York is a great place for Harry Potter fans, with several Harry Potter themed shops that you can visit. These shops offer a wide range of Harry Potter merchandise, or have a wizardry/witchy theme.
All of the Harry Potter themed shops are located on The Shambles, walking distance of each other making it easy to visit them all in one day. So, put on your Hogwarts robes and head to York for a magical Harry Potter shopping experience!
Just a heads up – In 2022, some of the themed stores closed but some online guides still refer to these shops as if they’re open. The 3 stores that closed were The Boy Wizard, The Enchanted Galaxy and The World Of Wizardry. There are still plenty of other Harry Potter stores that offer a much better shopping experience so don’t worry, there’s still plenty to see.
The Shambles and Diagon Alley
The Shambles History
The Shambles is a narrow medieval street in York, UK, lined with timber-framed buildings that lean towards each other, creating a tunnel-like effect. The street dates back to the 14th century and was originally a meat market where butchers would sell their produce.
How is The Shambles Linked to Harry Potter?
The Shambles is also known as the inspiration for Diagon Alley, the magical shopping street in the Harry Potter series. Although the films were not actually filmed in York, the set designers visited The Shambles to study the real-life version of JK Rowling’s creation. The street’s crooked buildings and cobbled streets are reminiscent of the wizarding world, making it a must-visit destination for Harry Potter fans.
Wizardry & Harry Potter Themed Shops
If you’re a Harry Potter fan, you’ll be pleased to know that York is home to several wizardry and Harry Potter themed shops. When planning your visit, be sure to check the opening hours of the shops and experiences you wish to visit.
Here’s a list of shops themed around the magic or Harry Potter:
The Shop That Must Not be Named
The Shop That Must Not be Named is an official licensed Harry Potter merchandise shop. Located in the heart of York on the famous Shambles, this shop has everything for the Harry Potter super fan. From Harry Potter clothing to replica wands, to sweet treats and more. The shop really has everything including a lot of exlcusive items.
Whilst visiting the store, remember to get a photo taken with the broomstick parking out front.
Location: 30 Shambles, York YO1 7LX
The Potions Cauldron
The Potions Cauldron is another Harry Potter themed shop located on the Shambles. Here you’ll find a number of magical concoctions (for drinking) such as Basilisk Blood, Unicorn Essence, Serpent’s Venom, and the Tears of a Wizard.
The shop also offers The Cauldron Experience, where you’ll get to mix potions. They offer two different experiences. The family-friendly experience lasts 25 minutes, and you’ll get to mix up slush postions (these are suitable for children) or posionious potions (for adults). The family experience only costs £5.99 per person, so it’s super cheap + a fun thing to do. The adult experience, lasts 50 minutes and it is steeper in price at £19.99. But, you’ll get a welcome tipple and two magical potion cocktails. If you’re in an adult-only group + like alcohol, the adult experience is well worth the money.
Cauldron Experience has some limited mobility access. They have space for 1 wheelchair, as long as it can fit through the doorway (700mm wide). To be safe, contact them to discuss access information before you book. It’s also worth noting that The Shambles is really uneven, cobble stones and is quite a bumpy ride. One of Discovering York’s writers is disabled and said that the ride along the cobbles on a mobility scooter, is be quite a bumpy experience (but well worth it).
Located: 9¾, Shambles, York YO1 7LZ
The Society Of Alchemists
The Society of Alchemists is a bit different to the other store. The store is designed to be an alchemist lair for Ouroboros, a dragon that has been guarding a tomb within the lair. You can actually see Ouroboros inside the shop, acting as it’s guardian.
The store sells perfumes, beauty + body products, candles and loads more. Each item has an alchemy theme, and is beautifully designed. For cat lovers, I recommend checking out their Familiar themed items which includes a lush smelling candle & perfume, a cute pin badge, tote bag and more.
They also have a range of Zodiac wall signs and greeting cards. Plus there’s a good selection of wizardy themed sweets (such as baby dragon hearts, and witches fingers).
You can even get your very own Ouroboros plushie to take home a mini dragon guardian with you.
Located: 18 Shambles, York YO1 7LZ
Go on a Wizard Walk of York
If you’re a Harry Potter fan visiting York, you don’t want to miss the Wizard Walk of York. This walking tour is specifically designed for families with children and has won several awards, including the Best Tour of York in 2023.
The tour takes you through the cobbled streets of York, including the famous Shambles, which is said to have inspired Diagon Alley. You’ll also get to watch magic tricks, and search for mythical creatures. The Wizard Walk of York is really popular so it’s recommended to book online in advance.
The tour lasts for about 1 hour, and you’ll visit a 6 different locations including The Shambles, Whip-Ma-Whop-Ma-Gate, and St William’s College.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there any Harry Potter themed hotels in York?
York does have a magical themed hotel – Hocus Pocus. This little hotel offers a few different wizardry themed rooms. The hotel is located near The Shambles, making it a great spot for Harry Potter fans to stay. You can check their room availabilty here.
Another option is The Enchantment Chamber, which is a wizarding world themed one-bedroom apartment. The Enchantment Chamber is about a 10 minute walk from The Shambles, and 20 minutes from Clifford’s Tower so still close enough to explore the city on foot.
Some othe good hotels which aren’t wizardry themed but might suit your travel style include: The Grand Hotel and Spa (luxury 5 star hotel), and Safestay York Micklegate (a hostel with private rooms available).
Was The Shambles used as a Harry Potter filming location?
Nope, The Shambles wasn’t actually used to film Diagon Alley. It was just used as inspiration for the wizarding street. But there are a few other locations in Yorkshire that were used to film some parts of the film:
- York station – This was the filming location for Platform 9 and 3 quarters in the first Harry Potter Movie. Kingscross was only used in the later movies.
- Goathland railway station: Goathland railway station located on the North York Moors, was used as the filming location for Hogsmead train station.
- Malham Cove: Malham Cove in the Yorkshire Dales was used as a filming location in Harry Potter and The Deathly Hallows Part 1. The location was used as tht spot where Harry and Hermione camp overnight whilst going to destroy the Horcruxes.
