The recent opening of Universal Studio’s Wizarding World of Harry Potter theme park in Orlando, Florida has many Potter fanatics flocking to the sunny south to satisfy their magical obsession. However, if travelers seek a more authentic experience, they can travel to the United Kingdom where J.K. Rowling’s masterpiece began. Best of all, they won’t have to travel too far outside Britain’s major cities to catch a glimpse of Harry’s history.
LONDON
Travelers visiting King’s Cross Station in London can pose with a disappearing trolley at the platform made famous by the Harry Potter novels.
This bustling city of more than seven million residents is filled with enchanted landmarks when one knows where to look. First, the Tube to Westminster and a stroll to the area where Mr. Weasley escorts Harry to his hearing at the Ministry of Magic in the films. Look up at the Houses of Parliament along the River Thames, a skyline that also appears when the Order flies Harry to their headquarters by broom at night. Nearby Lincoln’s Inn Fields near Holborn Station is a historic square tied to the film’s scenes about 12 Grimmauld Place. From Parliament, following Whitehall reveals the entrance to the Ministry of Magic as seen from a classic red telephone booth scene. East toward the financial district, the Leaky Cauldron and Diagon Alley emerge at 42 Bull’s Head Passage in Leadenhall Market, now home to The Glass House, an optical shop. In Prisoner of Azkaban, the Leaky Cauldron is relocated to 7 Stoney Street near Borough Market by Southwark Cathedral. The Knight Bus scenes are filmed in Borough Market and Blackfriars Bridge. Walking along the south bank reaches Millennium Bridge, the place where Death Eaters attack in the final act of a film. Heading north to the Strand brings one to Australia House, whose marble columns and chandeliers double as the interior of Gringotts Bank. Up north in Regent’s Park sits the London Zoo, where Harry first learns he can speak to snakes. Back near Piccadilly Circus, the busy streets host the moment when Harry, Ron, and Hermione don their dress robes. A final stop at King’s Cross Station offers a photo with the famous Platform Nine and Three Quarters trolley.
OXFORD
The dining hall at Christ Church College, Oxford, stands in for Hogwarts Great Hall in the films.
Oxford is a university town where the university itself becomes the backdrop for many scenes. The interior and exterior of the college are seen across the films, and visitors can tour Christ Church Dining Hall, which represents Hogwarts Great Hall. The grand staircase up to the dining hall is featured in the first film as Professor McGonagall welcomes the new students. Many areas of the university are restricted to students, yet with careful wandering, travelers may spot the courtyard where Mad-Eye Moody uses a spell to transform Malfoy into a bouncing ferret in the fourth film.
EDINBURGH
The Elephant House in Edinburgh is the place where J.K. Rowling wrote significant portions of the early chapters.
This is where Harry Potter began to take shape for real. At 21 George IV Bridge, The Elephant House offers a cozy cafe where Rowling drafted late-night chapters, the windows looking out toward Edinburgh Castle. For fans chasing inspiration, ordering a coffee and lingering near the window invites a sense of how the landscapes that inspired Hogwarts emerged in the author’s imagination.