The Ultimate Harry Potter Road Trip Across England
To say I’m obsessed with Harry Potter is to say the least… I feel like I have to mention my obsession with every Harry Potter post I write because then you KNOW you’re getting quality Harry Potter content from a fellow fan! This Harry Potter road trip is the ULTIMATE filming location journey for every Harry Potter fan!
Harry Potter Road Trip Across England
The Basics for Your Harry Potter Road Trip
This is a road trip and some of the places are only accessible by car. It’s possible to do some of these filming locations by train if you want to pick and choose a couple of them.
This itinerary is JAM PACKED. I’ve tried to break it up with some “rest” days. Some locations involve hiking, most of the locations require an entrance fee, and some require a parking fee ON TOP of the entrance fee. The best thing about England is how small and drive-able it is, making this a very easy road trip for the number of locations you see in a small number of days.
From arrival to departure, the itinerary is 14 days, however, it can be knocked down to 12 days, but the 2 “rest” days are taken out.
ALSO, the travel times are only ESTIMATES! Depending on where your accommodation is located, the amount of traffic, or road works these travel times can vary (same with the exact mileage). Prices do NOT include the price of gas.
- Total Itinerary: 14 days, 13 nights
- Total Travel Time: 21 hours, 29 minutes
- Total Mileage: 1,069 miles
- Total Number of Harry Potter Filming Locations: 11
- Total Cost of Entrance Fees: £154.95
If you’re not used to driving on the left side of the road, or you haven’t driven in the UK before, you might want to read about a few basic rules and learn some signs. ALSO, do yourself a favor and request to rent an AUTOMATIC car. You don’t want to get stuck with a manual (those roundabouts can be rough), especially if you’ve never driven one before.
DAY ONE – Where to Start Your Harry Potter Road Trip
To start your epic Harry Potter road trip, you’ll head to England’s most popular city, London, since I assume most of you will be flying into Heathrow or Gatwick. If you fly into Manchester, then this trip can be done starting from and ending in York.
I don’t recommend driving in London, but if you pick up your rental car from the airport, then plan on staying around the outskirts of the city. At least you won’t be driving around Westminster or Covent Garden and you can still have access to the Underground and city center.
Day 1 isn’t jam-packed. It’s the start of your vacation and your dream Harry Potter Road Trip!! If you’re coming from the US, you will more than likely have a red eye flight, mix that with a MAJOR time change and jet lag will soon catch up to you.
My advice for beating jet lag? PUSH THROUGH IT. Drink lots of water and stay hydrated, avoid alcohol on the flight, try to get some sleep, and then stay awake all day until your usual bedtime.
Don’t plan too much for today. Just pick up the rental, settle into the hotel, have some lunch and just walk around and see the city. Get yourself acclimated.
DAY TWO – London
Now you’re starting your vacay! The Harry Potter locations are spread out throughout the city and you probably won’t get to them all in one day, so I recommend picking a couple that interest you or doing a Harry Potter Walking Tour.
So what London Harry Potter locations should you visit? I think King’s Cross Station needs to be number one on that list. Once you enter the main lobby, follow the signs for platforms 9 and 10, you’ll run into Platform 9 3/4. (You can also look for the MASSIVE line of people waiting to take their picture with the luggage trolley going into the wall).
The Harry Potter store runs the photo op, however, you don’t have to pay (unless you want to buy your professionally photographed picture), just make sure you have someone with you to take a picture, because the staff won’t hold your phone or camera!!
If you want the REAL filming location for platform 9 3/4, it’s actually between platforms 4 and 5!
Leadenhall Market and Borough Market both have doors that have been featured as the entrance for the Leaky Cauldron, you’ll more than likely pass through the Westminster Underground station – used in Order of the Phoenix, Piccadilly Circus is like the Times Square of London and you’ll recognize it from Deathly Hallows: Part 1, or you can walk across the Millennium Bridge – destroyed by the death eaters in Half Blood Prince.
DAY THREE – Lacock
London to Lacock: 2 Hours
Parking Fee: £4.50 ALL DAY, National Trust Members: Free
Lacock Abbey Entrance Fee: £15.00, National Trust Members: Free
Official Site: Lacock Abbey
Welcome to your first big driving day on your Harry Potter road trip! You need to leave early! I recommend leaving around 7:30am. The village of Lacock is a very popular day trip for tour companies, so by lunchtime, it can feel overcrowded.
