Bodleian Library and Christ Church College | Oxford, England

Bodleian Library and Christ Church College | Oxford, England

Shh! Hogwarts Library and Infirmary: Oxford University’s magnificent Bodleian Library, dating back to 1602, starred in three Harry Potter films. The medieval Duke Humfrey's Library, part of the hallowed institution, was used as the Hogwarts library, whilst the elaborately vaulted Divinity School next door became Hogwarts hospital. Students were admitted for all sorts of scrapes, from falling off broomsticks to touching a cursed opal necklace. At Christ Church College, a 10 minute walk away, you can see where we were first introduced to Hogwarts with Harry and the other first-year wizards ascending the 16th-century stone staircase to the Great Hall.

Alnwick Castle | Northumberland, England

Broomstick flying: Madame Hooch’s broomstick flying lesson, seen in the first film, takes place in the Outer Bailey of medieval Alnwick Castle. Have a go yourself – broomstick training is included in the entrance fee. You can also see wizardry magic shows or join a tour with a costumed guide regaling behind-the-scenes stories from when the Harry Potter crew were filming. If you’re a Downton Abbey fan too, check out the castle’s dedicated exhibition. It includes photography, costumes and props from the Christmas special filmed here in 2014.

Leadenhall Market | London, England

The Leaky Cauldron: Wizard pub, The Leaky Cauldron, was set in what is now an optometrist in Bull’s Head Passage, Leadenhall Market. Behind the store is where the glittering Diagon Alley shopping street was imagined, selling spell books and potions so enticing that Harry wished he had eight eyes to see. Whilst you probably won’t find any magic shops, the ornate Victorian marketplace is a splendid place to pick up some Harry Potter inspired British fashion. Bag yourself a classic wax Barbour jacket, as sported by Ron Weasley in Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone.