Calling all witches, wizards, and muggles! If you’ve ever dreamed of stepping into the magical world of Harry Potter, this epic road trip across England will transport you straight into the films. From Hogwarts cloisters to Diagon Alley-inspired streets, prepare for a journey filled with enchantment, stunning landscapes, and plenty of photo-worthy moments.

The Basics for Your Harry Potter Road Trip

Duration: 14 days, 13 nights (can be shortened to 12 days).
Total Travel Time: Approx. 21 hours and 29 minutes.
Total Mileage: 1,069 miles.
Total Filming Locations: 11.
Estimated Entrance Fees: £154.95 (parking fees additional).
Transportation: A car is essential for most locations, so rent an automatic if you’re unfamiliar with UK roads and roundabouts.

Pro Tip: Push through jet lag on your arrival day! Stay hydrated, avoid alcohol on the flight, and try to sync with local time as quickly as possible.

Day 1 – Arriving in London

Welcome to England’s magical capital! After picking up your rental car, ease into your trip by exploring London’s outskirts. Get a feel for the city, enjoy some local cuisine, and rest up for the adventure ahead.

Day 2 – Harry Potter Highlights in London
Begin your journey at King’s Cross Station to visit Platform 9¾, complete with a photo op at the luggage trolley disappearing into the wall.
Other must-see locations.

Leadenhall Market (Leaky Cauldron entrance).
Borough Market (Diagon Alley inspiration).
Millennium Bridge (destroyed by Death Eaters in Half-Blood Prince).
Westminster Underground Station (Order of the Phoenix filming spot).
Tip: A Harry Potter walking tour is a fantastic way to cover multiple locations in one day.

Day 3 – Lacock Village and Abbey
Travel: London to Lacock (~2 hours).
Highlights:
The village of Lacock, used as Budleigh Babberton (Half-Blood Prince) and home to Harry’s parents’ house.
Lacock Abbey, with its cloisters featured as Hogwarts hallways, the Mirror of Erised room, and Snape’s classroom in the first two films.
Time Needed: 4 hours (including lunch and photos).
From Lacock, drive to Oxford (~1 hour, 13 minutes).

Day 4 – Magical Oxford
Highlights:
Christ Church: Inspiration for the Great Hall and the grand staircase leading to it.
New College: Home to Malfoy’s ferret moment in Goblet of Fire.
Bodleian Library: Features the Hogwarts library and infirmary (Goblet of Fire).
Tip: End your day at Turf Tavern, a local pub where the cast and crew often hung out during filming.

Day 5 – Gloucester Cathedral
Travel: Oxford to Gloucester (~1 hour, 10 minutes).
Highlights:
Gloucester Cathedral cloisters, where many Hogwarts hallway scenes were filmed.
Iconic moments: The troll scare, Percy leading the Gryffindors, and Moaning Myrtle flooding the bathroom (Chamber of Secrets).
Time Needed: 2–3 hours.
From Gloucester, drive to York (~3 hours, 5 minutes).

Day 6 – Explore York
York serves as your base for the next six nights. Key locations include:

York Train Station: Featured as King’s Cross bridge in Sorcerer’s Stone.
The Shambles: A medieval street said to inspire Diagon Alley, filled with Harry Potter-themed shops and cafés.

Day 7 – Malham Cove
Travel: York to Malham (~1 hour, 28 minutes).
Highlights:
The dramatic limestone pavement, where Harry and Hermione camp in Deathly Hallows: Part 1.
A scenic one-mile walk from the village of Malham to the cove.

Days 8–9 – Alnwick Castle and Durham Cathedral
Travel: York to Alnwick (~2 hours).
Alnwick Castle: Hogwarts exterior shots in the first two films and the iconic broomstick flying lessons.
Durham Cathedral (~1 hour): Used for classroom and corridor scenes in the first two films.
Tip: Spend the night in Durham to break up the journey.

Day 10 – Goathland Station
Travel: Durham to Goathland (~1 hour, 45 minutes).
Highlight: Goathland Station, better known as Hogsmeade Station in the films.

Day 11 – North Yorkshire Moors Railway
Travel: Goathland to Pickering (~30 minutes).
Highlight: Take a steam train ride through the countryside, mirroring the Hogwarts Express journey.

Day 12 – Rest Day in York
Take a break to recharge and explore York further. Enjoy the Harry Potter shops, or simply relax with a butterbeer-inspired drink.

Day 13 – London Revisited
Drive back to London (~4 hours) for a final day of magic. Revisit any missed locations or enjoy a leisurely day exploring.

Day 14 – Departure
Bid farewell to the Wizarding World as you return your rental car and head to the airport.

Additional Tips
Stay Flexible: Traffic, weather, or last-minute changes may affect your plans—leave room for spontaneity.
Snacks and Water: Keep a stash of snacks for long drives and hikes.
Pre-Book Tickets: Popular spots like Christ Church and Lacock Abbey sell out quickly.
Photography Gear: Don’t forget extra batteries and memory cards!
Wizard Attire: Bring a scarf, wand, or robe for themed photos.

This road trip is the ultimate pilgrimage for Harry Potter fans. Whether you’re wandering Hogwarts’ cloisters or sipping potions at The Shambles, you’ll be immersed in the magic of J.K. Rowling’s world. Let the journey begin!