SAT NAV Postcode: SN15 2LG
Lacock Abbey opens at 10:30am (during peak season) and is about a 10-minute walk from the parking lot. If you get there an hour before the abbey opens then you’ll be able to explore the village first.
You’ll recognize this village as Budleigh Babberton from Half Blood Prince and you can walk down the same streets as Dumbledore and Harry on the way to Slughorn’s hideout… which is also a house in the village used as exterior shots.
Another house you’ll want to check out is the house used as the exterior shots for Harry Potter’s parents’ house in the first movie.
Head on over to the abbey and go straight to the back and enter the cloisters. This is a major location for Hogwarts!!
*Eeeeeeeeek!!*
The Chapter House was the room that housed the Mirror of Erised, the Warming Room was used in the first movie as the classroom for Professor Quirrel, and the Sacristy was used as the potions class for Snape.
FUN FACT: They used the Sacristy for the first two movies, but built an identical set for Snape’s classroom to be used for the rest of the movies.
Bonus Filming Location: Lacock Abbey was used as Hogwarts in a flashback scene in Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald.
Leaving Lacock
Allow yourself 4 hours for Lacock Abbey, walking around the village, having some lunch, and *we can’t forget* taking TONS of photos!!
Once the tour bus crowds start rolling in, it’s time to head out!
Your next stop is Oxford!!
Lacock to Oxford: 1 hour, 13 minutes
Once you arrive in Oxford, you’ll have the chance to stroll the streets and get used to the area before you head out for dinner. You can always check out my One Day Oxford Itinerary for ideas on what to do when you get there!
DAY FOUR – Oxford
Christ Church Entrance Fee: £16.00
New College Entrance Fee: £8.00
Bodleian Library Entrance Fee: £9.00
Official Site: Christ Church
Official Site: New College
Official Site: Bodleian Library
Oxford is a beautiful university city (known for the prestigious University of Oxford) with historic roots and intricate architecture.
There are four major locations here, including a local bar where the cast and crew would hang out.
Christ Church is one of the colleges in the University of Oxford and includes the inspiration for the Great Hall, the very first interior shot we see of Hogwarts (when the students arrive and walk up the staircase with the intricate ceiling to meet Professor McGongall), and the cloisters were used in some hallway scenes. This is the most popular college and can get VERY busy. Make sure you pre-book your timed ticket!
New College is a little less busy than Christ Church, however, always check the website because their open hours are more limited. The cloisters here were used in some hallway scenes and the courtyard has a significant role in Goblet of Fire… Malfoy gets turned into a ferret by Mad-Eye Moody.
The Divinity School is the location of the infirmary and the one-on-one dance McGonagall gives Ron in front of the class before the Yule Ball in Goblet of Fire.
Directly above the Divinity School is Duke Humfrey’s Library. This area was used for all the library scenes and the restricted section scene. You can only get here on a guided tour and photography is not allowed. You will need to leave all your belongings in the locker provided.
The 30-minute Bodleian Library tour includes the Divinity School and Duke Humfrey’s Library.
End your day at the Turf Tavern where the cast and crew would hang out during filming. (Also the infamous pub where Bill Clinton “did not inhale”)
Don’t forget to check out my in-depth Harry Potter Filming Locations in Oxford post!
DAY FIVE – Gloucester Cathedral
Oxford to Gloucester: 1 hour, 10 minutes
Parking Fee: £4.20 up to 4 hours, £3.20 up to 3 hours
Gloucester Cathedral Entrance Fee: Free, but donation is appreciated (plan on £5.00)
Official Site: Gloucester Cathedral
Gloucester Cathedral is located in the city of Gloucester in the county of Gloucestershire… did ya get that?
The parking lot you need to use is the Hare Lane South Car Park. You can stay up to 4 hours in this lot, there are plenty of spaces and it’s only about a 6 minute walk to the cathedral entrance.
SAT NAV Postcode: GL1 2DA
You’ll recognize this intricate ceiling from some iconic scenes from the first two movies.
