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Most 'magical' village in England that features in Harry Potter and Downton Abbey
Reach Daily Express | May 13, 2026 10:39 PM CST

As temperatures begin to rise, increasing numbers of people will be planning day trips to explore destinations across the UK, whether for a staycation or simply a daytime adventure. The great news is England and most parts of the UK sits within easy reach of numerous hidden gems that many visitors may never have previously considered.

To help people uncover these wonderful spots, one woman named Paola regularly takes to TikTok under the username 'paola_atheart' to document her travels to various villages and towns throughout the UK, showcasing everything they have to offer. In one particular video, she ventured to a village in Wiltshire that you may well recognise from some of your favourite films.

"One of England's most magical villages. Lacock is quietly special - a village dating back to 1232, filled with honey-coloured stone cottages, crooked lanes, and centuries-old details," she wrote in the caption of her post.

Lacock is a charming, 13th-century village in Wiltshire, England, with roots stretching back to Saxon times. While still inhabited by many residents, it is largely owned by the National Trust and is celebrated for its remarkably well-preserved medieval, timber-framed cottages and stone houses.

The village was renowned for its wool trade during the Middle Ages and served as the sole crossing point over the River Avon until the 18th century. During the 1800s, the Lacock estate was in the possession of Henry Fox Talbot, a celebrated British inventor widely credited with pioneering the art of photography.

The Talbot family later gifted the village to the National Trust in 1944, which now oversees the country house, abbey and the surrounding area.

"One of its most iconic landmarks is Lacock Abbey, which stood in for Hogwarts in the Harry Potter films and appeared in Downton Abbey and Pride and Prejudice," Paola added in the caption of her post.

Originally a nunnery, Lacock Abbey boasts medieval cloisters and a botanical garden, providing a captivating blend of history and natural beauty.

Today, it has established itself as a celebrated filming location, having featured in the first two Harry Potter films as the corridors of Hogwarts, appearing in scenes depicting students heading to lessons or Harry Potter wandering the halls under his invisibility cloak. The abbey also doubled as several Hogwarts classrooms, including Professor Snape's potions class and Professor Quirrell's Defence Against the Dark Arts class.

While exploring the village on foot, visitors can also discover the period houses that portrayed the Potter family home in Godric's Hollow, along with Professor Slughorn's residence from the sixth film.

The town has also served as a backdrop for numerous other celebrated British productions, including Pride and Prejudice and The Other Boleyn Girl, as well as featuring prominently in Downton Abbey.

There is also no shortage of pubs, cafés, and tea rooms for those who prefer to dine in comfort, or fancy a bite to eat after exploring the historic and picturesque village.

"This is a place to wander slowly, notice the details, and let time soften," Paola wrote.

Paola was far from alone in her admiration for the historic village, with numerous viewers also flocking to the comments section to express their own opinions.

"How beautiful," one person wrote, while another added: "Such awesome architecture."

"Love this beautiful place," a third person said.


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