Potter

The new Harry Potter series is being filmed in locations across the UK, including at a pretty market town that has been named ‘one of the happiest places to live’

The trailer for the new Harry Potter TV series has been released, prompting excitement among wizards and muggles. The HBO series is being filmed in locations across the UK, including in a picturesque market town that has been ranked as ‘one of the happiest places to live’ in Great Britain.

The highly anticipated Harry Potter series, based on the beloved books by J.K Rowling, will launch onto our screens in Christmas 2026, with the first trailer released this week. Ahead of its arrival, film crews have been spotted in various locations around the UK, as we get ready to welcome a new cast in the hugely popular Harry Potter franchise and watch the magic unfold all over again.

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Among the UK destinations set to be featured in the HBO series are London, Hertfordshire, Devon, and Cornwall. However, it came as a surprise to the residents of Skipton, in North Yorkshire, when Harry Potter film crews were spotted in the charming market town.

Skipton has often been dubbed the ‘Gateway to the Dales’, thanks to its position as the southern entrance to the Yorkshire Dales National Park, with its lush valleys and heather moorlands that stretch across more than 2,100 square kilometres. The market town is steeped in rich heritage, with a preserved 900-year-old medieval castle, so it’s no wonder it’s been used as a filming location for Harry Potter.

At the end of last year, Harry Potter film crews were spotted in Skipton, as an actor performed a spell with his wand on top of a rooftop along a terraced street. While various areas in Yorkshire have previously been used as filming locations, residents were thrilled that the Harry Potter production had arrived in the small town of Skipton.

One resident told the BBC: “We’ve had bits of filming before, but I was surprised that they’ve picked it for something as colossal as this, so I’ll be very excited to see the end result.”

The filming reportedly took place on Westmoreland Street in Skipton, but it’s unclear if any further filming was done in the area. Another local told the publication: “It’s always exciting to have film crews hanging around and maybe put Skipton a little bit more on the map than what it already is.”

While we’ll have to wait a little longer to see just how much of Skipton is featured in the series, with producers remaining tight-lipped about locations, the town is certainly worth a visit in its own right. The high street is packed with independent retailers and delightful cafés, while the town’s location along the Leeds and Liverpool canal provides picturesque walks for an idyllic day out.

The cobbled high street leads up to the historic Skipton Castle, and there are numerous eateries in the town, including Phoebe’s restaurant, The Cock & Bottle pub, and The Clubhouse café. But one of the town’s highlights is the award-winning Skipton Market, which is believed to be one of the oldest in the country.

The outdoor market has been running since medieval times and has earned considerable recognition as the ‘best small outdoor market’ in the national Great British Market Awards. Found on the High Street, Skipton Market takes place every Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday from 10am to 4pm, selling everything from food and produce to fashion and arts and crafts from local traders.

Yet it’s the residents who truly benefit from the charming town, as Skipton was named the ‘happiest place to live in Great Britain’ by Rightmove in their annual Happy at Home Index at the end of last year. Its convenient access to nature and green spaces was ranked as the top factor by Skipton residents, and there’s no shortage of landscapes to explore.

Beyond the nearby Yorkshire Dales National Park, there’s Aireville Park, a nature reserve, Castle Woods, and breathtaking Skipton Moor. With its undeniable charm and status as a film set, Skipton is well worth a visit, whether that’s for a weekend break or a day out, and is conveniently located just an hour’s drive from Leeds.

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Fans now know when they can look forward to the new adaptation

Fans of Harry Potter admit that they are ‘dancing in their room’ after the first ‘incredible’ trailer finally landed for the upcoming HBO series.

We have known for some time now that a new adaptation based on the series of books written by J.K. Rowling has been on the way. Most have welcomed the news with cautious optimism. Some have said to be unsure we need another version after the much admired film series.

This new iteration is set to be a faithful adaptation of the iconic novels, with the author credited as an executive producer. Each season of Harry Potter will be introduced to both new and existing fans, exclusively streaming on HBO Max which finally launches in the UK this month.

The original classic films will continue to be accessible for viewing globally. While fans should be able to stream the new series on HBO’s dedicated platform, Sky and NOW users should also have access providing they have the correct subscription.

It’s been previously suggested that the studio is optimistic about the series being as successful and well-received as the films, with hopes of it running for a minimum of 10 years. The series is penned and executive produced by Francesca Gardiner, known for her work on Killing Eve and His Dark Materials. Multiple episodes will be directed by Mark Mylod, renowned for directing several episodes of the HBO hit series Succession.

Last year it was confirmed that emerging talents, Dominic McLaughlin, Arabella Stanton, and Alastair Stout, will take on the legendary roles of Harry Potter, Hermione Granger, and Ron Weasley, respectively. We now have a first glimpse of their much anticipated performances.

That also includes the new portrayals of other beloved characters. This includes Hagrid played by Nick Frost and Professor Dumbledore, with Hollywood star John Lithgow taking on the responsibilities of the role.

Fans now also know when they can expect to start watching the series and it is sooner than many think. The caption for the video as shared on YouTube states: “A new era of Hogwarts begins. The HBO Original series Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone premieres this Christmas.”

As expected, fans were quick to share their thoughts and opinions on the first footage shared from the series. Many were actually surprised at how much they enjoyed it.

One person replied: “This actually looks incredible! I love that they’re going to show more of Harry’s life with the Dursleys!” Another added in a similar vein: “THIS LOOKS INCREDIBLE!!! God Bless HBO!! THIS CHRISTMAS.”

Someone else confessed: “I’m dancing in my room right now.” While one person noted: “I actually love the take on Harry trying to be a muggle student at a school.”

Surprised by how the first episode seems to be approaching faster than first anticipated, one said: “Also, Christmas??? YESSS!!! I thought we’d have another year!!”

Plenty of others recognised that the series will allow them to explore more events of the book and reflect on characters more deeply. Some fans even admitted that they were left emotional and even in tears at the thought that the series could allow them to relive their childhoods. One person commented: “I shed a tear…my childhood is coming back to me again.”

One person posted: “I’m sobbing this is incredible” and another “I’m literally crying.”

Harry Potter is streaming on HBO Max this Christmas.