While Hogwarts may be off limits to us Muggles, there is little that is stopping you from dipping your toes in the world of magic and wizardry. It is a sad reality that Harry Potter’s world exists only on paper/screen, but thankfully, many places that we immersed ourselves in onscreen, do exist in real life. Here are a few that you can visit, and find yourself taken back to the world we all love

Alnwick Castle

Hop on your broomsticks and fly back to the time when Madame Hooch’s flying lesson became Potter’s first foray into the world of Quidditch. This castle's ground was the set for the first film's scene that saw Harry discover his innate talent, and was also the place where his and Malfoy's intense snitch-chase scene was shot.

King's Cross Station

While we wouldn’t advise running through the wall between platform 9 and 10, the real scene was shot at  the arched wall between platform 4 and 5. But you can always head to the platform 9, 10 and 11’s entrance and find yourself a small memoir of the impact of the series: a trolley disappearing into the wall of Platform 9¾. 

Bodleian Library, Divinity School

In the first movie, the Divinity School was used as Hogwarts' infirmary, and was featured again in film four, Goblet of Fire, when Professor McGonagall teaches the boys how to prep for Yule Ball (especially Ron, much to the amusement of his brothers and friends).

Christ Church College

The set for many of the Sorcerer’s Stone scenes, especially The Great Hall, which was replicated in the film studios to create the grand Hogwarts Hall. Its 16th century staircase was the place for Harry Potter and Draco Malfoy’s famous first interaction, as well as the first years’ meeting with Professor McGonagall. 

Gloucester Cathedral

Gloucester Cathedral’s cloisters and high ceilings, with its Gothic architecture featured in many Harry Potter films, especially the hallway that led to the Gryffindor Common Room.

Leadenhall Market

Find Leaky Cauldron and Diagon Alley intriguing? Visit London’s Leadenhall Market, which was used as Diagon Alley in Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, soon after Harry finds out he is a wizard, and is also the site for many intriguing plot buildups as the series progresses. 

The Warner Bros. Studio Tour

Anyone on a Harry Potter pilgrimage can not afford to ignore these studios, which are Mecca to us Potterheads. Used in the filming of all the Harry Potter films, the studios house many of the props and elements used in the production. 

Freshwater West Beach in Pembrokeshire

It is hard to think of Harry Potter without Dobby, his trusted ally and elf. Dobby dies in the first part of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, and is shown being buried outside the Shell Cottage. The scene was shot at Freshwater West Beach in Pembrokeshire in Wales.