KNOW BEFORE YOU GO
Lacock is a quaint English village in Wiltshire, a short 30-minute drive from Bath. Preserved in its 18th-century charm, this idyllic village is home to a handful of film locations used in the Harry Potter franchise. To help you prepare for a magical day in Lacock, we’ve listed the locations below and a few extra things to know before you go.
QUICK LINKS
HOGWARTS CORRIDORS & CLASSROOMS
The main Harry Potter film location in Lacock is Lacock Abbey. On the ground floor of the building are four sites used in the franchise.
When you enter the building, you will walk straight into the medieval cloisters, instantly recognisable as the corridors of Hogwarts.
Off the cloisters are three rooms. The first is the Chapter House, used as the room that housed the Mirror of Erised. The second is the Warming Room, used as Professor Quirell’s Defence Against the Dark Arts Classroom. The cauldron in this room is an artefact from the Abbey and was kept in the room during filming. The third room is the Sacristy, used as Professor Snape’s Potions Classroom.
The grounds of Lacock Abbey open daily from 10 am to 5 pm, but the cloisters open from 10:15 am. The Abbey can only be visited during the months of March to October. During this time, tickets cost £17 for adults. For up-to-date information, check the National Trust website.
JAMES & LILY POTTER’S COTTAGE
In the village, there is a beautiful brick cottage. It is located at the end of Church Street, next to St Cyriac’s Church. This cottage was used in the first film as James and Lily Potter’s Cottage, although the colour of the front door has since been changed.
This house is privately owned, so please be respectful of the residents when viewing and photographing the cottage.
BUDLEIGH BABBERTON
On the opposite end of Church Street is the hotel, Sign of the Angel. This building was used as the Babberton Arms, seen when Harry and Dumbledor walk down the streets of Budleigh Babberton.
HORACE SLUGHORN’S HIDEAWAY
From the end of Church Street, turn right and walk a short distance up Cantax Hill. On the opposite side of the road is the house used for the external shot of Horace Slughorn’s Hideaway.
Like James and Lily Potter’s Cottage, this house is privately owned, so please be mindful of the residents when taking photos.
OTHER ATTRACTIONS IN LACOCK
It’s easy to see why this quaint English village is featured in so many films and TV shows. Besides Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts, Lacock has also been used in Pride and Prejudice, The Other Boleyn Girl, Downtown Abbey and more.
Even though you may have come for Harry Potter, spend some time strolling the picturesque streets, and you will soon be charmed by the village itself.
You should leave time to explore the rest of Lacock Abbey and learn about the 800 years of history and architecture, from its beginnings as a nunnery to a Tudor family home and the birthplace of the photographic negative. You can wander the gardens, learn from the friendly and informative guides in the upstairs rooms, visit the William Henry Fox Talbot Museum, and find a book for £1 at the second-hand bookstore.
While you walk between locations in the village, keep an eye out for the honour-system stalls. Many residents leave small collections of gifts and handicrafts outside their houses. If you find something you like, just pick it out and leave your money where requested.
For food, you must make a stop by Lacock Bakery for some on-the-go treats and for a bigger meal or a refreshing drink, visit one of the pubs, like The Red Lion or The George Inn.
WHERE WE STAYED
If you are looking for somewhere to stay nearby, this warehouse loft in Chippenham was great. It is a 10-minute drive from Lacock or a short walk to the X34 bus, which goes directly to the village. It is also within walking distance of many restaurants, cafes and supermarkets. The loft is spacious and clean and includes a kitchen, bathroom, living space and bedroom. The only thing to note is that they do not offer Wi-Fi.
OUR GOOGLE MAPS
When planning our travel destinations, we pin our bucket list of sites to see and recommended places to eat and drink on Google Maps. We are then never lost for ideas when travelling, and can easily share these lists for our friends and family to use too.
Click here to see our Google Maps for Harry Potter Film Locations in Lacock.
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