Although Oxford is the place to visit if you want to see Harry Potter filming locations, a beautiful surprise awaits just an hour away from it. I’m talking about the charming village of Lacock, which is home to eight more memorable spots where the movies were filmed. So, let me show you how easy it is to get there and what you should see when you do!
Follow this link to see a complete list of Oxford Harry Potter filming locations and how to visit them.
How Many Harry Potter Scenes Were Filmed in Lacock?
Lacock Abbey and the village of Lacock popped up in a bunch of Harry Potter scenes, mostly for Hogwarts interiors in the first two movies—Philosopher’s Stone and Chamber of Secrets. The abbey’s cloisters doubled as Hogwarts corridors, and some rooms were used for Snape’s and Quirrell’s classrooms. And The Chapter House? That’s where Harry finds the Mirror of Erised!
The village itself got some screen time, too. A house on Church Street was used as Harry’s parents’ home in Philosopher’s Stone, and in Half-Blood Prince, the village stood in for Budleigh Babberton, where Slughorn was hiding out.
Getting to Lacock
We will start with Lacock Abbey. Lacock Abbey is approximately 56 miles (90 kilometres) from Oxford. By car, you can take the A34 southbound, then merge onto the M4 westbound. Exit at Junction 17 onto the A350 towards Chippenham, and follow signs to Lacock.
If you are using public transport, you can take the train from Oxford Railway Station to Chippenham Railway Station (around 1 hour and 15 minutes, with a change at Didcot Parkway or Reading) and then bus number 234 (around 15 minutes, hourly service, Monday to Saturday). You can get tickets in advance using Trainline.
Several tour operators also offer day trips that include Lacock Abbey as part of their itinerary. These tours often depart from London and may also visit other nearby attractions such as Oxford and Bath. For example:
Harry Potter Locations in Lacock Abbey
Lacock Abbey and its surrounding village have been featured in several Harry Potter films, serving as stand-ins for various Hogwarts locations. This includes the cloisters that were transformed into Hogwarts corridors, the Warming Room used as Professor Quirrell’s Defense Against the Dark Arts classroom in “Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone”, and the Sacristy, or Professor Snape’s Potions classroom.
1) The Cloisters (Hogwarts Corridors)
The cloisters at Lacock Abbey were transformed into the iconic corridors of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, providing the setting for various memorable scenes throughout the Harry Potter films. Their medieval arches, stone pillars, and dimly-lit passageways perfectly captured the enchanting, mysterious atmosphere of Hogwarts.
Notable scenes filmed here include:
“Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone”: Harry first hears whispers from the Basilisk in the cloisters during his second year at Hogwarts.
“Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets”: The cloisters serve as the backdrop for several scenes where Harry, Ron, and Hermione walk between classes or discuss their latest adventures.
“Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince”: Harry hides from Snape and overhears conversations while exploring the castle.
The intricate stonework and Gothic architecture of the cloisters made them a perfect match for Hogwarts’ ancient and magical aesthetic. When you visit Lacock Abbey, you can walk through these same hallways and imagine yourself roaming the corridors of Hogwarts alongside your favourite characters!
2) The Warming Room (Defense Against the Dark Arts Classroom)
The Warming Room at Lacock Abbey was transformed into Professor Quirrell’s Defense Against the Dark Arts classroom in Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone. This room’s rustic stone walls, vaulted ceiling, and large fireplace created the perfect setting for the dark and mysterious subject taught by the nervous Professor Quirrell, portrayed by Ian Hart.
Notable Scene:
During Harry’s first year at Hogwarts, he and his classmates attend their very first Defense Against the Dark Arts lesson here. Professor Quirrell, wearing his distinctive turban, nervously attempts to teach the students about dark creatures, though his fearful demeanor leaves more of an impression than his actual lessons.
The Warming Room’s medieval appearance, complete with its grand fireplace that once provided heat to the abbey’s inhabitants, adds an authentic atmosphere to the scene. The rugged and somewhat shadowy ambiance effectively complements Quirrell’s jittery character, hinting at the secrets he is hiding.
