To celebrate the 20th anniversary of the publication of Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, VisitBritain is showcasing what makes Britain a magical destination.

VisitBritain has released an interactive online map of magical sites across Britain which have inspired some of the world’s greatest literature and legends, from Harry Potter to Robin Hood, from King Arthur to Nessie.

Drawn by the UK’s culture and heritage, overseas travellers who visit castles or historic houses spend about £8 billion annually. Film and literature are also powerful motivators for travel, with more than a third of potential visitors to the UK wanting to see places featured on screen.

VisitBritain Director Patricia Yates said: “From Glenfinnan Viaduct in Scotland where the Hogwarts Express travelled, to Professor McGonagall’s classroom at Durham Cathedral, to exploring the Forbidden Forest at Warner Bros Studio, Harry Potter’s Britain is the stuff of magic.

“Harry and his wizarding world continue to hold generations of readers from across the globe spellbound, firing up imaginations and inspiring people to explore locations and landscapes and experience the wonder themselves.”

Literature and films have also boosted tourism across regional destinations. Snowdonia provided the backdrop for King Arthur: Legend of the Sword, while Highclere Castle in Hampshire is home to Downton Abbey, and The BFG film featured the Angel of the North and Isle of Skye. 

“With its long and fascinating history, Britain is famous for its myths and legends, and this new interactive map from VisitBritain is a fantastic way of finding out about some of our best known historical sites,” added Janet Redler, Chief Executive of Janet Redler Travel & Tourism.

“We would encourage anyone planning to visit Britain to explore at least some of the many ancient landmarks and locations this country has to offer: from sacred Stonehenge in the south of England to mysterious Loch Ness in the Highlands of Scotland; from the magical mountains of Snowdonia in North Wales to the legendary Giant’s Causeway in Northern Ireland.”

Latest statistics for 2017 show that there were a record 11.8 million overseas visits to the UK from January to April, up 11% on the same period in 2016. Overseas visitors spent £6.2 billion, up 14% and also setting a new record.

If you or your group would like to visit the magical sites of Britain on a tailor made tour of the United Kingdom and Ireland, please do contact us today.