If you are a Harry Potter fan, than you are magically drawn to York and North Yorkshire.
With all the rich history in York’s cobbled streets, it certainly does feel like a city rife with sorcery.
So it’s not a surprise that the popular book and film franchise Harry Potter has inspired many wizard enterprises.
In contrary to popular belief, the author confirmed that the Shambles is not the inspiration for Diagon Alley. However the filmmakers at Warner Bros. may have used the street as inspiration for Diagon Alley in the films.
But that hasn’t stopped the city taking the magic theme and running with it.
So we’ve put together a guide of places to visit if you’re a Harry Potter super fan, or if you simply like a little bit of magic in your life.
From shops, attractions, filming locations and staycations to enjoy, there’s wizardry right on our doorstep.
Are we missing your favourite? Let us know by dropping us a line at [email protected].
York
The Shop That Must Not Be Named
Two magical shops on Shambles will make you feel like you’ve been whisked away to Hogwarts! Selling officially licensed Harry Potter merchandise from clothing, to replica wands, to sweet treats and more – this has everything for the Harry Potter super fan.
- 30 Shambles, York YO1 7LX
- 01904 801562
- Website
The Potion’s Cauldron
Also on the Shambles is a magical drinks emporium for wizards and non-magical folk alike. Styled like an ancient apothecary, this is not your average gift shop but an experience. Have a go at creating your own potions, or browse the selection of magical drinks, snacks and gifts.
- 9¾ Shambles, York YO1 7LZ
- 01904 692192
- Website
The Hole in the Wand
From the minds behind The Potion’s Cauldron is a magical mini-golf course. Perfect for a family day out, this spellbinding attraction is sure to keep everyone entertained. There’s also magic-themed refreshments available – why not try a Wand Dog or Uni Pop-Corn? Potions of the alcoholic variety will also be available for the adults too…
- 14-16 Coppergate Walk, York YO1 9NT
- 01904 890135
- Website
The Enchantment Chamber
On Navigation Road is a staycation with a charming twist…Book a night at The Enchantment Chamber and step straight into a bedchamber of the wizarding world – complete with all the modern luxuries. Relax into the unique four-poster bed in front of a realistic open fire and enjoy your magical experience.
- 44 Cocoa Suites, Navigation Rd, York YO1 9AE
- Website
Hocus Pocus
Described as a ‘tiny hotel’, Hocus Pocus has five spellbindingly spectacular rooms to choose from, including one designed like a sleeper railway carriage and one inspired by old chemist and alchemist shops. They have very Potteresque names including the Principium Magicae and the Sorceryum. This unique accommodation will whisk you away to a different world.
- 2 Patrick Pool YO1 8BB York
- Website
101 House At The End
This unique house of witchcraft and wizardry is a great place for a spellbinding staycation. Relax in the emerald bedchamber or curl up on the sofa in the Victorian reading room, and there are so many magical details to discover.
- 101 Sutherland St, York YO23 1HG
- Website
The Wizard Walk of York
Join The Wizard of York for spellbinding magic, comedy and five-star family fun on the most magical ticket in town. No spooky ghosts, no scary stories…this tour focuses on FUN over frights. Ideal for fans of all things magical, but no previous knowledge of the wizarding world required. Created for children but suitable all ages.
- Meet at St Crux, bottom of The Shambles, York YO1 8BL
- Website
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Yorkshire
Malham Cove
Does this look familiar? You may recognise this limestone pavement from the film Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part One, in a scene where Harry and Hermione set up camp on the rock. The film also features views across Malhamdale. Malham Cove is open all year so why not follow in their footsteps? (Though I wouldn’t suggest camping…)
- Malham, Skipton BD23 4DJ
- Website
North York Moors Railway
Perhaps the closest you’ll get to riding the real Hogwarts Express! This beautiful heritage steam train is the perfect way to experience the stunning Yorkshire countryside. The train runs from Pickering to Whitby, and one of the stops is Goathland Station – which you might recognise as Hogsmeade Station from the film Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone!
- Pickering Station, 12 Park St, Pickering YO18 7AJ
- Website
The Dorm Room and The Ground Keeper’s Cottage
After a day on the North York Moors why not stay at one of these cosy cottages? For a magical-themed stay choose between The Dorm Room – inspired by the Gryffindor common room – or The Ground Keeper’s Cottage – inspired by Hagrid’s hut. Fun to share with friends or family, transport yourself to Hogwarts for the night.
- North York Moors National Park
- Website
Goathland Station
A must visit for any Harry Potter super fan – Goathland Station was used for Hogsmeade Station in the first Harry Potter film. You will also see the North York Moors Railway travel through this station, with the steam train looking almost like the Hogwarts Express itself.
- Cow Wath Bank, Goathland, Whitby YO22 5NF
- Website
And a bonus…
The Witheycombe
OK, this one’s a bit tenuous, but…
The Witheycombe is a boat which now forms part of the City Cruises York fleet. However she originally sailed along the Thames in London and can be seen briefly outside the Houses of Parliament in a scene early on in Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone! And she used to be red – just like Gryffindor’s signature colour.
And the one to avoid!
York Station
According to many fansites, a scene Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone was filmed using the footbridge at York Station as a stunt-double for King’s Cross.
But our photos of the bridge, below, categorically scotch that rumour. It looks like this scene was shot 200 miles away at King’s Cross in that there London.
