Tag: Harry Potter filming locations

4 Wonderful Things to Do in Lacock Village, England (2026 Guide)

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Lacock is one of the most beautifully preserved villages in England and a true hidden gem in Wiltshire. From medieval streets and historic abbey ruins to famous film locations and cozy tearooms, Lacock feels like stepping into another century. It is no surprise that this village has been used as a filming location for Harry Potter, Downton Abbey, Pride and Prejudice, and many more productions.

Whether you are planning a day trip from Bath, Bristol, or London, or staying overnight in the Cotswolds area, Lacock is a wonderful place to slow down and explore!

  • The cottages of Lacock Village

1. Visit Lacock Abbey and the Fox Talbot Museum

One of the most important places to visit in Lacock is Lacock Abbey. Founded in 1232 by Ela, Countess of Salisbury, the abbey began as a nunnery and was later transformed into a country house. Today, it is managed by the National Trust and is open to visitors.

Lacock Abbey is also famous as the former home of William Henry Fox Talbot, the inventor of the photographic negative. The Fox Talbot Museum, located on site, tells the story of early photography and displays some of the oldest surviving photographs in the world.

Inside the abbey, you can explore medieval cloisters, Gothic and Tudor rooms, grand Victorian interiors, and the very space where the first photographic negative was created.

  • The dining room at Lacock Abbey

There is no need to book tickets in advance, tickets can be purchased on the day of your visit from visitor reception. You can find more information on the Abbey’s opening days and times here

Discover the Harry Potter Filming Locations at Lacock Abbey

Lacock Abbey is one of the most recognizable Harry Potter filming locations in England. Several rooms and passageways were used to represent Hogwarts interiors. You can explore the abbey on your own, or find Harry Potter themed tours via GetYourGuide, Viator, or Tripadvisor.

The Cloisters

Used as Hogwarts corridors in Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone and Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets. Scenes include Harry walking with his invisibility cloak, students moving between classes, and Professor McGonagall recruiting Harry for the Quidditch team.

  • The cloisters at Lacock Abbey, also known as Hogwarts corridors

The Chapter House

Used as the room of the Mirror of Erised and later as a classroom where students discuss the Heir of Slytherin.

  • The Chapter house room

The Warming Room

Featured as Professor Quirrell’s Defence Against the Dark Arts classroom, complete with its historic cauldron.

  • The Warming Room—or, should I say, Professor Quirrel’s classroom

The Sacristy

Transformed into Professor Snape’s Potions classroom.

Explore the Abbey Gardens and Greenhouse

After touring the abbey, take time to wander through its beautiful grounds. The gardens have existed for centuries and blend woodland paths, open parkland, and formal historic spaces.

One of the highlights is the Botanic Garden and greenhouse, created by Henry Fox Talbot in the nineteenth century. The greenhouse is filled with colorful plants and offers a quiet place to pause and enjoy the peaceful surroundings.

The grounds also feature an orchard, rose garden, and riverside walks that are especially beautiful in spring and summer.

  • Partial view of the greenhouse
  • Wild garlic growing on Lacock Abbey grounds

2. Wander the Streets of Lacock Village

Lacock village itself is just as special as the abbey. The village layout has remained largely unchanged for centuries, with timber framed cottages, stone houses, and historic inns lining four main streets.

As you wander, you will find independent shops, small museums, cozy tearooms, and traditional pubs. Lacock feels wonderfully untouched by modern development, which is why it is so often chosen for period dramas.

  • One of the lovely cottages in Lacock Village

Stop for a freshly baked treat at Lacock Bakery or enjoy a coffee and homemade cake at The Stables Cafe. For a sit-down meal, the historic Sign of the Angel and The George Inn are perfect choices for classic English fare, while The Bell Inn offers more refined dining just outside the main thoroughfare. The village also has delightful places to browse local crafts and gifts, including the National Trust Gift Shop, Barty’s of Lacock, Quintessentially English, and Lacock Shop & Deli, making a slow stroll through Lacock feel like a step back in time with plenty of inviting stops along the way.

