I love Harry Potter.

It’s a fact about myself that I don’t hide or try to shy away from. Yes, I’ve read all the books about a million times. Yes, I’m 22 years old and still mourning my lost Hogwarts letter (you notice I say “lost” because I’m still convinced it was a postal error). Yes, I own all of the book on tape versions of the stories (shout out to Jim Dale, bless your heart).

This love affair with the classic English series was one of the many reasons why in the Fall of 2013 I decided to study abroad in London, UK. And, as you might have guessed, I used this opportunity to visit all of the available sets and Harry Potter related locations I could.

Now, here is a compilation of some of the best places in England to get your Potter fix…

1. Oxford, UK

While most of the other locations are in London, and thus easily accessible to anyone living in the city, this one’s a bit out of the way.

That being said, this site is also amazing. Stepping into Oxford, and onto the grounds of the University of Oxford, is like stepping back in time. The school looks like a castle, with vast green lawns and cobblestone walkways.

Most importantly, however, many scenes from the Harry Potter movies were filmed here. The stairway inside the building was used in both the Sorcerer’s Stone and the Chamber of Secrets. The Great Hall was modeled after their own dining hall (which incidentally you can eat in if you’re so inclined). AND you can walk in the very courtyard that Moody turned Malfoy into a twitchy little ferret!

2. King’s Cross Station, London

You’re lying if you say you’ve never fantasized about slipping through the barrier between platforms 9 and 10 in King’s Cross Station. I know I certainly have. In the spirit of kindness towards people who actually have to catch trains at these two stations, however, they have set up a place for Potter fans to congregate, without clogging up the platforms.

The station itself has set up a Harry Potter area, with a Platform 9 3/4 sign and cart complete with owl cage and trunk sticking halfway out of the wall. With these props in place, it has become the perfect place to snag your super fan “Off to Hogwarts” profile picture. The site even has a Harry Potter gift shop right next door, and a team of workers who will snap your photo (but you have to pay for their photo of you, your friend with an iPhone is free!).

3. Leadenhall Market, London

Situated unassumingly off a London side street is Leadenhall Market, a covered shopping area that most people would assume is utterly unremarkable.

But they would be wrong! This market was the filming location for Diagon Alley in Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone. The Leaky Cauldron was set up right where an optician’s office now lies. While it is a muggle shopping center, it is also extremely beautiful in and of itself and well worth the visit.

4. Millennium Bridge, London

Situated on the Thames, very close the the Shakespeare’s Globe Theater, is the Millennium Bridge. Remarkable in and it’s own right, with modern architecture and a gorgeous view of St. Paul’s Cathedral, it is part of a key scene in Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince.

In the scene we see the Death Eaters (who can now apparently fly in dark blurs ??) making a show of strength in London and destroying the bridge. Obviously they’ve rebuilt since the aftermath.

5. Warner Brother’s Studio Tour – The Making of Harry Potter, Leavesden

About an hour outside of London lies the Warner Brother’s Studios, which holds the holy grail of Harry Potter paraphernalia. Here, for thirty-five pounds, you can experience pure wizarding bliss as you explore the many sets and props from all eight of the movies.

This includes the Great Hall, the Ministry of Magic, the Gryffindor Common Room, the Weasley’s Kitchen and many many more. Not only that, but outside you have the opportunity to walk up and knock on the front door of number 4 Privet Drive (but be warned, the Dursleys do not like unwelcome guests).

The studio tour is without a doubt the best of the various locations and experiences in London for a Harry Potter fan. If you ever have the opportunity to go TAKE IT. You won’t regret it.

Just remember though, whether you’re reading the books, watching the movies or visiting these HP locations, your love of all things Harry Potter will stay with you…. always.