Complete Guide to Harry Potter Film Locations in Lacock Village
If you’re a Harry Potter fan and looking to find and visit magical Harry Potter filming locations, a trip to Lacock Abbey in Wiltshire, England, is a must. This picturesque location served as a filming site for several scenes in the Harry Potter films, making it a magical destination for Harry Potter fans eager to walk in the footsteps of our favorite characters, in our favorite film series. Several areas inside Lacock Abbey were also used for filming Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald.In this blog post, I'll guide you through how to visit Lacock Abbey, explore its connection to the Harry Potter series, and make the most of your experience.
Getting to Lacock Abbey
Location
Lacock Abbey is located in the beautiful village of Lacock, just a few miles from the historic city of Bath. The address is: Lacock Abbey, Lacock, Chippenham, Wiltshire, SN15 2LG, United KingdomHow to Get There
By Car Road
From London, it takes about 1.5 to 2 hours to drive to Lacock. The Abbey has parking facilities, which can be convenient if you're traveling with a group or family. 3 miles south of Chippenham. M4 exit 17, signposted to Chippenham (A350). Follow A350 (signposted Poole/Warminster) until you reach Lacock. Sat nav: SN15 2RQ for directions to the car park. By Train:
The nearest train station is Chippenham, which is approximately 3 miles away from Lacock. From Chippenham, you can take a taxi or a local bus service to reach the Abbey. Melksham 3 miles.By Bus:
By Bus: There are also bus services from Bath and Chippenham that run to Lacock, making it a simple journey for those using public transport. Faresaver X34/Chippenham to Frome (passing Melksham train station, close Chippenham train station and close Trowbridge train station) Search for Lacock timetables here: http://www.faresaver.co.uk Plan your car-free visit with Good Journey and enjoy a free regular size hot drink when you show your bus ticket. By bus - more information Lacock Abbey Parking
Parking is available in the Hither Way car park. Please display a parking ticket from the machines: members need to show a membership card, while non-members need to pay £5 either by card or using the PayByPhone app. Once parked, follow the signs 200 yards to entrance.To find the Lacock Abbey Car Park, follow the signs to the Hither Way car park less than 400 meters from Visitor Reception.Map LocationOpening Hours and Admission
Before you plan your visit, check the official National Trust website for Lacock Abbey for the latest information on opening hours and admission prices. It’s advisable to book your tickets in advance, especially during peak tourist seasons, but tickets can be purchased on the day of your visit from visitor reception. Spring - summer pricing covers whole site including abbey rooms from 1 March - October 31 2025Autumn - winter pricing covers cloister, gardens, Fox Talbot Museum and exhibition only between 1 November - 28 February 2026. The abbey rooms are closed during this period. Free entry and parking for National Trust members.There is a car park charge for non-members of £5.00 a day.Tickets are roughly $27.00 each. Check most up to date priceing hereLacock Abbey Opening Times
Abbey Grounds 10am - 5pmAbbey Rooms 10:30am - 3:45pmAbbey Cloisters 10:15 - 4:45pm
Lacock Abbey Harry Potter Filming Locations by Map Pins
Lacock Abbey21 Church Street - Potter's houseChurch Street / Cantax Hill - Budleigh BabbertonCantax House, Cantax Hill, Lacock, Chippenham SN15 2JZ - Slughorn's house
A Brief History of Lacock Abbey
Lacock Abbey is a former nunnery founded in the 13th century. The stunning architecture and beautiful gardens make it a picturesque site, but it is perhaps best known to Harry Potter fans for its role in the films. The Abbey is a treasure trove of history, art, and architecture, featuring elements from Gothic to Tudor styles.
The location is not only significant for its beauty but also for its connection to the early days of photography. The Abbey was home to the pioneering photographer Fox Talbot, whose contributions to the field are celebrated throughout the site.
