The Shambles in York, known as a medieval shopping street, also serves as an inspiration for Diagon Alley from Harry Potter. It's often dubbed the Harry Potter street in York.
While York's Railway Museum doesn't house the Hogwarts Express, a hidden Platform 9 3/4 plaque can be found deep within the North Shed. Its origins remain a mystery, but it might be from the Olton Hall, the Hogwarts Express train, once displayed here. The plaque, situated under a large statue at the back of the shed, is easy to spot.
In York, there were once four Harry Potter shops, but The Shop That Must Not Be Named is now the most prominent. It took over the former space of The Boy Wizard and has two stores close to each other on the Shambles. Expect long queues, making an early visit advisable due to the Potter mania in York.
A third Harry Potter shop, The Potions Cauldron, emerged in 2019. Here, you'll discover magical concoctions like Basilisk Blood, Unicorn Essence, Serpent’s Venom, and Tears of a Wizard, which shimmer when shaken. You can buy all four for £15, a delightful gift for any Potter fan.
The Enchantment Chamber is a Harry Potter-themed hotel in York, complete with a four-poster bed, a cozy "fire," and caged owls. The one-bedroom apartment is designed like Gryffindor's common room, filled with magical elements like wands, quills, potions, and a doorway resembling the Hogwarts Express carriage.
York Railway Station, a historic location, stood in for Platform 9 3/4 in the Harry Potter films, where students board the Hogwarts Express. You can recreate the iconic scene with a trolley vanishing into the wall for photos, just like in the movies.
Shops
Events
Best Time to Visit: If you are looking for a more relaxed experience, the best time to visit is during the spring (March-May) or fall (September-November). The weather is still mild during these months, and there are fewer tourists.
Address: 30 Shambles, York YO1 7LX, United Kingdom
Getting There
There is no official Harry Potter York attraction, so there are no tickets sold specifically for it. However, there are a number of Harry Potter-related attractions and activities in York, such as walking tours, escape rooms, and shops. The cost of these attractions varies depending on the specific activity and the number of people in your group.
If you are interested in booking tickets for any of the Harry Potter-related attractions or activities in York, you can do so online or in person.
Booking online is convenient and discounts are often available.
Yes, there are a number of discounts available on Harry Potter York tickets. Many attractions and activities offer discounts for children, seniors, and groups. Some attractions and activities also offer discounts for booking tickets online in advance.
Yes, you can get skip-the-line tickets for some Harry Potter-related attractions and activities in York. Skip-the-line tickets allow you to skip the line at the attraction or activity and go straight to the front.
The cancellation policy for Harry Potter York tickets will vary depending on the attraction or activity that you book. However, most attractions and activities have a cancellation policy that allows you to cancel your tickets for a full refund up to a certain number of days before your visit.
The length of a Harry Potter York tour will vary depending on the specific tour that you book. However, most Harry Potter walking tours last around 2 hours.