Pumpkins are glowing, capes are swirling in the wind, and the smell of autumn fills the air, Halloween is almost here.
At Hellotickets, they swapped broomsticks for boarding passes to find the most magical getaways in Europe and beyond.
From misty castles to iconic film locations, these five destinations are perfect for those who want to bring a touch of wizardry to their October travels.
London: The Capital of Magic
For true Harry Potter fans, London is where it all begins. From Platform 9¾ at King’s Cross to the narrow, lantern-lit streets that inspired Diagon Alley, the city is steeped in wizarding history.
The ultimate stop, however, is the Warner Bros. Studio Tour London, where visitors can walk through real film sets, from the Great Hall to the Forbidden Forest, and, this season, enjoy the special Dark Arts experience filled with Death Eaters, floating pumpkins, and duelling lessons.
Don’t miss with Hellotickets: Warner Bros. Studio Tour, guided Harry Potter walking tour of London, and themed Thames cruise.
Edinburgh: On the Trail of J.K. Rowling
Between the cobblestone alleys and gothic towers, Edinburgh feels like a city under a permanent spell. It’s here, in cafés overlooking the castle, that J.K. Rowling wrote the first chapters of Harry Potter.
Wander through Victoria Street, said to have inspired Diagon Alley, or explore Greyfriars Kirkyard, where some very familiar names appear on the gravestones. In autumn, the golden leaves, low mist and candlelit pubs make the city even more enchanting.
Don’t miss with Hellotickets: “On the Footsteps of Harry Potter” walking tour, butterbeer tasting, and a storytelling night in a gothic pub.
Oxford: The Real-Life Hogwarts
If Hogwarts existed, it would probably look just like Christ Church College in Oxford.
The sweeping staircases, stained glass windows and grand dining hall have all appeared on screen, while nearby New College and the Bodleian Library complete the cinematic magic.
Come autumn, Oxford’s courtyards are carpeted with golden leaves, the bells echo through the fog, and the bookshops feel straight out of a Defence Against the Dark Arts class.
Don’t miss with Hellotickets: Oxford and Harry Potter film locations tour, visit of the Bodleian Library, and afternoon tea by the river.
The Scottish Highlands: Steam Trains and Spells
Few places capture the spirit of the wizarding world like Scotland. The Glenfinnan Viaduct, crossed by the Hogwarts Express in the films, is every fan’s dream come true. Watching the steam train The Jacobite curve across the bridge in the mist is pure movie magic.
Beyond that, the Highlands are full of mystery: vast lochs, ancient castles and landscapes so dramatic they could hide a dragon or two.
Don’t miss with Hellotickets: Day trip to Glenfinnan, Loch Ness and Fort William, or the full “In the Footsteps of Harry Potter” tour from Edinburgh.
Porto: The Hidden Gem of Wizardry
It may come as a surprise, but Porto has deep ties to the creation of Harry Potter. When J.K. Rowling lived there, she spent her days in the stunning Livraria Lello, one of the world’s most beautiful bookshops, with its wooden staircase and stained-glass ceiling that could easily belong in Hogwarts.
Between its vintage trams, tiled façades and riverside cafés, Porto is a destination full of charm and quiet magic.
Add a glass of Port wine at sunset, and you’ll believe in spells again.
Don’t miss with Hellotickets: “Magical Porto” walking tour, Douro River cruise at sunset, and Port wine tasting in Vila Nova de Gaia.
The Magic Never Ends
From London’s cobbled streets to Scotland’s misty glens, from the bookshops of Porto to the cafés of Edinburgh, the world of Harry Potter continues to cast its spell on travellers of all ages.
This autumn, Hellotickets invites you to celebrate Halloween differently, with a magical weekend full of stories, lights, and just a little bit of sorcery. Discover all our magical experiences at: www.hellotickets.com/en-en
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