Calling all witches, wizards, and Muggles! If you’ve ever dreamed of stepping into the world of Harry Potter, the UK is brimming with magical filming locations waiting to be explored. From the misty highlands of Scotland to historic English cities, this Harry Potter road trip is perfect for fans of all ages. And there’s no better way to experience it than in a cosy, fully equipped campervan from Quirky Campers, giving you freedom, flexibility, and a sprinkle of adventure along the way.

Whether you’re tracing Harry’s footsteps at Hogwarts, exploring Diagon Alley’s real-life inspirations, or walking the platforms where magic comes alive, this UK road trip delivers it all. Here’s your ultimate guide to planning the perfect Potter-themed journey.

Suggested Harry Potter Road Trip Itineraries

Whether you’ve got a weekend or two full weeks, there’s a Harry Potter road trip to suit your schedule. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

3-Day Mini Road Trip (London → Oxford → Lacock → Gloucester)

• Day 1: Start at the Warner Bros. Studio Tour in London, then drive to Oxford to explore Christ Church and the Bodleian Library.
• Day 2: Head to Lacock Village and Abbey, used for Hogwarts interiors and Slughorn’s hideaway.
• Day 3: Visit Gloucester Cathedral’s cloisters before returning to London.

7-Day Highlights (England + Scotland)

• Day 1–2: London (Warner Bros. Studio Tour + city walking tour).
• Day 3: Oxford and Lacock.
• Day 4: Gloucester Cathedral and Durham Cathedral.
• Day 5: York’s Shambles (Diagon Alley inspiration) + Goathland Station (Hogsmeade).
• Day 6–7: Edinburgh and the Scottish Highlands, including Glencoe and Glenfinnan Viaduct.

10–14 Day Ultimate UK Harry Potter Road Trip

• Follow the 7-day route above, but add in:
  • Lavenham (Godric’s Hollow).
  • Hardwick Hall (Malfoy Manor).
  • Freshwater West Beach, Wales (Dobby’s resting place).
  • Extra time in Scotland for the Jacobite Steam Train (Hogwarts Express) and exploring the Highlands

Why a Campervan is Perfect for a Harry Potter Road Trip

A campervan gives you the ultimate magical advantage:

• Flexibility: Travel at your own pace, no need to rush through queues or fixed accommodation check-ins.
  
• Cosy Nights: Many vans come with heaters, comfy beds, and even wood-burning stoves, perfect for chilly Scottish evenings.
  
• Cost-Effective: Save on hotels in popular areas, especially during peak tourist seasons.
  
• Immersive Experience: Wake up surrounded by scenic countryside or by a loch, making it feel like you’re in a real-life wizarding world.
  

For this trip, we recommend 10–14 days to cover England and Scotland comfortably, allowing plenty of time to explore, take photos, and even enjoy a Butterbeer or two at the Harry Potter Studio Tour.

The Ultimate Harry Potter Road Trip Itinerary

This ultimate guide to Harry Potter filming locations in the UK includes Harry Potter filming locations in Scotland and England, plus some lesser-known secret spots to add on if you have the time!

Day 1–2: London – Warner Bros. Studio Tour

Start your journey in London – just where Harry starts his! If you’re travelling into London by train or plane, be sure to stop off at King’s Cross – home of the famous Platform 9 3/4 where you can push your trolley through the wall to the Hogwarts Express and visit one of the best Harry Potter themed shops in the UK.

Why not pick up a London-based campervan afterwards to start your journey in style and comfort? Next up, it’s a magical visit to the home of Harry Potter in the UK. A spot with the most amazing sets, and photo opportunities with your favourite Harry Potter filming locations. The world-famous Warner Bros. Studio Tour – The Making of Harry Potter is just outside London. Walk through the Great Hall, Diagon Alley, the Forbidden Forest and even Gringotts bank – see the original costumes, props, and sets and taste butterbeer at the Harry Potter cafe.

Highlights:

• Tour: Warner Bros. Studio Tour
  
• Eat: The Studio Café (try Butterbeer!)
  
• Campsite: Lee Valley Campsite, London outskirts
  

Estimated Cost – London Area

Item	Cost (Approx)
Campervan Hire (2 days)	£180–£250
Warner Bros. Studio Tickets	£55–£70 per adult
Campsite per night	£25–£35

Day 3–4: Oxford – Hogwarts Inspiration

Head to Oxford to see Christ Church College, whose dining hall inspired Hogwarts’ Great Hall, and the cloisters used in various scenes. Explore the city’s architecture, and feel like you’re stepping straight into the wizarding world.

