Back on June 26, 1997, a legendary book graced the world. Born in the United Kingdom, this is when the first of many Harry Potter novels was released. Author J.K. Rowling said the Harry Potter, student wizard concept came to her one day while riding the train. She proceeded to write her “children’s novel” without any expectations of making a living or creating an exceptional concept in Hollywood. Her goal was to appeal to children who dreamt about having powers housed by no one else in the world. Children who wanted to feel special, and children who wanted to fantasize about an escape away from their upbringing, away from heavy parental control. Well, her idea certainly worked!
Today, J.K Rowling has sold more than 600 million copies of her award-winning series worldwide! 180 million copies were sold in the United States alone. All 7 of the novels were made into stunning, exceptional movies seen by even more fans to date. While the movies do a fantastic job of transporting you to the world of Harry Potter, sometimes movies just aren’t enough, and we agree! That’s why we compiled a list of places you can visit in the United Kingdom which will physically bring you into the world of Harry Potter! You can ride brooms, experience sets and green screens, visit Dumbledore’s grave, ride the Hogwarts Express and more!
The Making of Harry Potter: The Warner Brothers Studio Tour
If you’re looking for a behind the scenes take on Harry Potter, then look no further! This is the official place to view costumes, set design and even ride attractions! Here you will learn which elements used computerized special effects versus which sets used animatronics to bring your favorite characters to life. The average experience runs 3.5 hours, and you may even opt to indulge in afternoon tea while there. Visit the studio at Studio Tour Dr, Leavesden, Watford WD25 7LR, United Kingdom.
Hogwarts Express
Although you will not be able to pass through a wall into a magical train stop, you can board the Hogwarts Express, after all. The Jacobite Train is also known as The Hogwarts Express. It runs from late March until late October, seven days a week. The train ride takes 2 hours and 10 minutes. During your ride you’ll pass Glenfinnan Viaduct, Glen Coe and so much more. All tickets for this train are roundtrip, so you’ll never have to worry about finding your way back. The Jacobite Train boards from Tom-na-Faire, Station Square, Fort William, Highland, PH33 6EN. This time the address isn’t by invitation only.
Glenfinnan Viaduct
Meet the “Bridge to Hogwarts.” This phenomenal bridge is 98 feet tall, 1250 feet long, and brags 21-arches. This was part of their official route to school in the Harry Potter series. When you visit this bridge, you can witness the Hogwarts Express pass over this bridge four times a day at 10:45am, 1:20pm, 3pm and 5:45pm, so try and visit the attraction during this time. The best time to see the train is at 10:45am or 1:20pm when the train is facing the viaduct and hillside. Views of the rolling hills here are exceptional. This bridge is located at Glenfinnan PH37 4LT, UK.
London Zoo
London Zoo is home to a special scene from Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone in 2001. At the Reptile House inside of the London Zoo, a Burmese Python comes to life and speaks to Harry. Ironically, the space in the Reptile House used for this scene does not house a Burmese Python, it is home to African’s most lethal snake: the black mamba. You may visit the Reptile House at The Regent’s Park, London NW1 4RY, UK.
Eilean na Moine
A little island was featured in Harry Potter as home to Dumbledore’s gravesite located in Loch Eilt. This island boasts a view of Glenfinnan Viaduct in the background. Visit Dumbledore’s grave at V9JC+WC, Lochailort PH38 4LZ, UK.
Elephant House Cafe
The Elephant House Café is where the Harry Potter book series was conceptualized! In the original café overlooking Edinburg Castle, J.K. Rowling hand wrote Harry Potter. Sadly, this café fell victim to a fire in 2021. While the owner is hoping to rebuild this legendary original café, this has not yet come into fruition. For the time being, the new Elephant House located at 30 Victoria St, Edinburgh EH1 2JW, United Kingdom houses the exact salvaged table J.K. Rowling utilized for her writing, and you can visit it today.
If you’d like to visit these Harry Potter attractions in the United Kingdom as well as other sites from the series, Celtic Tours as you covered! We can schedule United Kingdom tours which include self-drive or chauffeur options to transport you to unbelievable moments like the wizard school. Live like a wizard, tour like a pro.