The first glimpse of Gloucester Cathedral is when Percy is leading the first years to the Gryffindor dorms. They walk down the hallway to the end of the west walk where the fat lady resides.
Percy once again leads the Gryffindors back to the dorms when word gets out about the threat of a troll on the loose, this time through the Gloucester Cathedral courtyard. Harry and Ron then hide from the troll in the Lavatorium before rescuing Hermione from the girl’s bathroom.
In Chamber of Secrets, Moaning Myrtle floods one of the hallways and later on the “Chamber of Secrets has been opened…” message appears on the north side of the cloisters.
The cloisters are HUGE here, so be prepared to spend a little longer than expected. You’ll also want some time to explore the rest of the cathedral, because it’s VERY pretty.
I’d set aside at least 3 hours here to be on the safe side. If you are just walking around and not bothered about recreating scenes and taking a ton of pictures, then you’ll get through it in a hour or two.
Now it’s time to head to York!
Gloucester to York: 3 hours, 5 minutes
DAY SIX – York
Welcome to your base for the next six nights! York is a historic city with roots dating back to 71 AD. It’s been invaded by Romans, Vikings, Normans, Saxons…. pretty much everyone!
You’re not staying here for 6 nights because it’s a plethora of Harry Potter filming locations, but because it’s a great base for your next locations! In fact, York has only one filming location and it’s in the first movie for about 30 seconds.
The York train station bridge was used as the bridge in Kings Cross. Hagrid walks Harry across the bridge as they enter Kings Cross and gives Harry his ticket for the Hogwarts Express on platform 9 3/4 and then disappears before Harry can ask where the platform is.
It is also said that J.K. Rowling’s inspiration for Diagon Alley comes from The Shambles, a tiny medieval street with crooked buildings and local shops that looks like it jumped right off the pages of a Harry Potter book. There’s a ton of Harry Potter stores here and a little cafe that sells potions.
SAT NAV Postcode – York Train Station: YO24 1AB
SAT NAV Postcode – The Shambles: YO1 7LX
If you’re wondering what to do in York, have no fear! I have the ULTIMATE Guide to York for you to check out! It will also give you some ideas on where to stay or where to eat.
You’re also half way through your Harry Potter road trip. *gasp*
DAY SEVEN – Malham Cove
York to Malham: 1 hour, 28 minutes
Parking Fee: up to 3 hours – £2.70, up to 4 hours – £4.80
Malham Cove Entrance Fee: FREE
Malham Cove was once a massive waterfall after the Ice Age, however, today you just see the remnants of what once was. The dramatic limestone pavement overlooks Malhamdale with rolling hills and perfect views.
This beautiful area was used as a filming location in Death Hallows: Part 1. You can see the pavement and views when Harry and Hermione set up camp after Ron deserts them.
You will need to park in the village of Malham. The Malham Chapel Gate car park will give you the easiest access to the cove.
SAT NAV Postcode: BD23 4DG
There’s about a mile walk to the base of Malham Cove and then if you want to get to the top to see the filming location, you’ll have to climb about 400 uneven steps. It’s not as bad as it sounds, but there are no railings and no places to sit on the way up.
Once you’re finished with Malham Cove, you can walk around the hills and down to Gordale Scar (said to be Tolkien’s inspiration for Helm’s Deep in Lord of the Rings) and then visit the impressive waterfall, Janet’s Foss… or head back the way you came and head back to York.
Don’t worry, you have a very relaxing day tomorrow!
DAY EIGHT – North Yorkshire Moors Railway
York to Pickering: 40 minutes
Parking Fee: £5.00 ALL DAY
Pickering to Goathland Peak Return Ticket: £21.50
Official Site: NYMR
The North Yorkshire Moors Railway is one of the many heritage lines in the UK running steam trains back and forth through quaint villages and beautiful countryside.
SAT NAV Postcode: YO18 7AJ
The line starts at Pickering, so that’s where you’ll want to get the train (and book your ticket for the Northbound service). You have the option to spend the whole day on the line and explore all the stations. You can even take it all the way to the coast and explore Whitby for an hour. However, if you’re only interested in Harry Potter, then you’ll want to hop off at Goathland Station.
