The Harry Potter film series is a true phenomenon, having captured the hearts of a whole generation of cinema-goers. Pottermania is still alive and well, with vast numbers of tourists wanting to visit the real life locations depicted in the films. Scotland’s beauty and the majesty of its mountains, lochs, hills and glens formed the perfect backdrop to Potter’s magical world. And here we continue our presentation of the top Harry Potter filming locations in Scotland.
5. Glencoe
Glencoe served as a Harry Potter filming location on multiple occasions. It is featured in Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, the Goblet of Fire, the Order of the Phoenix, and the Deathly Hallows Part 2. You will recognise Glen Coe as being the location of Hagrid’s Hut, and also serving as the bridge leading to the entrance of Hogwarts. To the delight of local residents, filming for Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, the third film in the series, took place on location in Glencoe between May and June 2003. And the Glen was also previously used as filming location for Highlander and Monty Python and the Holy Grail. Deep in the Scottish Highlands, Glencoe is accessible via a train from Glasgow to Fort William. From Fort William you can take a local bus, or travel by taxi to Hagrid’s Hut!
The magical Scottish Highlands.
6. Train line between Corrour and Rannoch stations
If Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince is your favourite Harry Potter movie, you may remember the small hut depicted in wide shots of the Hogwarts Express. This hut location can be found 1 mile from Corrour Station in the direction of Rannoch. Corrour train station is a 3 hour direct train ride from Glasgow Queen Street, or 150 miles north of Glasgow by car.
7. Loch Shiel
Loch Shiel is another epic Harry Potter location well-worth a visit. This freshwater loch is the fourth-largest in Scotland is found near the Glenfinnan Viaduct. The Loch is shown in all 8 Harry Potter movies, often depicted in the background of Hogwarts Express sequences. But you’re most likely to recognise it as being the setting for the underwater stage of the Triwizard Tournament in Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire.
Beautiful Loch Shiel.
8. Black Rock Gorge
Black Rock Gorge was the location for the dragon scene of Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire. Located near Evanton in the area of Easter Ross in Scotland, the Gorge is a spectacularly narrow box-canyon, 36 metres (120 feet) deep. Great views of the gorge can be achieved via an easy 3 mile (1.5 hours) round-trip hike. The walk starts in the pretty village of Evanton, which is located about a 30 minute drive from Inverness. You can park in the car park opposite the Cornerstone cafe and bookshop in the centre of the village.
Scotland is a truly magical place, brimming with fairytale locations, and glens and peaks steeped in myth. When you visit these beautiful locations in real life it’s easy to see why the served as the perfect backdrop to Harry Potter’s magical world.