Harry Potter and The Shambles in York – If, like me, you are a Harry Potter fan, you will know the thrill of finding a new filming location or even just a Harry Potter association in your town or one you are visiting.
York has lots of Harry Potter connections and was also used as a filming location. One of the quirkier things to do in York.
The Shambles York – Harry Potter
The Shambles in York is a famous landmark in its own right, but more recently it has been associated with the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. Said to be the inspiration for the film version of Diagon Alley, it’s not hard to see why this medieval street appeals to us Potterheads.
It might not be a Hogwarts Tour but it’s definitely somewhere to visit whilst in York. At one point the Shambles housed four Harry Potter shops, but at the moment we just have two locations of The Shop That Must Not Be Named. Both can be found at the bottom of The Shambles.
The Shop That Must Not be Named
Original Harry Potter Locations Tour
Book tickets for The York Harry Potter Locations Tour.
“As well as being full of architectural treasures, York also has a strong association with the world’s most famous wizard. Get an intimate glimpse into the city while visiting places significant to J K Rowling and Harry Potter on a magical walking tour, ideal for fans of the books and movies.
Traveling on foot means you’ll avoid traffic and be able to stop at points of interest without the hassle of parking. Discover easy-to-miss places significant to J K Rowling and Harry Potter Get a more intimate glimpse into York on a walking tour Benefit from the insider knowledge of a guide Explore without the hassle of parking or traffic.
Read more about Original Harry Potter Locations Tour – York.”
The Wizard Walk of York
Click here to book tickets for The Wizard Walk of York.
The Magic Hatter is bringing his award-winning entertainment to the streets, with his Wizard Walk of York.
“Magic, mystery, comedy and excitement plus a dash of York’s history…the ingredients for a truly unforgettable experience for all the family!”
Public tours are running on selected evenings, starting from the bottom of The Shambles opposite The Golden Fleece. Pre-booking required. Private tours are available for birthdays, school groups, brownies, cubs and more. A wonderfully whimsical tour that wizard fans will go Potty for!
Wizard Wand Kits are also available, subject to availability. A handcrafted wand and instructions for seven tricks that young witches and wizards can learn at home. Plus a FREE printable certificate! To check days, times and book online visit the wizarding website at www.wizardwalkofyork.com.
** Note from Nikki: If you have younger kids with you, there is no better tour for you. We have seen The Magic Hatter many, many times when the kids were little and wholeheartedly recommend him. **
York Witches and History Walking Tour with Cauldron Experience
Book tickets for York Witches and History Tour
Experience this entertaining walking tour like no other. Dare to treat yourself to something special. This unique and alternative walking tour features historical tales, with a focus on those relating to Witchcraft, the spooky, and the strange. Your guide will be a characterful witch who will captivate you with this engaging often enlightening and ultimately uplifting experience.
Explore the dimly lit streets and spooky snickets of Yorks Medieval Old Town. Watch out on the cobbles as you lend your ears to terrible tales of the Witches of Yorkshire. Tread lightly as you walk on the very ground these mysterious and sometimes sinister events
Read more about York Witches and History Walking Tour.
The Potions Cauldron
As well as The Shop That Must Not Be Named, in The Shambles, you will find The Potions Cauldron “where Wizards mix you a magical drink of your choice and you can experience the magic of our immersive experience.”
The Society of Alchemists
You may also be interested in The Society of Alchemists further up The Shambles. It’s a fabulous shop and would fit in well on Nocturn Alley. According to their website, they are:
“A clandestine group of ancient Alchemists who travel this world & others in search of eternal life, creating magic from the miscellanea that surrounds us.
A NEVER ENDING EXPLORATION IN TRANSFORMING THE MUNDANE INTO MAGIC!”
The Piccadilly – Harry Potter Themed Escape Room
7-9, Piccadilly, York YO1 9PB
You will find The Piccadilly on Piccadilly. As well as being a cafe bar that serves brunch during the day and pizza and cocktails in the evening, they have a Harry Potter escape room in their basement. Perfect for fans of the boy wizard, this escape room will have you thinking you are in Borgin and Burkes on Noctern Alley. You need to solve puzzles and create potions in order to escape. Perfect for grown up Harry Potter fans or those age 10+
We haven’t reviewed the escape room, but we have Brunch at The Piccadilly here.
York Railway Station (Platform 9 ¾)
York Railway Station was used in the filming of Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone. It’s a very brief glimpse but is there nonetheless! They used the footbridge at York to represent the bridge leading to Platform 9 ¾ at King’s Cross Station in London.
The Enchantment Chamber
If you are a Harry Potter fan visiting York, then where better to stay than The Enchantment Chamber? From their website: “The Enchantment Chamber offers a unique self catering experience within an authentic wizarding world bed chamber complete with an unconventional four poster bed, realistic open fire, real wood flooring and furnished with an eclectic collection of magical artefacts from the wizarding world.” It’s just a seven minute walk from The Shambles and very close to lots of great restaurants on Walmgate.
See current availability and prices for The Enchantment Chamber.
Goathland (Hogsmeade Station)
Spookily enough, the architect who originally designed York Railway Station, Thomas Prosser, was also responsible for the station at Goathland which was used as a filming location for Hogsmeade. Goathland is just over an hour’s drive from York. Visit the North Yorkshire Moors Railway to ride the Hogwarts Express!
York Castle Museum
Now, it’s a bit left field this one (confundo!), and does not have any Harry Potter connections that I can think of. But I think the York Castle Museum is worth mentioning for its recreated Victorian street, Kirkgate. You could definitely be behind The Leaky Cauldron on this street. It’s especially worth a visit at Christmas too.
Click here to see other Things to do in York.
