Leeds & surrounding area
Durham catedral harry potter

STEP INTO HOGWARTS NEAR THE CITY OF LEEDS!

ALNWICK CASTLE (Northumberland): Exteriores de Hogwarts.

Do you want to learn how to fly a broomstick? We know the perfect place!

Alnwick Castle is a 900-year-old medieval fortress in excellent condition that lies north of Leeds. But maybe you’re more familiar with this magnificent castle due to a scene in Harry Potter where the first-year students try to fly a broomstick for the first time. Quite an endeavour… right Longbottom?

Do you think you’d be better at it? You can actually try to fly one at Alnwick Castle! There are daily broomstick training classes on its grounds as well as other Harry Potter related events!

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The original castle was built in the 11th century to protect the English border against Scotland. In fact, Alnwick is so close to Edinburgh (a two-hour drive) that you can easily visit this castle from this Scottish city. In this link you’ll find a Harry Potter guide to Edinburgh in case you want to extend your trip!

Alnwick castle has been inhabited for the last 700 years which has helped to preserve its historic structure to this day. This perfect condition has made it the perfect filming location for period dramas such as Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves or the 90’s film Elizabeth starring Cate Blanchett.

Click here and get transported to Hogwarts while visiting this impressive castle!

DURHAM CATHEDRAL (Durham): McGonagall's classroom and Hogwarts courtyard.

Durham Cathedral is located only an hour and a half north of Leeds. But maybe we should call it the place that housed Professor McGonagall’s Transfiguration classes.

Built in 1093, it’s one of the oldest cathedrals in the UK. And its historic and architectural value has led Durham Cathedral being declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.

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The scene when Harry releases his owl Hedwig in the snowy courtyard of Hogwarts in Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone was filmed in the cloisters of Durham Cathedral. The Chapter House witnessed some magic too when Professor McGonagall taught the young wizards and witches how to turn animals into water goblets in the second Harry Potter film. Try to avoid making enchantments and spells during your visit, we think it goes against the Cathedral’s norms. 

Did you know that Durham Cathedral also featured as a filming location in the superhero film Avengers: Endgame? Visit Durham with this tour! And discover all the magical stories and filming anecdotes of this city!