Scotland provided the dramatic backdrop for many iconic Harry Potter scenes.

Glenfinnan Viaduct – Hogwarts Express

One of the most recognisable Harry Potter filming locations, the Glenfinnan Viaduct features 21 arches stretching across the Scottish Highlands. It appears in multiple scenes as the Hogwarts Express travels to school.

What to do:

• Ride the Jacobite Steam Train from Fort William to Mallaig

• Hike to viewpoints overlooking the viaduct

• Visit the Glenfinnan Monument nearby
  
  

Steall Falls – Triwizard Tournament

Steall Falls appears in Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire during the Hungarian Horntail dragon challenge scene.

What to do:

• Walk through Nevis Gorge to the waterfall

• Enjoy scenic hiking routes and photography spots
  
  

Glen Coe – Hagrid’s Hut

The dramatic landscape of Glen Coe was used for exterior scenes around Hagrid’s Hut.

What to do:

• Explore hiking trails and scenic drives

• Visit nearby filming locations used in other major films

Scotland is also home to many Outlander filming sites, perfect for all the fans who want to reenact their favourite scenes. 

Doune Castle – Outlander (Castle Leoch)

Doune Castle doubled as Castle Leoch in Outlander and is one of the most popular filming locations in Scotland.

What to do:

• Take a guided tour of the castle interior

• Explore the surrounding countryside

• Combine with a visit to nearby Stirling

Edinburgh – Outlander

Several Outlander scenes were filmed in Edinburgh’s Old Town, capturing historic streets and alleys.

What to do:

• Walk the Royal Mile and Old Town streets

• Spot filming locations along Victoria Street

• Visit Edinburgh Castle and nearby museums

Eilean Donan Castle – Highlander

One of Scotland’s most photographed castles, Eilean Donan featured in Highlander and other films.

What to do:

• Tour the castle interior

• Walk the stone bridge and take photos across Loch Duich

• Enjoy scenic drives along the surrounding Highlands

There are also many other locations across the UK to visit to feel like you are a part of your favourite TV Shows. Whether you want to act out your inner Thomas Shelby, or embrace your own upstairs-downstairs dynamics of Bridgerton or Downton, there are lots of places to go. 

Highclere Castle, Hampshire – Downton Abbey

Highclere Castle is the home of the Crawley family in Downton Abbey and is perfect for fans of period dramas.

What to do:

• Take guided tours inside the castle

• Stroll the gardens and enjoy the landscape

• Visit the gift shop for themed souvenirs

Royal Crescent, Bath – Bridgerton

This iconic Georgian crescent provides the perfect backdrop for Bridgerton scenes.

What to do:

• Walk along the crescent and admire the architecture

• Visit nearby Roman Baths and museums

• Take photos in period-perfect surrounding

Although set in Birmingham, much of Peaky Blinders was filmed across several locations:

Liverpool – Stanley Dock

What to do:

• Explore the dockside and canal areas

• Take photos at iconic warehouse locations
  
  

Manchester – Industrial Streets

What to do:

• Walk through Chinatown and historic streets used in filming

• Join a guided Peaky Blinders tour for full context
  
  

Black Country Living Museum

What to do:

• Explore period-accurate streets and industrial buildings

• Experience immersive exhibits
  
  

Arley Hall & Gardens, Cheshire

What to do:

• Stroll the gardens and grounds

• Explore stately rooms featured in the series

Belgium’s charming cities and historic streets have featured in several films, where visitors can spot iconic landmarks like the Belfry of Bruges, scenic canals, cobbled squares, and Gothic architecture used in In Bruges.

Belfry of Bruges

The medieval city of Bruges takes centre stage in the film In Bruges. Its canals, cobbled streets and Gothic buildings create a cinematic atmosphere.

What to do:

• Climb the Belfry Tower

• Take a canal boat tour

• Explore Markt Square

Amsterdam – The Fault in Our Stars

The romantic canal scenes in The Fault in Our Stars were filmed throughout Amsterdam’s historic canal district.

What to do:

• Cycle along the canals

• Take a canal cruise

• Visit iconic city landmarks

Rotterdam – The Hitman’s Bodyguard

Rotterdam’s modern skyline and striking architecture feature in several scenes from this action-comedy.

What to do:

• Walk across Erasmus Bridge

• Visit the Cube Houses

• Explore the Marktha

If you’re planning the ultimate cinematic road trip, these are ten of the most iconic filming locations across Europe:

1. Glenfinnan Viaduct, Scotland — Harry Potter

2. The Dark Hedges, Northern Ireland — Game of Thrones

3. Skellig Michael, Ireland — Star Wars

4. Normandy Beaches, France — Saving Private Ryan

5. Eiffel Tower, Paris — Mission: Impossible – Fallout

6. Cliffs of Moher, Ireland — Harry Potter

7. Doune Castle, Scotland — Outlander

8. Belfry of Bruges, Belgium — In Bruges

9. Amsterdam Canals, Netherlands — The Fault in Our Stars

10. Ballintoy Harbour, Northern Ireland — Game of Thrones

Travelling between these iconic filming locations is easy with P&O Ferries. Whether you're heading to Northern Ireland for a Game of Thrones tour, driving to Normandy’s historic beaches, exploring Paris, or discovering Bruges and the Netherlands, travelling by ferry allows you to bring your car and explore at your own pace.

Why travel by ferry?

• Convenient routes between the UK, Ireland, France, Belgium and the Netherlands

• Freedom to road trip between multiple filming locations

• Comfortable onboard facilities

• Flexible luggage options

From walking beneath the Dark Hedges to standing below the Eiffel Tower or riding past the Glenfinnan Viaduct, Europe’s most famous filming locations are waiting to be explored.