Harry Potter Spots in York ⚡🧙

With its rich history and enchanting atmosphere, York serves as a perfect destination for Harry Potter fans seeking magical experiences. This ancient city, known for its medieval streets and historic landmarks, offers a unique blend of real-world charm and wizarding wonder. From exploring locations that inspired J.K. Rowling's iconic series to engaging in themed tours and activities, York is brimming with opportunities to immerse yourself in the magical world of Harry Potter. With this pocket-friendly guide, you can explore the city at your own pace and visit all of the magical Harry Potter locations in York ✨🔮

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The Shambles (aka the real-life Diagon Alley)

@themorbidtourist

The Shambles in York, with its narrow, medieval streets and overhanging timber-framed buildings, is often said to resemble Diagon Alley - so much so that it's believed to be the real-life inspiration for it! While not an official filming location, its enchanting atmosphere and historical charm make it a popular destination for Potter enthusiasts. Here you’ll find Harry Potter-themed shops, potion-making establishments, and The York Ghost Merchants nestled between food and gift shops 👻

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Brew Magical Potions at The Potions Cauldron

@themorbidtourist

Grab a Spellbound Butterscotch Beer from this TikTok famous Harry Potter-themed shop in the Shambles. Much like the York Ghost Merchants, giving yourself over to the magical atmosphere of the shop is key here ✨ You can also book a magical cauldron experience. An adult's experience costs £24.99 and lasts 50 minutes and includes a welcome tipple and two magical potion cocktails. 📌 Top tip: buy a Butterbeer and enjoy it whilst waiting in line to buy your ghost from the York Ghost Merchants.

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The Hole In Wand Crazy Golf

@themorbidtourist

Harry Potter fans will love this magical-themed crazy golf. Every player receives a free magic potion upon completing the nine-hole course too! 🔮 📌 Top tip: it's definitely worth upgrading to a premium ticket as for just £2 extra you get a magical phial of poison (alcohol) to mix into your potion 🍸

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The Shop That Must Not Be Named

@themorbidtourist

Whether you're seeking a new wand or replacing your house scarf (mine's Gryffindor, in case you're wondering!) for autumn, shop all your Harry Potter supplies - and other curious novelties - here.

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The Enchantment Chamber

@themorbidtourist

The wizarding world-themed apartment can be found in the heart of York - making it the perfect home base for exploring. The studio apartment sleeps two (it's also great for a couple's weekend away in York!), with stunning HP-themed decor, such as an unconventional four-poster bed and a realistic open fire 😍 ✏️ Good to know: there's no parking here, but The Shambles Q Park is just a short two minute walk away.

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❌ Do (or don't!) miss: York Railway Station

Many people claim that a bridge in York Railway Station was used in a very, very brief scene in Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone. Having compared the scene in question to both Kings Cross (where the rest of the shots from that particular scene were filmed) and York Railway Station, I have to say: I'm not convinced.

You can also see a great comparison on the link below 👇🏻

York Station VS. Kings Cross

yorkmix.com

Wizard Walk of York

@themorbidtourist

York has a plethora of walking tours - but this one is perfect for Potterheads! The tour takes you around all the magical spots in York, including many of York's higgledy-piggledy snickleways and alleys! It doesn’t include any Harry Potter filming locations (as there is only really technically one in the city. ✏️ Good to know: this tour is specifically aimed at families with children, but adults are more than welcome to book on - with or without kids!

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Find the Platform 9 3/4 Sign

@themorbidtourist

At the National Railway Museum, you'll find a tiny photo op hidden at the back of the North Shed: a train sign for Platform 9 ¾! It's worth seeking out however - the National Railway Museum is fascinating to visit - and entirely free! The Hogwarts Express was once on display here too - here's hoping it returns one day 🤞🏻

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101 House At The End

@themorbidtourist

101 House At The End is another mystical place to rest your head after a day of adventures. Offering whimsical décor mixed with a plush and dark academia aesthetic, this unique house of witchcraft and wizardry feels like you're stepping right into a real magical home from the world of Harry Potter.

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Bonus Spot: Hogsmeade Station 🚂

This pretty filming location is an hour's drive outside of York, but is well worth making the journey for, especially if you want to visit Whitby too!

Whitby is an amazing seaside town filled with history and spooky things to do. Keep your eyes peeled for my spooky guide to Whitby coming soon 👀

Goathland Station

@themorbidtourist

Goathland Station featured as Hogsmeade train station in Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone - but as a working train station for the North Yorkshire Moors Railway, you can even take a ride on a traditional steam train that looks just like the Hogwarts Express! 🚂 Whether you're a fan of Harry Potter or not, Goathland Station is still a very beautiful spot to visit.

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Bonus Spot: Hagrid's Hut 📚

This next spot is also around an hour outside of York - and close to Goathland Station!

Ground Keepers Cottage

@themorbidtourist

There are two Harry Potter/magical-themed cottages to stay in at this lovely family farm in the North York Moors! Choose from: 🏰 A medieval-meets-gothic cottage that could easily pass for Hagrid's charming hut Or 🦁 A Howgwards-inspired cottage that recreates the Gryffindor dorm room with stained glass windows and a crackling fireplace Which would you choose?

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📌Further Tips, Tricks & Info 👇

🥾 All of the spots within York can easily be visited in one day and are all within walking distance from another. Apart from...

🏠 101 House At The End, which is the perfect spot if you don't want to be right in the hustle bustle of the city. Luckily, this property does have parking and is just a ten minute walk into central York,

🅿️ Parking can be limited (and expensive!) in York. Because a car isn't necessary to get around, try using one of the city's Park & Ride services or travelling by train to York.

This map was last updated in July 2024.

💾 Save this list for future updates

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

The Morbid Tourist

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Hey 👋 My name is Louise and The Morbid Tourist is your ultimate guide to weird and wonderful places around the UK and beyond 🖤 Here you'll find guides and itineraries for dark tourism and spooky travel, including haunted places, historic buildings, spooky graveyards, folklore spots and more. If you're looking for a spooky adventure - I'm your gal. Here's why 👇 🌍 I've lived in the UK my entire life - I know not only the best places to visit, but the darker, alternative and less-touristy places too 🪦I'd rather visit a hauntingly beautiful graveyard away from the crowds than popular tourist attractions (although they can be fun too sometimes!) ✏️ I do my research. I once spent an entire afternoon traipsing through a muddy farm to find a (tiny) historic carving in a brick wall. The spot signified where a butcher was hung for his grisly crimes - and was well worth the find 🗺️ Planning is my jam. From Google Spreadsheets overflowing with checklists of must-visit places to in-depth Notion templates about different locations - you can bet I've thought about every last detail of a trip 👻 I'm also honest. That pub claiming to be the most haunted in the UK (like every other pub)? It might not be the most haunted but it sure is fun to visit anyway 🖤 I'm passionate about morbid and spooky travel. The kind of travel that combines mystery, history, folklore and so much more. Whether you're a believer in the paranormal or not, the experience of visiting somewhere spooky is unlike no other Whatever you want to call it: dark tourism, legend tripping or just spooky travel, you can find everything you need know here. Plan a spooky adventure with me today ☠️

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