Harry Potter Filming Locations at Lacock Abbey
Lacock Abbey was used primarily for the filming of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone (also known as Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone in the UK) and Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince. When you think of Lacock Abbey envision the beautiful cloisters and classrooms from the Harry Potter movies. When you arrive at the Abbey Ruins, the first thing you’ll notice are the incredible cloisters. As you walk along you can feel yourself walking through the corridors of Hogwarts. Here are some key locations within the Abbey that Harrey Potter fans will recognize:Lacock Abbey Cloisters were used as Hogwarts Corridors
One of the most iconic locations within Lacock Abbey is the beautiful cloisters and hallways, which served as the corridors of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. As you walk through these stone corridors, you can easily imagine Harry, Hermione, and Ron scurrying past, trying to avoid Filch or heading to their next class. Lacock Abbey was used for filming in Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone and Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets. The most notable scenes filmed at this spot:Harry Potter is taken by Professor McGonagall to meet Oliver Wood to join the quidditch team, after she has seen him flying in The Philosophers Stone.Harry Potter wanders the corridor in his invisibility cloak and see Snape and Quirrel arguing in the Philosophers Stone.Ron and Harry are in the castle Corridors at night, when they realize Ginny Weasley has been taken by the Basilik and know where they have to go The Chamber of Secrets.
The cloisters were also used for filming in Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald not too long ago! Durham Cathedral, New College in Oxford, & Gloucester Cathedral have all been used for filming Hogwarts corridors as well.How to find it:
The Abbey is located opposite from the car park on High Street.
Lacock Abbey – The Sacristy room was used as Professor Snape’s Potions Classroom
For Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, the Sacristy room was used for Professor Snape’s Potions classroom. In Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, the Abbey’s stunning interior was transformed into Professor Slughorn’s Potions classroom. You can see the areas where Harry Potter learned about potions and encountered memorable moments with Professor Slughorn and Draco Malfoy. It's important to note you can’t actually walk into the “classroom” anymore. There are rope barriers up. It’s still really neat to see and shouldn't deter you from experiencing your Harry Potter locations bucket list.How to find it:
Once you enter Lacock Abbey, turn left and walk towards the end of the corridor. Go left into the Sacristy room. It’s the second of two rooms on the corridor.
Lacock Abbey – Chapter House was used for Filming the The Mirror of Erised
The Chapter House room in Lacock Abbey was used in two different Harry Potter films. Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone and later on in Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets. The serene and atmospheric surroundings of Lacock Abbey helped set the mood for the scene where Harry first encounters the Mirror of Erised. There are other rooms in the medival house where Snape’s potion class and Quirrel’s Defence Against the Dark Arts class was filmed. As you wander through the grounds, make sure you take time to reflect on your own deepest desires and what you would see in the mirror.How to find it:
Once you enter Lacock Abbey, turn left and walk halfway up the corridor. Go left into the Chapter House. It’s the first of two rooms on the corridor.
Lacock Abbey – Warming Room was used as Professor Quirrell’s Classroom
This room was used to film Professor Quirrel’s classroom during his Defense Against the Dark Arts Class in Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone.It's important to note this is another room where you can’t actually walk into the “classroom” anymore. There are rope barriers up here as well.How to find it:
Once you enter Lacock Abbey, turn right.
Lily & James Potter’s House
This house is the iconic house used in Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone when Harry Potter has flashbacks to his childhood as Hagrid shares the story of his parents. In the flash back, Hagrid tells Harry what really happened to his parents that night in Godrics Hollow. We see a woman holding a baby in the window, and a flash of green from Voldemort’s wand.I think it’s important to not the house looks pretty different in 2025, as the door has been painted a different color and the bushes are a lot taller. However, if you compare pictures of the house with this scene with Voldemort, it’s 100% it is the same house.Note this filming location is a private residence, so you will have to experience it behind the front gate.How to get there:
Map Location: Church St, Lacock, Chippenham SN15 2LB. This house at the end of Church Street, behind St Cyriac’s Church.
