Famous ‘Harry Potter’ Filming Location Set for Major Restoration

For Harry Potter fans, stepping into the magical world created by J.K. Rowling is a dream come true. From iconic film locations like Scotland’s Glenfinnan Viaduct to full-scale theme parks in Florida and Japan, the Harry Potter experience spans the globe. Here’s a look at some of the most popular destinations that bring this beloved wizarding world to life.

One of the most recognized landmarks is the Glenfinnan Viaduct in Scotland, where the Hogwarts Express famously chugs along the West Highland Line, carrying students to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. This real-life railway bridge became an instant icon after its appearance in multiple films, and today, fans can travel the same route aboard The Jacobite Steam Train. The scenic journey offers breath-taking views over Loch Shiel and the Jacobite Monument, with a stop at Glenfinnan station, where fans can visit the West Highland Railway Museum. However, now, a £3.4 million restoration project is underway to preserve the 123-year-old viaduct.

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Per Network Rail, a £3.4 million project is set to carry out repairs on the Glenfinnan viaduct. Part of Network Rail’s ongoing maintenance programme designed to help futureproof the viaduct against damage, work is expected to take just under 12 months to complete.

In an official statement, Laura Craig, scheme project manager at Network Rail, said, “The main works to the viaduct will be concrete repairs. We’ll also be doing some repairs to the pier that sits in the River Finnan. Years of planning have gone into this project. The work will not have a massive visual impact on the way the viaduct looks and that’s very deliberate, with it being grade A listed. We won’t be scaffolding the structure at all but in the coming weeks, you’ll start to see the rope access technicians on the viaduct as they begin work.”

Fortunately, there are plenty of other Harry Potter experiences available–wherever you find yourself in the world.

London, Warner Bros. Studio Tour London – The Making of Harry Potter provides fans an immersive experience in the magic of filmmaking. The tour features original sets, costumes, and props from the series, allowing fans to explore the Great Hall, Diagon Alley, and even walk through Platform 9 ¾. Special seasonal events add to the enchantment, with Halloween and Christmas bringing festive décor and interactive exhibits to life. The tour has grown into a must-see destination for Potterheads visiting the UK.

Across the Atlantic, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter theme parks at Universal Studios in Orlando and Hollywood bring the world of Hogwarts and Hogsmeade to the U.S. In Orlando’s Universal Islands of Adventure, fans can stroll down the cobblestone streets of Hogsmeade, shop for wands at Ollivanders, and board the Hogwarts Express between Hogsmeade and Diagon Alley. The parks offer thrilling rides like Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey and Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure, which combine state-of-the-art technology with elements from the stories.

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Japan also boasts its own Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studios Japan in Osaka. Similar to the U.S. parks, this immersive land features a re-creation of Hogsmeade, complete with the iconic Three Broomsticks Inn and Honeydukes candy shop. Japanese fans can experience the magic of Hogwarts Castle and take a ride on Flight of the Hippogriff, as well as try Japanese-exclusive treats like matcha-flavored Butterbeer.

Meanwhile, the Harry Potter universe is expanding yet again with the announcement of a new television reboot. Warner Bros. Discovery recently confirmed a seven-season series, set to begin filming in the UK in 2025, with an expected premiere in 2026. This series will reimagine the original books with a fresh cast, bringing a new generation of fans into the world of Hogwarts, Harry, Hermione, and Ron.

Whether riding the Hogwarts Express across the Glenfinnan Viaduct, exploring London’s studio sets, or visiting the Wizarding Worlds across the globe, Harry Potter fans have more magical experiences available than ever.

Have you visited any of these iconic destinations? Let us know in the comments!