Harry Potter Road Trip: Wizards, Castles & Magical Places

This UK motorhome road trip packs the best of Great Britain into two weeks. You leave London for the dreaming spires of Oxford, then head north to medieval York, the castles and beaches of Northumberland, and the cobbled lanes of Edinburgh. From there the road climbs into the Highlands: the Glenfinnan Viaduct, Fort William at the foot of Ben Nevis, and the dramatic valley of Glencoe. On the way back south, the Lake District offers one last dose of mountains and lakes before you return to London.

The route combines culture and nature in equal measure. One day you're exploring York Minster or Edinburgh Castle, the next you're hiking above a loch or watching a steam train cross a viaduct. Harry Potter fans will spot several filming locations along the way, from Alnwick Castle to Glenfinnan. With 14 days, you spend two nights in York, Edinburgh, Fort William and Keswick, so there's time to slow down, hike and explore without rushing.

A motorhome is the ideal way to travel this route. Campsites sit close to every stop, many with views of mountains or the sea, and the freedom to stop wherever the scenery calls is exactly what Scotland is made for. The longest drives are on the journey north to York and the return from the Lake District to London; in the Highlands, the stops are only half an hour apart.

This Great Britain road trip suits couples, families and first-time motorhome travellers in the UK. With more time, add extra nights in Edinburgh or the Highlands, or extend the route to the Isle of Skye.

Bucket List

• Step inside the medieval prison at Oxford Castle

• Climb Clifford's Tower for views over York

• Stand beneath the vast stained glass of York Minster

• Visit Alnwick Castle, a Harry Potter filming location

• Walk the empty beach at Sugar Sands in Northumberland

• Climb the Scott Monument and walk the Royal Mile in Edinburgh

• Watch a steam train cross the Glenfinnan Viaduct

• Hike Cow Hill above Fort William with views of Ben Nevis

• See the Three Sisters of Glencoe at sunrise

• Visit Castlerigg Stone Circle, surrounded by Lake District fells

• Wake up in your motorhome to a view of a Scottish loch

Stopovers: Day by Day

Day 1: London

London, United Kingdom · Start

Pick up your motorhome or start your journey in London. If you arrive in your own vehicle, plan your route out of the city carefully because of the Congestion Charge and ULEZ (see Good to Know).

Day 2: Oxford, the city of dreaming spires

Oxford, United Kingdom · approx. 95 km from London

Oxford's honey-coloured colleges and quiet quads make it one of England's most beautiful cities. Visit Oxford Castle & Prison, where guides in costume tell 1,000 years of history, then walk past the Radcliffe Camera and the Bodleian Library.

Don't miss: the view from the castle mound, a college garden, and a punt on the river in summer.

Days 3–4: York, medieval walls and Viking history

York, United Kingdom · 300 km · approx. 3.5 h · 2 nights: campsite

York is one of England's best-preserved medieval cities. Start at York Minster, one of the largest Gothic cathedrals in northern Europe, and see the Roman column outside, a reminder of the city's Roman past. Climb Clifford's Tower for a 360° view, stroll past Petergate House and the timber-framed streets, and end the day with a local beer at Brew York.

Don't miss: the Shambles, a walk along the city walls, and evensong at the Minster.

Second day: take the train from York to the Yorkshire Dales or the North York Moors, or visit the Jorvik Viking Centre and the National Railway Museum in town.

Day 5: Alnwick, castles and empty beaches

Alnwick, United Kingdom · 198 km · approx. 2.5 h · Overnight: campsite

Alnwick Castle, home of the Dukes of Northumberland, starred as Hogwarts in the early Harry Potter films. Take the broomstick training session, then explore the Alnwick Garden. In the afternoon, head to the Summerseats viewpoint and the wide, quiet beach at Sugar Sands on the Northumberland coast.

Don't miss: the castle state rooms, a coastal walk, and fish and chips by the sea.

Days 6–7: Edinburgh, Scotland's capital

Edinburgh, United Kingdom · 140 km · approx. 2 h · 2 nights: campsite

Edinburgh is a city built on hills, and every corner has a view. Walk the Royal Mile from Edinburgh Castle down towards Holyrood, then climb the Scott Monument for a panorama over Princes Street Gardens. Fleshmarket Close and the Vennel viewpoint are two of the most photogenic spots in the Old Town. Fans can join a Harry Potter tour through the streets that inspired the books.

Don't miss: the castle at opening time, the Vennel view of the castle, and a whisky tasting.

Second day: climb Arthur's Seat for the best view over the city, explore Dean Village and the Water of Leith, or visit the Royal Yacht Britannia in Leith.

Day 8: Glenfinnan Viaduct, the Harry Potter bridge

Glenfinnan PH37 4LT, United Kingdom · 259 km · approx. 3.5 h · Overnight stop

The drive north through Stirling, Loch Lomond and the Highlands is one of the most scenic of the trip. At Glenfinnan, follow the Glenfinnan Trail up to the viewpoint above the 21-arch viaduct, made famous by the Hogwarts Express. In season, the Jacobite steam train crosses the viaduct twice a day. The Glenfinnan Monument stands on the shore of Loch Shiel below.

Don't miss: the train crossing (check the timetable), Loch Shiel at sunset, and the visitor centre.

Days 9–10: Fort William, the outdoor capital

Fort William PH33, United Kingdom · 26 km · approx. 30 min · 2 nights: holiday park

Fort William sits at the foot of Ben Nevis, the UK's highest mountain. For a shorter hike with big views, take the Cow Hill trail and circuit, which looks out over Loch Linnhe and the Nevis range. Experienced hikers can take on Ben Nevis itself with an early start.

Don't miss: the Cow Hill viewpoint, Neptune's Staircase at Banavie, and the Nevis Range gondola.

Second day: hike Ben Nevis with an early start, walk to Steall Falls in Glen Nevis, or drive the Road to the Isles towards Mallaig and its white-sand beaches.

Day 11: Glencoe, the most dramatic valley in Scotland

Ballachulish, United Kingdom · 26 km · approx. 30 min · Overnight: campsite

Glencoe is pure Highland drama: steep mountains, waterfalls and a deep valley full of history. Stop at the Three Sisters viewpoint on the A82, then walk the easy Glencoe Lochan trail for reflections of the peaks in the water.

Don't miss: sunrise at the Three Sisters, the Glencoe Visitor Centre, and the Clachaig Inn.

Days 12–13: Keswick, the heart of the Lake District

Keswick, United Kingdom · 355 km · approx. 4.5 h · 2 nights: farm campsite

Cross the border back into England to Keswick, on the shores of Derwentwater. Visit Castlerigg Stone Circle, a Neolithic monument ringed by fells, then take a boat trip on the lake or walk up Catbells.

Don't miss: Castlerigg at sunset, the Derwentwater launch, and a pub dinner in town.

Second day: drive the Honister Pass to Buttermere, walk around the lake, or take the steamer on Ullswater.

Day 14: Return to London

London, United Kingdom · 491 km · approx. 5.5 h

The last leg is the longest. Leave early, or break the journey with a stop in the Peak District or the Cotswolds.

Where to Stay: Campsites & Motorhome Stops

Each overnight stop on this route has a campsite close to the main sights. Here is how the nights in England and Scotland break down.