If you don't dream of going to Hogwarts as a student and questioning which house you'll be sorted into, then you're not a true Harry Potter fan. For those willing, there are plenty of ways to go to real-life Hogwarts. While you may never be able to visit the magical fictional locations featured in Harry Potter, you can visit some real-life destinations featured in all eight famous films.
All Muggles can start their Harry Potter journey at The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studios in Orlando and Los Angeles. The Mini Harry Potter Park is every fan's dream, recreating many of the classic attractions from Hogwarts and Diagon Alley, including Gringotts Bank, Ollivander's Wand Shop and the Weasley brothers' toy shop.
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Superfans can also travel to various locations across the UK where the films were filmed, such as the location that once served as Hogwarts, the streets of Diagon Alley that fans know well, and the rock formations where Harry and Hermione camped out (if you're keen enough ). Perhaps most excitingly, fans can even ride the Hogwarts Express and enjoy dreamy hillside views of Scotland's Glenfinnan Viaduct.
You might not be able to attend Snape's classes or sleep in the Gryffindor dormitories, but you can get up close and personal by visiting these important Harry Potter landmarks.
Hogsmeade train station
The magical train station for arriving at Hogwarts is actually Gosland Station in North Yorkshire, England. Visiting the station is free. But if you want the full Hogwarts entrance experience and arrive by train, you must purchase a ticket.
Hogwarts Express
The magical Hogwarts Express is a real train you can ride on. It won't take you to the real Hogwarts, but you'll still get to see the picturesque views that Harry, Ron, and Hermione see on their way to school every year, especially the stunning hillside viaduct. The route from Whitby to Goslan costs a few pounds and the station is used as the arrival point for Hogwarts. Obviously, there's not much else to do or see, but it's worth it just for the view.
Harry and Hermione's Camp
In the final Harry Potter film, The Deathly Hallows Part 2 , Harry and Hermione camp out at Malham Bay in North Yorkshire, England, continuing their search for the Horcruxes. The movie makes it seem like it's a remote place, and getting there is just as difficult. The attraction is free to visit, but you'll need to drive or catch a bus from the nearby town of Skipton.
Dumbledore's Tomb
Our beloved Dumbledore was laid to rest in Eileannamoyne, on Loch Elliot between the Scottish villages of Glenfinnan and Lochalot. It's easy to take scenic photos as long as you can drive there, but getting to Dumbledore's graveyard can be difficult considering that Elena Moyne is a small island in the middle of the lake.
Gringotts Wizarding Bank
The infamous Hogwarts Bank, the Australian home in London, is described on its website as the city's "longest-running foreign embassy." Fans can easily get to the building and take photos for free outside, but the interior is the most used location in the film, and since this is a diplomatic venue, you may not be able to go inside without a legitimate reason. No, withdrawing Galleons is not a valid reason.
diagon alley
Diagon Alley is probably the most accessible Harry Potter filming location. London's Leadenhall Market was used as a gathering center for wizards in the first film, and is accessible by public transport. The only money you need is how much you decide to spend on souvenirs - but if you're determined to leave with a truckload of Harry Potter merch, it might be worth heading to King's Cross, as Leadenhall is packed with luxury goods merchant.
kings cross station
If you want to get to Hogsmeade, you first have to depart from London's King's Cross Station (or, more specifically, Platform 9 3/4). Although this train station has no walls that you can walk through, King's Cross Station has a Platform 9 3/4 sign between Platforms 9 and 10 that you can take a photo of in front of, and the station is also home to the London Harry 's Home to one of Porter 's gift shops.
Durham Cathedral (Hogwarts)
The exterior of Hogwarts in the first two movies was that of a cathedral, which makes sense considering that Hogwarts looks just as grand and luxurious as an old cathedral. "Hogwarts" is Durham Cathedral in the town of Durham in northern England. Admission is obviously free, and the church will even let you pose in the outdoor walkway, the church courtyard, and, if you're lucky, in Professor McGonagall's classroom. But it's still a place of worship, so don't go looking for Dumbledore's office or the lair of the dark arts.
