The magical world of Harry Potter has captivated millions of fans around the world. For many, the idea of attending Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry is a dream come true. But is Hogwarts a real place?
The answer is both yes and no. While there is no actual Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, the castle that was used as the set for the films is very real. Alnwick Castle in Northumberland, England, was used as the exterior of Hogwarts in the first two Harry Potter films, Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone and Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets.
Alnwick Castle is a medieval castle that has been in the possession of the Percy family since 1309. It is a popular tourist attraction and has been used as a filming location for a number of films and television shows, including the Harry Potter films.
The interior of Hogwarts, however, was not filmed at Alnwick Castle. Instead, the filmmakers used a variety of sets, including Leavesden Studios in Watford, England, and the Scottish Highlands.
In addition to Alnwick Castle, other real-life locations were used in the Harry Potter films. The Hogwarts Express, for example, was filmed on the Jacobite Steam Train in Scotland. The Black Lake, which was featured in the films, is actually Loch Shiel in Scotland. The forest scenes were filmed in the ancient forest of Black Park in Buckinghamshire, England.
In the United States, fans of the Harry Potter series can visit the Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studios in Orlando, Florida. The park features a replica of Hogwarts Castle, complete with a Quidditch pitch and a recreation of the Great Hall.
So while there is no real Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, fans of the Harry Potter series can still visit many of the real-life locations used in the films. Alnwick Castle in England is the closest thing to a real Hogwarts, and the Wizarding World of Harry Potter in Orlando, Florida is a great way to experience the magic of the Harry Potter universe.