Inside the forgotten Cornish fishing village set to get a starring role in highly anticipated new Harry Potter series

From Oxford's Bodleian Library to King’s Cross Station, a string of UK destinations gained traction after being used as film sets for the now mammoth Harry Potter film franchise, which first came to our screens back in 2001.

Now, however, a far less well-known spot is set to be added to Potterheads' travel bucket lists, thanks to its upcoming appearance in HBO’s new Harry Potter series.

Located on Cornwall’s Lizard Peninsula, the tiny fishing village of Cadgwith features in the highly anticipated upcoming show, set to launch on Christmas Day.

The quiet village was flooded last year with film crews and actors, as it was welcomed into the wizarding world.   

Young actor Dominic McLaughlin was spotted in costume as the new Harry Potter as he arrived at the film set for the first series, based on J.K. Rowling's first Potter book: Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone.

As of yet, Cadgwith is largely off the tourist radar for both UK travellers and fans from further afield.

However, just a brief look at this coastal spot reveals its quiet magic. We take a look inside this forgotten smugglers' cove...

Located on Cornwall’s Lizard Peninsula, Cadgwith is a stunning fishing village used in the upcoming Harry Potter series

Some of the cast were pictured last year during filming, including Dominic McLaughlin, who will play Harry

With thatched-roof cottages, an old-world feel and charming cobbled streets, combined with a stunning coastline, the Cornish cove is like something out of a fairy tale.

Dating back to the 16th century, Cadgwith is all whitewashed walls, painted fishing boats and cosy charm.

It is also still a working fishing community with an active harbour, focusing on crab and lobster. 

So, which spots were used in filming – and where should tourists taking a peek at the village in anticipation of the upcoming series go?

The Cadgwith Cove Inn was used in filming, a 400-year-old family-owned establishment that has seven guest rooms and an attached pub.

The traditional inn has rooms from just £70 a night, and offers a historic yet sufficiently rugged and humble feel.

The Cadgwith Cove Inn is a great spot for a pub lunch in the area - as, no doubt, the Potter cast and crew will have discovered in the making of the series

The historic fishing village bay is filled with small boats, and you can watch fishermen work

Harry Potter filming in Cadgwith, Cornwall back in 2025. The new series is due for release this December, on Christmas Day

'Over 400 years old, the Inn has remained unspoilt since the cove’s old smuggling days,' the website says. 

'The bar is full of atmosphere and relics adorn the walls collected from a rich seafaring history.'

Plus, scenes are expected to take place on the beach, where last year during filming a dramatic scene was captured, staged to involve a car surrounded by fishing boats and extras in traditional sou'westers (rain hats).

Cadgwith also has two small pebble and shingle beaches, Harbour Beach and Little Cove. 

The latter is better for tourists wanting to swim and snorkel, while the former is the working harbour where you can watch fishermen work. It's also extremely picturesque, surrounded by traditional cottages.

Head to The Todden, a stunning rocky outcrop with unparalleled views, separating the two beaches. 

Cadgwith Cove and the coast line, where a rocky outcrop separates the two main beaches

'A wonderful place to watch the sea and gather your thoughts,' is how one visitor described it. 

Additionally, Cadgwith is a great base from which to walk the South West Coast Path for impressive cliff views.

You can also explore the Lizard Peninsula, including Lizard Point, from here.

Aside from walks and nature, the village is also home to a small art gallery you can visit, called Crowsnest.

Featuring Cornish art with a fishing and nautical focus, it's a great spot to check out the local talent and handicrafts. 

So, will you visit in the cosy season - or are you content to wait until Christmas Day to watch the cast of the show stroll down its streets?