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.

Harry Potter The Shambles York
The Shambles

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. 

Harry Potter The Shambles York
A great photo spot in the snicket between The Shambles and Whip-Ma-Whop-Ma-Gate

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

The Shop Who Must Not be Named - Harry Potter on the Shambles, York
The Shop That Must Not be Named, The Shambles, York
Harry Potter Shop York
The Shop That Must Not be Named, The Shambles, York
Harry Potter Shop York
The Shop That Must Not be Named, The Shambles, York

Original Harry Potter Locations Tour

Harry Potter Shop York

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

harry potter york shambles

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

witches tour of york

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 Potions Cauldron
The Potions Cauldron
The Potions Cauldron
The Potions Cauldron
The Potions Cauldron
The Potions Cauldron
The Potions Cauldron
The Potions Cauldron

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!”

Harry Potter The Shambles York
The Society of Alchemists on The Shambles

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.

harry potter escape room york
Harry Potter Escape Room

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.

Stay in a Harry Potter themed apartment in York
Harry Potter inspired accommodation in York

 

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!

Harry Potter in York
Goathland, the filming location for Hogsmeade Station in Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone

 

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.

Harry Potter locations York

 

 

Click here to see other Things to do in York.

Write A Comment