Last Updated 01/08/2021
Are you a Potter head? You’ve read the books and watched the movies a million times, but you want more. I don’t blame you, I’d swap muggle life for the magical world of Hogwarts any day, so would my Harry Potter-crazy child. But what can we do to get ourselves further inside the incredible world created by JK Rowling? There are a few places around the globe where we can all get more Harry Potter experiences, hop on your broomstick and let’s go have some fun! There is no “Harry Potter World” as such, but England and the USA have Harry Potter attractions and theme parks to explore.
The Best Harry Potter Attractions Worldwide
The Harry Potter Warner Brothers Studio Tour
Location: Watford, near London, UK.
This is “Harry Potter World” in England. Although the whole country is dotted with filming locations and places of interest to Harry Potter fans, this is the big Harry Potter attraction in the UK. It’s not really a theme park, more a collection of sets, props and items from the Harry Potter movies.
Please check and double-check all the information we give you locally as times, places, dates, and services do, as we found, change often. Restrictions and closures may apply. Our site is free for you to use but running costs are high and lockdowns have removed our income. You can keep our site alive by donating here
Do you want to walk down Diagon Alley, climb aboard the Night Bus and take a lesson in wand technique? Then you need to visit Warner Bros Studios for the Harry Potter Experience. We’ve been, it was off-the-scale-fabulous and is something that will stay with the kids and I, always. The link will take you to our post, we have loads of great photos.
You can get to the studios in your own vehicle or hop on a bus tour from central London.
Universal Studios Orlando
Location: Orlando, Florida
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studios Orlando is now at two distinct sites. Universal’s Islands of Adventure has Hogsmeade and Hogwart’s Castle, while Universal Studios Florida hosts Diagon Alley. You can now catch the Hogwart’s Express to transport you between the two theme parks in true wizard style. To visit both attractions on the same day you need a park to Park ticket or an annual pass.
You can investigate Universal studios tickets for the whole family here.
Universal Studios Japan
Location: Near Osaka, Japan
The Hogsmeade experience can be found in Japan too, ride The Hyppogriff, visit Hogart’s Caste and dine at the Three Broomsticks Tavern.
Harry Potter Movie Locations Bus Tour
Location: Central London, pick up Temple Tube Station.
The boys and I have taken this tour and it was great, loaded with trivia and behind-the-scenes information about the movies and the city we love. You can find our post about this comfortable and informative bus tour here.
Harry Potter Walking Tour
Location: Central London
There are plenty of options for visiting locations from the movies on foot. This website gives you dates, times and routes.
Harry Potter Themed Hotel Rooms
Location: Victoria, Central London.
The Georgian House Hotel has recently opened its Wizarding Chambers, themed Harry Potter rooms from which to take a day tour to Warner Bros studios. What could be more magical? You can check rates and book the Georgian House Hotel here.
Photo credit, with thanks Georgian House Hotel, see link above. Georgian House Hotel is not part of the official Warner Bros tour.
Hogwarts Express
Location: Scotland
Glenfinnan viaduct is where you’ll find the stunning scenery young wizards enjoy from the Hogwarts Express. It’s even possible to take a steam train ride over the viaduct on the famous Jacobite. Glencoe also gives you a good vantage point for Potteresque scenery.
Photo Credit, Andrew and Amy of Our Big Fat Travel Adventure who rode the Hogwarts Express and share their experience on their blog.
Platform 9 3/4
Location: Kings Cross Station, Central London
This is the only place in the world where you can buy official 9 3/4 branded merchandise and have your photo taken running through the station wall to catch your Hogwarts-bound train. It’s totally free to visit and take your own photo, or you can buy a professionally taken image for under $20. You can find out more by clicking through to our post Platform 9 3/4 Fun or Tourist Trap.
Harry Potter : The Exhibition
Location: Somewhere in the world.
This touring exhibition is doing the rounds of the globe. At the time of writing it’s in Germany, for more information check the exhibition website.