3. Harry Potter filming locations in the village

The Cottage with the Blue Door

The blue door cottage on Church Street appears briefly in Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince.

  • The day I visited, some Harry Potter themed jewelry and keychains were for sale right outside the cottage

Sign of the Angel Pub

The Sign of the Angel pub was used as the Babberton Arms. You can even book a stay here!

  • The Sign of the Angel pub, also known as Barberton Arms in the sixth Harry Potter movie

Harry Potter Parent’s House

A house at the end of Church Street was used as James and Lily Potter’s home.

  • James and Lily Potter’s house in Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone

Horace Sluggorn’s Hideaway

A large house on Church Hill appears as Horace Slughorn’s hideaway.

  • Horace Sluggorn’s Hideaway

4. Visit St Cyriac’s Church and Churchyard

St Cyriac’s Church dates back to the fourteenth century and stands at the heart of Lacock. The church features beautiful stonework, medieval details, and impressive stained glass. Settlement in Lacock originally developed around the church, which is still reflected in the shape of Church Street today.

The peaceful churchyard is a lovely place for a quiet stroll and offers beautiful views of the surrounding village.

  • St Cyriac’s Church, a 14th Century medieval church

Where to Stay in Lacock

If you want to extend your visit, Lacock is a wonderful place to spend the night. One of the most popular options is the Sign of the Angel, a historic inn located right in the village.

You can also find charming cottages, boutique hotels, and countryside stays nearby through Booking.com and Expedia.

Getting to Lacock

Lacock is located in Wiltshire, about thirty minutes from Bath and under two hours from London.

By car: easy access from Bath, Bristol, and the Cotswolds. Click here for car rental options.
By train: Chippenham station is the closest, followed by a short taxi ride. You can check private transfers through Welcome Pickups and Kiwitaxi.

By tour: many small group tours include Lacock with Bath and the southern Cotswold

Final Thoughts

Lacock is one of those rare places that truly feels frozen in time. Whether you are visiting for its history, gardens, photography heritage, or famous filming locations, the village offers a peaceful and unforgettable experience. It is the perfect destination for a slow day of wandering, exploring, and soaking in English village life.

If you are planning a trip to Wiltshire or the Cotswolds, Lacock absolutely deserves a place on your itinerary!

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Visiting Goathland Railway Station in Goathland Village, North Yorkshire (2026 Guide)

Paola Tambo2 Comments

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you use these links to make a booking or reservation, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. This helps support my blog and allows me to continue creating detailed travel guides.

Goathland Railway Station serves the picturesque village of Goathland in the heart of the North York Moors National Park in North Yorkshire, England. Surrounded by rolling moorland, stone cottages, and scenic walking trails, Goathland is one of the most charming villages in northern England and a popular stop for visitors exploring Whitby, the Yorkshire coast, and the North York Moors.

The station first opened in 1865 under the name Goathland Mill, chosen because of its location near a watermill on the Murk Esk River. With very few alterations over the last century, Goathland Railway Station has beautifully preserved its historic character and remains an active stop on the North Yorkshire Moors Railway. Today, it attracts visitors from all over the world who come for its heritage trains, nostalgic atmosphere, and famous television appearances.

Whether you plan to ride a steam train or simply explore the platform and surrounding countryside, Goathland Railway Station is a wonderful place to include in any North Yorkshire itinerary. If you are building a North York Moors road trip, this is also a great place to base yourself.

You can browse charming inns, countryside hotels, and cozy cottages in and around Goathland on Booking.com, Expedia, or Vrbo.

A Ride on the North Yorkshire Moors Railway

Goathland Station is one of the most popular stops along the North Yorkshire Moors Railway, a preserved heritage railway that runs between Pickering and Whitby. The journey takes passengers through some of the most beautiful landscapes in the region, including open moorland, deep valleys, and forested countryside.

