A Magical Stay at Hagrid’s Hut in North Yorkshire

If you want to stay at Hagrid’s Hut, Yorkshire is just the place to go. That’s right, not Hogwarts, but Yorkshire. Northshire Harry Potter cottage looks just like Hagrid’s Cottage – there’s even a Ford Anglia outside!

DISCLOSURE
I was kindly hosted at the Ground Keeper’s Cottage in North Shire in exchange for an honest review. As always, all opinions (and Potter-related excitement) are my own.

Last weekend was a dream come true. I got to stay in Hagrid’s Cottage in North Yorkshire and pretend I was living in the world of Harry Potter.

North Shire is a farm in North Yorkshire, about an hour and a half’s drive away from the city of York. It’s very remote, but it’s perfect for a Potterish getaway with friends or family. 

This replica of Hagrid’s Hut was created in late 2019 by Karl and Carol, who own the farm. They already had a number of magical accommodations on their property including a Hobbit Hole, based on Lord of the Rings, and a Storybook cottage, which takes inspiration from The Chronicles of Narnia. 

The Ground Keeper’s Cottage is the latest addition to the family and by far the best in my opinion. There’s even an old, light blue Ford Anglia outside!

Whilst the original Hagrid’s Hut is a little old and run-down, this enchanting replica Hagrid’s Hut hotel cost almost £200k to build and is very comfortable.

Hagrid’s Cottage, North Yorkshire – The Review

When we arrived the key was in the door so we could head straight on in. The “fire” was on, heating turned up, a chocolate cake waiting on the table and there was a small bit of milk in the fridge. These small touches made us feel extra welcome and attention to detail is noticeable in every aspect of the cottage.

The Design

Although the cottage is based on Hagrid’s Hut, the insides reflect a number of different magical abodes from the Wizarding World.

The ceiling in the main hut is obviously inspired by Hagrid’s Hut with lots of pots, pans, bags and other random items hanging in it. You can see that it’s all held together with a strong piece of rope and it’s very impressive!

There are even coloured lights in the ceiling space giving these items a spooky purple glow. There was a remote that seemed to be for changing the colours but unfortunately, I couldn’t get that to work. 

“There was only one room inside. Hams and pheasants were hanging from the ceiling, a copper kettle was boiling on the open fire, and in the corner stood a massive bed with a patchwork quilt over it.”

Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone

Moving onto the rest of the space, the kitchen reminds me of Molly Weasley’s kitchen at the Burrow, the bedroom has elements of the Gryffindor common room and the bathroom has dark green tiles like the ministry of magic. 

There’s simply amazing attention to detail inside and outside the hut and you can tell that a lot of love went into creating Hagrid’s Cottage.

On your left, as you enter there are some hooks upon which there are some lanterns, an axe and a set of very large keys – perfect for the Ground Keeper’s Cottage!

On the table underneath is a beautiful guest book and a calligraphy set so you can leave Karl and Carol your thanks in true wizard style.

On the mantlepiece, you’ll find all sorts of strange trinkets: a metal frog (exactly like the chocolate frogs!), a little scorpion, more lanterns and candles.

Under the mantlepiece is a fire, not a real one mind, but a fantastic fake fire that gives the illusion of a real one. It even flickers! It was a little temperamental but it made the room feel all the more cosy and welcoming.

There’s a stack of trunks in the bedroom, including one official “HP” Hogwarts trunk that you can put your things in. There’s also a copy of Harry Potter and the Order of Phoenix atop a barrel, which serves as the bedside table. The bedsheets are checked, just as Hagrid’s were in the books.

Hagrid’s Cottage is designed as a haven for Harry Potter fans so they’ve even provided Harry Potter Cluedo, Harry Potter checkers, Harry Potter Trivial Pursuit, The Making of Harry Potter book and all 8 Harry Potter films on DVD. We managed to get through almost all the films and play most of these games whilst we were there!

RELATED: Why the Prisoner of Azkaban is the Best in the Harry Potter Series

The outside of Hagrid’s Cottage is instantly recognisable as the loveable half giant’s abode. You really feel like you’re on the film set!

It felt really surreal walking up the steps to Hagrid’s Hut and then walking in and making myself a cup of tea. There are a number of tiny gargoyles and a metal dragon outside the hut to add some extra magic but the best thing of all is sitting just outside of the cottage’s gate.

There’s a real, old Ford Anglia posing outside of Hagrid’s Hut. I was half expecting to open the door in the morning and find that it had trundled off into the forest by itself!

Unfortunately, you can’t sit inside the car but it does make for some wonderful pictures outside the Ground Keeper’s Cottage.  

The Facilities & Amenities

In terms of amenities, Hagrid’s Cottage exceeds expectations. North Shire is a glamping site so I was expecting it to have basic amenities and facilities but I was pleasantly surprised.

The cottage is very comfortable with big, squishy sofas, book-related cushions and extra blankets – all the essentials for a movie night.

There are plenty of plugs dotted around the cottage and lots of lights too. As well as the coloured lights in the main hut’s ceiling, they’ve even got fake candles dotted around which you simply twist to turn on and off – it’s very smart!

