The highest 37 Harry Potter days out within the UK

Calling all Muggles (and wannabe witches and wizards)! Because the best-selling e book collection in historical past – 600 million copies and counting – it’s not stunning that you simply’ll discover a complete string of Harry Potter days out to convey the wizarding world to life.

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It’s virtually arduous 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 a couple of 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 attempt them out – from Harry Potter excursions to sights and filming areas galore, these are my decide of the very best, with 37 days out for Harry Potter followers (and a few additional magical bonuses).

CAUTION: Incorporates spoilers in the event you haven’t learn all of the books…

The Warner Bros Studio Tour, Hertfordshire

The last word vacation spot for Potter followers – myself included – you might 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 have been created.

As with all of the displays, the element is astonishing – take a look at hippogriff Buckbeak, whose feathers have been added by hand and saved groomed by the Creature Results group. And in the event you’ve at all times wished to go to Hogwarts, that is the one place you’ll discover the entire citadel.

A number of the newer additions embrace the possibility to go to Gringotts Wizarding Financial institution, whereas in winter you’ll be able to uncover Hogwarts within the Snow or a Darkish Arts theme for Halloween.

Tickets promote out effectively upfront however it’s price taking a look at firms like Golden Excursions which regularly have ticket and transport packages, in addition to checking for returns – you can even discover lodges 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 publish

Alnwick Fortress, Northumberland

If Hertfordshire is the one place you’ll see the entire Hogwarts, Alnwick Fortress in Northumberland is without doubt one of the few the place you’ll be able to discover inside.

Showing as the college for witchcraft and wizardry, now you can attempt 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 location within the Interior 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’ll be able to be taught to make magic wands, plus Potter-inspired characters on some days.

Try my overview of a day trip at Alnwick Fortress with youngsters, 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 have been an prompt sell-out, the Harry Potter in Live performance collection has been working by means of the remainder of the collection.

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, Bathtub, Bournemouth and Cardiff, in addition to the entire 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.

However it’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 films.

Spot the rooms the place Harry appears to be like 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 to be like prefer it’s straight from a potions lesson, even when it wasn’t really a prop.

Try 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 home scarf (and wand, chocolate frogs, Niffler in the event you fancy), you’ll be able to pose for images with a baggage trolley part-way by means of the wall – there’s often a queue which shrinks in the course of the day, so getting there early or late is usually finest.

You can too flip up late with your personal digital camera and props. Platforms 4 and 5 have been those which have been really used for filming.

For extra concepts of Harry Potter areas in London, take a look at my decide of the very best

St Pancras, London

It might 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 lodge.

It’s simple to pop subsequent door to Kings Cross whilst you’re there and pose at Platform 9 3/4.

Leadenhall Market, London

Who wouldn’t need to step by means of the hidden door into Diagon Alley? In actual life, it’s not off Charing Cross Street – as a substitute the Victorian coated market within the Metropolis of London was used for the road of wizarding retailers within the first film.

And the best way 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.

Try my four-page mini information to Harry Potter’s London, together with recommendations on among the finest locations to go to, filming areas, wizarding trivia and even among 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 might 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 Trendy collapsing after the Loss of life Eaters assault.

Whereas it’s affectionately recognized to Londoners because the wobbly bridge, fortunately it now not wobbles and wasn’t destroyed by darkish magic, so you’ll be able to 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 outdoors London, however in the event you’re exploring the capital, Piccadilly Circus, Tower Bridge, Westminster station and Lambeth Bridge have all cropped up as effectively.

Scotland Place, London

On the nook the place Scotland Place and Nice Scotland Yard meet, Harry discovered the telephone field for the customer’s entrance to the Ministry of Magic.

The telephone field itself was a prop, so that you’ll have to make use of your creativeness.

Try my four-page mini information to Harry Potter’s London, together with recommendations on among the finest locations to go to, filming areas, wizarding trivia and even among 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 arduous 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 Loss of life 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 identify, have 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 number of the Wookey Gap caves seem within the second film as a part of the Chamber of Secrets and techniques itself.