"Sign of the Angel" Pub aka The Babberton Arms
The "Sign of the Angel" pub in Lacock Village, Wiltshire, England, is featured in the Harry Potter film "Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince" as the Babberton Arms. Dumbledore and Harry Potter walk through the fictional village of Bubleigh Babberton, on their way to find Professor Sluggorn. They pass the Babberton Arms pub, aka the real life the ‘Sign of the Angel’ pub.How to get there:
Map Location: 6 Church St, Lacock, Chippenham SN15 2LBLook for the intersection where Church Street meets Cantax Hill/West Street.
Slughorn’s Hideaway House
Slughorn’s Hideaway House is located on Church Hill and was used for filming during Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince. Harry and Dumbledore walk to this house in
the village of Budleigh Babberton, in the Half-Blood Prince. Harry Potter and Dumbledore go to persuade Professor Horace Slughorn, who is in hiding from the death eaters, to join the Hogwarts’ teaching staff as defense against the dark arts teacher.Note this filming location is a private residence, so you will have to experience it behind the front gate.
How to get there:
Map Location: 4-6 Chapel Hill, Lacock, Chippenham SN15 2LAOnce we were standing in front of the Sign of the Angel at 6 Church Street, you will turn right out of the Corner House Inn, and you’ll turn right on the corner to Cantax Hill; you will need to cross the street and walk up the very short hill until you see the entrance gate.
Additional Experiences in Lacock Village
After you’ve explored Lacock Abbey, take some time to wander around the picturesque village. Lacock is known for its beautiful stone cottages, quaint shops, and lovely tea rooms. Here are a few must-see spots:Plant shop: It looks straight out of Herbology Class at Hogwarts! Plants, pots and decorative garden ware can be found by Visitor Reception on entrance to the abbey.
Lacock Village Shop: The National Trust gift shop can be found in a beautiful listed building on Lacock's picturesque High Street, selling gifts and souvenirs as well as a range of local artisan products. You can also find a small amount of Harry Potter memorabilia.The Red Lion: A traditional English pub serving hearty meals and local ales, perfect for a post-exploration meal.Lacock’s Historic Streets: Take a leisurely stroll to admire the well-preserved medieval architecture and the idyllic countryside.
Tips for Visiting Lacock Village and Lacock Abbey
Plan Ahead:
Check the weather and dress accordingly, as the Abbey's gardens can be quite expansive and there may be some walking involved.Arrive Early:
To make the most of your visit, arrive early to avoid crowds and enjoy the peaceful surroundings.Consider Joining a Guided Tour:
If you want a deeper understanding of the history and film connections, consider joining a guided tour offered at the Abbey.Respect the Site:
This is your friendly reminder that Lacock Abbey is a historical site. Please be respectful of the rules and regulations in place to preserve its beauty for future generations.
Other ways to see Lacock on-screen
You can spot Lacock in some of these productions:
His Dark Materials (BBC series 2019)Dr Thorne (ITV series 2016)Galavant (ABC series, 2015–16)Cranford (BBC series, 2007–10)The Other Boleyn Girl (2008 film)Pride and Prejudice (BBC series, 1995)Much of Downton Abbey's 2019 movie and original TV series was filmed in National Trust places, including Lacock’s quaint village and grand country homes such as Basildon Park.
Overall Thoughts on Visiting Lacock Abbey
Visiting Lacock Abbey is a truly magical experience for any Harry Potter fan. Walking through the same halls that housed Hogwarts students offers a unique connection to the films that have captured the hearts of millions. Take the time to explore the Abbey, enjoy the village, and create your own magical memories in this enchanting setting. Whether you're a lifelong fan or just discovering the series, Lacock Abbey will transport you into the heart of the Harry Potter movies. Happy travels!
Disclaimer: All information provided in this blog post was accurate at the time of writing, including experience offerings and details, opening times, and location availability.