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Let’s go to Hogwarts…I mean, Durham Cathedral! Well, it really is the same thing. You see, the Durham Cathedral Harry Potter connection runs deep – all the way back to the first film in fact.
Back when only the coolest muggles knew about the wizarding world, Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone began filming all around the UK. That’s when one of England’s most majestic cathedrals became a stand in for Hogwarts school.
Durham Cathedral, A History
Channeling my inner Hermione Granger, I’ll start off with a little history of Durham Cathedral. Dating back to 1093, the cathedral is as historic as it is beautiful. The cathedral was built as a Benedictine monastery and remained so up until the 1500s when Henry VIII cast aside the Catholic church for the Church of England.
The cathedral also served as a prison during the English Civil War, holding Scottish POWs at the behest of Oliver Cromwell. Thankfully the fate of the cathedral started looking up shortly after that and to visit you’d never guess at the bloody history.
As far as the Church of England goes, Durham is home to one of the top ranking Bishops in the country. That makes this one of the most well known cathedrals in England – and it also just so happens to be one of the prettiest.
Durham Cathedral, Harry Potter & Hogwarts
If you thought that the UK filming location for Hogwarts was actually Alnwick Castle in Northumberland, you would be right. But so is Durham Cathedral.
Seeing the Harry Potter films you’ll know that Hogwarts itself is a huge castle spread over a large area. So just using one filming location might limit how they could portray it. Instead, different aspects of Hogwarts are created by using multiple filming locations. Alnwick Castle and Durham Cathedral being the main two.
While Alnwick Castle is used for the external castle appearance, as well as some of the broomstick flying lessons, Durham Cathedral is used primarily for some of the more close up shots of the covered walkways in the castle grounds.
The ornate Durham Cathedral cloisters provided the perfect backdrop for Hogwarts’ inner courtyard walkways. In the first couple of films you can see Harry and his friends walking between classes through the cathedral grounds.
Which other scenes were filmed at Durham Cathedral?
The Harry Potter Durham Cathedral connection is more than just a couple of external shots though. One of maybe the most disgusting scenes to grace the cathedral’s grounds was where Ron started throwing up slugs in Harry Potter & the Chamber of Secrets. This was filmed at Durham Cathedral with the cloisters behind.
And everyone’s favorite house elf, Dobby, was freed by Harry Potter in a replica set of the cloisters walkway. Which in my books still kind of makes it Durham Cathedral.
The snow-covered Durham Cathedral set was where Hedwig was taken by Harry Potter during his first year for a flight around the castle.
A second year Transfiguration class also took place at Durham Cathedral. Keep an eye out for furry water goblets! OK, I’m joking, but the classroom in that particular scene was the cathedral Chapter House. Note this room is not always open to the public.
What else can you see at Durham Cathedral?
The Harry Potter Durham Cathedral connection is obviously huge for fans of the books/movies, but that’s not the only reason to visit. This is one of the most beautiful cathedrals in the country and is worth a visit if you’re in northern England.
The chapels in the cathedral are plentiful, and all unique in their own way. They are all a work of art, although my top pick would be the Galilee Chapel which used to be the only place women could worship. Maybe that’s why it’s so pretty?!
Speaking of works of art – you’ll find a lot of paintings and statues all around the cathedral. But one of my favorite things to do in this cathedral is look at all the fabulous stained glass windows.
Each one is more spectacular than the last. One of the newest and most interesting windows is the Illumination Window. It was funded by the parents of a Durham University art student who passed away in 2012 suddenly.
Planning your trip to Durham Cathedral
Getting to Durham is an easy and short train ride from nearby big city, Newcastle-upon-Tyne. Less than 15 minutes away, or a 30-minute drive, you can connect to Newcastle from most major UK cities. There’s also an international airport there.
The city of Durham itself is quite small, and very walkable. Although there are some big hills and cobbled streets so watch your step. The cathedral, situated next to Durham Castle, is a 15-minute walk from the train station on the other side of the river.