You can check the official timetable and pre book tickets here if you would like to ride one of the historic steam or heritage diesel trains. Many visitors choose to travel between Whitby and Goathland, making this station a perfect addition to a Whitby day trip. Guided heritage railway experiences and North York Moors tours that include Goathland are often available through platforms like Viator.

The Goathland Station Café

One of the highlights of a visit is the Goathland Station Café, a unique tea room located inside the station within a converted 1920s style goods shed. The café is walker friendly and dog friendly, and guests are welcome to sit indoors or outside on the platform to watch the trains arrive and depart.

The café serves a variety of hot and cold drinks, savory items, homemade cakes, sweet treats, and ice creams. Their sandwiches, classic scones, and hot chocolate are especially popular. It is a perfect stop after a countryside walk or before boarding a train.

Opening times vary according to the railway timetable. Because hours change seasonally, it is always a good idea to check ahead if you are planning a visit around the café. You can check opening times HERE.

  • Inside the Goathland Station Café

Film and Television Appearances

Goathland Railway Station is famous for its on screen roles and has appeared in several major film and television productions.

It was used as Hogsmeade Station in the Harry Potter films, making it a must visit spot for Harry Potter fans. The station is also well known as Aidensfield Station in the long running British series Heartbeat. In addition, it has featured in All Creatures Great and Small, Keeping Mum, and Carrington.

Because of this, Goathland is often included on themed film and television tours of North Yorkshire. A private tour like this one is a great option if you would like deeper insight into the area’s film and television appearances.

  • View of Goathland Railway Station from the top of the red bridge

Stay in a Vintage Train Carriage at Goathland Station

One of the most unique experiences in Goathland is the opportunity to stay overnight in a vintage camping coach located just behind the station platform. This restored carriage offers a truly memorable way to experience the railway and countryside.

The camping coach includes a living area, a kitchen, a twin bedroom, a double bedroom, and a shower room. Staying here allows you to wake up surrounded by moorland scenery and historic trains, making it a fantastic option for families, couples, and railway enthusiasts.

If you prefer a traditional stay, there are also beautiful guesthouses, inns, and countryside cottages throughout Goathland and the surrounding villages, many of which can be booked through Booking.com and Vrbo.

Click here to check availability and book the camping carriage

  • A green vintage train carriage at Goathland Railway Station

Parking and Practical Information

There is a car park located next to Goathland Railway Station that allows all day parking for a single fee. This makes the station an easy stop for visitors exploring the North York Moors by car.

Public buses also connect Goathland with Whitby and other nearby villages, making it accessible even if you are not driving. If you are arriving from a nearby airport such as Leeds Bradford or Manchester, Welcome Pickups and Kiwitaxi are convenient options for arranging private transfers.

Things to Do Near Goathland Station

A visit to Goathland Railway Station pairs perfectly with exploring the rest of the village and surrounding countryside. Consider adding these nearby experiences to your itinerary:

• Walk through Goathland village to see traditional stone cottages and local tea rooms
• Visit the famous Goathland Waterfall, also known as Mallyan Spout, located about a mile from the village
• Hike across the North York Moors for sweeping views and peaceful nature trails
• Take a scenic train journey to Whitby and spend the afternoon exploring the harbor, abbey, and historic streets
• Explore Heartbeat filming locations throughout the village

Outdoor tours, walking excursions, and North York Moors day trips are often available through Tripadvisor, Viator, and GetYourGuide.

Final Thoughts

Visiting Goathland Railway Station is like stepping back in time. Between the historic platform, scenic railway, cozy station café, and famous filming history, it offers one of the most atmospheric experiences in North Yorkshire.

Whether you are a Harry Potter fan, a railway enthusiast, or simply looking to explore one of the most beautiful corners of the North York Moors, Goathland is well worth adding to your travel plans.