And whilst 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

Observe in Harry’s footsteps on a self-guided strolling tour of Oxford, whose historic buildings have cropped up repeatedly as filming areas.

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 School.

The Divinity College on the Bodleian Library seems as the college’s infirmary, plus in the event you take a particular tour, you’ll be able to see Duke Humfrey’s Library the place Harry used his invisibility cloak to entry the restricted part.

When you’d relatively attempt a guided tour, this 90-minute Harry Potter tour of Oxford contains entry to the Divinity College.

Try my overview of a Harry Potter tour of Oxford with youngsters

Hardwick Corridor, Derbyshire

Elizabethan mansion Hardwick Corridor doubled as Malfoy Manor, the primary base of the Loss of life Eaters within the later films, with filming inside and outdoors the property.

For some bonus magic, youngsters 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 faculty 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 bogs was filmed.

Harry and Ron additionally hid from the troll within the first film in Gloucester cathedral’s Lavatorium, whereas the West Slype door grew to become the doorway to Gryffindor’s widespread room.

Durham Cathedral

Yet one more of the historic buildings used to face in for among the exterior and inside pictures of Hogwarts, the Chapter Home at Durham Cathedral was the location of Professor McGonagall’s transfiguration class within the first two movies.

The traditional cloisters additionally seem in each of the primary two films 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 provides Harry the photograph album – all future scenes have been filmed on stage units although.

For extra concepts of days out in Yorkshire, take a look at my high locations to go in York for Harry Potter followers in addition to issues to do in Whitby with youngsters – the top of the North Yorkshire Moors Railway line

Malham Cove, Yorkshire

Lower than a mile outdoors the village of Malham in Yorkshire, the weird curved limestone rocks appeared because the camp the place Harry and Hermione cover from Voldemort in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows.

Freshwater West, Wales

This lovely seashore in Pembrokeshire was the backdrop for Shell Cottage, residence to Invoice Weasley and the location of Dobby’s grave.

The cottage itself was eliminated fully after filming, however you’ll be able to nonetheless go to the attractive setting.

Glenfinnan Viaduct, Scotland

The closest factor to travelling on the Hogwarts Categorical itself is to get a ticket for the Jacobite Steam Practice which runs by means of the Highlands from Fort William to Mallaig, the identical route utilized by Harry and his pals on the best way to highschool.

The placing 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 exquisite surroundings of Glen Coe has been utilized in a wide range 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 areas: Dumbledore’s Grave at Loch Elit, Loch Etive as one of many camp websites partly one among Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, whereas dragons have been added to pictures of Loch Arkaig.

Edinburgh’s Harry Potter areas

Whereas Edinburgh wasn’t one of many filming areas for the Harry Potter films, 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 Lodge.

And there are various locations to go to which helped encourage her. Your record of Harry Potter issues to do ought to embrace Greyfriars Kirkyard, the place you’ll spot a gravestone for Thomas Riddle, in addition to Victoria Avenue, one among 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 convey a couple of galleons as a tip on the finish).

Discover extra issues to do in Edinburgh with youngsters right here

Extra Harry Potter issues to do

London Strolling tour

If you would like somebody to convey the central London areas 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.

The Wizard Stroll of York

Set off in quest of magical creatures, led by means of the streets of York by your wizard information, on York’s solely tour particularly designed for youngsters – named the Greatest Tour of York within the Little Vikings Awards for Children, voted for by households.

The multi award-winning Wizard Stroll of York tour is ideal for followers of Harry Potter though you don’t should be an skilled on the wizarding world to take pleasure in it.

Beginning and ending on the Shambles, stated to be one of many inspirations for Diagon Alley, the tour lasts round an hour and is geared toward youngsters aged 5-10, though it’s enjoyable for witches and wizards of all ages.

You’ll be able to even add on a particular wand package as a fascinating memento, with a handcrafted wood wand and directions for seven tips to be taught at residence. Runs most Saturdays and chosen different days, together with common excursions throughout faculty holidays.