This is the location for Hogsmeade station in the first two movies! When you pull up and the bridge comes into view, you feel like you’re actually pulling up to Hogsmeade!!! (Too bad there’s no Hogwarts in the distance, yes, that was CGI too).
*cue girly scream*
The train only runs during regular season (April-October) and during the holiday season and they do have Harry Potter events occasionally pop up, so always keep updated with their website!
The timetable and price is not the same and fluctuates within the season. The price listed above is the most expensive ticket during peak season from Pickering to Goathland.
DAY NINE – Alnwick Castle and Durham Cathedral
York to Alnwick: 2 hours, 10 minutes
Alnwick Castle Entrance Fee: £19.50
Alnwick Parking Fee: £3.00 all day
Alnwick to Durham: 1 hour
Durham Cathedral Entrance Fee: Free, but HEAVILY suggested donation (plan on £5.00)
Durham Parking Fee: £3.30 – 2-4 hours
Durham to York: 1 hour, 23 minutes
Official Site: Alnwick Castle
Official Site: Durham Cathedral
Alnwick Castle
This is where I’m going to confuse you (hopefully not!). This will be a VERY busy day, but it’s the ULTIMATE Hogwarts day trip!!
You will need to start your day early so you can arrive before the opening time. You’re going to drive 2 hours and 10 minutes north to Alnwick Castle.
SAT NAV Postcode: NE66 1YU
The most iconic scene filmed here is the flying lesson which eventually seals Harry’s spot on the Qudditch team! They even do broomstick lessons here! It’s definitely geared towards children, but you can take the iconic “flying on a broomstick” picture when the lesson is over! You’ll need to get there early and pick up a free timed ticket for the lesson.
Areas around the castle were also used as “after class” and “walking to class” scenes (remember when Hermione overhears Ron making fun of her after the wingardium leviosa lesson and then storms off? That was here!), and the main entrance of the castle was actually the exit towards Hagrid’s Hut.
The Alnwick Gardens are also here (separate from the castle), however, the fountain and surrounding area is spectacular and definitely worth a look (especially in the Spring) before you head out.
After you’re finished at Alnwick Castle it’s time to head back down south to the small city of Durham.
Durham Cathedral
This is another iconic location for Hogwarts! (See, I told you this was the ultimate Hogwarts day!)
The city center is on the “peninsula” (formed by the river) and the parking garage is right before you enter this area. It’s a short walk up a small incline to get the the cathedral.
SAT NAV Postcode: DH1 3UJ
The cloisters and courtyard were used in multiple scenes. The famous one? In Sorcerer’s Stone, when Harry is walking with Hedwig in the snowy courtyard and releases her into the sky. And in Chamber of Secrets, Ron tries to curse Malfoy, “EAT SLUGS!”, only for his spell to backfire on him.
The Chapter House (located just off the cloister) was used as Professor McGongall’s classroom. There’s quite a few scenes filmed here and around the entrance to the Chapter House. Like in Sorcerer’s Stone when Harry and Ron are running down the hallway and into the classroom because they are late, only to find McGonagall disguised as a cat, waiting for them.
Don’t forget to check out the rest of this UNESCO World Heritage Site, it’s a beautiful cathedral.
When you’re finished, it’s time to head back to York.
DAY TEN – York
This is your chill day! You’ve been non-stop the past few days, so why don’t you relax by strolling the streets of York or if you want to get some more flights in, climb to the top of the York Minster for some beautiful views of the city.
If you want to check out another place in the area, you could take a day trip from York or check out one of the hidden gems around York.
DAY ELEVEN – Hardwick Hall
York to Hardwick Hall: 1 hour, 15 minutes
Parking Fee: £5.00 all day, National Trust members – FREE
Hardwick Hall Entrance Fee: £16.00, National Trust members – FREE
Official Site: Hardwick Hall
Time to head back to London today! But on your way there, there’s another filming location!
SAT NAV Postcode: S44 5RW
Hardwick Hall was used for all the exterior shots of Malfoy Manor. Of course, there was a little CGI magic involved by adding spires and removing the initials of Bess of Hardwick.
