The Harry Potter Campervan Guide

 

If you’re among the countless individuals who have been captivated by the enchanting world of Harry Potter, with its heartwarming friendships, magical journeys, and unforgettable characters, then you undoubtedly appreciate the allure of the historic architecture and breathtaking landscapes featured in this Harry Potter Campervan Guide.

 

 

Now, picture this: What if you could immerse yourself in these incredible settings, not as a mere observer, but as an active participant? Imagine embarking on an extraordinary adventure in your very own campervan, where the open road becomes your magical pathway.

While it may not possess the instantaneous travel capabilities of Floo Powder or the ability to traverse through fireplaces, your campervan will provide all the comforts and conveniences you need for an unforgettable journey. No more dealing with platform nine and three-quarters or being subject to the whims of the muggle world—you’ll have the freedom to explore at your own pace.

Introducing the ultimate Harry Potter campervan guide, tailored specifically for the esteemed Dubbed Out VW Community! Within these pages, you’ll discover inspiration for a remarkable road trip, taking you through the most iconic film locations. We’ll also share some suggestions of motorhome campsites along your route.

So, my adventurous friends, allow the magic of Harry Potter to guide your wheels, and let the spirit of the Dubbed Out Festival Community be your trusted companion as we navigate through enchanting realms both on-screen and off. The open road awaits, ready to unveil its secrets and create memories that will last a lifetime.

 

**Day 1: Start in London**

 

London is home to several Harry Potter filming locations. Take a tour of the city to visit places like King’s Cross Station, where you can pose at Platform 9 ¾. Leadenhall Market, which was used as Diagon Alley. And Millennium Bridge, which was destroyed by Death Eaters in “Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince.”

Historically, King’s Cross Station is one of the busiest stations in the UK. It was opened in 1852 and has a blend of Victorian architecture with modern refurbishments. Leadenhall Market, with its ornate roof structures, cobbled floors and beautiful colours, is one of the oldest markets in London, dating back to the 14th century.

Suggested campsite: Crystal Palace Caravan Club Site, located in a great spot to explore the city.

**Day 2-3: Oxford**

 

Our next stop is Oxford. Visit the Bodleian Library, which was used as the Hogwarts library. The Divinity School, part of the Bodleian Library, served as the Hogwarts infirmary. Also, visit Christ Church, which inspired the Great Hall in Hogwarts.

Bodleian Library, one of the oldest libraries in Europe, has been in continuous use since 1602. Christ Church is a famed college that has produced 13 British prime ministers.

Suggested campsite: Oxford Camping and Caravanning Club Site.

 

 

**Day 4-5: Gloucester**

 

In Gloucester, you can visit the Gloucester Cathedral, which was used for Hogwarts’ corridors in the first two films. The cathedral, initially built in 678 and later rebuilt in the 11th century, is famous for its beautiful stained glass windows and fan-vaulted cloisters.

Suggested campsite: Briarfields Motel & Touring Camping Park.

 

**Day 6-7: Lacock**

 

Visit Lacock Abbey in the village of Lacock. The 13th-century abbey and its grounds were used for many scenes, including the classrooms of Professors Snape and Quirrell, and the Mirror of Erised scene.

This medieval village is owned almost entirely by the National Trust and has been untouched by modern alterations, making it a favorite for historical film and TV productions.

Suggested campsite: Plough Lane Caravan Site.

 

**Day 8-10: Alnwick**

 

Alnwick Castle in Northumberland served as the exterior of Hogwarts castle in the first two films. Here, Harry had his first broomstick flying lesson.

Alnwick Castle is the second largest inhabited castle in England, after Windsor Castle, and has been the home of the Duke of Northumberland’s family for over 700 years.

Suggested campsite: Highburn House Country Holiday Park.

 

 

 

**Day 11-14: Scottish Highlands**

 

The last leg of the trip takes you to the Scottish Highlands. Visit the Glenfinnan Viaduct, which the Hogwarts Express crosses. You can also visit Loch Etive, which was used for the backdrop when Harry, Hermione, and Ron escape in “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1.”

