To many Harry Potter is not just a book or a series of movies but a fantasy world that has been burning imaginations in 20 plus years. It is something stunningly special to enter the world created by J.K. Rowling, regardless of whether you are a Muggle or a wizard. Fortunately, there are so many beautiful places in the UK that were used as the background in some of the most memorable scenes in the movies.
With the busy streets of London to the grand scenery of Scotland, magical places to visit are not lacking. This guide will take you through the Harry Potter filming sites in the UK that you have to visit, how to visit them, when to see them and how to organize your tour to do it.
1. King’s Cross Station – London
Key Location: Platform 9¾
The King Cross Station in London is one of the most renowned places in Harry Potter. This is where Harry first boards the magical train, the Hogwarts Express that will take him to the Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. The platform on which wizards and witches board the train to Hogwarts is called Platform 9 1/2, and is located directly within King Cross.
The ardent fans are allowed to go to a special photo point at the King Cross where a luggage trolley appears to fade into the wall, as in the film. It is the best place to take a photo and get the impression that you are about to fly in your own enchanted voyage.
How to Visit:
- Location: King’s Cross Station, Euston Road, London
- Best Time to Visit: Early mornings or late afternoons to avoid crowds
- ETA: Around 20 minutes from Central London via the Underground
2. Warner Bros. Studio Tour – Leavesden, Hertfordshire
Key Location: The Making of Harry Potter
The Warner Bros. Studio Tour is a must-visit program in case you wish to immerse into the world of Harry Potter. The studio is situated immediately outside London and boasts some of the most memorable sets, props and costumes worn in the films. The tour enables you to visit such popular places as the Great Hall, Diagon Alley, even the Forbidden Forest, and even ride the actual Hogwarts Express.
And, you may choose to view the complex sets or get to know how the special effects were made, the studio tour really gives you an in-depth experience that makes you feel like you have just stepped into the Harry Potter world.
How to Visit:
- Location: Warner Bros. Studio Tour, Leavesden, Hertfordshire, WD25 7LR
- Best Time to Visit: 10:00 am to 6:00 pm (times vary seasonally)
- ETA: 20-25 minutes from Central London by train (departing from Euston Station)
3. Alnwick Castle – Northumberland
Key Location: Flying Lessons & Quidditch
Another filming location of the Harry Potter films is Alnwick Castle. The grounds of the castle were the location of some of the most memorable moments in Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone (or Sorcerer’s Stone). It is the place where Harry has his first flying lesson on a broomstick as well as the location where the Quidditch pitch where the students at Hogwarts play their favorite magic game.
The castle alone is a magnificent historical landmark, and its large towers and gardens provide the best environment that fans can recreate the scenes or just enjoy the beauty of the place.
How to Visit:
- Location: Alnwick Castle, Alnwick, Northumberland, NE66 1NQ
- Best Time to Visit: March through November
- ETA: 4 hours from London by train or car
4. Durham Cathedral – Durham
Key Location: Hogwarts Interior
The Durham Cathedral is among the most scenic places that have been utilized in the Harry Potter films. Some of the scenes especially those that took place within Hogwarts were shot here. The great cloisters and corridors of the cathedral were turned into corridors at Hogwarts, and the scene, when Harry and his friends meet first Professor McGonagall, was filmed here.
When you visit the cathedral, you will get the impression of entering Hogwarts, so it is a place that every Harry Potter fan should visit.
How to Visit:
- Location: Durham Cathedral, The College, Durham, DH1 3EH
- Best Time to Visit: Open daily
- ETA: 3 hours from London by train
5. Gloucester Cathedral – Gloucestershire
Key Location: Hogwarts Hallways
The Gloucester Cathedral is another cathedral that contributed to the magic of Hogwarts. A good number of scenes in Hogwarts were shot in the cathedral, which is so magnificent in architecture and features in the Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets scene where Harry first comes before the basilisk.
The serene atmosphere of the cathedral and the grandiose stone arches make it seem like it is a part of a Harry Potter fairy tale.
How to Visit:
- Location: Gloucester Cathedral, 12 College Green, Gloucester, GL1 2LX
- Best Time to Visit: Open daily
- ETA: 2 hours 20 minutes from London by train
6. The Elephant House – Edinburgh
Key Location: Where J.K. Rowling Wrote Harry Potter
Although it was not a filming location, The Elephant House Café in Edinburgh has a lot of meaning to the Harry Potter fans. This is where Harry Potter was written by J.K. Rowling much of the first few books. The cafe is situated in the middle of Edinburgh and provides casual ambience and breathtaking scenery of Edinburgh Castle that allegedly inspired some scenes at Hogwarts.
Stopping right here will provide you with an opportunity to relate to the location, where the magic of the books originated, and perhaps allow you to become creative.
