounds.
Though it’s not formally linked to Harry Potter, it’s simply the subsequent smartest thing. Tickets promote out quick for the summer season occasions so preserve an in depth eye out.
British Library, London
The British Library marked the twentieth anniversary of the primary guide with a group devoted to the magic of Harry Potter, the primary exhibition of its type to have fun a single sequence of books by a residing creator,
In addition to beforehand unseen supplies from JK Rowling and writer Bloomsbury, similar to unique drafts and drawings, it featured different magical treasures from the library’s personal assortment of wizarding books, not least a scroll displaying find out how to create your personal Thinker’s stone.
The exhibition is now over however you possibly can uncover extra concerning the shows by clicking right here, and the Library itself remains to be open to guests.
Don’t go to these Harry Potter days out
London Zoo
A day trip at London Zoo in Regent’s Park is all the time enjoyable with children, however for those who’re planning Harry Potter days out within the UK, the reptile home has now closed, so you’ll want to discover someplace else to practise your parseltongue.
Beforehand there was an indication to commemorate the scene the place Harry will get into dialog with a boa constrictor earlier than realising his magic powers – though within the movies a Burmese python seems as an alternative, and the tank really held a black mamba.
Harry Potter photographic exhibition
There was an opportunity to experience a brush with out leaving central London, in addition to a incredible look behind the scenes on the Harry Potter Photographic Exhibition in Covent Backyard, nevertheless it has now closed.
Take a look at our evaluation for a style of what you could possibly see at Harry Potter photograph exhibition with children from quirky trivia to how a few of the most memorable scenes had been created, images of the solid between filming and outfits.
Harry Potter: A Forbidden Forest Expertise
When you all the time wished to enterprise into the Forbidden Forest, you had an opportunity to just do that in Cheshire with Harry Potter: A Forbidden Forest Expertise at Arley Corridor and Gardens in Cheshire.
After two years, the expertise is at present closed, though there’s a likelihood to see it exterior the UK. In the intervening time, you will get a style of what it was like with my evaluation of our go to to Harry Potter: The Forbidden Forest Expertise, recognizing Hippogriffs, Centaurs, Unicorns and Nifflers, in addition to casting your personal Patronus.
The particular exhibition on the Pure Historical past Museum impressed by the Incredible Beasts motion pictures has additionally now completed – learn my evaluation of visiting the Incredible Beasts exhibition for a digital go searching.
**First printed 2017, up to date 2024**
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Disclosure: Incorporates affiliate hyperlinks – any purchases you make are unaffected however I’ll obtain a small fee. All opinions on the highest days out for Harry Potter followers and delicate Pottermania stay my very own.
Jacobite prepare copyright VisitBritain/VisitScotland; Freshwater West copyright VisitBritain/Go to Wales Picture Centre; Virginia Water copyright VisitEngland/Andrew Boxall; St Pancras, Millennium Bridge, Durham Cathedral and Lavenham courtesy Depositphotos; all others copyright MummyTravels