Gloucester Cathedral

Gloucester Cathedral – Harry Potter

Hidden in the heart of Gloucester, this incredible cathedral became Hogwarts for several magical moments across the Harry Potter films. Its dramatic cloisters and breathtaking fan‑vaulted ceilings are instantly recognisable to any Potter fan.

Now, if you have kids, I’ll be honest — a visit to a huge cathedral might not sound like a fun day out! We managed it with a bit of bargaining (a few sweets and a promise of a playground stop afterwards did the trick). But once inside, everyone was impressed. Seeing these corridors in person adds real magic when you rewatch the films later and can point out the exact spots you’ve stood in.

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Filming highlights:

The Philosopher’s Stone – When the troll is loose in the castle.

The Chamber of Secrets – Where the chilling message “The Chamber has been opened” appears on the wall.

The Half‑Blood Prince – When Harry and Ron overhear students gossiping about Draco in the Hogwarts corridors.

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Family tip:

‍After exploring, let the kids burn off some energy at the nearby Gloucester Park playground or enjoy a treat at the café across from the cathedral. It’s the perfect way to balance a bit of history and movie magic with some family fun.

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Location:

12 College Green, Gloucester, GL1 2LX

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