Highlights:

• Walk: Christ Church College & Bodleian Library
  
• Eat: The Eagle and Child, historic pub
  
• Campsite: Oxford Caravan Club Site
  

Estimated Cost – Oxford

Item	Cost (Approx)
Campervan Hire (2 days)	£180–£250
Oxford College Entry	£10–£15
Campsite per night	£20–£30

Day 5–6: Gloucester & Lacock – Hogwarts in the Countryside

Lacock Abbey and Gloucester Cathedral were used extensively in Hogwarts scenes. Cobblestone streets, cloisters, and ancient walls make these stops a Potter fan’s dream.

Highlights:

• Walk: Lacock village and Abbey
  
• Eat: The Red Lion, Lacock, for cosy pub fare
  
• Campsite: Picadilly Caravan & Camping Site
  

Day 7–8: Alnwick Castle – Hogwarts Exterior

Alnwick Castle in Northumberland doubled as Hogwarts in the first two films. Try broomstick lessons on the castle grounds if you’re feeling adventurous!

Highlights:

• Walk: Alnwick Castle Grounds
  
• Eat: The Potted Lobster, Alnmouth
  
• Campsite: Alnmouth Camping
  

Estimated Cost – Northumberland

Item	Cost (Approx)
Campervan Hire (2 days)	£180–£250
Alnwick Castle Entry	£15–£20
Campsite per night	£25–£35

Day 9–10: Scotland – Hogwarts on the Highlands

Take your road trip north to Glenfinnan Viaduct, famous for the Hogwarts Express scenes. Nearby Loch Shiel and the Highlands provide cinematic scenery straight out of the films.

Highlights:

• Walk: Glenfinnan Viaduct & Loch Shiel trails
  
• Eat: The Glenfinnan House Hotel
  
• Campsite: Glencoe Camping & Caravanning Club Site
  

Day 11–12: Edinburgh – Magical Streets & Filming Spots

Edinburgh is said to have inspired JK Rowling while she wrote the series. Explore Greyfriars Kirkyard, Victoria Street (the inspiration for Diagon Alley), and other charming spots around the city.

Highlights:

• Walk: Victoria Street & Greyfriars Kirkyard
  
• Eat: The Elephant House Café (Rowling wrote here!)
  
• Campsite: Mortonhall Caravan & Camping Park
  

Suggested Campsites Along the Route

Location	Campsite	Notes
London	Lee Valley Campsite	Close to Warner Bros. Studio
Oxford	Oxford Caravan Club Site	Walking distance to city centre
Lacock	Cotswold Caravan & Motorhome Club	Countryside charm
Alnwick	Alnmouth Caravan Park	Beach access
Glenfinnan	Glenfinnan Camping & CC Site	Highland scenery
Edinburgh	Mortonhall Caravan & Camping	Easy city access

Magical Detours for Potterheads

Everyone knows the star attractions – the Glenfinnan Viaduct, Alnwick Castle, and the Studio Tour – but the real magic of a Harry Potter road trip comes from the little detours. These spots aren’t always on the main tourist trail, but they’ll give your journey that extra sprinkle of wizardry:

• Lavenham, Suffolk (Godric’s Hollow) – This picturesque medieval village became Harry’s childhood home in The Deathly Hallows: Part 1. The crooked timber-framed De Vere House stood in as the haunted shell of his parents’ cottage. Walking the narrow streets really does feel like stepping into the wizarding world.
• Durham Cathedral, Durham – While parts of it doubled as Hogwarts interiors, it’s often overlooked in favour of Oxford. Its ancient cloisters starred in several classroom scenes – and they’re free to wander.
• Hardwick Hall, Derbyshire (Malfoy Manor) – This grand Elizabethan house, with its striking towers and huge windows, was transformed into the sinister Malfoy Manor. Thankfully, it’s much friendlier in real life.
• Freshwater West Beach, Pembrokeshire (Shell Cottage) – Though the cottage itself was just a set, this windswept Welsh beach is where heartbreaking scenes with Dobby were filmed. Potterheads often leave tributes at a little “Dobby’s grave” on the sand dunes.
• Christ Church, Oxford – Everyone mentions the Bodleian, but Christ Church’s grand staircase and dining hall directly inspired Hogwarts’ Great Hall. It’s a must for anyone who’s dreamed of feasting under floating candles.
• Glencoe, Scotland (Hagrid’s Hut + The Bridge to Nowhere) – Tucked among dramatic Highland scenery, Glencoe was used for exterior shots of Hagrid’s hut and other Hogwarts grounds. It’s a wild, moody place that feels suitably magical.
• Goathland Station, Yorkshire (Hogsmeade Station) – This charming stop on the North Yorkshire Moors Railway is where Harry first arrived at Hogwarts. Blink and you can almost see the scarlet steam train pulling in.