How to Visit:
- Location: The Elephant House, 21 George IV Bridge, Edinburgh, EH1 1EN
- Best Time to Visit: Open daily from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm
- ETA: 4.5 hours by train from London
7. Glenfinnan Viaduct – Scotland
Key Location: The Hogwarts Express
Glenfinnan Viaduct is one of the most picturesque places of the Harry Potter movies. Many of the films showed the Hogwarts Express using this famous railway bridge. The viaduct is an experience to be remembered, due to the grand vistas of the Scottish Highlands that lie around it. You can even be lucky enough to see a train going over the viaduct to finish off the magic of the moment.
How to Visit:
- Location: Glenfinnan Viaduct, Glenfinnan, Scotland
- Best Time to Visit: Open year-round
- ETA: 9 hours by train or car from London
8. Oxford University – Oxford
Key Location: Various Hogwarts Interiors
The other iconic place used in the Harry potter films is Oxford University. Oxford was home to several buildings used as a setting to Hogwarts such as the Divinity School in Bodleian Library. Oxford is a great place to walk through the halls thinking of the Hogwarts students as you do so because of the beautiful stone-built architecture and lovely courtyards of its colleges.
One of the most known locations is the Divinity School specifically, which was also used in the scenes when Harry and his friends explore the restricted area of the library.
How to Visit:
- Location: University of Oxford, Oxford, Oxfordshire
- Best Time to Visit: Open year-round
- ETA: 1 hour from London by train
What Is the UK (United Kingdom) ETA?
The UK ETA is an online travel permit which gives you a chance to travel to the United Kingdom either as a tourist, businessperson, or a transit traveler. The new system of travel is accessible to citizens of quite a number of countries such as the United States, Canada, Australia and many other international travelers. The ETA allows travelers to visit the UK on short visits, usually of not more than 6 months, without the need to apply to be given a typical visa.
The ETA is electronically connected with your passport and makes the entry process easy to manage and allows you to experience a more efficient traveling process. The best part? The application process can be made within a few minutes and approval can be given within hours!
Types of UK (United Kingdom) ETA
There are two main types of UK ETA:
- Tourist ETA
This is perfect for travelers who want to visit the UK for leisure or sightseeing. Whether you’re exploring Harry Potter filming locations, experiencing British culture, or enjoying the scenic views, this ETA is ideal for your trip. - Business ETA
If you’re traveling to the UK for work purposes such as meetings, conferences, or any other business-related activities, you’ll need to apply for the Business ETA. While it isn’t necessary for most Harry Potter fans, it can be handy if your trip combines both work and play. - Transit ETA
For travelers transiting through the UK on their way to another destination, the Transit ETA is an option. This is valid for short stays (usually up to 48 hours), allowing you to explore the UK briefly while en route to another country.
If you’re planning a Harry Potter-themed trip, you’ll most likely need the Tourist ETA.
Step-by-Step Guide to Applying for the UK (United Kingdom) ETA
Applying for the UK ETA is easy. Here’s how you can do it:
1. Check Your Eligibility
Before applying, make sure you check the Eligible Countries for UK eTA. Citizens from eligible countries, including the United States, Canada, Australia, and many others, can apply for the ETA.
2. Prepare Your UK ETA Requirement
You’ll need a few documents and details to apply:
- A valid passport (must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your planned arrival date)
- Your personal details (such as name, date of birth, and nationality)
- Your travel dates (arrival and departure)
- A valid credit or debit card to pay the application fee
3. Fill Out the Application Form
The UK eTA Application Form is straightforward and takes just a few minutes to complete. You’ll need to input personal information, travel details, and answer a few basic security questions. Double-check your answers to avoid any delays in processing.
4 Pay the Fee
The application fee for the UK ETA is generally between and, depending on your nationality. The fee is paid via credit or debit card when you submit your application.
6. Wait for Approval
The processing time for the UK ETA is usually very fast, often taking only a few hours. However, it’s always a good idea to apply at least a few days before your trip. Once your application is approved, you’ll receive an email confirmation.
7. Travel to the UK
When you arrive at the UK border, all you need is your passport. The UK Border Control officers will check your ETA electronically, so no additional paperwork is required. You’re good to go!
Travel Tips for Harry Potter Lovers
Here are some additional tips to ensure your trip goes smoothly:
- Book Tickets in Advance: Popular spots like the Warner Bros. Studio Tour and Alnwick Castle can get crowded. It’s always a good idea to book your tickets ahead of time to secure your preferred time slots.
- Use Public Transportation: The UK’s public transportation system is efficient and affordable. Whether you’re hopping on the London Underground or taking a scenic train ride to Scotland, you’ll find getting around relatively easy.
- Wear Comfortable Shoes: Many of the Harry Potter film locations require walking and exploring. Comfortable footwear is essential to fully enjoy the experience.
Conclusion
The UK is a dream destination for Harry Potter fans, with countless magical locations that bring the wizarding world to life. With the simple process of applying for a UK ETA, you can embark on your own magical adventure in no time. Whether you’re touring the Warner Bros. Studio or enjoying a ride on the Hogwarts Express, the UK promises
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