15 "Harry Potter" Destinations You Can Visit in Real Life

One of the most recognizable spots on the Harry Potter books, Kings Cross Station has fully embraced its literary significance, even adding a Platform 9 3/4 sign and a trolley half-pushed through the wall; it's the perfect photo-op for Potter-loving muggles. Want to go all out on your shoot? There is a souvenir shop right near the trolley that sells all sorts of Harry Potter paraphernalia from scarves and T-shirts to plush Hedwigs and time turner necklaces.

The Harry Potter theme parks boast their own ride on the Hogwarts Express, but for a more authentic experience, hop aboard the Jacobite steam train in Scotland. Not only did West Coast Railways provide the locomotive for the Harry Potter movies, but Warner Brothers also used its route along the picturesque Glenfinnan Viaduct for filming.

In Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, Harry accompanies Dumbledore to an unnamed cave by the sea, which they think holds one of Voldemort's horcruxes. In the film version, Ireland's Cliffs of Moher illustrate the oceanside cavern.

Several different bodies of water stand in for the Black Lake surrounding Hogwarts, but one of the most prominent is Loch Shiel in Scotland. Take a cruise along the water to recreate Durmstrang's arrival to the Triwizard Tournament in Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, just don't anger the merfolk in the depths below.

Oxford University makes several appearances in the Harry Potter movies (and on this list); one of the most recognizable shooting locations is their Divinity School and its large windows and fan-vaulting, which starred as the Hogwarts infirmary in several films.

After Harry, the Weasleys, the Diggorys, and Hermione grab hold of the Portkey, which will take them to the Quidditch World Cup, they land on a cliff right near the stadium grounds. Want to see the chalk rock face in the real world? Head to Seven Sisters Country Park in Seaford, just a two-hour train ride from London.

Sure, kids in the U.S. are planning their own Quidditch tournaments across the country, but if you want an authentic broomstick experience, head to Alnwick Castle. Located in the heart of Northumberland, the fortress grounds served as Mrs. Hooch's flying classroom. It's also where Ron and Harry crashed the flying Ford Anglia in the second film.

On your visit, be sure to explore the castle's art collection and exhibit of World War I memorabilia. And if you're traveling with non-Potter fans, take note: The castle has also appeared in Downton Abbey, Doctor Who, Robinhood Prince of Thieves, and Elizabeth.

One of the most recognizable rooms in Hogwarts is the Great Hall, and fans of the series can see it for themselves at Christ Church College in Oxford (when the space isn't occupied with students, of course). The stairway to the Great Hall is also featured in several of the films.

After finishing the final book in the Harry Potter series, J.K. Rowling signed the bust in room 552 at the Balmoral Hotel in Edinburgh. Book the room to see her penmanship up close, or head to The Elephant House cafe to imitate her writing routine. The small gourmet coffee shop is where J.K. Rowling did many of her early drafts, and with views of Edinburgh castle and surrounding forrest, it's not hard to see how the location might have influenced the story.

If you're traveling through London, the Millennium Bridge is a must-see. Not only is it the site of a vicious Death Eater attack in the sixth film, but it's also one of the most direct ways to travel between popular tourist attractions like St. Paul's Cathedral and the Tate Modern.

When Hermione apparates the trio away from danger at the beginning of the first Deathly Hallows film, they land in Piccadilly Circus (and almost get run over by a bus). After you get your fill of the advertisement-covered buildings, stop by nearby Fortnum & Mason for their legendary afternoon tea or pop into Waterstones book store to find your next favorite literary series.

During the Triwizard Tournament, Harry battles a Hungarian Horntail in front of a waterfall. See the real thing (sans dragon) at Steall Falls in Glen Nevis. The scenic landscape also serves as the backdrop for Quidditch matches throughout the series.

No Harry Potter pilgrimage worth its weight in galleons would be complete without a trip to London's Warner Brothers Studio. Tickets cost 35 British pounds and give guests access to props, costumes, and sets including Diagon Alley, the Gryffindor common room, and Dumbledore's office. Visitors will also learn about the special effects that helped the filmmakers recreate iconic scenes in the Chamber of Secrets, the Weasley kitchen, and the Hogwarts Great Hall. Speaking of the Great Hall, for a truly magical experience, snag a seat for the Studio's Christmas dinner complete with dinner, dancing, and the requisite spell lesson.

If you want to plan a Harry Potter-themed vacation but can't quite swing a ticket to Europe, consider making your way to one of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter parks. Now open in both Orlando and L.A., these amusement parks recreate J.K. Rowling's texts with great attention to detail. Pick out a wand at Ollivanders, peer into a Pensieve in Dumbledore's office, and out-fly a fire-breathing dragon. Then make your way to Hogsmeade for an ice-cold butterbeer.