Mild Spoilers!
For anyone who knows me even the tiniest bit, knows that I love Harry Potter. I have read all the books and seen all the movies so many times that I know them off by heart. I have all sorts of merchandise, including a wand. Many of the below destinations are on my bucket list, and there are quite a few, as such I have had to leave out a couple of locations and even split the list into two! This week, it is film locations and settings, while next week will be attractions.
Alnwick Castle, Northumberland: Most commonly known for the scenes in the first movie where Harry and the rest of the first year Gryffindor’s and Slytherin’s learn how to fly on brooms. This castle has also been used for many films and tv shows including Downton Abby and Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves.
Durham Cathedral, Durham: Used as a set in the first 2 movies, primarily the cloisters were used as backdrops for scenes and the Chapter House was Professor McGonagall’s transfiguration classroom.
High Commission of Australia, London: The stunning exhibition hall, with its chandeliers and marble columns, was used as the main floor of the Gringotts Bank. Unfortunately for us, this area is off limits to visitors, however some sources say that if there is only a couple of you, the security guard may let you have a peek!
Bodleian Library, Oxford: Another beautiful location that has been used for many different films and shows. The Library was used as the Hogwarts library in movies 1, 2 & 4 and the Divinity school was used as the elaborate infirmary set.
London Zoo, London: In particular the Reptile house where young Harry speaks Parseltongue to a boa constrictor and lets him loose.
Kings Cross Station, London: Harry catches the Hogwarts Express from platform 9 3/4 , Kings cross station. Visitors to the station can utilize a trolley half embedded into a wall for a Potter inspired photo op!
Millennium Bridge, London: As Death Eaters fly through London to kidnap the wandmaker Olivander, many iconic sites of London are seen; however it is their attack on the Millennium Bridge that makes the biggest impact. Twisting the bridge and snapping the supports, sending the whole structure into the river.
Glenfinnan Viaduct & Jacobite Train, Scotland: Ride the classic Jacobite train as if you were on your way to Hogwarts, across the 21 arches of the Viaduct, made famous in the second film when Harry and Ron fly over the train in the flying Ford Anglia.
Leadenhall Market, London: This truly beautiful Victorian covered market was used for the exterior shots of the shops in Diagon Ally. Also home to the entrance into the Leaky Cauldron (actually an Optometrist!)
Harry Potter Fan or not, these beautiful locations are worth visiting in their own right!
One comment
March 24, 2016