Twenty-five years after the release of Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, J. K. Rowling’s magical universe continues to enchant children and adults alike. With the festive season approaching, five railway destinations across the UK are offering fans the chance to revisit some of the most memorable settings from the films.
Although Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry exists only in Rowling’s imagination, many of the filming locations are very real.
To celebrate the anniversary, Rail Europe has selected five such destinations that fans can independently discover by train, getting as close to the wizarding world as “Muggles” possibly can.
Travellers need not board the Hogwarts Express, portrayed in the films by the GWR 4900 Class No. 5972 Olson Hall steam locomotive, to follow in Harry’s footsteps.
A natural starting point is London’s King’s Cross Station, where Platform 9¾ has been recreated, complete with a luggage trolley seemingly disappearing into the wall. Fans can have their photo taken here before boarding real trains from nearby platforms, which head to Durham and Yorkshire, two of the chosen destinations.
The first stop is the Warner Bros. Studio Tour London in Hertfordshire, where the “Hogwarts in the Snow” exhibition runs from 14 November 2026 to 17 January 2027. Original film sets are adorned with festive decorations and snow-covered scenery.
Trains leave London Euston bound for Watford Junction, where a shuttle bus takes visitors to the studios. Entry must be booked separately.
The second attraction is the Glenfinnan Viaduct, a spectacular curved stone railway bridge. Fans will instantly recognise the bridge, as well as the naturally magical scenery of the Scottish Highlands with its distant mountains, from scenes in the Harry Potter films where Harry and his schoolmates travel to Hogwarts.
The viaduct can be accessed aboard regular ScotRail services between Fort William and Mallaig, as well as the seasonal Jacobite steam train.
Next is Oxford, England, just 45 minutes from London by train. With its narrow, cobbled streets and ancient colleges, it seems as though Oxford was made for the wizarding universe.
The Bodleian Library’s Divinity School doubled as the hospital wing at Hogwarts, while Duke Humfrey’s Library and the grand staircase at Christ Church provided the setting for other memorable scenes.
Beyond the filming locations, visitors can wander the historic streets, browse old bookshops and discover architectural treasures, stopping for tea or matcha along the way.
Durham is also on the list, with its magnificent Norman cathedral playing an important role in the films.
Many scenes from the first film were shot in its stone cloisters, including the scene in which Harry releases his owl, Hedwig. The cathedral’s Chapter House served as Professor McGonagall’s classroom.
Aside from the cathedral and library, visitors can explore the city’s medieval streets or enjoy a riverside stroll. Durham is around three hours from London by direct train.
Finally, Goathland station in North Yorkshire was used as the set for Hogsmeade station in the first film.
The old-fashioned platforms are part of the North Yorkshire Moors Railway, a heritage line that winds through vast moorland.
Visitors can access the area via Whitby or Grosmont, although reaching Goathland may require an additional connection. Heritage services operate seasonally, so it is essential to check timetables before travelling.