It wasn’t used for interior shots, but it’s definitely worth looking around since you’re here! It’s a National Trust site and one of my faves. This house is the perfect example of Elizabethan architecture and if you’re a Tudor fan too, then you’ll love it here!
Hardwick to London: 2 hours, 45 minutes
DAY TWELVE – London
Now you’re back in London, this is the chance to see some things that you missed or revisit your faves.
Taking a stroll along the River Thames from the London Eye to the Tower Bridge will take you about 40 minutes and it’s a great way to see the river banks… you’ll even pass by the Tate Modern (free rooftop view!) and the Shakespeare Globe.
Take a walk through Hyde Park, visit the world’s first Hard Rock Cafe or watch the changing of the guard at Buckingham Palace!
The Tower of London is a huge tourist attraction, it is steeped in history and a MUST DO for anyone visiting London for the first time! If you want great views of the city you can check out the London Eye, The Shard, or my favorite, Sky Garden -it’s FREE-!!
There’s plenty to do, so enjoy it!
You can always take an easy day trip from London if you have nothing left to see!
DAY THIRTEEN – Warner Bros. Studio Tour – The Making of Harry Potter
London to Warner Bros. Studio Tour: 1 hour, 12 min (by car from city center)
Entrance Fee: £49.95
Full Experience Tour (audio guide, souvenir guide): £59.90
Parking: Free
Priority Parking: £10.00
Official Site: The Making of Harry Potter
Depending on where you are staying in London, it might be easier for you to take the train from London Euston to Watford Junction, just make sure you pick one of the services that will get you there in 15- 20 minutes as opposed to ones that have tons of stops in between and take an hour!
Once you get to the station, there’s an official studio shuttle that will take you there! It’s £3.00 for a roundtrip and it takes about 15 minutes! You don’t have to pre-book the shuttle tickets, just purchase it when you get on the bus! You will also have to show your ticket confirmation!
If you drive, parking is free. You can purchase priority parking for £10.00 when you book your ticket, but it’s not worth it, unless you want to be right next to the studio… walking a little bit extra isn’t going to hurt you.
SAT NAV Postcode: WD25 7LR
Make sure you purchase your studio ticket ahead of time and pick the earliest time possible! The timed entry is very regulated, but people spend HOURS here (I average 6 hours) and by afternoon it can get very overcrowded!
The studio tour is the most perfect way to end your Harry Potter road trip!
There’s hundreds of props, costumes, sets, and creatures from all the movies. I almost cried when I walked into the Great Hall… no joke.
If you purchase the audio tour then you’ll get more behind-the-scenes tidbits from Daniel Radcliffe and the producers, it will definitely enhance your experience and if it’s your first time here, then I highly recommend it! Purchase the complete studio package and you’ll get a souvenir guide to take home with you!!
This is the ULTIMATE Harry Potter fan location! Some of my favorite highlights were hopping on the back of the Knight Bus, seeing everyone’s wands, all the behind-the-scenes tidbits – like the multiple cloaks used as Harry’s invisible cloak, and seeing ALL of the props – every newspaper, horcrux, chocolate frog, book, potion bottle, and golden snitch that helped the book come to life!
DAY FOURTEEN – Departure Day
This is the day to just take it easy. Grab some breakfast, finish packing, and give yourself plenty of time to get to the airport!
Final Tips
- You’ll need to book 13 nights of rooms.
-2 nights in London
-2 nights in Oxford
-6 nights in York
-3 nights in London
- Stay at hotels that offer free parking to save some extra cash.
- Purchase your Warner Bros. Studio ticket as soon as you know your dates! It sells out quickly!
- ALWAYS check the cathedral’s website. Sometimes they are closed to the public or photos will not be allowed due to services.
- Some places close for the winter season (North Yorkshire Moors Railway, Alnwick Castle…) so if you plan your Harry Potter road trip between April and October, you should be fine!
- The busiest month is July because that’s when school’s in the UK are on their summer holiday.
- Purchase your tickets online to save money at some of the places.
- When visiting locations in York and Oxford – WALK! Parking is very scarce and both cities are very walkable.
Anything you guys need to know?! Leave me a comment or send me a message! Also, lemme know if you’re heading on a Harry Potter road trip, or if you’re a huge fan like me!!
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