For Harry Potter fans, this Christmas brings a magical opportunity to stay at the very locations used to film Hogwarts. A leading holiday expert reveals how Muggles can spend the festive season immersed in the magic of the wizarding world, with stays available at iconic filming spots across Oxford and London.
Lily Smith, a travel expert from accommodation platform UniversityRooms.com, says several Oxford University colleges were featured as Hogwarts in the movies and now offer guests the chance to experience the magic first-hand. “Many of the most Christmassy locations are set in Oxford, where visitors can stay in some of the most famous filming locations,” she explains.
One of the most famous and recognisable locations is Christ Church College, whose Great Hall was used as the iconic Hogwarts dining hall in the films. It was here that Harry Potter first experienced the grandeur of Hogwarts’ feasts, including those set against the festive backdrop of Christmas. Guests can enjoy staying in Christ Church’s historic rooms, some of which date back to 1546, for as little as £120 per night. And, for those keen to enjoy the full experience, breakfast in the Great Hall is also on offer.
Christ Church is not the only Oxford college to feature in the films. The 14th-century New College also makes a famous appearance in Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, where Draco Malfoy taunts Harry under a large oak tree in the college’s cloisters. This December, New College is offering a variety of accommodation options, from budget ensuite rooms to more atmospheric spaces in its New Buildings. Prices for a stay begin at just £70 a night, and guests also gain complimentary access to the college grounds, saving the normal £8 admission fee.
Also nearby, the Bodleian Library’s Duke Humfrey’s Library, which featured in The Philosopher’s Stone, is a must-visit for any Potter fan. This grand library was the setting for one of Harry’s most memorable scenes when he sneaked in under his invisibility cloak to find a forbidden book, providing a glimpse of Christmas at Hogwarts.
For those looking to explore other Harry Potter filming locations, London offers its own magical attractions. The famous Leadenhall Market, which appears in The Philosopher’s Stone as the entrance to Diagon Alley, is a highlight. The market’s Christmas lights are switched on by the Lord Mayor of London in mid-November, creating an even more enchanting atmosphere. There are also affordable accommodation options in London, including student residences close to key locations like Leadenhall Market.
The Victoria League Student House in Leinster Square, a historic building dating back to 1853, is offering rooms from just £33 a night. It’s one of several student properties available through UniversityRooms.com for those aged 18-30, with stays open to everyone, not just students.
These festive stays offer the chance to step into the magical world of Harry Potter this Christmas. But with limited availability, Muggles looking to stay at Hogwarts are advised to book soon. Whether it’s the grandeur of Christ Church or the charm of New College, visitors can enjoy a Christmas getaway like no other, surrounded by the iconic settings of the wizarding world. For more information on staying in Oxford, see https://www.universityrooms.com/en-GB/city/oxford/home/