Harry Potter places to visit and film locations
If you’ve been captivated by the wonderful wizarding world of Harry Potter, then this Harry Potter Road Trip Itinerary is going to leave you spellbound! Discover famous locations where filming for the 8-film-franchise took place, and marvel at the stunning backdrops that brought the popular novels by J. K. Rowling to life.
The Hogwarts adventure awaits, but please note, unfortunately unlike the Weasley’s car, our campervans can’t fly...just to manage your expectations up front!
Wands at the ready...
1st Stop - Professor McGonagall's classroom Durham Cathedral, Durham
Durham
Distance: 171 miles
Time: 3 hours
Once you’ve picked up your campervan, the Harry Potter adventure begins! Starting with the spectacular Durham Cathedral, where you’ll quickly recognise it’s ancient cloisters as the backdrop for several Harry Potter scenes. Discover parts of the Cathedral that became the quadrangle in the famous film series and venture into the Cathedral’s Chapter House, which you might recognise as Professor McGonagall’s classroom.
It's 171 miles and about 3 hours driving from base to our first stop (allowing for a quick break) if you stick to the motorways. Or if you prefer the scenic route as I do you can head up the M65 to Colne and take the A65 through Harrogate and Ripon both great for a stop off as is Thirsk which is only a minor detour.
Recommended camp site
Bobby Shafto Caravan Park
Cranberry Plantation
Beamish
County Durham
DH9 0RY
Tel: 0191 370 1776
Description
Nestled in the peaceful Durham countryside, this site offers a quiet spot to rest your head while only a short distance from the many attractions found in Durham and Northumberland. This tranquil location will offer panoramic views of this secluded spot and plenty of walks, especially good if your four-legged friend is joining you.
You may recognise the name ‘Bobby Shafto’ as the park was named after the nursery rhyme character as the land used to belong to Bobby Shafto and his family.
Things to do
You won’t be short on things to do with historic Durham, Newcastle, and Sunderland all nearby. Just a mile from Durham city centre you can explore the picturesque Old Durham Gardens, which was established more than 350 years ago.
If you’re looking for fun as a family then you’ll have a blast at Adventure Valley, the biggest adventure park in the North East. With six play zones, outdoor and indoor adventures, and animals to meet, it’s a great family day out.
As you begin to head north to your next stop, be sure to visit one of the most famous works of art in England with a trip to see the Angel of the North, standing 75ft high with a 175ft wingspan, you’ll find it hard to miss!
Amenities
Dog Friendly
Electric hook up available
Toilet and shower blocks
Nearby Country pubs
2nd Stop - Broomstick flying, Alnwick Castle, Northumberland
Distance: 47.7 miles
Time: 1 hour 21 minutes
Walkmill Campsite
As you begin to head further north, the Harry Potter adventure continues. Your next stop takes you Alnwick Castle, here you’ll find some familiar looking settings as you walk around the Castle. The Philosopher’s Stone and The Chamber of Secrets were both filmed at this historic site. The Outer Bailey is where Madam Hooch taught the students to fly their broomsticks (some more successfully than others!). The castle’s courtyards were used to show the staff and students going about their daily lives at Hogwarts, and the Lion Arch was the entrance to Hogwarts that led to Hagrid’s Cabin and the Forbidden Forest.
Please note. You will require a chemical toilet and portable shower for this campsite. Electric hookup, fresh water and chemical toilet disposal facilities are provided.
Recommended camp site
Walkmill Campsite
Walkmill
Nr, Guyzance,
Warkworth
NE65 9AJ
01665710155
Description
This spacious and peaceful site is well-kept and offers wonderful views of the surrounding countryside. It’s about 9 miles from Alnwick but is a perfect base to relax and recharge the batteries (in every sense, with electric hook-up available)
This dog-friendly spot is the perfect place to base yourself and explore Alnwick and is about a 35-minute walk to the fabulous Warkworth Castle and its beaches if you fancy an evening stroll through the Northumberland countryside.
Things to do
Alnwick itself is an historic medieval market town with cobblestone streets and narrow alleys, and it’s well worth a visit. You’ll find a vast selection of independent shops and specialist boutiques within its fine stone buildings. Be sure to look ahead at what events may be running during your visit!
Head to explore the Northumberland Coast with it’s glorious golden-sand beaches and rocky headlands. This Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) is a treat for those that love a coastal walk and is recognised as one of the finest landscapes in the country.
Just up the coast from Alnwick is the small island of Lindisfarne, now known as Holy Island. This island becomes inaccessible twice a day when the tide reaches over its causeway...so make sure you plan your visit! Once there you’ll discover an ancient priory and a coastal castle. There’s also plenty of pubs and cafes to enjoy whilst you’re there!
Amenities
Dog Friendly
Toilet and Showers
Chemical toilet disposal facilities
3rd Stop - J. K. Rowling, Edinburgh, Scotland
Distance: 95.3 miles
Time: 1 hour 55 minutes
Mortonhall Caravan and Camping Park
Edinburgh has played an integral part in the creation of Harry Potter, it is where J. K. Rowling lived (and still lives) when she started writing the famous Wizarding series and you’ll find nods to the magical world throughout the city. The Elephant House coffee shop overlooks Edinburgh Castle and is where Rowling began writing the books. If you take a wander through Greyfriars Kirk, an active church in the heart of the Old Town, you’ll find some familiar names on headstones, including Thomas Riddle! Of course, if you really want to feel close to J.K., you can stay in the J.K. Rowling Suite at The Balmoral where she wrapped up the Deathly Hallows after it became impossible for her to write in public cafes anymore, of course it’s not cheap with prices around £1,900 per night! Perhaps enjoy the view from outside the hotel and stay in your comfortable campervan!
