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The magical world of Harry Potter, created by J.K. Rowling, has captured the hearts of millions around the globe. For fans of the series, the enchanting story of a young wizard and his friends navigating the trials and tribulations of the wizarding world is more than just a series of books and movies; it's a cherished part of their lives. While the magical universe may seem accessible only to witches and wizards, the Harry Potter Pilgrimage allows Muggles (non-magical folks) to step into Hogwarts, Diagon Alley's enchanted world, and beyond. Here are a few Harry Potter places that you can visit and find yourself taken back to the world we all love.
Hop on your broomsticks and fly back to the time when Madame Hooch’s flying lesson became Potter’s first foray into the world of Quidditch. This castle's ground was the set for the first film's scene that saw Harry discover his innate talent, and was also the place where his and Malfoy's intense snitch-chase scene was shot.
While we wouldn’t advise running through the wall between platform 9 and 10, the real scene was shot at the arched wall between platform 4 and 5. But you can always head to the platform 9, 10, and 11’s entrance and find yourself a small memoir of the impact of the series: a trolley disappearing into the wall of Platform 9¾.
In the first movie, the Divinity School was used as Hogwarts' infirmary, and was featured again in film four, Goblet of Fire, when Professor McGonagall teaches the boys how to prep for Yule Ball (especially Ron, much to the amusement of his brothers and friends).
The set for many of the Sorcerer’s Stone scenes, especially The Great Hall, which was replicated in the film studios to create the grand Hogwarts Hall. Its 16th-century staircase was the place for Harry Potter and Draco Malfoy’s famous first interaction, as well as the first years’ meeting with Professor McGonagall.
Gloucester Cathedral’s cloisters and high ceilings, with its Gothic architecture featured in many Harry Potter films, especially the hallway that led to the Gryffindor Common Room.
Find Leaky Cauldron and Diagon Alley intriguing? Visit London’s Leadenhall Market, which was used as Diagon Alley in Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, soon after Harry finds out he is a wizard, and is also the site for many intriguing plot buildups as the series progresses.
Anyone on a Harry Potter pilgrimage cannot afford to ignore these studios, which are Mecca to us Potterheads. Used in the filming of all the Harry Potter films, the studios house many of the props and elements used in the production.
It is hard to think of Harry Potter without Dobby, his trusted ally and elf. Dobby dies in the first part of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, and is shown being buried outside the Shell Cottage. The scene was shot at Freshwater West Beach in Pembrokeshire in Wales.
