AlternativeHarry Potter Travel Guide for True Fans 🧙
Forget the usual Warner Bross Studio tour or the overcrowded King’s Cross 9¾ sign. Ifyou’re a true Potterhead looking for a unique, off-the-beaten-pathexperience, here’s your ultimate alternative Harry Potter trip—includingsecret filming locations, real-life Hogwarts vibes, and magical places youwon’t find on every travel blog.
harry potter
Travel Itineraries
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uk trip
📍 1. Knockturn Alley in Real Life: A Hidden Gemin London
🔎 Where: Goodwin’s Court,London
🎥 Filming Connection: The inspiration for KnockturnAlley (though the actual scenes were filmed on set)
- This tiny, dimly lit alley has old wooden doors, crooked windows, and gas-lit lamps—pure Knockturn Alley vibes
- It’s just a short walk from Leicester Square but almost no tourists know about it!
🚇 How to get there: Take thetube to Leicester Square (Northern or Piccadilly line) and walk 5 minutes
🏨 Where to stay nearby: The Z Hotel Covent Garden –affordable & right in the heart of the action.
📍 2. The Hogwarts Library Vibes: A Secret StudySpot
🔎 Where: Maughan Library,King’s College London
🎥 Filming Connection: Not an official filming location,but it looks exactly like the Hogwarts library.
With its Gothic vaulted ceilings and stained-glass windows, you’ll feel like Hermione sneaking into the Restricted Section.
Entry tip: You can’t just walk in, but the library sometimes offers open day visits or guided tours.
🚇Howto get there:Nearest station: Temple (Circle & District Line)
🍽Whereto eat nearby:The Blackfriar, anHarry Potter-esque pubwith stained glass, wood panels, and medieval vibes.
📍 3. The “Great Hall” You Can Actually Dine In
🔎 Where: The Old Hall,Lincoln’s Inn
🎥 Filming Connection: Inspired the Hogwarts Great Halldesign.
This stunning 16th-century hall looks eerily similar to the Great Hall at Hogwarts, with long wooden tables and grand chandeliers.
It’s not open daily, but you can book special dining events or visit during Open House London
🚇 How to get there: ChanceryLane Station (Central Line)
🏨 Where to stay nearby: The Rosewood London—luxurystay with Hogwarts-style architecture
BonusAlternative: a wizard-themed café where you can make Wands& Wizard Exploratorium a wizard-themed café where you canmake potion cocktails with a magic wand
📍 4. The Real “Tom Riddle” Grave in Scotland
🔎 Where: GreyfriarsKirkyard, Edinburgh
🎥 Filming Connection: J.K. Rowling found inspirationhere for Tom Riddle’s name.
You’ll find the grave of a real “Thomas Riddell”, plus spooky stories of wandering ghosts. It’s part of most Harry Potter walking tours, but you can visit for free anytime.🚉 How to get there: EdinburghWaverley Station + 10-minute walk
🍽 Where to eat nearby: The Elephant House (whereJ.K. Rowling wrote HP)
🏨 Where to stay in Edinburgh:
Budget: Castle Rock Hostel (right next to Edinburgh Castle)ç
Luxury: The Witchery by the Castle—an actual Gothic castle-like hotel.
📍 5. The Best “Real” Wand Shop (Not Ollivanders)
🔎 Where: James Smith & SonsUmbrellas, London
🎥 Filming Connection: Not an official location, butits Victorian storefront looks just like Ollivanders.
This 120-year-old shop has rows of wooden drawers and old-school craftsmanship — very similar to the wand shop in Diagon Alley
🚇Howto get there:Holborn Station (Central & Piccadilly Line).
📍 6. Potion-Making in a Real-Life Wizard Bar
🔎 Where: The Alchemist(Manchester & London)
🎥 Filming Connection: No direct link, but the cocktailschange colors, smoke, and bubble like real potions!
Order The Colour-Changing One—it looks like Felix Felicis or Polyjuice Potion. You even pour them into a cauldron!
🚇Nearest station:Liverpool Street (London) or Deansgate (Manchester)
🏨Whereto stay:The Midland Hotel, Manchester—it has aSlytherin-likevibe
📍 7. A Real Hogwarts: Where You Can Fly a Broomstick
🔎Where: Alnwick Castle,Northumberland
🎥 Filming Connection: Harry Potter and thePhilosopher’s Stone (Flying Lessons Scene).
This is where Madam Hooch’s flying lesson scene was filmed. You can take an actual broomstick flying lesson here!
🚉 How to get there: Take atrain from London King’s Cross to Alnmouth, then a short bus ride
🏨 Where to stay: The Cookie Jar, Alnwick—a cozyboutique hotel near the castle.
🔒 Bonus: The Best Harry Potter-Themed Escape Room
If you wantto test your wizarding skills and feel like a true Hogwartsstudent, these escape rooms will transport you straight intothe magical world.
🏰1. Department of Mysteries – London📍 Location: Clapham, London
⚡ Why it’s magical:
Inspired by the Ministry of Magic’s Department of Mysteries.
Features real spell-casting puzzles and enchanted objects.
Highly immersive sets—you’ll feel like you’re inside a real wizarding world.
✨ FinalTips for a Magical Trip
🚇 Getting Around:
Oyster Card for unlimited travel in London
Scotrail for train journeys in Scotland.
💰 Best Time to Visit:
September – November: Fewer crowds & perfect autumn Hogwarts vibes.
Winter (December): Christmas at Hogwarts is a dream!
Obsessed with this Harry Potter? We’ve planned a full-on party too!
🎉 Show me the party!.png)