The incredibly successful Harry Potter films are beloved the world over because of their wonderful capacity to draw us in through the power of imagination. The films’ locations always felt like another character, bringing alive the world of wizards, spells, potions and monsters. Here we continue our presentation of the greatest Harry Potter filming locations that you can visit today in England. You can view Part 1 in the series here.
5. Gloucester Cathedral
The city of Gloucester is found in the west of England, near the Cotswolds – an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB). And the city’s greatest treasure is its cathedral, an 11th century building which was one of the most frequently used Harry Potter filming locations. The cloisters of the cathedral formed the interior of Hogwarts in Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone, the Chamber of Secrets, and the Half Blood Prince. One of the film’s most instantly recognisable buildings, the Cathedral is located in Gloucester city centre and is located within easy reach of many transport links, including a direct train service from London, which takes 1 hour and 41 minutes.
The cloisters of Gloucester Cathedral.
6. Malham Cove
Do you remember the rocky outcrop where Harry and Hermione hid from Voldemort in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1? Well that sequence was filmed at Malham Cove, a large limestone formation located half a mile north of the village of Malham in Yorkshire. You can reach the cove on foot from the village centre — it’s only a 1 mile walk. The limestone pavement on the summit of the Cove is one of the very best examples of clints (blocks) and grykes (gaps) in the whole of the Yorkshire Dales. Entry is free and the nearest train station is 7 miles away at Gargrave.
7. Virginia Water
Virginia Water represented Hogwarts Lake in the Harry Potter films. You may specifically remember it from when Harry rode on the Hippogriff in the Prisoner of Azkaban, and also when Hermione passed messages to Ron and Harry in the Goblet of Fire. Entry to Virginia Water is free, and since it’s located in London it’s pretty easy to get to.
Virginia Water, Surrey, England.
Virginia Water train station can be travelled to directly from London Waterloo, and the service passes through Richmond and Clapham Junction. The location is also very near to Heathrow Airport.
8. Ashridge Wood
Was the Quidditch World Cup the highlight of your Harry Potter viewing experience? If so you’re definitely going to want to visit Ashridge Wood, which was the filming location of this epic sequence in Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire. A beautiful location for a walk, Ashridge Wood is located between Newbury station and Didcot station and is easily accessible via the A34 by car.
9. Seven Sisters Country Park
Sticking with Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire. The Seven Sisters cliffs, located near Seaford in East Sussex, formed the backdrop for Harry ascending the hill to find the boots that transport him to the Quidditch World Cup! The views from the cliff are breathtaking, and entrance is free. Seven Sisters is the perfect day trip for those Potter fans wanting to escape the hustle and bustle of London.