10 Film and Television Filming Locations Open to the Public

8. Glenfinnan Viaduct - The Hogwarts Express Route

The Glenfinnan Viaduct, a magnificent curved railway bridge spanning the valley at the head of Loch Shiel in the Scottish Highlands, achieved global recognition as the route of the Hogwarts Express in the Harry Potter film series. This engineering marvel, completed in 1901 as part of the West Highland Line, consists of 21 concrete arches stretching 1,248 feet across the valley, creating one of the most photographed railway bridges in the world. The viaduct's dramatic appearance in the films, particularly the sweeping aerial shots of the scarlet steam train crossing the bridge against the backdrop of Scotland's rugged landscape, has made it a pilgrimage site for Harry Potter fans worldwide. Visitors can experience the magic firsthand by riding the actual Jacobite Steam Train, which operates seasonally along the same route featured in the films, providing passengers with the authentic experience of crossing the viaduct while surrounded by the breathtaking Highland scenery. The nearby Glenfinnan Monument and Visitor Centre offer panoramic viewing points where fans can photograph the viaduct and watch for the steam train's scheduled crossings, while interpretive displays explain both the railway's historical significance and its role in the film productions. The surrounding landscape, with its pristine lochs, ancient forests, and towering mountains, provided numerous other filming locations for the Harry Potter series, creating a comprehensive Scottish Highland experience that extends far beyond the famous bridge. The West Highland Line itself, often called one of the world's most beautiful train journeys, allows visitors to experience the same stunning scenery that captivated audiences in the films, while the working railway maintains its practical function of connecting remote Highland communities with the outside world.