Your a wizard/witch Alexis… that is what I hope to wake up and hear one day. I also hope it’s Hagrid that tells me.
Travel experts, Next Vacay, reveal the places you can visit to feel like you’re in the Wizarding World to celebrate Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone’s 20th anniversary! If you haven’t watched the HBO reunion, it is a must for every Harry Potter fan.
Harry Potter has remained popular for over two decades, and fans of the series want to visit the filming locations. Searches for “Harry Potter places in England” and “Harry Potter shooting locations in the United Kingdom” have increased by 400% and 250%, respectively, over the past 12 months. Here is a list of 10 must-see Harry Potter Wizarding World Destinations you can travel to and enjoy.
1. Alnwick Castle, Durham
Potterheads will recognize Alnwick Castle as the location where they filmed the broomstick flying lessons at Hogwarts. For tourists, Harry Potter, guided tours, and wizard magic shows are available. You can see more here.
2. Durham Cathedral
The Durham Cathedral has served as Hogwarts twice over the years. Explore the ancient cloisters that became the snow-covered quadrangle where Harry releases Hedwig in Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, and walk in the footsteps of the golden trio in The Chapter House, which appeared in the Chamber of Secrets as the setting for Professor McGonagall’s transfiguration classroom. This looks absolutely magical. You can see more about this travel destination here.
3. Bodleian Library and Christ Church College
Fans can visit Bodleian Library and Christ Church College in Oxford, which doubled up as Hogwarts famous moving staircase, library, and hospital in the series. You can see why these 1600s buildings were the perfect setting for our favorite wizarding school. You can see more here.
4. Kings Cross Station
It wouldn’t be a Harry Potter road trip without a stop at Kings Cross Station, now would it? Make sure you’ve got your ticket, suitcase, and owl at the ready to head straight to Platform 9 ¾. (Just please don’t try to jump through the wall) Visitors can head towards the real-life entrance to platforms 9, 10, and 11 on the west side of the station where you’ll find a trolley disappearing into the magical realm. You can see more on this Harry Potter spot here.
5. Harry Potter Studios
Experience the magic of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, explore iconic sets & discover what it took to bring the Harry Potter films to life at Warner Bros. Studios Naveen Dittakavi, founder and CEO of Next Vacay comments: “Many of us have been waiting to receive our Hogwarts letter since we were younger. Even though we’re older, you can’t deny the magic of the Harry Potter universe even 20 years after the release of the first movie. You can see more here.
6. De Vere House, Lavenham
Fans will recognize this house as the home of the Potter family in Godric’s Hollow featured in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2. You can check out Airbnb here.
7. Millennium Bridge, London
We all remember the scene when the death eaters attack London in the Half-Blood Prince. The Millennium Bridge was sadly victim to Voldemort’s supporters and collapses into the Thames River in the sixth movie but it is perfectly safe for us muggles to walk across today. See more here.
8. Glenfinnan Viaduct, Glenfinnan
Glenfinnan Viaduct played a starring role in the Harry Potter films with the Hogwarts Express chuffing across it. You can ride The Jacobite steam train and view the stunning scenery of the West Coast of Scotland. See more here.
9. Gloucester Cathedral
Gloucester Cathedral is one of the oldest stars of the Harry Potter series. Its beautiful cloisters, complete with awe-inspiring ceilings, lead to the Gryffindor Common Room and have also been visited by a scary troll and the fat lady. See more here.
10. Goathland Station
We muggles can take a train ride to the real-life Hogsmeade Station, which was also featured in Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone as Goathland Station. Take a ride here.
