Harry Potter filming locations in Cornwall: Step into the magic
Harry Potter filming locations in Cornwall: Step into the magic
Harry Potter fans, rejoice! Cornwall’s mystical landscapes have become a real-life wizarding wonderland. In recent weeks, John Lithgow (following in the footsteps of Richard Harris and Michael Gambon as Albus Dumbledore) and Dominic McLaughlin (the new Harry Potter) have been spotted filming scenes for HBO’s upcoming Harry Potter TV series along Cornwall’s breathtaking coastline, including the mystical Kynance Cove and the picturesque Cadgwith Cove.
But that’s not all – Bel Powley, Daniel Rigby, Amos Kitson, Lambert Wilson, and Marthene Keller have also been seen bringing magic to life, turning Cornwall’s dramatic cliffs, hidden coves, storybook villages, and rugged landscapes into a cinematic wonderland.
Ready to experience the magic for yourself? Read our full guide to what’s been happening in these enchanting Cornish locations, discover how you can walk in the footsteps of your favourite Harry Potter characters, and find inspiration for creating your own magical stay in Cornwall. Wand’s at the ready – adventure, wizardry, and unforgettable scenery await!
Image by Cornwall Live
What is the new Harry Potter series?
HBO’s upcoming series promises a faithful adaptation of J.K. Rowling’s beloved novels, with expanded storytelling and deeper character arcs. The series gives the UK’s breathtaking landscapes – including some of our favourite Cornwall locations – a starring role, capturing the wizarding world like never before.
Where have the Harry Potter stars been spotted?
Cornwall’s dramatic cliffs, hidden coves, and misty moors make it the perfect backdrop for magical adventures. Its rugged coastline, secret beaches, and centuries-old legends offer a cinematic quality that studio sets cannot replicate. Filming has been spotted on the Lizard Peninsula, where public paths, beaches, and traditional villages have become natural stages for wizarding drama.
Kynance Cove
Cornwall’s mystical Kynance Cove, on the Lizard Peninsula, has been transformed into a Harry Potter filming location, serving as the backdrop for the introduction of Nicolas and Perenelle Flamel in a pivotal meeting with Hogwarts headmaster Albus Dumbledore (John Lithgow). In October 2025, crews were spotted among the serpentine cliffs and pristine sands, capturing scenes that shimmered with enchantment.
The cove’s misty shores and dramatic rock formations created the perfect setting for these magical encounters. Steeped in local legends, Kynance Cove’s turquoise waters, soft-white sands, and striking rocks feel almost untouched by time, while folklore tells of mermaids whose songs foretold approaching storms, adding an extra layer of enchantment to the filming location.
Cadgwith Cove
At Cadgwith Cove, a dramatic sequence with simulated rain featured Harry Potter and the Dursleys, played by Dominic McLaughlin, Bel Powley, Daniel Rigby, and Amos Kitson. The production also used local fishing boats and village extras, bringing Cadgwith’s charming seaside streets and harbour to life while blending Cornwall’s natural beauty with the magic of the wizarding world.
With narrow cobbled streets, whitewashed cottages, and a working harbour, Cadgwith retains a traditional Cornish charm, perfect for the atmospheric storytelling of the series. Its long-standing fishing heritage and magical ambience make it a scene straight out of a wizarding tale.
Where to stay on The Lizard
Tresawle, Housel Bay (Sleeps 10, 2 dogs)
An interior designed retreat with views out to Lizard Lighthouse, steps from Britain’s most southerly point. Right in the middle of the two Harry Potter filming locations with large gardens perfect for a game of Quidditch.
Bodrigy, Cadgwith (Sleeps 12, 2 dogs)
A clifftop home overlooking Cadgwith. Perfect for 12 friends and two dogs, complete with a bubbling hot tub, games room and stunning living spaces.
Col Ros, Mullion (Sleeps 10, 1 dog)
This unique home above Mullion Cove offers ample space for friends and family to get together and experience a real taste of beautiful Cornwall.
Trevanion Cottage, Coverack (Sleeps 6, 2 dogs)
Pair the dream destination of Coverack with the luxury of Trevanion Cottage for a memorable Cornwall holiday full of adventures and lazy days.
Tydl, Coverack (Sleeps 6, 1 dog)
Tydl is a welcoming sea view retreat in Coverack – well known as one of Cornwall’s most beautiful and cherished fishing villages.
