Harry Potter Filming Locations by Boat

As one of the most quintessentially British movie franchises of all time, it’s no surprise that the filming locations of Harry Potter feature a number of breathtaking historical and geographical landmarks.  

If you’re looking to explore the magical world of Harry Potter, what better way to soak up the sights than by canal boat? A more unusual way to travel – that’s even suitable for muggles!

In this guide, we’ll explore some of the filming locations you can visit by canal boat.

Harry Potter Locations in London

If you have more time to explore London, you’ll find it’s also home to the Leaky Cauldron and Diagon Alley at Borough Market. You can also apparate to Shaftesbury Avenue, just like Harry, Ron and Hermione in the Deathly Hallows. However, if you’re looking for locations a bit closer to where you’re moored, you’re spoiled for choice.  

Platform 9 ¾

We couldn’t start a guide to Harry Potter filming locations without Platform 9 ¾. Just off Regent’s Canal is King’s Cross Station where you can check out where the golden trio catch the train to Hogwarts and spot the trolley in the wall between platforms 9 and 10. All year-round fans can also visit the Harry Potter Shop, which looks just like Olivanders Wand Shop. 

Every year, fans can participate in Back to Hogwarts Day on the 1^st September when the train to Hogsmeade is announced and the Hogwarts Express departs at 11am followed by a rendition of Hedwig’s Theme.  

London Zoo

Another location from Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone, London Zoo is where we first hear Harry speaking in Parseltongue. In the movie, London Zoo is where Dudley has an unfortunate incident with a Burmese Python on his Birthday. In reality, the enclosure is home to a Black Mamba.  

12 Grimmauld Place

Ancestral home of the Black family and sanctuary to the Order of the Pheonix, 12 Grimmauld Place – real address 23-29 Claremont Square, is just a stone's throw away from Regent’s Canal.

Limehouse and Return from Aldermaston Wharf

Enjoy 10 nights cruising the River Thames, Grand Union and Regent’s Canal starting at Aldermaston Wharf, Limehouse and back again. This gives you plenty of time to explore London’s Harry Potter Locations as well as the picturesque towns of Henley and Marlow.

Harry Potter Locations in Oxford

Oxford is the ideal location for fans of the first Harry Potter film, as Oxford University served as inspiration for Hogwarts and is also featured as a filming location.

Bodleian Library’s Divinity School

The Bodleian Library served as a number of different locations in Hogwarts, noticeably the Divinity School which acted as the hospital wing in the Harry Potter films. The Divinity School was built between 1427 and 1483 and is the oldest building still in use at Oxford University. Tickets to tour the Divinity School are just £2.50 per person and is open seven days a week.

Duke Humfrey’s Library

Duke Humfrey’s Library, part of the Bodleian Old Library served as… you guessed it! The Hogwarts Library. The Duke Humfrey Library is one of three historic reading rooms in the Bodleian Library. The Bodleian Library is one of the oldest libraries in Europe, with work beginning on the oldest part of the Library in 1320.  

Oxford and Return from Gayton Marina

Explore the magic of historical Oxford with this 10–11-night cruise between Oxford and Gayton Marina. You’ll also have the opportunity to soak up some of the gorgeous British Countryside.

Getting here from overseas

If you’re starting your adventure from overseas, simply check out our guides on how to get here from the US and from Australia.

Ready to embark on your next adventure on the waterways? Explore our routes today! Or contact our team for more information.