By Parkdean Resorts on 22/05/2017
If you’re a big Harry Potter fan, there’s no better way to bring the magic to life than by visiting some of the films’ most famous locations. Follow in the footsteps of ‘The Boy Who Lived’, and relive some of the movie’s best moments.
From seeing Hogwarts come to life at Alnwick Castle, to hopping aboard a train at Goathland Railway Station, there are many Harry Potter filming locations in Britain that you can visit. You’ll get the chance to stand in the places where Harry, Ron and Hermione formed their friendships, and fought their wizardry rivals and villains.
Here at Parkdean Resorts, we’ve put together some of the best Harry Potter filming locations in Britain, so you can start your magical adventure.
Alnwick Castle, Northumberland
If you’re wanting to visit one of Harry Potter’s most recognisable filming locations, then a trip to Alnwick Castle is a must. Just over 30 minutes from Cresswell Towers Holiday Park, it is one of Britain’s most iconic castles. Whether you want to explore hundreds of years of history, or take a tour of the spectacular ruins, there’s something for everyone.
The castle features as Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry in the first two films; Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, and Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets. As well as most of the film’s exterior shots, it was also the location of Harry’s first Quidditch lesson and the well-known crash-landing scene of the flying Ford Anglia. If you’re visiting Alnwick Castle, you can experience being a wizard for yourself, by taking part in a broomstick training class in the exact spot where Harry first took flight.
When you’re not wizarding around at the castle, there’s so much more to do in Northumberland. Close to the castle is Northumberland National Park, which is full of historic attractions and scenic walking routes. It’s also the home to a variety of rare wildlife such as otters, red squirrels and water voles.
Video sourced from newkindofstr
Malham Cove, North Yorkshire
Set in the heart of the Yorkshire Dales, close to both Todber Valley Holiday Park and Gatebeck Holiday Park, is the well-known spot, Malham Cove. Known for its undisputable beauty, this popular tourist spot featured in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part One.
In the gripping film, Harry and Hermione travel to Malham Cove to hide from the movie’s villain, Voldemort. In these scenes, they set up camp in a tent on the limestone pavement at the top of the Cove, and the views across Malbamdale and Cawden also feature in the film.
Malham Cove is a limestone formation, about 1km from the village of Malham, and was formed by a waterfall carrying meltwater from glaciers at the end of the last Ice Age, over 12,000 years ago. The large limestone pavement above the cove is also a tourist hotspot, and people come from far and wide to see this unusual formation. When you’re not exploring the Cove, there’s much more family fun that you can have in Malham and the surrounding areas, such as Skipton Castle, Thornton Hall Farm Country Park and Ingleborough Cave.
Video sourced from DeniBracc
Goathland Train Station, Goathland
It’s easy to see why so many TV programmes and productions have been filmed in and around Goathland in North Yorkshire. From its quaint and beautiful village, to the breathtaking surrounding countryside, it really is a picture-perfect setting.
Under an hour away from Cayton Bay Holiday Park, Goathland is famous for many reasons, the main one being the setting of the fictional village of Aidensfield in the popular TV series, Heartbeat. However, Heartbeat isn’t the only time Goathland has graced our TV screens. Goathland Railway Station also features in Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone as Hogsmeade Station. Many local school children were invited to be extras in the scenes at the station, where we see the young witches and wizards arrive off a steam train after leaving platform 9¾ for the first time. The station is also used in the final scene of the film, when Hagrid waves goodbye to the young Harry Potter.
When you’re not exploring the station, there are plenty of things to do and places to see in Goathland. The never-ending North Yorkshire Moors are a haven amongst walkers, and whichever route you take, you’ll be guaranteed to see some spectacular views. From a walk up Roseberry Topping Hill or a stroll along the beach at Robin Hood’s Bay, to a trip to the stunning Mallyan Spout Waterfall, there’s something for everyone.
Video sourced from MrFord4210
Durham Cathedral, Durham
Immersed in history and surrounded by an array of scenic views, Durham is a popular filming location. The cathedral provides a beautiful backdrop for many movies and programmes, however it’s the star of the show in Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone and Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets.
The awe-inspiring Durham Cathedral, which was built in 1093, features in several of the films. In the first film, we see the beautiful cathedral’s cloister when Harry releases his pet owl, Hedwig, surrounded by the snow-covered historic building. It also makes an appearance in the second film, when Ron regurgitates slugs after a spell goes wrong. The Chapter House is also used in the second film, as it becomes the classroom where Professor McGonagall teaches the young trio of wizards new spells, along with the unveiling of the story behind the Chamber of Secrets.
Just 30 minutes from Crimdon Dene Holiday Park, the Cathedral is a fantastic attraction to visit, whether you’re a Potter fan or not. There are plenty of other activities to experience and lots of sights to see around this beautiful city. There are more historic sites to visit, including Durham and Barnard Castle, and many family fun days out to be had, at places such as Hall Hill Farm or The National Railway Museum Shildon.
Video sourced from TheFantasticHarry