3) The Sacristy (Potions Classroom)
The Sacristy at Lacock Abbey was transformed into Professor Snape’s Potions classroom in Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone. With its dark, stone walls, narrow windows, and arched ceilings, the room perfectly captured the gloomy, dungeon-like atmosphere associated with Snape’s lessons. In fact, the unique dark ambiance of the Sacristy also complemented Snape’s brooding, intimidating presence.
Notable Scenes:
First Potions Lesson: This room features prominently during Harry’s very first Potions class at Hogwarts. Professor Snape, played masterfully by Alan Rickman, delivers his iconic, scornful monologue to a group of wide-eyed first-years. Standing before a simmering cauldron, he chillingly describes the art of potion-making, emphasizing his disdain for Harry’s perceived fame.
“You are here to learn the subtle science and exact art of potion-making… I can teach you how to bottle fame, brew glory, even stopper death…”
Classroom Exercises: The Sacristy also appears in several scenes where Harry, Ron, Hermione, and their classmates brew potions under Snape’s sharp-eyed supervision. Hermione’s eagerness and Ron’s frustration are on full display as they struggle to meet Snape’s high standards.
If you want to see Snape’s Potions Room with all its wonderful props, you should visit the Warner Bros. Studio Tour London. The last picture above is actually from the Studio.
4) The Chapter House (Mirror of Erised's Room)
The Chapter House at Lacock Abbey served as the setting for one of the most poignant scenes in Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone: Harry’s first encounter with the Mirror of Erised. Its beautiful arched ceiling, stone pillars, and serene atmosphere provided the perfect backdrop for this magical and emotional moment.
Notable Scenes:
First Encounter with the Mirror of Erised:
Harry, wandering the corridors of Hogwarts under his Invisibility Cloak, stumbles upon a mysterious room containing the Mirror of Erised. As he peers into the glass, he sees his parents, Lily and James Potter, smiling back at him—something he’s never experienced before. The warmth and longing Harry feels in this moment are made all the more powerful by the quiet, almost sacred feel of the Chapter House. “It shows us nothing more or less than the deepest, most desperate desire of our hearts.” — Albus DumbledoreReturn Visits:
Captivated by the mirror’s vision, Harry returns to the Chapter House night after night, desperate to see his parents again. The solemn atmosphere of the Chapter House enhances the emotional weight of these scenes, reflecting both Harry’s yearning and the loneliness he feels at Hogwarts.Dumbledore’s Wisdom:
The Chapter House also serves as the location where Dumbledore gently explains the mirror’s true nature to Harry. His wise words about desire, reality, and moving forward resonate deeply with Harry—and with viewers. The combination of the Chapter House’s timeless architecture and Dumbledore’s comforting presence creates a scene that feels both profound and tender.
You can book the Abbey tour tickets here:
Other Harry Potter Filming Locations in Lacock Village
The picturesque village of Lacock, with its charming, historic architecture, played a significant role in bringing the magical world of Harry Potter to life. Several locations throughout the village were used for filming, including Harry’s Parent’s Home and Budleigh Babberton, where Professor Slughorn is hiding in a Muggle house.
Harry's Parents' Home
A house located at the end of Church Street doubled as the Potter family’s cottage in Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone. It appears in the flashback scene where Hagrid explains to Harry about Voldemort’s attack that led to his parents’ death. The house’s rustic, medieval appearance perfectly suited the magical yet tragic moment.
Budleigh Babberton
In Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, the quaint village of Lacock was used to depict Budleigh Babberton, where Professor Slughorn is hiding in a Muggle house, disguised as an armchair. The scenes were filmed along the village’s charming streets, which convey a timeless, sleepy atmosphere. The contrast between the quiet village and the wizarding world adds to the intrigue of Slughorn’s introduction.
So... Should You Visit Lacock?
Lacock’s untouched, old-world charm made it an ideal filming location, effortlessly evoking the magical, rustic feel of the wizarding world. The village’s historical cottages, narrow lanes, and enchanting atmosphere continue to draw Harry Potter fans from around the world.
To summarise, YES, Lacock is a beautiful day trip just an hour and a bit from Oxford. And even if you don’t like the Harry Potter movies, you will still enjoy a walk around here.
Follow this link to see a complete list of Oxford Harry Potter filming locations and how to visit them.