Themed Harry Potter Experiences Along the Way

A Harry Potter road trip isn’t just about visiting filming locations – it’s also about immersing yourself in the wizarding world along the journey. From train rides to magical tours, here are a few themed experiences that will add extra sparkle to your adventure:

Harry Potter Walking Tours

Cities like London, Edinburgh, and York all offer guided Harry Potter walking tours, perfect for spotting hidden filming locations, discovering J.K. Rowling’s inspirations, and learning quirky behind-the-scenes trivia. In London, you can stand where the entrance to the Leaky Cauldron was filmed; in Edinburgh, you’ll trace Rowling’s footsteps past cafés where she wrote the books; and in York, you can wander the medieval Shambles, thought to be the inspiration for Diagon Alley. These tours are a fun mix of sightseeing and spell-casting knowledge.

Ride the Jacobite Steam Train (aka the Hogwarts Express)

One of the most iconic experiences for Potter fans is riding the Jacobite Steam Train in the Scottish Highlands. Running between Fort William and Mallaig, this classic steam train crosses the Glenfinnan Viaduct – the very spot where Harry and Ron flew the enchanted Ford Anglia in The Chamber of Secrets. The journey itself is breathtaking, passing lochs, mountains, and tiny Highland villages, and it’s often described as one of the most scenic train rides in the world. Make sure to book tickets early – they sell out months in advance.

Potter-Themed Cafés, Shops & Escape Rooms

Along your route, you’ll stumble upon plenty of magical pit stops:

• In Edinburgh, The Elephant House Café is known as one of the places where Rowling wrote early drafts of the series.
• In York, The Shop That Must Not Be Named is a treasure trove of wizarding merchandise.
• Across the UK, you’ll also find quirky Potter-inspired escape rooms, perfect for families or groups of friends who fancy solving magical puzzles together.

These themed experiences add extra fun and variety to your road trip – so between the grand castles and sweeping landscapes, you’ll also get to sip Butterbeer-style lattes, browse for wands, and even ride the train that made movie history.

Tips for a Magical Trip

• Book the Warner Bros. Studio Tour in advance to secure your preferred time slots.
  
• Pack layers: English and Scottish weather can change quickly.
  
• Check campervan facilities: Some remote sites benefit from vans with heaters and thermal insulation.
  
• Allow time for detours: Every village or scenic viewpoint could be a secret filming location!
  

This road trip will take roughly 10–14 days, covering London, the Midlands, Northern England, and Scotland, providing the perfect mix of adventure, history, and Harry Potter magic. With a Quirky Campervan, you can travel like a wizard, comfortable, free, and ready to explore every hidden nook where the films came to life.

✨ Ready to Chase the Magic? ✨

From spellbinding castles to windswept beaches and the real-life Hogwarts Express, the UK is packed with Harry Potter filming locations just waiting to be explored. The best way to experience them all? With the freedom of your own campervan. Imagine pulling up near Godric’s Hollow one night, then waking to drive through the Scottish Highlands the next – no timetables, no rushing, just pure wizarding adventure.

Hire a campervan with Quirky Campers today and start your very own magical road trip across the UK.

Harry Potter UK Road Trip FAQs

1. What are the must-see Harry Potter filming locations in the UK?

The top locations include:

• London: Warner Bros. Studio Tour – The Making of Harry Potter
  
• Oxford: Christ Church College & Bodleian Library
  
• Gloucester & Lacock: Gloucester Cathedral & Lacock Abbey
  
• Alnwick Castle: Hogwarts exterior and broomstick lessons
  
• Scotland: Glenfinnan Viaduct & Loch Shiel
  
• Edinburgh: Victoria Street, Greyfriars Kirkyard, and The Elephant House café
  

These spots feature iconic Hogwarts sets, Diagon Alley inspiration, and scenic landscapes from the films.

2. How much time do I need to visit all these locations?

To comfortably explore all the key locations and enjoy each site, plan for 10–14 days. This allows for driving between locations, walking tours, and stopping at scenic areas along the way.

3. Can I visit these locations all in one trip?

Yes! A campervan road trip is the perfect way to visit both England and Scotland in one go. Staying in a campervan saves time on packing/unpacking and gives you the flexibility to stop wherever you like.