Entry to Durham Cathedral is free, however donations are recommended and very much welcomed. The gates set up for the cathedral make it look like a ticket is required, but it isn’t. Still, with a place this beautiful, the upkeep is big. So if you enjoy your visit it’s good to throw a few coins in the donation collection.
As well as all the amazing sights around the cathedral, there’s a really nice cathedral cafe. It can be accessed without going through the whole cathedral too so is a great spot for a mid-morning coffee break, or a light lunch. The gift shop is also quite big and has a great book selection. Plus the odd Harry Potter inspired item (or five) too.
A great place for Harry Potter fans
Durham Cathedral is one of the most recognizable filming locations in the Harry Potter movies. So being able to walk the halls of Hogwarts, and place some of the most memorable scenes is the perfect activity for a Harry Potter fan.
Given the proximity to the alternative Hogwarts location, Alnwick Castle, the two can be done in a day if you’re really pressed for time. Just over an hour away by car, they’re both a top way to experience the magic of your favorite movies in real life.
Harry Potter fan or not, there’s no denying Durham Cathedral is a fabulous place. Full of history, great architecture and in the setting of a city oozing charm, you can easily spend an hour or two here. Just don’t forget your wand!
If you’ve enjoyed this post leave a comment or share using the social media buttons below. How much did you know about the Harry Potter Durham Cathedral connection? Would you like to visit Hogwarts in real life?
What a stunning piece of architecture!! And the tie to Harry Potter makes it so much more magical! Would love to visit someday. Thanks so much for sharing!
I remember Durham Cathedral now! This brought back good memories! Thanks for sharing, and great photography!
Amazing architecture, even if you are not a Harry Potter fan, but then who isn’t?
This place really looks like Hogwarts! I would so love to visit Durham Cathedral and pretend to be part of Harry Potter’s world. 😉
I love getting a British history lesson and film history lesson in one article. Thank you for such a detailed post. Fascinating.
Thank you for sharing. We always love visiting cathedrals but this connection makes it even more special. As we live in Scotland we really should make time for a film locations trip across the country and in England.
Stunning place! I’m not a fan of Harry Potter, but I’m curious about this Cathedral and I really enjoyed this article – interesting read. So thank you for putting it together 🙂
I need to visit! I love the history and the HP connection!
You had me at Harry Potter! Durham Cathedral is beautiful in its own right, but it’s all the more special looking at it and envisioning Harry Potter scenes. So, so cool! Definitely adding to my list 🙂
As a huge Harry Potter fan, visiting Durham Cathedral sounds like a dream come true! Aside from the link to the movies, the history sounds fascinating to learn about, too. Thanks for sharing!
I’d drop everything to be magically transported to Durham Cathedral right now! I’m a big HP nerd and I will go to Newcastle just to visit here and Alnwick Castle (as I didn’t know they were so close). Can I ‘acio’ Durham Cathedral to me? haha!
This definitely has Harry Potter vibes all over it! Would be amazing to visit it and feel like I am in the wizardly world!
You’re right, fan or no fan, this is an incredible site to visit. I love the architecture and would have fun photographing it. Especially the exterior archways.
I knew Alnwick Castle and Lacock Abbey (which is actually near to me) were used in the Harry Potter films (I’m a big fan) but I didn’t know about Durham Cathedral,
Those stained glass windows really are spectacular .
The window looks of a modern design in that single image of one of the windows. Very colourful.
I was at Durham Cathedral many years ago and your great photos reminded me how solemn and majestic this Cathedral is.
I love film locations and being able to go to a physical place and transport myself back to the film. Regardless if it is HP or not, visiting IRL filming locations always has a special magic, don’t you think? I’ve read your post with great interest as most scenes shot at Durham Cathedral are from my favourite HP movie. Even if you’re not a fan, English Cathedrals are incredible spots to visit and appreciating their intricate architecture and fascinating history.
What a truly magical place to visit (pun intended!). Cathedrals have such intricate detail in their design. I love the history you mention as well. Gorgeous place to visit.