Diagon Alley is a fictional location in J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter series. However, there are several real-life places that may have inspired the author. Here are 8 possible inspirations for Diagon Alley Harry Potter:
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Diagon Alley York
The Shambles, York, England: This medieval street in York is said to have inspired the narrow, winding streets of Diagon Alley Harry Potter and you can see why if you visit.
Diagon Alley London
Leadenhall Market, London, England: The covered market in the City of London is said to have inspired the bustling, magical shopping area of Diagon Alley, and if you visit Diagon Valley London you’ll feel like you’re right there.
Diagon Alley Edinburgh
Diagono Alley, Edinburgh, Scotland: This narrow alleyway in Edinburgh’s Old Town is said to have given Diagon Alley its name and inspiration for its layout.
Victoria Street, Edinburgh, Scotland: This street, which runs parallel to Diagono Alley, is said to have inspired the colorful storefronts and unique architecture of Diagon Alley.
For more places that inspired the Harry Potter books in Edinburgh do check out our post 10 Harry Potter Edinburgh Attractions
Diagon Alley Bristol
St. Nicholas Market, Bristol, England: This covered market in Bristol is said to have inspired the eclectic mix of shops and stalls found in Diagon Alley.
Diagon Alley Exeter
Exeter College, Oxford, England: The cloisters of this college are said to have inspired the Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, which is accessed from Diagon Alley.
Diagon Alley Wales
Hay-on-Wye, Wales: This small town on the border of England and Wales, famous for its many bookshops, is said to have inspired Flourish and Blotts, the bookstore in Diagon Alley.
Not to be left out…..
Diagon Alley Prague
Prague, Czech Republic: The narrow streets and Gothic architecture of Prague’s Old Town are said to have inspired the magical atmosphere and architecture of Diagon Alley.
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As a huge Harry Potter fan I have always loved reading about any facts or BTS anecdotes from the set. But I especially love reading blogs like this since it has the taste of travelling as well. like did you know that the bookshop Livraria Lello in Porto, Portugal, was one of the inspirations for the series?
well… they cant ALL have inspired diagon ally because officially it can only be a SINGLE place, so which one is allowed to LEGALLY be termed as the inspiration? 😉
did you write this page for recognition? or is this info you were TOLD by other sources? Next time do your own research 😉
Actually by definition inspiration can come from a number of sources. OED suggest that the definition of inspiration is “the process of being mentally stimulated to do or feel something, especially to do something creative” but thank you for your comment all the same. I think JK was probably inspired by all of these places to create Diagon Alley but also her whole life experience too.