Pop Culture Abroad: Harry Potter

Harry Potter has captivated the hearts of millions of fans all around the world. If you are a Potterhead planning a trip to Europe, you might be interested in visiting some of the places that inspired this magical world or were featured in the Harry Potter movies. Let’s take a look at some of the top Harry Potter sights to visit in Europe.

1. King's Cross Station, London
   King's Cross Station in London is a significant landmark for Harry Potter fans. It is the station where the Hogwarts Express departs from Platform 9 3/4. You can visit the famous Platform 9 3/4, which is now a tourist attraction. You can even take a photo with a luggage trolley disappearing into the wall!

2. The Harry Potter Studio Tour, London
   If you want to experience the magic of Harry Potter up close, head to the Harry Potter Studio Tour in London. You can explore the sets, see the costumes and props, and learn about the making of the movies. Highlights include the Great Hall, Diagon Alley, and the Hogwarts Express.

3. Oxford, England
   Oxford is a city that inspired J.K. Rowling and many of the locations in Harry Potter are based on places in Oxford. You can visit Christ Church College, which served as the inspiration for Hogwarts' Great Hall. Other locations to visit include the Bodleian Library and the Divinity School.

4. Alnwick Castle, Northumberland, England
   Alnwick Castle was used as a filming location for Hogwarts in the first two Harry Potter movies. You can take a tour of the castle and see where Harry, Ron, and Hermione took their flying lessons.

5. Edinburgh, Scotland
   Edinburgh is the birthplace of Harry Potter, as J.K. Rowling wrote the first book in a cafe here. You can visit the Elephant House Cafe, which has become a pilgrimage site for Potterheads. Other places to visit in Edinburgh include Greyfriars Kirkyard, which inspired some of the character names, and Victoria Street, which is said to be the inspiration for Diagon Alley.

6. Lacock Abbey, Wiltshire, England
   Lacock Abbey was used as a filming location for Hogwarts in the first Harry Potter movie. You can take a tour of the abbey and see where some of the Hogwarts classrooms and corridors were filmed.

7. Glenfinnan Viaduct, Scotland
   The Glenfinnan Viaduct is a railway bridge in Scotland that was used in the Harry Potter movies as the route for the Hogwarts Express. You can take a train ride on the Jacobite Steam Train and see the viaduct from the train.

These are just a few of the top Harry Potter sights to visit in Europe. Whether you're a die-hard Potterhead or just a casual fan, visiting these places will give you a deeper appreciation for the world of Harry Potter. So, pack your bags, grab your wand, and get ready for a magical journey through Europe!