Relive the Magic at Harry Potter Film Locations

Harry Potter is magically timeless. The last book was published in 2007 and the last movie premiered in 2011, yet the enchanting world of Harry Potter continues to be incredibly popular with muggles of all ages today. We may not have any more books and movies (sniff) but we are lucky to have the Wizarding World of Harry Potter theme parks in Orlando and Tokyo, the Warner Brothers Studio Tour just outside of London, and a myriad of film locations in the UK. With a little time and money, you can still indulge in your Hogwarts dream!

Truth be told, I’m a nerdy Potterhead who has read every book and seen every movie (more than once!). When I finally made it to Yorkshire to visit a good friend, I was lucky enough that: #1. She was (and still is) a fellow Potterhead. #2. She was willing to take me to film locations. #3. Perhaps the most important point, she enjoyed visiting the locations as much as I did and I can safely nerd-out with abandon. We decided on Goathland railway station in North Yorkshire which was transformed into Hogsmeade station and Alnwick castle in Northumberland where the first flying lesson took place.

Goathland Railway Station

Even without the digital manipulation of Hogwarts in the background, you can tell why Goathland railway station was picked to be Hogsmeade station in the movies.

The historical building has remained unchanged over the past 100 odd years so it retains the charm that is needed for Hogsmeade and other period films. We didn’t have time to really explore the village of Goathland but you can make a day of it by hiking at the national park and stopping at the pub for a pint or two. For a full experience, you can ride the steam train and pretend you’re a Hogwarts student.

Alnwick Castle

Alnwick castle is in the spotlight again by starring as “Brancaster Castle” in Downton Abbey’s 2014 Christmas special. Maggie Smith, Downton Abbey’s Dowager Countess, also starred as the ass-kicking Professor McGonagall in Harry Potter. I’d like to think the professor retired as a sassy Dowager Countess of a large castle. She deserves the rest!

The castle grounds of Alnwick were featured in Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone where they had their first flying lesson. Even if you’re not a Harry Potter fan, you’ll be awed by the beauty of this magnificent castle.

Alnwick castle is one of the largest inhibited castles in the UK and its history stretches more than 1,000 years. It’s the family home of the 12^th Duke of Northumberland, Ralph Percy (he’s kind of like Robert Crawley of Downton Abbey). His family has lived in Alnwick castle for the past 700 years and I imagine it’s an expensive place to upkeep! Even though the family resides in it, parts of the castle are open to the public (for a small fee) most of the year except winter.

We got walk around the spot where Harry Potter was filmed and they even had live owls hanging out there! We also got to tour a section of the castle’s interior. There were family photos on the mantle and one cute little English boy asked the usher, “why isn’t Harry Potter in the photos?” The quick thinking usher replied, “You’re a muggle aren’t you? Muggles can’t see the other magical photos!” Well played sir. Hat’s off to you!

All in all, we had a fantastic time wandering around the castle and its beautiful gardens. For a second there, we can pretend we’re Hogwarts students off to potions class or visiting Hagrid in his hut. If you’re a Harry Potter fan, definitely pay a visit to Goathland railway station and Alnwick castle. Both places will help you relive all the magical memories from the books and movies.

Now if only flying brooms were a thing!