Unveiling the Enchanted Secrets of Lacock Village: Where Harry Potter Came to Life!
If you’re a fan of Harry Potter, you might want to visit Lacock Village in Wiltshire, England. This quaint and picturesque village has been used as a filming location for several scenes in the Harry Potter movies, as well as other popular productions like Downton Abbey and Pride and Prejudice. In this blog post, I’ll show you how to get to Lacock, what to see and do there, and why it’s a magical place for Potterheads.
Lacock is a medieval village that dates back to the 13th century. It’s owned by the National Trust, which means that it has preserved its historical charm and authenticity. You won’t find any modern signs, cables, or cars in Lacock, just stone cottages, timber-framed houses, and flower-filled gardens. It’s like stepping back in time, or into a fairy tale.
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Lacock is also home to Lacock Abbey, a former monastery that was converted into a country house by the Talbot family in the 16th century. The abbey is famous for being the place where William Henry Fox Talbot invented the photographic negative in 1835. You can visit the abbey and see his original camera and photographs, as well as the beautiful cloisters, gardens, and rooms.
But for Harry Potter fans, Lacock Abbey is more than just a historical site. It’s also one of the most iconic Harry Potter filming locations in England. The abbey was used as the interior of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry in several scenes from the first two movies, Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone and Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets. You can walk in the footsteps of Harry, Ron, Hermione, and other characters as you explore the abbey.
Some of the most memorable scenes that were filmed in Lacock Abbey are:
The scene where Harry discovers the Mirror of Erised in the Philosopher’s Stone. The mirror was placed in front of a window in the Chapter House, a circular room with vaulted ceilings and stone carvings.
The scene where Harry frees Dobby from Lucius Malfoy in the Chamber of Secrets. The Warming Room, where the monks used to warm themselves by the fire, was used as Malfoy’s office.
The scene where Professor Snape teaches Harry how to defend himself against Voldemort’s attacks in the Half-Blood Prince. The Sacristy, where the monks used to store their sacred vessels and vestments, was used as Snape’s classroom.
The scene where Harry and Ron hide from a troll in the Philosopher’s Stone. The corridor outside the Chapter House was used as one of the Hogwarts corridors.
The scene where Harry finds Tom Riddle’s diary in Moaning Myrtle’s bathroom in the Chamber of Secrets. The lavatorium, where the monks used to wash their hands before meals, was used as the bathroom.
But Lacock Abbey is not the only Harry Potter filming location in Lacock village. There are also several spots in the village that were used as backdrops for other scenes in the movies. For example:
- The house at 2 Church Street was used as Harry’s parents’ house in Godric’s Hollow in the Philosopher’s Stone. This is where Voldemort killed Lily and James Potter and left baby Harry with his lightning-shaped scar.
- The house at 4 High Street was used as Horace Slughorn’s house in Budleigh Babberton in the Half-Blood Prince. This is where Dumbledore and Harry find Slughorn disguised as an armchair and persuade him to return to Hogwarts.
- The house at 5 High Street was used as James and Lily Potter’s house in Godric’s Hollow in Deathly Hallows Part 1. This is where Harry and Hermione visit their graves and encounter Bathilda Bagshot.
- The Sign of the Angel inn at 6 Church Street was used as part of Godric’s Hollow in Deathly Hallows Part 1. This is where Harry and Hermione see a statue of themselves holding hands.
- The Lacock Bakery at 9 High Street was used as part of Godric’s Hollow in Deathly Hallows Part 1. This is where Harry and Hermione see a poster of Undesirable №1 (Harry) on a shop window.
As you can see, Lacock village is full of Harry Potter magic and history. It’s a must-see destination for any fan of the books or movies. But how do you get there?
The easiest way to get to Lacock is by car. It’s about 2.5 hours drive from London, or about an hour from Bath or Bristol. You can park your car at one of the National Trust car parks outside the village and walk to the centre.
Alternatively, you can take public transport to Lacock. The nearest train station is Chippenham, which is about 4 miles away from Lacock. You can take a bus or a taxi from Chippenham to Lacock, or you can rent a bike and cycle along the scenic country roads.
Once you’re in Lacock, you can enjoy a day of exploring the village and the abbey. You can also visit the Fox Talbot Museum, which tells the story of the invention of photography and displays some of the earliest photographs in the world. You can also have a bite to eat at one of the pubs, cafes, or tea rooms in the village, or buy some souvenirs at one of the shops.
Lacock is a charming and magical place that will make you feel like you’re in Harry Potter’s world. It’s a perfect day trip for anyone who loves history, culture, and fantasy. So, what are you waiting for? Grab your wand and your broomstick and head to Lacock!
