A place for roaming Romans, valiant Vikings and wise wizards, Durham is a city bursting with untold stories and magical moments.

Photo by: VisitBritain
Location: Alnwick, England
There’s magic around every corner in Britain. Whether it’s a certain boy wizard having his first broomstick lessons at Alnwick Castle – sorry, Hogwarts – or dragons darting through the skies over Snowdonia (Eryri), you’ll recognise our blockbuster backdrops from your favourite fantasy films and TV shows.
Now it’s your turn to make magical memories. Fall under Manchester’s spell at a film-star library, be enchanted by Snowdonia’s slate-studded landscapes, and get lost in Durham’s historic streets. And you’ll even get to ride your own Nimbus 2000 in Northumberland. Along the way, explore filming locations from Harry Potter and House of the Dragon, following in the footsteps of witches and kings.
Wands at the ready: let the magic begin.
Photo by: VisitBritain/Ben Selway
Location: Wales

Britain brings that main character energy to your favourite fantasy worlds, from the pages of JRR Tolkien and CS Lewis’ bestsellers, to blockbuster film series like Harry Potter – and not forgetting small-screen stars such as House of the Dragon and The Witcher either.
You’re never far from a magical moment in our nations and regions. Follow Lancashire’s Tolkien Trail and immerse yourself in the landscapes that inspired the Lord of the Rings. Spot Malvern’s Victorian glass lamps and you might think you’re in Narnia, not Worcestershire.
Go time-travelling in Scotland’s Cairngorms at the Highland Folk Museum, as seen in Outlander, and don’t miss the National Park’s Harry Potter filming locations while you’re there. Potterheads – there’s even more fun to be had with flying lessons at Alnwick Castle, a magical West End show and sets and props galore at the Warner Bros. Studio Tour London.
Wales’ dramatic landscapes are straight out of a storybook. Experience the Brecon Beacons (Bannau Brycheiniog) through the lens of Stardust, Willow and His Dark Materials, or soar like a dragon on a zipwire ride over Snowdonia (Eryri), a star of House of the Dragon.
Where will you explore first?
City or United? Oasis or The Smiths? These aren’t the only tricky decisions you’ll need to make in Manchester. You’ll be spoiled for choice with things to do thanks to a top-notch culture, food and shopping scene, but our itinerary weaves a little magic into your visit.
Wizards and muggles alike will be charmed by John Rylands Library, which could easily double as the Hogwarts Library. Pedal through Manchester’s most whimsical spots on a Blooms & Bicycles tour, and channel your inner Mystic Meg with a tarot reading at Afflecks. Plus, enjoy Asian-inspired grub at Lucky Cat by Gordon Ramsay and a spellbinding stay at the Stock Exchange Hotel.
Photo by: VisitBritain/Zut Media
Location: Manchester, England
Make like Practical Magic’s Owens sisters with a tarot-reading experience at Crystal Henge, nestled in the whimsical wonderland of Afflecks. What will your cards say?
Petals meet pedals on these gorgeous cycle tours of Manchester on cute Dutch bikes. Don your flower garlands and discover the city on two wheels on the Manchester Floral Bike Tour – we reckon the Owens ladies would love this one.
Bring your appetite to Lucky Cat by Gordon Ramsay for Asian-inspired small plates and robata grilled dishes. From sashimi to bao, noodles and salads, you’re in for a treat.
Expect five-star luxury at Manchester’s one-time stock exchange, packed with heritage features. There are 40 rooms and suites to choose from at the Stock Exchange Hotel, plus fine dining at Tender by Niall Keating.
Manchester Airport is the largest airport outside of London, flying to around 190 destinations worldwide. If you’re arriving into London, it takes over two hours by train from London Euston railway station to Manchester with Avanti West Coast. Travelling from the airport to the city is easy by Metrolink (tram) or train, and getting around Manchester is made simple by the Bee Network public transport system.
Here be dragons – quite literally. North Wales is where you’ll find the scene-stealing scenery in House of the Dragon, from the slate-studded valleys of Snowdonia (Eryri) to Anglesey’s seemingly endless beaches. These fantastical landscapes are made for exploring, whether that’s by foot, mountain bike or even the world’s fastest zipwire.
Follow in the footsteps of House Targaryen to Ffynnon Llugwy lake, and be wowed by the views from the Snowdon Mountain Railway. Experience the life of a lord or lady at Bodysgallen Hall and sip on a dram (or two) of Welsh Whisky at Llandudno’s Penderyn Distillery. Plus, explore colourful Beaumaris in Anglesey, where Hollywood meets UNESCO-listed history.
