Gloucester, England, is a hidden gem brimming with wealthy historical past, beautiful medieval structure, and a vibrant cultural scene. Nonetheless, for Harry Potter followers, it holds a fair larger attract—it served as a filming location for a number of iconic scenes within the beloved film collection. When you’re searching for a journey vacation spot that blends real-world enchantment with cinematic magic, Gloucester must be on the high of your record.
On this information, I will take you thru the must-see Harry Potter filming areas in Gloucester, discover the town’s historic allure, and supply sensible journey suggestions for taking advantage of your go to.
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Gloucester Cathedral: A Hogwarts Expertise in Actual Life
The crown jewel of Gloucester and the first cause for a Potterhead pilgrimage is Gloucester Cathedral. This magnificent construction dates again over 1,300 years and is without doubt one of the most important medieval church buildings within the UK. However for followers of the wizarding world, its actual declare to fame is serving because the backdrop for a number of Hogwarts scenes within the Harry Potter movies.
The Cloisters: The Hallways of Hogwarts
When you’ve ever imagined strolling by way of the grand halls of Hogwarts, that is your probability. The beautiful cloisters of Gloucester Cathedral have been remodeled into the Hogwarts corridors in Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone, Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets and techniques, and Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince.
- The North Cloister: That is the place you’ll discover the long-lasting scene in Chamber of Secrets and techniques the place the phrases “The Chamber of Secrets and techniques has been opened. Enemies of the Inheritor, beware” are ominously scrawled on the wall.
- The South Cloister: This served as the doorway to Gryffindor’s widespread room, the place we see college students bustling about of their robes.
- The East Cloister: Keep in mind when Harry and Ron hid from the troll in Sorcerer’s Stone? That scene was filmed right here!
Whereas the cloisters are essentially the most well-known components of the cathedral featured within the movies, the complete website is price exploring. The stained glass home windows, intricate vaulted ceilings, and Gothic stone carvings make it a wide ranging location even past its Potter connections.
Harry Potter at Gloucester Cathedral
Gloucester was one of many fortunate areas chosen for Harry Potter filming within the UK. Scenes from Harry Potter and the Thinker’s Stone (2001), Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets and techniques (2002), and Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince (2009) have been shot proper right here.
Well-known scenes filmed at Gloucester Cathedral embody:
- Moaning Myrtle flooding the hall from the lady’s toilet (Chamber of Secrets and techniques)
- The troll breaking into the lady’s toilet and cornering Hermione (Thinker’s Stone)
- The message “The Chamber of Secrets and techniques has been opened. Enemies of the inheritor, beware” showing in blood (Chamber of Secrets and techniques)
- Harry hiding whereas listening to Snape and Malfoy talk about the Unbreakable Vow (Half-Blood Prince)
- The primary-year Gryffindors strolling down the Hogwarts corridors for the primary time (Thinker’s Stone)
- The door to Gryffindor’s widespread room (Thinker’s Stone)
Gloucester Cathedral Harry Potter Filming Areas
Now for the enjoyable half—exploring the precise spots the place film magic occurred! Right here’s your information to the important thing Harry Potter filming areas inside Gloucester Cathedral.
1. North Hall, East Wall
The North Hall is dwelling to one of the vital chilling moments in Chamber of Secrets and techniques—the bloody message asserting the reopening of the Chamber. Because the cathedral didn’t need crimson paint smeared on its historic partitions, the filmmakers crafted an similar faux wall to position over the true one for filming. Discuss dedication!
2. The Lavatorium
This was as soon as a communal washing space for monks, however in Thinker’s Stone, it served because the spot the place Harry and Ron disguise from the troll after Professor Quirrell’s dramatic “Troll! Within the dungeon!” scene. Whereas the precise toilet combat with the troll happened elsewhere, this hall is the place the suspense builds.
Enjoyable truth: The Lavatorium at Gloucester Cathedral is the oldest surviving one in England.
3. East Hall (The Flooded Hallway)
Some of the visually hanging scenes in Chamber of Secrets and techniques is Moaning Myrtle’s flooded toilet. The movie crew went all out, making a watertight layer over the hall’s flooring earlier than unleashing gallons of water. When you look carefully, you’ll be able to nonetheless see faint water stains left behind!
4. South Hall
As you enter the cloisters from the foyer, you’ll discover South Hall, one other key Hogwarts filming location. That is the place we see new Hogwarts college students strolling by way of the college for the primary time, led by Professor McGonagall.
