Photo via Flickr/96tommy
One of the many joys of visiting England and Scotland, especially if you're a huge Potterhead, is the fact that you can easily stumble into places that have some sort of connection to JK Rowling's masterpiece. In fact, it'll be hard not to. The Harry Potter series, after all, spans seven books that mostly take place in London and the highlands of Scotland as well as eight epic movies that were filmed all over the UK.
Fans of the movies need not even pay for a Harry Potter guided tour to visit some of the filming locations, most of which are accessible to the public. They just need to know where to go.
Warner Bros. Studio Tour London - The Making of Harry Potter
No Harry Potter list is complete without The Making of Harry Potter in Leavesden, Hertfordshire. The attraction not only gives visitors a chance to see the iconic props and costumes used in the films. It's also home to the working studios that were used to film many scenes from all eight movies. Come for a visit and take the studio tour, which allows guests to step into the actual Great Hall and Dumbledore's office, as well as walk around the cobblestone street of Diagon Alley.
Alnwick Castle
Take the train from King's Cross to Alnmouth and then hire a cab (or take a scenic two-hour walk through the countryside) to Alnwick where Alnwick Castle lies. This beautiful 11th century castle, stately home and seat of the Duke of Northumberland for 700 years, was used for the exterior (and some interior) shots of Hogwarts Castle. Today, visitors can tour its State Rooms, see its art collection, and even pop into its exhibit on Downton Abbey, another hit that was filmed here.
Piccadilly Circus
This road junction in London's City of Westminster may be the city's version of Times Square, turning off some visitors. However, seeing as it was the setting for one of the most exciting scenes in the Deathly Hallows Part 1-where Hermione, Harry and Ron apparated in the path of oncoming traffic while trying get away from Death Eaters-it's an important stop in your Harry Potter experience. Be prepared to face the crowds, however; this area is extremely busy.
Millennium Bridge
Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince actually opens to the Millennium Bridge getting blown in half by Death Eaters. The main characters may not have scenes on it, but it's still a must visit. This beautifully designed footbridge that connects Tate Modern to the area around St. Paul's Cathedral is one of London's most iconic and most photographed bridges. Start at its southern end in front of Tate Modern and head north; you'll have a perfect view of St. Paul's Cathedral from the bridge.
Oxford
While it may not seem fair to group Oxford's own filming locations into one category, the city is small enough that you can visit them all in one day. This university town is a hodgepodge of Harry Potter movie-related spots, from shooting locations to a pub that served as the cast members' hang out during their time there. There's the Bodleian Library, of course, as well as New College and Christ Church. Don't forget to grab a pint at Turf Tavern Oxford, which has also served some of the world's most respected dignitaries.
The Glenfinnan Viaduct
The Hogwarts Express whisking Harry Potter off to Hogwarts might just be the most enduring symbols of the young hero's journey. Who doesn't love that unforgettable scene of the train passing on a viaduct in the lush highlands of Scotland? The best part is that that railroad viaduct is a working one located in Glenfinnan in Inverness-shire, Scotland. And you can make the same journey yourself for less than $20 on the West Highland Line.
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