Cornwall in Harry Potter lore
It’s no surprise that Cornwall’s rugged beauty, ancient myths, and enduring traditions have inspired the new HBO series. The county’s enchanting locations are even believed to have shaped some of J.K. Rowling’s most magical settings:
- Shell Cottage in Tinworth: Home of the Weasleys’ safehouse, canonically in Cornwall. The original films may have used Freshwater West in Wales, but the Cornish setting as the place where lovable elf Dobby was buried after his murder by Bellatrix Lestrange remains canon.
- The Knight Bus touring the Lizard Peninsula: Fan maps on Harry Potter Wiki suggest the Knight Bus has been spotted winding along Cornwall’s dramatic coastal roads, carrying witches and wizards all the way to Britain’s most southerly point.
- Cornish Pixies & Gilderoy Lockhart: Mischievous pixies (better known as Piskies in Cornwall) wreaked havoc in Professor Lockhart’s chaotic Defence Against the Dark Arts class, embodying Cornwall’s mischievous, magical spirit. Luckily, Hermione Granger managed to bring order to chaos!
- Hut-on-the-Rock: The iconic cottage where Hagrid first tells Harry he’s a wizard is thought to have been inspired by traditional Cornish coastal cottages. Whether a similar spot appears in the new series remains to be seen, but we’ll certainly be keeping an eye out!
Magical must-see Cornish spots
Even without film crews, Cornwall offers landscapes that feel enchantingly real. Here are our recommendations for the most magical spots to explore:
- Tintagel: Legendary home of King Arthur, with rugged cliffs and dramatic sea views that feel steeped in ancient magic. Wander the castle ruins and imagine the stories hidden in every stone.
- St Michael’s Mount: A tidal island crowned with a castle, perfect for imagining magical adventures across causeways and castle courtyards. The views at sunrise and sunset are particularly spellbinding.
- The Minack Theatre: A dramatic cliffside amphitheatre with breathtaking Atlantic views. Even without a performance, the location itself feels theatrical and otherworldly.
- Wheal Coates, St Agnes: An enchanting former tin mine perched dramatically on the cliffs, overlooking the sea. The ruins and surrounding landscape feel like a scene straight from a magical adventure.
- Boscastle: A charming harbour village with winding streets and a dramatic coastline, evoking the atmosphere of a hidden wizarding settlement. Don’t miss the Witchcraft Museum for a touch of mystical history.
- Nanjizal Bay: A secluded cove framed by towering cliffs, featuring a natural rock arch and a sense of untouched magic. Perfect for a quiet moment of reflection or an adventurous stroll along the sand.
Enchanting Cornish stays for your wizarding escape, inspired by Harry Potter
If the idea of walking in the footsteps of Harry Potter and exploring Cornwall’s magical landscapes excites you, why not book a stay on The Lizard to visit the recent filming locations? Or, for a broader Cornish adventure, check out some of our other enchanting escapes throughout Cornwall:
Boslagen, St Kew (Sleeps 2)
A gorgeous eco-pavillion for two, which floats almost magically on its own pond.
Farrar Cottage, Pendeen (Sleeps 4, 1 dog)
A once-derelict cottage with stunning sea views, complete with roaring log burner and sunset gin room.
Bosulla, The Helford (Sleeps 10, 1 dog)
An architectural masterpiece above the sparkling waters of magical Port Navas, complete with awe-inspiring interiors, hot tub, yoga space, and private mooring.
Bosavallam, St Kew (Sleeps 2)
A magical nature-retreat for two, inspiring rest and wellbeing amidst a woodland and orchard backdrop.
Chyrond, Veryan (Sleeps 6, 1 dog)
An iconic thatched roundhouse, designed to keep evil spirits away, in the heart of the Roseland Peninsula.
Skylark, near Port Isaac (Sleeps 8, 1 dog)
An enchanting rural escape, complete with jacuzzi, sauna and magical garden, a short drive from Port Isaac.
Killifreth Stamps, Chacewater (Sleeps 4, 1 dog)
An original engine house with stunning countryside views and bubbling hot tub. Perfect for a unique holiday steeped in history.
Molesworth Manor, Little Petherick (Sleeps 14, 2 dogs)
An exquisite country manor house, complete with a wellness wing, gym, cinema room and decadent social spaces. In true Hogwarts-style, it’s grand enough to have its own ghost and changing staircases. Wizard’s Chess also encouraged!
With Kynance Cove and Cadgwith Cove soon to grace the screens of Harry Potter fans in the new HBO series, we’re eager to see Cornwall’s spellbinding landscapes come alive. Until the new series airs, why not experience the magic yourself? Explore our collection of luxury holiday homes and discover how Cornwall’s spellbinding charm feels in real life.
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