5. West Hall – The Gryffindor Frequent Room Door
This was used because the Gryffindor widespread room entrance. Within the films, the Fats Woman’s portrait hung over it, demanding the password earlier than permitting college students inside.
6. West Hall (Half-Blood Prince Scene)
Gloucester Cathedral was additionally featured in Half-Blood Prince, when Harry overhears Snape and Malfoy discussing the Unbreakable Vow. In accordance with workers, the filming course of was rather more high-tech the second time round, with new lighting methods and gear enhancing the ambiance.
Past Hogwarts: Exploring the Historic Metropolis of Gloucester
Gloucester has rather more to supply past its Potter magic. Steeped in historical past and filled with fascinating sights, the town is an ideal mixture of old-world allure and fashionable vibrancy.
Gloucester Docks: A Glimpse into England’s Maritime Previous
As soon as one of many busiest buying and selling ports in England, Gloucester Docks now function a scenic waterfront district stuffed with transformed warehouses, boutique outlets, and scrumptious eateries. It’s an excellent place to take a calming stroll and soak within the historic ambiance.
Make certain to cease by the Nationwide Waterways Museum, the place you’ll be able to be taught concerning the metropolis’s long-standing connection to Britain’s canal system.
The Jet Age Museum: For Aviation Fanatics
When you love aviation, don’t miss the Jet Age Museum, devoted to Gloucestershire’s function within the growth of the jet engine. This lesser-known museum homes a set of classic plane and affords perception into the area’s contribution to aviation historical past.
Blackfriars Priory: A Medieval Gem
Courting again to 1239, Blackfriars Priory is without doubt one of the most well-preserved Dominican priories within the UK. It affords a singular glimpse into monastic life in the course of the medieval interval and is usually used for occasions, weddings, and exhibitions.
Gloucester’s Purchasing & Meals Scene
A visit to Gloucester wouldn’t be full with out indulging within the native meals scene. The town has an array of cozy cafes, charming tea rooms, and conventional pubs the place you’ll be able to strive British classics like fish and chips or a Sunday roast.
For procuring, the Gloucester Quays Outlet affords high-end manufacturers at discounted costs, making it an excellent spot to choose up souvenirs or presents.
Sensible Journey Suggestions for Visiting Gloucester
Finest Time to Go to
Whereas Gloucester is gorgeous year-round, the very best occasions to go to are spring (April-June) and autumn (September-November) when the climate is nice, and the town isn’t too crowded. When you’re a Christmas lover, the Gloucester Christmas Market in December is a must-see!
How you can Get to Gloucester
- By Practice: Gloucester is well-connected by rail, with direct trains from London Paddington, Birmingham, and Bristol.
- By Automotive: When you’re driving, the town is well accessible by way of the M5 motorway.
- By Air: The closest airports are Bristol Airport (round an hour away) and Birmingham Airport (about 90 minutes away).
The place to Keep
If you wish to totally immerse your self within the historic ambiance, think about staying in a heritage resort or a boutique inn. Listed below are just a few choices:
- The New Inn Resort: A historic Tudor-style inn with character and allure.
- Hatton Court docket Resort: A countryside retreat providing beautiful views and chic rooms.
- Premier Inn Gloucester: A budget-friendly possibility with comfy facilities.
Bonus: Different Harry Potter Filming Areas within the UK
When you’re a real Potter fan, why cease at Gloucester? Listed below are just a few different must-visit filming areas within the UK:
- Alnwick Citadel (Northumberland) – Used for the outside pictures of Hogwarts in Sorcerer’s Stone and Chamber of Secrets and techniques.
- Lacock Abbey (Wiltshire) – Featured as Hogwarts interiors, together with Snape’s classroom.
- Leadenhall Market (London) – Served as Diagon Alley within the movies.
- Glenfinnan Viaduct (Scotland) – The well-known bridge from the Hogwarts Categorical scenes.
Whether or not you’re a loyal Harry Potter fan or just a traveler searching for a metropolis wealthy in historical past and tradition, Gloucester affords one thing for everybody. From wandering the corridors of Hogwarts at Gloucester Cathedral to exploring medieval websites and bustling docks, this metropolis is a must-visit vacation spot in England.
So, pack your luggage, seize your wand (or digital camera), and prepare for a magical creation
