My Harry Potter UK Tour: Cosy Cottage Escapes & Wizarding Filming Locations
I’ve been a Harry Potter fan for as long as I can remember. Like so many of us, I grew up imagining what it would feel like to walk through Platform 9¾, fly over the viaduct on the Hogwarts Express, or explore the candlelit corridors of Hogwarts.
So this year, my husband and I decided to turn that dream into reality with a DIY Harry Potter UK tour, staying in some of the most beautiful holiday cottages along the way.
This isn’t just a trip — it’s an immersive journey through the magical landscapes that brought the films to life, from bustling London to the misty Scottish Highlands. And if you’re looking for a unique Christmas gift idea for a Potter fan, this adventure is UNFORGETTABLE! Even better – you can tailor it to your own budget. You could do the whole shebang or pick and choose your personal bucket list of locations. Gifted at Christmas but booked for February half term!
⚡ Stop 1: London — Platform 9¾ & Diagon Alley Streets
Our adventure began in Central London Leadenhall Market, which served as the entrance to Diagon Alley in Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone. Millennium Bridge, famously featured in The Half-Blood Prince, is another must-see for fans exploring the city.
🚂 Stop 2: Northern England — Alnwick Castle & Durham Cathedral
From London, we travelled north to Alnwick Castle in Northumberland — one of the most recognisable filming locations. This is where Harry, Ron, and Hermione had their first flying lessons, and the castle grounds still feel wonderfully magical.
A short drive away is Durham Cathedral, used for several Hogwarts interior scenes, including those snowy winter shots we all love.
📍 Where we stayed: A really characterful cottage called The Wizard’s Loft near a lovely pub, tucked away in Alnwick. It felt like we’d escaped to our own wizarding hideaway. We do have many, many more options for you to check out below.
The Wizard’s Loft, Alnwick
👉 View cottages near Alnwick ➜
Alnwick Castle, Harry Potter filming location
🏞️ Stop 3: Scotland — The Hogwarts Express, Glenfinnan Viaduct & Edinburgh
Then came the highlight of our trip — Scotland, home to some of the most breathtaking Harry Potter filming locations. We boarded the Jacobite Steam Train, which crosses the Glenfinnan Viaduct — the same iconic bridge the Hogwarts Express travels over.
We spent a couple of days in Edinburgh too, wandering down Victoria Street, said to have inspired Diagon Alley. With its crooked buildings, independent bookshops, and winter lights, it felt like stepping straight into the Wizarding World.
📍 Where we stayed: A cosy Highland cottage with sweeping views and a wood-burning stove. Perfect for watching the mist roll over the hills.
👉 Find magical cottages in Scotland ➜
👉 Find magical cottages in Edinburgh ➜
Jacobite Steam Train crossing Glenfinnan Viaduct in Scotland
Victoria Street Edinburgh
🪄 Optional Stop: Watford — Warner Bros. Studio Tour London
Although it’s not a filming location, the Warner Bros. Studio Tour London in Watford is a magical extra stop for any fan. We loved exploring the Great Hall, Dumbledore’s office, and Diagon Alley sets — and yes, the trolley photo is a must!
📍 Where we stayed: We stayed just 20 minutes away in the stunning property, Tuffs Farm in Hertfordshire but we have lots more options in the link just below:
🎄 Festive Tip: At Christmas, the Studio transforms into “Hogwarts in the Snow” with glittering decorations and a Yule Ball feel.
Me pushing trolley at Platform 9¾.
Me inside the Gryffindor Common Room at Warner Bros. Studio Tour
🎁 A Perfect Christmas Gift for Potter Fans
If you’re searching for something extra special this Christmas, a Harry Potter UK tour makes an unforgettable gift. Imagine presenting someone with an itinerary wrapped like a Marauder’s Map — each stop revealing a new filming location and a beautiful cottage stay to match.
This can be a romantic getaway, a family adventure, or a dream trip for lifelong fans. Add a wand or house scarf to the gift and it becomes pure magic.
🏡 Why This Trip Felt So Special
This journey wasn’t just about sightseeing — it was about stepping inside a story I’ve loved my whole life. From the stone walls of Alnwick Castle to the Scottish Highlands, each stop felt like another page in the wizarding world. And staying in beautiful UK holiday cottages made it even more memorable. We watched a couple fo the films while we were away and re-read a Potter book as a family every evening. We were literally living the dream!
If you’re ready to plan your own magical adventure, this Harry Potter UK tour is the perfect way to make memories that last a lifetime.
👉 Start planning your Harry Potter cottage getaway ➜
Written by Sarah Charlton, Harry Potter fan, cottage holiday enthusiast & seeker of everyday magic, and chocolate. 🪄✨