4. Are these locations kid-friendly?

Absolutely! Most sites, like Alnwick Castle and the Warner Bros. Studio Tour, have family-friendly activities. Many campsites and trails are also suitable for children, making it a magical adventure for all ages.

5. Do I need tickets for any locations?

Yes, some locations require entry tickets:

• Warner Bros. Studio Tour: Book in advance; tickets often sell out.
  
• Alnwick Castle: Entry fee applies; check seasonal opening times.
  
• Oxford colleges & Gloucester Cathedral: Small entrance fees may apply.
  

Many outdoor locations, like Glenfinnan Viaduct and Victoria Street, are free to explore.

6. What’s the best way to travel between locations?

A campervan is highly recommended. It allows you to:

• Avoid expensive hotels in tourist areas
  
• Travel at your own pace
  
• Stop at remote filming spots and scenic viewpoints
  
• Sleep close to nature, like the Scottish Highlands or English countryside
  

7. Can I do this trip without a campervan?

Yes, but it’s less flexible. Public transport exists, but some locations are in remote areas. A campervan ensures maximum convenience, especially when travelling with family or in groups.

8. What’s the best time of year for a Harry Potter road trip?

• Spring (April–June) and Autumn (September–October) offer mild weather, fewer crowds, and stunning scenery.
  
• Summer is busier, but the long days make it easier to visit multiple locations in a single day.
  

9. Are there any free Harry Potter locations?

Yes! Many filming inspiration sites are free:

• Victoria Street, Edinburgh
  
• Greyfriars Kirkyard, Edinburgh
  
• Alnwick Castle grounds (some outdoor areas)
  
• Glenfinnan Viaduct viewpoints
  

These are perfect for photo opportunities without spending a fortune.

10. Where can I park a campervan near these locations?

Most key areas have nearby campsites or caravan parks. For example:

• London: Lee Valley Campsite
  
• Oxford: Oxford Caravan Club Site
  
• Alnwick: Alnmouth Caravan Park
  
• Scotland: Glenfinnan Camping & Caravanning Club Site
  

Booking in advance is recommended, especially in summer.

11. Where is Harry Potter World in the UK?

Harry Potter World, officially called the Warner Bros. Studio Tour London – The Making of Harry Potter, is located in Leavesden, just outside London. It’s where many of the sets were filmed and preserved, including the Great Hall, Diagon Alley, and the Forbidden Forest. You can wander through the original props and costumes and even sip a Butterbeer. Tickets sell out quickly, so it’s best to book well in advance.

12. Can you visit Hogwarts in real life?

While there isn’t one single “Hogwarts” to visit, many of the filming locations are scattered across the UK and can be explored on a road trip. For example, Durham Cathedral and Gloucester Cathedral were used for interior shots, while Alnwick Castle featured as the backdrop for broomstick lessons in The Philosopher’s Stone. Oxford’s Bodleian Library and Christ Church also inspired parts of the Hogwarts interiors. Pieced together, these sites give you a real-life taste of the castle.

13. Where was Harry Potter filmed in Scotland?

Scotland is home to some of the most dramatic Harry Potter filming locations. The Glenfinnan Viaduct is the iconic bridge where the Hogwarts Express thunders across, while the rugged landscapes of Glencoe appeared in several outdoor scenes around Hagrid’s Hut and the Hogwarts grounds. Loch Shiel was also used as a stand-in for the Black Lake. Edinburgh itself wasn’t used for filming, but it’s where J.K. Rowling wrote much of the series, and fans love to explore its Potter-themed tours and cafés.

14. Is the Hogwarts Express real?

Yes! The Hogwarts Express was brought to life using the Jacobite Steam Train, which runs through the Scottish Highlands between Fort William and Mallaig. You can book tickets to ride the train, passing over the Glenfinnan Viaduct just like in the films. It’s one of the most magical experiences for Potter fans and a highlight of any Harry Potter road trip in Scotland.

15. How do I plan a Harry Potter road trip in the UK?
The best way to plan is to decide how long you have and which locations you’d love to see most. Many fans start in London to visit the Warner Bros. Studio Tour, then head to Oxford, Lacock, and Gloucester for key filming sites. From there, you can travel north to Durham, York, and on to Edinburgh and the Scottish Highlands for the Hogwarts Express and dramatic landscapes. Hiring a campervan is a great option, as it gives you flexibility to stop in small villages, explore hidden filming locations, and soak up the magic at your own pace.