With a certain behind the scenes tour being launched in Spring 2012, we thought it would be fun to take a look at the locations that featured in the movie franchise so that fans can choose to walk in the footsteps of its popular characters. The demand for these tours is likely to be immense meaning that coach holidays to London and tickets will probably sell out as soon as they go on sale so why not consider a different approach and visit the film locations instead? We’ve cherry-picked a few of our f
avourites below, but if you feel that we’ve missed something, do get in touch and let us know…
Alnwick Castle, Northumberland
Everyone knows that the beautiful Alnwick Castle was used as the setting for ©Hogwarts – The School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. The exterior of the castle was used in a number of scenes throughout the films including Quidditch matches and the broomstick flying lessons. Alnwick Castle is open to visitors from March to October.
Australia House, London
Do you remember ©Gringrotts Bank in the film? Well the interior shots were filmed here at Australia House. Unfortunately, you are no longer allowed to take a look inside at the fine marble interior as it is not open to the public apart from one day a year.
Black Park, Iver, Buckinghamshire
This was used as the ©Forbidden Forest in the movies and was located on the edge of ©Hogwarts. The students were were banned from going anywhere near it. The woodland home of ©Hagrid was also located here but it has been destroyed since recording for the films stopped.
Bodleian Library, Oxford
Many of you will believe that the Divinity School at Bodleian was used for the study scenes in the film but you would
be mistaken. The interior of Bodleian Library was in fact used for the sanitorium scenes in the film. Reason being because of the gothic ceiling depicting images of beasts and ghouls. It was Duke Humfrey’s Library that was used for the studying scenes in the film. Unfortunately, visits to the library can only be taken as part of a guided tour.
Christ Church College, Oxford
The Great Hall and the stairs leading to the Hall were used as the Dining Hall for ©Hogwarts. The Great Hall is open to visitors every day apart from Christmas but is closed between 12pm and 2pm.
Durham Cathedral, County Durham
Many of the classroom scenes at ©Hogwarts were filmed at this beautiful 12th Century Cathedral. Although ©McGonagall’s office was filmed at Alnwick, her classroom is actually the Chapter House at Durham Cathedral.
Glenfinnan Viaduct
Fans of the movie will immediately recognise that this Viaduct featured in the second instalment of the film series with the flying car sequence. There could be opportunities for you to follow in the footsteps of some of the characters by taking a ride on the Fort William to Mallaig line as it crosses the beautiful Glenfinnan Valley, you’ll need to check with local train times first.
Glen Nevis, Fort William
The backdrop is used for the scenes where the characters are playing ©Quidditch. You’ll notice that the Steall Falls, located at the bottom of the mountain, was used as the backdrop where the battle with the dragon takes place.
Gloucester Cathedral, Gloucestershire
The eagle-eyed among you will notice that the Cathedral’s magnificent cloisters were used as the corridors for ©Hogwarts . It was here that the talking pictures and the overflowing bathroom scenes were filmed in addition to the numerous ghost scenes.
Goathland Station, North Yorkshire
This was used in the film as ©Hogsmeade Station where the train pulls up and allows the students off for their short walk to the school.
Kings Cross Station, London
Every fan should know that this is where the mysterious ©Platform 9¾ is located. The actual platform used in the film is
Platform 4 of Kings Cross Station.
Leadenhall Market, London
This wonderful market was used as the setting for ©Diagon Alley and the entrance to ©The Leaky Cauldron was formerly an empty shop but is now an opticians store.
London Zoo, London
Bet you’re wondering why we’ve featured the Zoo in our countdown of locations but avid fans will realise that this is where the snake was released!
‘The Dursley’s House’, Berkshire
The original house used as ©Number 4 Privet Drive, Little Whinging, Surrey is actually located in Berkshire and can be viewed from the outside at 12 Picket Post Close, Martins Heron, Nr Bracknell, Berkshire. Please note that as this is a residential area, you are NOT allowed inside the house.
Are there any locations that we have forgotten to mention? We’d love to hear your suggestions so please get in touch.