In celebration of International Harry Potter Day the Mirror reveals the top ten must visit places around the UK that were featured in all eight movies including the Philosopher’s Stone
The date that fiction’s most iconic bespectacled hero defeated his arch nemesis should always a day of wondrous celebration. Lets raise our wands in salute to Harry Potter who triumphed over Lord Voldemort during the Battle of Hogwarts on this day, Friday May 2 International Harry Potter Day.
Potterheads from all over the world will be paying tribute to the power of love, bravery, and unity in the face of evil by watching all the films based on the phenomenon of the book series by JK Rowling.
Those keen to experience the magic – without staring at a screen ( or re-reading their books) can step into the wizarding themselves – by visiting natural locations across Britain and Ireland.
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Looking at the number of Instagram hashtags each location has received, The Digital PR Agency analysed the data to reveal the top sites where fans can make the ultimate Potter pilgrimage – and pay homage to their favourite scenes.
The Cliffs of Moher, County Clare
The Horcrux Cave in Half-Blood Prince (2009)
The 700-foot cliffs in Ireland served as the Horcrux Cave.
The dramatic coastal landscape, featuring natural sea caves and exposed rock faces, created the spookily suitable and atmospheric setting for one of the series’ darkest moments. The area around the cliffs, particularly near the Branaunmore sea stack, was used for the scene when Harry and Dumbledore search for a Horcrux.
The ancient geological formation gives uninterrupted views of the Atlantic Ocean and a dramatic backdrop.
Glen Coe, Argyll
Hagrid’s Hut in Prisoner of Azkaban (2004)
This Scottish Highland valley was the backdrop for Hagrid’s hut and pumpkin patch. The mountainous and open terrain truly captures the mystical surroundings of Hogwarts.
The area’s natural beauty, with its changing seasons and often misty conditions portrays the magical atmosphere of the Harry Potter series.
Glenfinnan Viaduct, Scottish Highlands
The Hogwarts Express route featured in Chamber of Secrets (2002), Prisoner of Azkaban (2004), Goblet of Fire (2005) and Half-Blood Prince (2009)
The curved 21-arch railway bridge carries the Hogwarts Express through stunning Highland scenery in four of the Harry Potter films. Built in 1898, this historic viaduct spans a valley with views of Loch Shiel. It combines Victorian engineering with the natural beauty of the Scottish landscape. The route remains active today so visitors can take the same journey as Harry and his friends as they travel to school.
Durham Cathedral, Durham
Hogwarts School in Chamber of Secrets (2002), Philosopher’s Stone (2001)
This Norman cathedral, which dates back to 1093, was the setting for the corridors and quadrangle of Hogwarts in the first two films.
Dame Maggie Smith’s character Minerva McGonagall led Transfiguration lessons that saw the young students attempt to turn animals into goblets.
Dramatically set above the River Wear, this UNESCO World Heritage site features authentic medieval architecture and cloisters that beautifully match the ancient scholarly setting of Hogwarts.
Malham Cove, Skipton
Harry and Hermione’s camp in Deathly Hallows: Part 1 (2010)
This natural limestone formation created the stark setting where Harry and Hermione set up camp in a tent on the Limestone Pavement at the top of Malham Cove.
The distinctive limestone pavement at the top features natural cracks and fissures formed over thousands of years.
The geological amphitheatre, created by glacial water 12,000 years ago, gives visitors panoramic views across Yorkshire that captured the isolation needed for the scene.
Alnwick Castle, Northumberland
Hogwarts School exterior in Philosopher’s Stone (2001), Chamber of Secrets (2002)
This is a dream come true day out for any Potter fan.
You can walk around the castle’s courtyards and baileys, and try and spot where Harry and his friends walked to class, where Ron crashed his dad’s flying car, and their route to Hagrid’s hut and the Forbidden Forest.
Harry and his classmates also learned to fly broomsticks and it also where Harry play the wizarding sport Quidditch.
Gloucester Cathedral, Gloucester
Hogwarts School in Chamber of Secrets (2002), Philosopher’s Stone (2001), Half-Blood Prince (2009)
These cathedral cloisters were transformed into the corridors of Hogwart’s School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. One of the most distinctive and recognisable features within Gloucester Cathedral is its Lavatorium.
Harry and Ron Weasley run down the corridor and hide in the Lavatorium directly after Professor Quirral’s “troll in the dungeon!” scene.
Hardwick Hall, Chesterfield
Malfoy Manor in Deathly Hallows: Part 1 (2010)
Hardwick Hall was used to film the exterior scenes of Malfoy Manor, the family home of Lucius, Narcissa, and Draco Malfoy.
As a National Trust property, is regarded as one of the most architecturally significant Elizabethan properties in the UK.
Lacock Abbey, Chippenham
Hogwarts School in Philosopher’s Stone (2001), Chamber of Secrets (2002), Half-Blood Prince (2009)
Rooms in the Abbey were also used as Snape and Quirrel’s classrooms, and the Chapter House was where Harry found the Mirror of Erised. You’ll also find Budleigh Babberton and Slughorn’s hideaway home in Lacock, which featured in the Half-Blood Prince.
Rannoch Moor, Scottish Highlands
Death Eaters invade the Hogwarts Express in Deathly Hallows: Part 1 (2010)
This is where the Death Eaters board the train in Harry Potter and The Deathly Hallows Part 1. It is regarded as one of the last remaining wildernesses in Europe – a vast and untouched expanse of moorland that spans over 50 square miles.