Allow plenty of time for stops as this is a lovely coastal route, passing Bamburgh castle, Lindisfarne Nature Reserve, Holy Island and Berwick-upon-Tweed to name just a few places to see. Not to mention the views and beaches along the way!
Recommended camp site
Mortonhall Caravan and Camping Park
38 Mortonhall Gate,
Frogston Road East,
Edinburgh,
EH16 6TJ
0131 664 1533
Description
Mortonhall is just 4 miles from Edinburgh city centre and enjoys being nestled in acres of country estate. It’s just a short bus ride away from being in the heart of Scotland’s capital, so you can pitch up the van and head off to explore this exciting city. The campsite is green and serene, so you can enjoy unwinding after a day in the bustling city.
Things to do
You certainly won’t be short of things to do while based near Edinburgh. A visit to Edinburgh Castle is a must, if nothing else but to enjoy the spectacular views across the city. Discover more about the Castle’s Military history, visit the Great Hall, St Margaret’s Chapel, and listen out for the One o’clock Gun that fires every day but Sunday.
Enjoy the Edinburgh skyline from the water with Forth Boat Tours. As you enjoy views of the Three Bridges, keep your eyes peeled for seals, puffins, and porpoises! You can relax inside or out on deck as the commentary tells you more about this amazing city.
If you really want to learn more about Scotland and its history, head to the National Museum of Scotland, where you can explore, travel back in time and see the incredible Scottish Galleries. Oh, and of course while you’re there check out the Celtic, Roman and Viking artefacts, including the famous Lewis chess pieces, that you may recognise from Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone!
Amenities
Dog Friendly
BBQ Hut
Wash rooms Toilets & Shower blocks (Free)
Bar, Shop, Cafe and garden centre on site
Laundrette, kitchen area
4th Stop - The Hogwarts Express and the Prisoner of Azkaban, Glencoe, Scotland
Distance: 120 miles
Time: 2 hour 33 minutes
Invercoe Highland Holidays
If you’re a true Harry Potter fan we bet you always hope to stumble across Platform 9 ¾ and onto the Hogwarts Express...well, we can get you pretty close! West Coast Railways supplied the engine and carriages used for the Hogwarts Express, and the Jacobite train still rides those famous rails that take you across the Glenfinnan Viaduct, one of the most recognisable scenes in the Harry Potter series. Your base at Glencoe is just 50 minutes from the Viaduct so make sure you head there for a visit while you’re nearby! Glencoe itself provided the backdrop for the Prisoner of Azkaban and following Harry Potter films. During filming sets including Hagrid’s Hut were built in Clachaig Gully and across from Clachaig Inn, overlooking the Torren Lochan and Signal Rock Forest.
Another stunning drive so allow plenty of time for stops.
Recommended camp site
Invercoe Highland Holidays
Glencoe,
Argyll,
Scotland
PH49 4HP
+44 (0) 1855 811 210
Description
If you want to pitch up with a stunning backdrop, this is the place to be. Surrounded by mountains, rivers, and lochs, you’ll be hard pressed to find such a beautiful base. With pitches available with views across Loch Leven and the snow peak of Ben Nevis in view, what’s not to love? Of course, you don’t have to scale any mountains if you don’t want to, there are plenty of low-level walks, including a walk to Signal Rock, where the signal to attack was given for the Massacre of 1692.
Things to do
Pull those walking boots on and head out exploring! There are so many routes to choose from, depending on your skill level you can enjoy a gentle stroll or find some more challenging routes. The Lochan Trail will take you on a gentle trail through Glencoe Lochan and woodland.
Fancy a view like no other? The Nevis Range Mountain Gondola will take you from 100m to 650m up the mountain in roughly 15 minutes each way. You’ll enjoy breathtaking views of the Great Glen and Ben Nevis, and be able to enjoy two relatively easy walks from the top station - even better, your four-legged friend is allowed to join you!
Remember the children’s TV show Balamory with it’s memorable colourful houses? What’s the story Balamory? Well, whether you do or don’t it’s worth a trip to the Isle of Mull to visit Tobermory where the show was filmed and you can see the spectacular site of the multi-coloured buildings that line the harbour. You can also soak up the island's history, culture, and beautiful scenery while you’re there.
Amenities
Dog Friendly
Electric hook up & Fast WiFi (coming soon)
Children’s Play Area
5th stop - Malham Cove
Distance: 267 miles
Time: 5 hours
Mother Ivey’s Bay Holiday Park
Fans will recognise this from the film, Deathly Hallows Pt. 1 this stunning and strange landscape is the rocky camp where Harry and Hermione hide from Voldermort.
Malhlam Cove is a natural limestone rock formation. The uniquely shaped rocks at the top were created by the river that once ran over it.
Situated less than a mile north of the village of Malham. It's a 40 minute walk from the camp site which can be done in a circular route, taking in the village and possibly the pub on the way back.
Ideal as a stop over on the way back from scotland to break the back of the journey.
It's about 2 hours back to base from here so no early start necessary.
Recommended camp site
Gordale Scar Campsite
Gordale House, Malham, Skipton BD23 4DL
01729 830333
Description
.This campsite is Small and quiet. The facilities are basic but well maintained but the views are simply stunning.
Surrounded by lovely walks, ideal for the person who loves to camp and hike or the Harry Potter fans who will appreciate Malham Cove.
Ideal as a stop over on the way back from scotland it's about 2 hours back to base from here so no early start necessary.
Amenities
Dog Friendly with direct access to walks
Electric hook up available
Toilet and Shower Block
Washing up area
Open all year