Harry Potter, Ron and Hermione return to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry for their third year of study, where they delve into the mystery surrounding an escaped prisoner who poses a dangerous threat to the young wizard.
The third Harry Potter film took a darker, wilder turn – and headed north for it, into the dramatic glens and lochs of the Scottish Highlands. Hagrid’s hut sits beneath the peaks of Glencoe, and the Hogwarts Express steams across the now-iconic Glenfinnan Viaduct.
Where was Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban filmed?
Prisoner of Azkaban was filmed in the Scottish Highlands – Glencoe and the Glenfinnan Viaduct – and in London.
Every Prisoner of Azkaban location, explained
1
Hagrid’s hut – Glencoe
Hagrid’s hut and Buckbeak’s paddock sat beneath the mountains of Glencoe in the Highlands, along the A82.
2
The Hogwarts Express – Glenfinnan Viaduct
The train’s dementor attack crosses the sweeping Glenfinnan Viaduct near Fort William, one of Scotland’s most famous railway sights.
3
The Hogwarts lake – Loch Shiel
The lake scenes used Loch Shiel and the lochs around Scamodale in the western Highlands.
4
London – the geometry staircase
The spiralling Divination staircase used St Paul’s Cathedral in London, with the Leaky Cauldron at Borough Market.
Planning a visit
Glencoe and the Glenfinnan Viaduct are among Scotland’s most spectacular landscapes – and the Jacobite steam train still crosses the viaduct, letting you ride the Hogwarts Express for real.
Prisoner of Azkaban Fun Facts
1
Hagrid's hut is in Glencoe The hut and Buckbeak’s paddock sat beneath the peaks of Glencoe in the Scottish Highlands.
2
You can ride the Hogwarts Express The Glenfinnan Viaduct is crossed by the real Jacobite steam train, open to passengers.
3
A darker, wilder film Director Alfonso Cuaron gave the series a moodier, more location-driven look.
4
St Paul's plays the staircase The Divination tower’s spiral stairs used the Dean’s Stair at St Paul’s Cathedral.
5
The Knight Bus squeezed through London The triple-decker bus scene was filmed weaving through real London traffic.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where was Prisoner of Azkaban filmed?
In the Scottish Highlands – Glencoe and the Glenfinnan Viaduct – and in London.
Where is Hagrid's hut?
Beneath the mountains of Glencoe in the Scottish Highlands.
Can you ride the Hogwarts Express?
Yes – the Jacobite steam train crosses the Glenfinnan Viaduct as seen in the films.
Can you visit the locations?
Yes – Glencoe and the Glenfinnan Viaduct are among Scotland’s most popular sights.
