Instagramable Harry Potter locations in the UK

Harry Potter still resonates with people decades after the book’s original release and its messages of friendship, bravery and endurance have stuck with readers long into adulthood.  There’s been much talk throughout the years of where the author (she who shall not be named) found inspiration for the books and those locations stretch the length and breadth of the UK.  If you want to recapture some of that magic for yourself and take some very beautiful Instagram pictures to boot, here are a few Harry Potter locations in the UK you may wish to check out:

Warner Bros Studio Tour, Watford

Going to start off with the most obvious one here, the Warner Bros Studio Tour is dedicated to the filming of the Harry Potter series and as such it is filled with Instagramable spots!  Some of my personal favorites include The Great Hall (the way you enter this scene gets me every time…), the Hogwarts Express, and Gringotts Bank but honestly, the list is almost endless.  There are so many amazing locations to see, experience, and photograph!  Whatever you do while you’re there also make sure you take the time to get a shot with the all-important Butterbeer!

Goathland Station, North Yorkshire

If Goathland Station looks familiar to you it’s because it was actually the filming location of Hogsmede Station in films.  With its quaint, vintage decor it’s not hard to see why this beautiful train station was chosen.  If you want to add to the Instagramability factor steam trains still run on this line from the North Yorkshire Moors Railway so grab some pictures of that or even take a trip to popular nearby locations Whitby and Pickering.

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Platform 9 3/4, London

The evolution of Platform 9 3/4’s at Kings Cross Station is an interesting one.  Originally it was fairly hidden away actually on platform 9 of the train station concourse, so was only really visited by those in the know.  When the train station got a large makeover in 2012 it was moved into the main concourse but somewhat out of the way, so it remained an open secret and wasn’t much of a tourist attraction.  Since then a Harry Potter Shop has opened next to it (appropriately called The Harry Potter Shop at Platform 9 3/4) and a professional photographer is now always stationed there with appropriate props, ready to take your picture, which is, of course, available to buy in the shop.  This is now a hot spot, and unless you are going early in the morning expect to have to queue for a while to get your shot.  The professional photographer is a good way of getting a great shot for your Insta if you are traveling alone though, so there are some perks, and they supply the props!

Shambles, York

Often cited as one of the main inspirations for Diagon Ally this tangle of timber shops, some dating back as far as the 14th century, really does look like a film set.  Not only are these cobbled streets and higgledy-piggledy shops aesthetically like something from the Harry Potter series, but they’ve really leaned into this with several Harry Potter merchandise shops now open in the Shambels.  As well as those there is The Potions Coldren which sells Harry Potter-inspired drinks and cocktails (both alcoholic and nonalcoholic including Butterbeer) and The Ghost Merchant which sells handcrafted, unique ghost figures for you to take home!

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Goodwin’s Court, London

Goodwin’s Court is a small back street close to Leicester Square that is often cited as the inspiration for Knockturn Ally, and with its dark air, bowed windows and old-fashioned gas lamps it’s not hard to see why.

Alnwick Castle, Northumberland

This beautiful castle in the north of England was used for outdoor shots in both Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets and Harry Potter and the Philosophers Stone.  Several scenes were shot here the most recognisable of which is the Outer Baily area which was used for the broom lesson scenes, so perfect for a replica Instagram shot!  Other locations include the entrance and exit to Hogwarts which was filmed at the Lion Arch and the courtyards which were used as the landing site for the flying car.

Glenfinnan Viaduct, Invernessshire

If you’ve ever watched a Harry Potter film you won’t be able to forget the unmistakable views of the Hogwarts Express winding over this very viaduct as it heads off to the famous school.  The way the track winds above the ground surrounded by the stunning Scottish scenery you can totally see why it’s chosen.  Several times a year a replica Hogwarts Express does this exact journey, creating some shots which are to die for!  It’s no wonder it is one of the most popular Harry Potter locations.

Malham Cove, Yorkshire

Malham Cover is a unique and striking limestone rock formation overlooking the Yorkshire valleys that are striking in its own right.  It was the filming location of the camping scenes in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hollows.

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Dobby’s Grave, Pembrokeshire

The heartbreaking death scene of Harry’s house-elf Dobby was filmed on Freshwater West Beach, and now a makeshift grave has been created by fans.  Made up of stones, painted artworks, and a wooden cross this homemade monument has become a real gathering point to overlook the beautiful beach views.

These are just a few of my fave Instagramable Harry Potter locations in the UK, have I missed any out?  Let me know your favorite spot.