Go to the Home of MinaLima

You’ll know the work of graphic design duo Miraphora Mina and Eduardo Lima – aka MinaLima – in the event you’ve watched a single Harry Potter movie. The pair have been the brains behind the whole lot from the Marauder’s Map to packets of Bertie Bott’s Each Flavour Beans.

And you may go to their London gallery and store in Soho – previously at Greek Avenue, it has moved to close by Wardour Avenue. Entry is free though you could have to queue…

Take the UK tour

If you wish to pack in as many Potter areas 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 particular person, it’s not low-cost however it’s excellent in the event you reside and breathe Potter. The earlier two-day tour which additionally included Oxford is now not working.

Or there’s additionally a less expensive Wizards London Bus tour masking the areas 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 e book effectively upfront, though it’s price maintaining a tally of the location 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 can even 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 however it’s the closest you may get to residing the story – the De Vere Home in Lavenham, which doubled as Godric’s Hole, is obtainable to lease.

Unsurprisingly, it’s very fashionable so e book effectively upfront – it’s a must to share a toilet however have a non-public room and sitting room. And will be pretty sure that Voldemort gained’t flip up unexpectedly whilst 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 have been added to the footage later with a little bit of CGI magic – conveniently it snowed throughout filming, simply because it does within the e book.

Eat and sleep Potter

For followers, what higher of entirety 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 Lodge.

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 in the event you didn’t get a letter by owl aged 11.

You can too attempt a Wizard Afternoon Tea on the Wizard Exploratorium in Soho, in addition to Potion Making – additionally they run wand-making classes (scroll down for extra)

A wizard Escape Room 

When you love the considered Escape rooms, there are presently 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 in the event you’ve learn the books (The Chamber of Secrets and techniques specifically), you’ll have a head begin on fixing a whole 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! Really helpful for age 8+.

Wand making on the Wizard Exploratorium

Are you actually a Harry Potter fan in the event you haven’t dreamed about strolling into Ollivanders and your wand selecting you? You’ll be able to’t fairly do 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 truth, it says so very particularly!) however the half-hour Magic Wand Expertise is ideal for younger followers.

After selecting your magical fashion (gentle, darkish or earth magic), you get to choose your wand, the core and a particular ‘tree essence’ (saves reducing down all these wand timber), earlier than practising a couple of 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 – in all probability the closest you’ll get.

At Fifteenth century Herstmonceux Fortress, The Bothwell College of Witchcraft is just for over 18s, however you’ll be able to uncover first-hand the way it feels prefer to be sorted right into a home, be 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 e book with a set devoted to the magic of Harry Potter, the primary exhibition of its type to rejoice a single collection of books by a residing writer, 

In addition to beforehand unseen supplies from JK Rowling and writer Bloomsbury, reminiscent of authentic drafts and drawings, it featured different magical treasures from the library’s personal assortment of wizarding books, not least a scroll displaying easy methods to create your personal Thinker’s stone.

The exhibition is now over however you’ll be able to uncover extra concerning the shows by clicking right here, and the Library itself continues 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 at all times enjoyable with youngsters, however in the event you’re planning Harry Potter days out within the UK, the reptile home has now closed, so you’ll want to discover some other place 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 a substitute, and the tank really held a black mamba.

Harry Potter photographic exhibition

There was an opportunity to journey a brush with out leaving central London, in addition to a unbelievable look behind the scenes on the Harry Potter Photographic Exhibition in Covent Backyard, however it has now closed.

Try our overview for a style of what you might see at Harry Potter photograph exhibition with youngsters from quirky trivia to how among the most memorable scenes have been created, images of the solid between filming and outfits.

Harry Potter: A Forbidden Forest Expertise

When you at all times 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 presently closed, though there’s a likelihood to see it outdoors the UK. In the meanwhile, you may get a style of what it was like with my overview 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 Unbelievable Beasts films has additionally now completed – learn my overview of visiting the Unbelievable Beasts exhibition for a digital go searching.

**First revealed 2017, up to date 2024**

PIN FOR LATER: THE BEST HARRY POTTER DAYS OUT

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 gentle 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

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