Last Updated on 17th July 2026 by Sophie Nadeau

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It’s a well-known secret that J.K. Rowling attended Exeter University in the 1980s and that many of the bars, cafés and shops around the quaint little city in the heart of Devon inspired her when she was writing the Harry Potter series. So much so, that today you can take yourself on a magical Harry Potter tour of Exeter for yourself.

Introducing Exeter

Exeter is an ancient city, with roots dating all the way back to the Roman times. Mystical, magical and inviting, it’s no surprise that the Queen inventor of magic chose to attend university here.

Yes, JK Rowling herself studied at Exeter, long before she dreamt up the world of Harry Potter. Here, she read a degree in Classics and French-the same as me! As a result of her time in the capital of Devon, you don’t have to search far to find the influence this period of her life had on her work.

Also worth noting is that the nearby towns and villages of Ottery St Mary, Chudleigh and Topsham were probably the inspiration for ‘Ottery St Catchpole’ (where the Weasley family lives), Topsham (where Madam Nettles lives) and Chudley (possible home of the Crudely Cannons). For more wizarding inspiration in the UK, check out my Harry Potter guide to the UK.

Before you visit Exeter, you need to know a few things. As the capital city of Devon (the other city in the South West county being that of Plymouth), there’s no shortage of things to see and do.

And between Roman ruins, an award-winning free to visit town museum, and an excellent foodie scene, there’s pretty much something for everyone! Thanks to its massive popularity, especially during peak season, you’ll want to book your place to stay well in advance so as to secure the best deal. Check accommodation prices here.

Best Harry Potter locations in Exeter

Gandy Street

Alleged to be | Diagon Alley

Start your walking tour on Exeter High Street and turn down onto Gandy Street, a little road filled with boutique shops and dating back centuries. Filled with tiny boutiques and pretty cafés, it’s not hard to see how Rowling transfigured this street into a magical one.

When wandering down this road look hard enough and you’ll soon spy The Mugglers Inn, a magically-inspired bar that serves cocktails with names such as ‘First Year Experiment’ and ‘Berry Worms’. Update: As of May 2019, the Mugglers Inn (formerly known as the Cauldron Inn) has been closed for refurbishment.

From the end of the road, start walking down towards the boutique shops and bunting. Cross the road (be sure to look both ways), and around halfway down Gandy Street, you’ll see…

The Vaults Nightclub

Alleged to be | Gringotts Bank

And no, I doubt any dragons will be bursting out of the roof any time soon! But, the unique façade of the vaults bar and club in Exeter looks surprisingly like Gringotts Bank from the film…

From Gandy Street, cross over to the other side of the main high street and turn down one of the many small alleys to enter into. En route, you’ll pass by several bookshops, jewellery stores, ancient pubs, and even the building which was once the oldest hotel in Devon.

Cathedral Close

Alleged to be | the room of Requirements

Alohomora! There is a small door (so small that you’d have to crouch down to go through it) hidden in a corner of the close. The ancient carved door is supposed to be the inspiration behind the door for the Room of Requirements.

Since it inception, 10 Cathedral Close has been under the ownership and management of the church. Now a listed building in the city of Exeter, it was once called ‘home’ by the Chancellor of the Cathedral, as well as the Archdeacons of Totnes and Barnstaple among other important ecclesiastical figures.

Set in the very heart of the city, just a stone’s throw away from Exeter Cathedral, the area has been in use since at least Roman times. Records and archaeological records suggest that two millennia ago, the area was used to house a Basilica and Bath House.

The property of number 10 itself dates back hundreds of years. During the middle ages, it was in use as a home for important local church members. Today, it houses the Cathedral Deacon. While parts of the building date all the way back to the 14th Century, you really visit the house to see is its magnificent oak door.

In fact, this is the only part of number 10 accessible to the public! Though the actual door is small in size, it’s still well worth a look, if only to admire the intricate craftsmanship. The door dates all the way back to 1600 and is set in a frame of volcanic stone. The coat of arms depicted in stone above the doorway is that of Bishop Cotton.

JK Rowling has never specifically stated that the door inspired the Room of Requirement. But, due to Number 10’s similarities with the fictional door, there has been plenty of speculation. And whether you want to believe the story or not, you have to admit that it makes for a nice tale (and a good bit of sight seeing!)

After snapping photos of the Room of Requirement door, don’t leave Cathedral Close just yet! After all, you still need to visit the stunning and Gothic Exeter Cathedral.

Worth noting is that a huge Roman bath complex is located beneath Exeter Green, and preliminary excavations suggest that the site here may be as important as the Roman Baths of the City of Bath!

Exeter Cathedral Interior

Alleged to be | The Great Hall

The impressive architecture on the inside of Exeter Cathedral supposedly inspired the Great Hall where almost every major event in both the movies and films occurs.

From the Cathedral, turn back on yourself and walk back onto the main high street. Walk down the High Street towards the Next, Boots and John Lewis stores. At the junction by the John Lewis store, turn left and walk down the road for about 150/200 metres. On your right hand side, you’ll see:

The Old Fire House

Alleged to be | The Leakey Cauldron

If at the end of your Harry Potter, you’re feeling a little peckish, no problem! Not only does the Firehouse, Exeter make delicious pizzas, it was also the inspiration for the Leakey Cauldron.

And as soon as you step into this cosy pub, you’ll see exactly why! Before ordering these mouthwatering Italian delights, be sure to note that pizzas are absolutely enormous and just one is more than enough to share between two people!

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