Yorkshire Dales, England
Harry and Hermione’s Horcrux hunt
The limestone pavement above Malham Cove appears in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1 while Harry and Hermione are searching for Horcruxes. Reaching the exact rocks involves a steep climb from Malham village.
Photo: lasagna165 · CC BY-SA 4.0
Start from Malham village and follow the signed Pennine Way path towards the base of Malham Cove. The lower path is the easiest way to see the cliff face.
The filming area is on the limestone pavement above the cove. Reaching it requires a long, steep flight of stone steps followed by rough, naturally fissured limestone that becomes slippery when wet.
Watersinks car park near Malham Tarn offers an alternative approach to the upper cove from the upland side. This is a longer, exposed walking route and does not take you past the base of the cliff.
Seasonal DalesBus services reach Malham, but timetables vary. Check the return service before relying on public transport, particularly outside summer weekends.
The cove and public walking routes are free and have no formal opening hours. Visit in daylight, check the weather and avoid the exposed limestone pavement during ice, flooding or severe conditions.
Use the Yorkshire Dales National Park car park and visitor centre at the edge of Malham for the most direct walk to the base of the cove. Watersinks car park near Malham Tarn is a free alternative for approaching the upper cove on foot, but it has no toilets. The area is exceptionally busy on fine weekends; arrive early and do not park on verges, passing places or access roads.
The route to the base of the cove is easier than the climb to the filming area, but surfaces remain rural and uneven. The top is not wheelchair accessible by the main walking route; an all-terrain mobility scooter may be available to borrow locally for an alternative route with advance booking.
Malham National Park Centre has parking, information and toilets. The village has cafés and pubs, but there are no facilities at the top of the cove.
Check the details
Conditions, access and opening information can change. Check official information before making a journey.
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