Photo via Flickr/City.and.Color
It doesn't matter if you're a Gryffindor or a Slytherin, if you even know what that means, you're a Harry Potter fan. And if you're a Harry Potter fan, there are many filming locations that every fan should visit:
King's Cross Station - London: It's hard to forget the iconic Platform 9 3/4 where wizards disappear through the wall to head on the Hogwarts Express. King's Cross Station, the location of Platform 9 3/4, have actually added a sign and a wizard luggage cart that is halfway through the wall, so fans can feel as if they're heading to Hogwarts too! Right next door there is also a Harry Potter store, so you can get a scarf or wand to pose with in your photo.
Reptile House - London: In the London Zoo, fans can see the location of the iconic snake scene from the first Harry Potter film. This is where Harry discovers he's a parseltongue, meaning he can speak to snakes, and accidentally frees a Burmese python from its cage. That cage is the home for a black mamba snake now, but a plaque inside the cage pays homage to the scene. Admission is 14.85 pounds for children and 19.80 pounds for adults, but you can make an entire day of visiting the zoo.
Durham Cathedral - Durham: While visiting the Wizarding World in Universal and seeing Hogwarts there is one thing, seeing the real cathedral where external shots of Hogwarts were filmed is another. This was not the sole location for Hogwarts, but one look at the structures will instantly make you think of the castles. Some areas of the cathedral are free to view, and there also guided tours and admission that cost some money.
Guided tours of the Cathedral take place two or three times a day and cost 5 pounds per person. Admission to the Tower: Adults 5 pounds, Children (under 16) 2.50 pounds. Other areas of the cathedral are free to visit.
Hardwick Hall - Derbyshire: The Harry Potter series isn't all about the heroes; the iconic story would be incomplete without its villains. Hardwick Hall is an Elizabethan house that served as the setting for Malfoy Manor, where the Deatheaters would meet. Admission to the building is 12.60 pounds for adults and 6.30 poundsfor children.
Leadenhall Market - London: If you want to see the real-life Diagon Alley, then a trip to Leadenhall Market is for you. The market was used for the exterior shots of Diagon Alley as well as the iconic Leaky Cauldron. Going there will make you feel as though you're about to buy your own robes, wand and pet for your first year at Hogwarts, just like Harry.
Malham Cove - Malham: It's likely you remember the scenes from Deathly Hallows Part 1 where Harry and Hermione have camped out to hide away from Voldemort. This took place in Malham Cove, a natural limestone rock formation. Not only is this a free filming location to see for Potter fans, but it is also a beautiful geographic landscape worthy of visiting in its own right.
Gloucester Cathedral - Gloucester: This cathedral is another free filming location for Potter fans to visit. While not tied to one specific scene, this cathedral's halls were used as interior shots for Hogwarts. They are easily recognizable to a Potter fan and make you feel like you're inside Hogwarts.
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