 

The Glenfinnan Viaduct

The Glenfinnan Viaduct is a railway viaduct on the West Highland Line in Glenfinnan, Inverness-shire, Scotland. Completed in 1898, it’s a historic and iconic structure in the scenic Highlands. Also, Glenfinnan is famous for the Jacobite Rising of 1745, which started at Glenfinnan when Bonnie Prince Charlie raised his standard on the shores of Loch Shiel.

Loch Etive is a 31-kilometer long sea loch in Argyll and Bute, Scotland, and is known for its stunning natural beauty.

Suggested campsite: Bunroy Park, a peaceful site set in 10 acres of beautiful parkland on the banks of the River Spean.

 

 

**Day 15-16: Edinburgh**

 

Finally, end your journey in the city of Edinburgh, where J.K. Rowling wrote several of the Harry Potter books. Visit The Elephant House, a coffee shop where she penned some of the novels. Also, make sure to walk through Greyfriars Kirkyard and spot the names on the gravestones that inspired characters in the series.

Edinburgh is the capital of Scotland and is rich in history, from its ancient castle to its well-preserved Georgian New Town. It’s also the world’s leading festival city, with international festivals throughout the year.

Suggested campsite: Mortonhall Caravan and Camping Park, a peaceful site located just four miles from the city centre.

 

 

This road trip will give you a comprehensive Harry Potter experience, taking you through key filming locations and historic sites that made the Harry Potter series so magical. Each location offers a unique look into the world of the series, as well as the rich history and culture of the UK.

Below we’ve added pretty much all the UK film locations which you may choose to add into your Harry Potter Campervan Guide.

 

 

FULL LIST OF FILM LOCATIONS

 

1. Alnwick Castle, Northumberland: Used as the exterior of Hogwarts Castle in the first two films.

2. Durham Cathedral, Durham: Served as Hogwarts’ corridors and classrooms.

3. Gloucester Cathedral, Gloucester: Filming location for several Hogwarts interiors, including the Great Hall and the corridors.

4. Christ Church College, Oxford: Provided the inspiration and basis for many of Hogwarts’ interiors, including the Great Hall and the staircase.

5. Lacock Abbey, Wiltshire: Featured as various parts of Hogwarts, including the classrooms and corridors.

6. King’s Cross Station, London: The exterior of the station was used for Platform 9¾, where students catch the Hogwarts Express.

7. Leadenhall Market, London: Used as the entrance to Diagon Alley in the first film, “Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone.”

8. Millennium Bridge, London: Destroyed by Death Eaters in the film “Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince.”

9. Glenfinnan Viaduct, Scotland: Seen in the films as the Hogwarts Express crosses the Scottish countryside.

10. Loch Shiel, Scotland: The lake seen in various aerial shots of Hogwarts.

11. Warner Bros. Studio Tour London – The Making of Harry Potter: The majority of the interior sets for Hogwarts were built and filmed here, including the Great Hall, Gryffindor Common Room, and Dumbledore’s Office.

12. London Zoo, London: The reptile house at London Zoo was used as the location for the scene where Harry speaks to a Burmese Python in “Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone.”

13. St. Pancras Renaissance Hotel, London: The exterior of this Victorian Gothic-style hotel was used as the backdrop for the entrance to the wizarding pub, The Leaky Cauldron.

14. Tower Bridge, London: Seen in the film “Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix” when the Order of the Phoenix flies on broomsticks over the River Thames.

15. Piccadilly Circus, London: Featured in “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1” when Hermione casts a memory charm on her parents.

16. Malham Cove, North Yorkshire: Used as the filming location for the exterior shots of Voldemort’s cave in “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1.”

17. Freshwater West, Pembrokeshire: This beach in Wales was used as the filming location for Dobby’s burial scene in “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1.”

18. Glen Coe, Scotland: The stunning Scottish landscape of Glen Coe was featured in various aerial shots and outdoor scenes throughout the Harry Potter film series.

19. Black Park, Buckinghamshire: Used for various outdoor scenes, including the Forbidden Forest and the campsite in “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1.”

20. Bovingdon Airfield, Hertfordshire: The airfield was transformed into the location for the Quidditch World Cup in “Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire.”