For many families, a trip to England brings about a tantalising prospect: can we visit locations from the world of Harry Potter? The answer is a definite yes! In London, Oxford, and various enchanting towns, you can walk streets featured in the films, visit iconic shooting locations, and explore the real-life inspirations behind J.K. Rowling’s wizarding world.
This blog highlights some of England’s most magical Harry Potter-related sites, ranging from busy markets in London to the atmospheric cloisters of Oxford University. For travellers seeking comfort, Bespoke England Tours offers private Harry Potter experiences that allow families to enjoy the magic without the crowds or rush. This provides a relaxed way to discover the filming sites at your own pace.
Continue reading to find out more, and be sure to browse our Harry Potter Tours.
London Film Locations: Where the Magic Begins
London is where many unforgettable Harry Potter film moments took place, and it’s the perfect starting point for exploring the wizarding world. Our Harry Potter London Private Car Tour weaves through the city’s most important locations used throughout the films. You’ll see Platform 9¾ at King’s Cross, stroll through historic covered markets that inspired Diagon Alley, and visit the spots where characters vanished into the wizarding world – including the entrance to the Ministry of Magic.
Because this is a private car experience, there’s no need to navigate crowds or public transport with children in tow. Your driver-guide brings each stop to life with behind-the-scenes stories, film trivia, and the quieter details you’d miss on your own. Between magical stops, you’ll also pass several of London’s famous landmarks – such as the Millennium Bridge, Trafalgar Square, and St Paul’s Cathedral – making this an ideal introduction to the capital city as well.
Families often enjoy the mix of wizarding discoveries and broader London sightseeing, giving everyone in the group something to look forward to. And with door-to-door pick-up and drop-off, the day feels smooth, simple, and truly enjoyable from start to finish.
Oxford: The Home of Hogwarts Inspiration
After exploring London’s film sites, many families continue their journey to Oxford, a city that feels as if it were designed for wizardry. On our Harry Potter London and Oxford Film Locations Tour, you’ll discover several of the real spaces that inspired Hogwarts, from grand dining halls to cloisters that echo with centuries of academic history.
A highlight of the visit is Christ Church College, whose Great Hall famously inspired the look and atmosphere of Hogwarts’ own dining hall. The sweeping staircases, high-arched windows, and centuries-old portraits all contribute to the unmistakable magic that Potter fans instantly recognise. Oxford also offers locations used for scenes such as the Hogwarts infirmary, the “restricted section” of the library, and the setting for memorable spell-casting moments.
But what families love most is the balance: Oxford is enchanting even beyond its Harry Potter connections. Its cobbled streets, collegiate quads, and quiet bookshops make it a beautiful city to explore together.
More Harry Potter Magic Across England
While London and Oxford are the heart of many Potter journeys, England offers even more locations that help fans experience the magic beyond the main filming sites. For families travelling a little farther or planning a longer trip, these destinations create wonderful additions:
Gloucester Cathedral
Its atmospheric cloisters appear several times throughout the films, serving as Hogwarts corridors. The stone passageways and carved archways feel instantly familiar to fans.
Lacock Village & Lacock Abbey
This beautifully preserved National Trust village has been used for various scenes across the series. Lacock Abbey, in particular, provided interiors that doubled as Hogwarts classrooms – including Professor Snape’s Potions room.
Durham Cathedral
Another filming location for Hogwarts, its cloisters appear in memorable snowy scenes featuring Harry, Ron, and Hermione.
Alnwick Castle
Famous for the flying-lesson scenes, the castle’s grounds are one of the most joyful places for children who want to imagine lifting their first broomstick.
While these destinations aren’t part of every traveller’s itinerary, they can be woven into our longer Private Tour Itineraries in England upon request. Many families enjoy customising a journey that blends London film locations, Oxford’s university magic, and a handful of these additional sites for a truly immersive wizarding adventure.
Why Choose a Private Tour for Your Harry Potter Adventure
Exploring the wizarding world is far more enjoyable without the pressure of keeping up with a large group or navigating London’s busy transport with excited children in tow. With a private Harry Potter tour, your family can move at the pace that suits you, whether that means stopping for photos, taking breaks, or spending extra time at a favourite location.
Travelling in a comfortable Mercedes vehicle with a knowledgeable driver-guide also means you avoid the crowds at peak moments and enjoy stories, insights, and film trivia that bring each stop to life.
Every tour with Bespoke England Tours is fully customisable, so you can add Oxford, extend your day, or include other locations you’ve dreamed of. It’s all about keeping the experience relaxed, magical, and tailor-made to your family!
If you’d like a quote for a bespoke day trip or multi-day tour please include the following information in your enquiry: Name Cell/mobile number. Travel date(s). Tour(s) or destination(s) interested in. Any other relevant information. We will reply within 2 working days.