The first film in the franchise to showcase such an abundance of locations beyond the Dursleys' home in Little Whinging and Hogwarts. Since author J.K. Rowling wrote the book about Britain, all the locations that appear on screen are British or filmed at a studio located in London. But even familiar places from previous films are shot differently here; for example, Hagrid's hut is clearly in a new location and is shown from different angles, revealing large hills around it.

Filming Locations:

Playground

In the Movie

Scene where Harry swings on a swing, whiling away the hot days before heading to Hogwarts. But then Dudley appears with a group of teenagers and they start bullying Harry, provoking him into aggression. At that moment, the weather suddenly turns bad; Dudley thinks it's Harry's magic, but it's actually the appearance of a Dementor.

In Reality

The scene was filmed at Warner Bros. Studios in London; the entire set is a film set. The playground was made sandy, without vegetation, to show that the summer was hot, and it also adds an extra effect when the color grading shifts from bright orange, emphasizing the yellow sand and scorched plants, to dark with shades of blue and green at the moment the Dementor appears.

Sirius Black's House

In the Movie

Scene where Mad-Eye Moody leads Harry and his friends to the secret hideout of the Order of the Phoenix. It is located in Sirius Black's house and is inaccessible to Muggles. When the group arrives at the right spot, the neighboring houses move apart and the desired house appears.

In Reality

The scene was filmed in London, on Claremont Square. Sirius Black's house appears between numbers 22a and 23a. This is a quiet area with prestigious houses, which matches the status of the Black family. The only issue is its location among Muggles, which somewhat contradicts their stance on pure-blood wizards. The location scouting was complicated by the fact that the book gives a fictional address.

Underground Station

In the Movie

Scene where Arthur Weasley accompanies Harry Potter to his hearing at the Ministry of Magic, but when they go down into the Underground, the roles reverse and Arthur, who knows nothing about the Muggle world, clearly needs help and instructions from a more experienced person.

In Reality

The scene was filmed at Westminster Underground Station – a major passenger hub in the very center of London. The station was chosen for two reasons: it matches the geography of the action in the film, and secondly, the station is built in a very modern style, which particularly emphasized the inappropriateness of Arthur Weasley's appearance in this place.

Ministry of Magic

In the Movie

Scene where Arthur Weasley escorts Harry to the Ministry of Magic, where his hearing is to take place. The entrance is located in a red telephone box on one of the streets of London. To enter, they go into the box and dial a specific number (hello, Matrix).

In Reality

The scene was filmed on Great Scotland Yard, not far from Trafalgar Square. Naturally, there is no telephone box here in reality, as they are no longer in demand and remain only in some places for tourist entertainment.

Platform 9¾

In the Movie

Scene where Harry Potter, accompanied by Sirius and Aurors, arrives at the station to board the train to Hogwarts. Before boarding, he says goodbye to Sirius, who during a brief conversation tells the story of the Order of the Phoenix and shows Harry photographs.

In Reality

The scene was filmed at the station in the very center of London, King's Cross – this station was the prototype in the book and all station scenes in the franchise were filmed here. Historically opened in 1852, it is the terminus for several major railway lines running across Great Britain. In 2005, the station underwent a major renovation, during which a new arched concourse for train departures was built.

Hogsmeade Station

In the Movie

Scene where the students get off the train, board carriages, and head to the castle. Only first-year students travel to Hogwarts by boat; older students travel by carriage. That's why Harry hadn't seen Thestrals before. Luna also sees them and tells Harry that only those who have seen death can see these creatures.

In Reality

The scene was filmed in Black Park, located in Buckinghamshire. The park is popular with directors; it is chosen for its "classic" English park appearance and convenient location. It is very close to Pinewood Studios, so it solves logistical problems for filmmakers.

Hagrid's Hut

In the Movie

Scene where Harry, along with Ron and Hermione, go to Hagrid's hut, from which Dolores Umbridge has just left. Hagrid tells the trio that, on Dumbledore's orders, he tried to win the giants over to the side of good so they wouldn't join the Dark Lord.

In Reality

The scene was filmed in the hills of the Ballachulish region, located in western Scotland. This is a new location for the hut; it is clearly more gloomy than the green meadows in the first part, by which the creators wanted to emphasize the transition of the entire film franchise to a darker narrative in the later parts.

Forbidden Forest

In the Movie

Scene where Harry heads into the forest, having spotted a Thestral flying over the trees. There, among the animals, he notices Luna Lovegood. She tells him why she can see Thestrals, like Harry, while others cannot. This greatly reassures him, as Harry had begun to think he was going mad.

In Reality

The scene was filmed in the Burnham Beeches National Nature Reserve, located not far from London to the west of the city. The reserve was chosen for its easy access and the gloominess that this forest acquires in twilight lighting and under blue and white tones.