Photo by: Snowdon Mountain Railway/Camera Drone UK
Location: Snowdon Massif, Wales
Enjoy a dram (or two) at Llandudno’s very own distillery, Penderyn. Choose from tours and masterclasses with tastings of the golden nectar included. Cheers to that.
Explore Snowdonia (Eryri) with guide Louise Tully from Freedom Outdoors. Conquer an epic climb, challenge yourself on a mountain bike trip or get out on the water – the choice is yours.
If you’re travelling from Manchester, north Wales is easy to reach by both public transport and car. There is a direct train service from Manchester Airport to Llandudno Junction along the north Wales coast, taking around two-and-a-half hours. From there you can take the train onwards to Bangor or the Isle of Anglesey.
Travelling to north Wales from London? There is a direct train service from London Euston to Holyhead on the Isle of Anglesey that takes just under four hours.
Don’t forget your broomstick – we’re firmly in Harry Potter territory in North East England. If you’ve ever wondered where the magic happens, it’s in Durham Cathedral, whose magnificent cloisters doubled for Hogwarts in The Philosopher’s Stone and The Chamber of Secrets. You can even step inside Professor McGonagall’s classroom at the cathedral’s Chapter House.
Today you’ll fuel up on some North East England delicacies: think coffee and cake at cosy Flat White Kitchen, and Northumbrian fare just over the border at Ad Gefrin. Hungry for more magical adventures? Explore the nooks and crannies of Durham Castle, check out Kynren: The Storied Lands, or go time-travelling at Beamish Museum.
Photo by: VisitBritain/Pinzutu
Location: Durham, England
Afternoon teas, cocktail brunches and hearty Sunday lunches – they’re all on the menu at The Curious Mr Fox. Plus, learn how to whip up your own drinks at their regular Cocktail Masterclasses.
Hidden in this 17th-century townhouse you’ll find some of Durham’s tastiest coffee, brunch and sweet treats. Think caramelised banana pancakes, eggs benedict and fish finger sandwiches – yum.
Durham is well connected to locations across Britain. If you’re travelling by public transport from north Wales, you’ll want to take the train to Manchester Piccadilly then take a connecting train directly to Durham.
If you’re travelling to Durham from overseas, then Newcastle International Airport is the nearest airport. Coming from London? It’s a three-hour journey by train from London Kings Cross.
Enchanting castles, epic beaches and a whole lot of Roman heritage: welcome to Northumberland. Harry Potter fans – you’ll find the real-life Hogwarts at Alnwick Castle, which starred in the first two films. And if you’re extending your stay, check out Bamburgh Castle too, which you might recognise from Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny, Transformers: The Last Knight and Outlander.
Today is full of highs and lows, from sky-high dining at Alnwick’s Treehouse Restaurant to the spooky depths of Chillingham Castle’s dungeon. You’ll even visit a poison garden if you dare, filled with around 100 toxic, intoxicating and narcotic plants. But first, ready for broomstick training?
Photo by: VisitBritain/Pinzutu
Location: Alnwick, England
You can travel between Durham and Alnmouth in Northumberland (the nearest train station to Alnwick) by direct train in around 40 minutes. Coming from further afield? Newcastle provides excellent train links via the East Coast Main Line, with the fastest train from London taking around two hours 40 minutes, and Edinburgh 40 minutes. The closest international airport is in Newcastle.
Once you’re there, it’s easy to get around Northumberland by bus.
Chillingham Castle is located in Chillingham, a village in Northumberland approximately a 30-minute drive from Alnwick. You can even book a room and stay at the castle at certain times of year – if you dare!
Afflecks, previously known as Afflecks Palace, is a multi-floor indoor market where you’ll find plenty of creative independents and small businesses. Described as an emporium of eclecticism, its vendors sell everything from clothing, jewellery and crystals to vinyl records. It’s located in Manchester’s Northern Quarter, an area known for arts and creativity.
Behind huge black iron gates you’ll find Alnwick’s poison garden in Northumberland, England, next to Alnwick Castle. With over 100 plants in its collection, the garden was created as an educational tool to reflect the power of plants and the dark side of botany.
Yes, the views of Snowdonia from Beaumaris over the Menai Strait are magical and is an aspect the location is often admired for. It’s a great way to get some distant photos before visiting the National Park itself.