Inside the real life Hogwarts where Harry Potter fans can stay this summer – and it’s surprisingly cheap
HARRY Potter fans can live out their dreams by staying at a real-life filming location this summer.
Fans of the beloved boy wizard can book an overnight stay at Christ Church College in Oxford.
Christ Church was used as a filming location for the Harry Potter films, with its Tudor Dining Hall doubling up as the iconic Great Hall.
Other scenes from the movie were also filmed inside the university building, including a 16th century staircase where Harry and the other first-years were greeted by Professor McGonagall in Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone.
The hallways in Christ Church College were also used as a backdrop in the first Harry Potter films, including a scene where Hermione (played by Emma Watson) shows Harry (played by Daniel Radcliffe) the Quidditch trophy his father won.
Travel expert Lily Smith from the specialist accommodation finder UniversityRooms.com said: “Most Muggles don’t realise that many filming locations for Hogwarts are not just sets.
“Several Oxford University colleges have featured in the movies as the famous school of wizardry and witchcraft.”
Holidaymakers can book to stay overnight at Christ Church College during the Easter holidays in March and April.
The university accommodation can also be booked in July, August and September – when the students have headed home for their summer holidays.
Lily added: “For visitors who have booked accommodation at Christ Church, there’s even the opportunity to enjoy breakfast in The Great Hall, which was replicated to create the grand Hogwarts Hall.
“Christ Church bookings are filling rapidly for July and August, but there is still good availability in September.”
Sun Online Travel have found overnight stays at Christ Church College in September from £120 per person.
Holidaymakers can also book to stay in other Christ Church buildings, including its St Aldgate and Liddell buildings.
Despite not being in the main college building, visitors will still be able to book to eat breakfast in the Great Hall.
Overnight stays in the Liddell Building are cheaper too, with prices starting from just £30 per night.
Oxford is packed with Harry Potter filming locations, including its New College, which dates back to 1379.
New College was used as a filming location in Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire where Draco Malfoy is turned into a ferret by Mad-Eye Moody.
Over 18s can book to stay in either single and twin rooms – although there aren’t any lifts inside the college building.
Guests can either book on a B&B or self-catering rooms, with each of them having ensuite facilities.
Harry Potter fans can book a room via UniversityRooms.com.
Three Harry Potter filming locations to visit in the UK
Harry Potter fans are spoilt for choice in the UK, with plenty of different attractions to visit across the UK.
- Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows was filmed at Freshwater West Beach in Pembrokeshire in Wales. While the film sets were dismantled years ago, Dobby’s Grave can be found on a sand dune on the beach.
- Both Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone and Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets were Alnwick Castle. Set in Northumberland, entry tickets cost £20.50.
- Glenfinnan Viaduct is well-known for being part of the journey on the Hogwarts Express. While the magical train ride has been indefinitely paused over safety concerns, fans can still visit the famous viaduct.
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Here are the top 10 Harry Potter filming locations you can visit in the UK.