Magic on Four Wheels: Exploring the magical world outside London

Are you die-hard Harry Potter fans? Then you absolutely need to plan a trip that includes stops at some of the most iconic locations where the famous film series was shot. From ancient castles to prestigious university campuses, in England and Scotland, you’ll find several fascinating destinations where Harry, Hermione, and Ron had countless adventures and fought to save the wizarding world.

If you’ve rented a car in London or at one of its airports, make sure to include the magical places listed below in this exact order for an exciting on-the-road journey following the footsteps of Harry Potter.

University of Oxford, Oxford

Whether or not you’re following Harry Potter’s trail, Oxford is a must-visit stop on your itinerary in the United Kingdom. The most famous attraction is undoubtedly the University of Oxford, which served as the backdrop for numerous films. In the courtyards of New College, accessible with a reasonably priced ticket, scenes from Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire were filmed, especially the Hogwarts corridors, including the scenes where Harry’s classmates wear pins reading “Potter Stinks.”

If you have time, visit the dining hall at Christ Church, said to have inspired Hogwarts’ Great Hall. In the medieval Divinity School of the University of Oxford, you’ll find the setting for the Hogwarts infirmary, as well as the location where Professor McGonagall teaches students to dance in Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire.

Good to know: Oxford is less than two hours from London via the M40, covering about 90 km.

Gloucester Cathedral, Gloucester

Another key location that served as Hogwarts is in the heart of Gloucester, in southwest England. The city’s gothic cathedral, over a thousand years old, features magnificent fan-vaulted cloisters that appear in at least three Harry Potter films.

On the southern side of the cloisters is the setting for the Gryffindor common room, while the western wall houses the entrance guarded by the portrait of the Fat Lady. This wall also features the message in the second film warning students that the Chamber of Secrets has been opened.

Moreover, the magnificent corridors and walkways of Gloucester Cathedral were used as the Hogwarts corridors throughout the Harry Potter series. Visits to this beautiful building are free, but donations are always appreciated.

Good to know: Gloucester is about 72 km from Oxford, roughly a one-hour drive.

Malham Cove, North Yorkshire

Despite its name (“cove” typically means a coastal bay), Malham Cove is not near the sea. It’s an impressive limestone formation resembling a natural amphitheater, located in the southern part of the Yorkshire Dales National Park. Once part of a giant waterfall, it’s now popular among hikers, with over 400 steps leading to its summit.

You’ll recognize Malham Cove as the spot where Harry and Hermione camp during their hunt for horcruxes in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 1. To get there, park in the charming village of Malham and follow the signs to the northward trail.

Good to know: Malham is nearly four hours (about 300 km) from Gloucester by car.

Goathland Railway Station, North Yorkshire

Want to see the exact spot where Harry first stepped off the Hogwarts Express? Head east from Malham Cove to Goathland. The railway station, operational since 1865, appears as Hogsmeade Station in the first Harry Potter film.

Goathland station is still in use, though trains only stop here from April to November. During the off-season, you can still see the tracks and station as they were in the past and even enjoy cream tea in the charming tearoom. If you’d like to take a train ride to Pickering or the coastal town of Whitby, trains usually run hourly, with return tickets for adults costing between £16 and £20.

Good to know: Goathland is about 145 km from Malham Cove, a two-hour-and-twenty-minute drive.

Alnwick Castle, Northumberland

As one of the largest inhabited castles in England, Alnwick Castle, located on the edge of its namesake village, is also famous as a Harry Potter filming location. Its imposing facade served as the exterior of Hogwarts, particularly in the scenes of flying lessons in Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone. This 11th-century fortress has also been featured in other blockbusters like Downton Abbey and Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves.

Once the residence of the Dukes of Northumberland, the castle is now a National Trust site open to visitors year-round. Tickets cost £16.75 for adults and £8.85 for children, and themed Harry Potter activities, including flying lessons, are available. Parking is also available on-site for £3. The castle is currently closed for restoration until March 2020.

Good to know: From Goathland, it’s about 177 km, a two-and-a-half-hour drive.

Glencoe, Scottish Highlands

The next stop takes you across the Scottish border to the stunning Glencoe in the western Highlands. This beautiful valley surrounded by jagged mountains served as the backdrop for many Hogwarts scenes.

Hagrid’s hut and pumpkin patch were specially created for Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban at Clachaig Gully, as was the covered bridge leading to Hogwarts. Although the sets have been dismantled, you can still enjoy the breathtaking scenery on a hike. Leave your car at Clachaig Inn, cross the road, and follow the path for 400 m before turning onto a dirt trail to reach the famous filming location.

Good to know: Glencoe is 322 km from Alnwick Castle, about a four-hour drive along the A1. Consider stopping in Edinburgh on the way for tea at The Elephant House on George IV Bridge, where J.K. Rowling wrote parts of the Harry Potter books.

Glenfinnan Viaduct, Scottish Highlands

The final stop on Harry Potter’s trail is perhaps one of the most iconic film locations in the series and lies outside London. You’ll recognize the Glenfinnan Viaduct as the bridge the Hogwarts Express crosses en route to Hogsmeade. Built in the late 19th century, it’s a masterpiece of Scottish Victorian engineering, overlooking both Loch Shiel and the Glenfinnan Monument.

Follow Harry, Ron, and Hermione’s tracks by taking the Jacobite steam train (operational only in summer), which crosses the viaduct from Fort William to Glenfinnan, or by car. You can park near the viaduct and follow the path to the viewpoint for spectacular views of the entire structure and the surrounding countryside.

Good to know: The Glenfinnan Viaduct is 56 km from Glencoe, about an hour’s drive along the scenic route.

If you’re looking for more road trip ideas in the UK, check out our guides for a coast-to-coast adventure in Wales or exploring the Lake District by car.