An entire tourism industry has erupted around the magical phenomenon that is J K Rowling’s Harry Potter series and the locations that were used to bring it to life on film. Loved by adults as well as children, the wizarding world of Harry Potter is, at its very least, entrancing.
Over the years, fans have been motivated to visit locations from some of the movies’ iconic scenes. An entire theme park has even been created to feed the need for more wizardry.
If you’re a fan, here are eight locations where you can get your Harry Potter fix:
King’s Cross Station, London
King’s Cross is a real-life train station that, in the series, is where wizards and witches go to get the train to Hogwarts from Platform 9 ¾.
Glenfinnan Viaduct, Scotland
The incredible scenes of the Hogwarts Express come from this remarkable railway in Scotland. Travellers can book to go on one of the trains that use the bridge, one of which is a steam-train.
The Wizarding World
With three Universal Studios (situated in Florida, Japan and California), Harry Potter fans are spoilt for choice when it comes to the enchanting wonders they can visit. Visitors can see the sites where Hogsmead, Diagon Alley, Hogwarts’ Black Lake and many more places were filmed, depending on which Universal Studio they use Floo Powder to get to.
The set of the Great Hall
The Great Hall needs little explanation; it had us all wishing we could attend a Hogwarts banquet-style dinner. While eating from charmed food platters that self-refill will sadly never be a reality for us muggles, we can visit the Hall on a magical walking tour. These tours should be booked in advance through Warner Bros. Studio as places sell out very fast.
The Reptile House, London Zoo
Think back to Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, and the scene where Harry speaks parseltongue for the first time. This scene was a foreshadowing of the big moment when Harry realised he possessed the same rare wizard trait as Voldemort.
