Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows… in real life!

Harry Potter waves his wand again… bringing Britain alive on big screens around the world. The newest flick in the hit series comes out in theatres this week and to celebrate, we’re going on our own tour of film locations used to shoot the next chapter of the wizarding story…

Muggles and Potter fans alike have been waiting for this November day all year long. Now just one day away, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part One will likely be the holiday box office hit this year, for good reason: the English countryside has never looked so good! Don’t miss your flights from London to these Potter film locations.

Leavensden Studios – Hertforshire

Most of the entire series was filmed here in this old factory. News has it that Warner Bros plans to invest in the location to make it a Harry Potter museum, planned to include real sets, props, costumes and other memorabilia from the films. It is expected to open by Easter of 2012.

Freshwater West – Wales

The picturesque beachfront in south-west Wales was the location of Bill Weasley and Fleur Delacour’s home after their marriage, also known as “Shell Cottage”. The building was set up temporarily but should you visit it, you won’t find a trace of the quaint cottage. The 1.2km long beach however is delightfully beautiful.

Swinley Forest – Berkshire

The location was used in both parts of the Deathly Hallows films including the scenes where Potter and his friends are captured by the Snatchers. The forest was also used in some wintery scenes and others where the Death Eaters made appearances.

London streets

There are various companies nowadays that offer tours of London where Harry Potter films were shot, including Diagon Alley where Harry bought his spell books and wand. Platform 9¾ is now a landmark for anyone visiting King’s Cross Station. Scenes from the latest flick were also filmed at Piccadilly Circus, Shaftesbury Avenue and Whitehall.

Lavenham – Suffolk

Olde English has never looked so real than in Lavenham, tucked in pretty Suffolk, with its crooked timber houses and smoking chimneys. It was used to recreate the town of Godric’s Hollow. This was the village where Harry’s parents lived before being killed by “he-who-must-not-be-named”.

Keen to visit other cult movie destinations? Check out 10 Geeky Summer Destinations!

Img: wiki poster