RELATED: The Best Harry Potter Halloween Scenes

Hagrid’s Cottage sleeps 6 people – either four adults and two children or two adults and four children. In the bedroom, there’s a double bed and a beautiful exposed-wood bunkbed against the far wall.

I was incredibly impressed with the woodwork inside the hut as it appears that much of the hut may have been handmade and gives it a rustic feel.

This does mean that the doors are very stiff and the floorboards are creaky but that’s a small price to pay. There’s also a large chest of drawers, a mirror and a trunk.

In the bathroom, there’s a bath/shower combination, a toilet and a washbasin. One of the things that surprised me the most about North Shire cottages was that the water pressure is strong and powerful and it heats up very quickly.

Prior to visiting, I was getting flashbacks to my Duke of Edinburgh days and shivering as cold water dribbled out of the showerhead but this was nothing like that. There are no towels or toiletries provided so make sure to pack your own.

In the kitchen, you’ll find plenty of plates, bowls, cups, even wine glasses hidden behind beautiful velvet cloth under the sink. They’ve even got mixing bowls and egg holders!

There’s a mini-fridge to keep your food in as well as a simple combi oven for cooking. There’s no hob, which is something to bear in mind when packing any food for your trip.

We settled for pizzas during our stay as this was really easy and it was quite effective with the combi oven!

I visited North Shire in February when there were storms raging across England causing high winds and flooding. I was concerned that Hagrid’s Cottage would be incredibly cold but the heating system is actually very good and the hut remained toasty.

It even snowed during my visit but I had no idea until I pushed open the front door one morning and found a white winter wonderland outside!

RELATED: The Best Harry Potter Christmas Scenes

Outside the cabin, there’s a little picnic area, with a bench to sit on if it’s sunny though obviously, we were unable to make use of this during our trip.

“Harry and Hermione supported Ron over the threshold into the one-roomed cabin, which had an enormous bed in one corner, a fire crackling merrily in the other. Hagrid didn’t seem perturbed by Ron’s slug problem, which Harry hastily explained as he lowered Ron into a
chair.”

Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets

If you’re visiting during the cold and wet months then there is a bucket by the door with some umbrellas you can borrow, an extra heater in the bedroom and plenty of extra blankets and bedding.

As I already said, it’s surprisingly very, very warm inside though so you probably won’t need these. It might be nice to bring the heater into the main hut space in the evening whilst you’re watching TV or playing board games though. 

All in all, I had the best stay at Hagrid’s Cottage in North Shire and it’s an experience I’ll remember for a long time. I’ve never stayed anywhere quite like it and, for a Harry Potter fan, it really is the dream!

It doesn’t matter how old you are and whether you go with friends or with family, this is a must for Potter fan in the UK. It’s magical glamping to the max and I can’t recommend it enough.

I’ll certainly be back to visit their other magical accommodations, including a Hobbit Hole and Storybook Cottage. These two are available to book on booking.com here.

For even more magic, you can also rent their enchanted barn, which has been decorated to look like the Great Hall of Hogwarts! Perfect for weddings and parties.

Things to Know for Your Stay

I’d recommend coming with enough food for your stay but if you do need to do a shop then the nearest supermarket is less than a ten min drive away. It’s a small Co-Op supermarket in the small town of Loftus but it’s more than adequate. 

As North Shire is on Golden Hill Farm, there are lots and lots of chickens and roosters around. They’ll wake you up quite early in the morning and you might some of them strutting around outside of the door when you wake up. One even left a lovely surprise on our doorstep!

I’d also recommend bringing a pair of slippers with you as my feet got a little chilly from walking on the bare floorboards. 

There was one thing missing from Hagrid’s Hut that would’ve been present in the wizarding world… and that’s Fangs. Unfortunately, North Shire is not a dog-friendly campsite so your furry friends will have to stay at home!

“Make yerselves at home,’ said Hagrid, letting go of Fang, who bounded straight at Ron and started licking his ears. Like Hagrid, Fang was clearly not as fierce as he looked.”

Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone

How to Get to North Shire 

North Shire is located on the former Golden Hill Farm in Liverton. It’s kind of in the middle of nowhere so you’ll struggle to get here without a car. We rented one from Europcar next to York station and it took about 1.5 hours to drive from the centre of York.

If you’re a Harry Potter fan and book lover then you must stop at both Whitby and Goathland along the way. Whitby Abbey inspired Bram Stoker’s Dracula and Goathland Station became Hogsmeade Station in Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone.

RELATED: A Guide to Harry Potter in York

As you pull up to North Shire, you’ll be greeted by these gorgeous golden gates, each with a stag atop them. You just know you’re in for a magical treat after this entrance.

There’s plenty of parking space and it’s very close to the cottages so you’ll have no issue getting your things from the car to the cottage.

Since this is a remote farm, it’s very peaceful, but you’ll occasionally hear a car going by on the road outside. Other than that it’s just birds tweeting and chickens roosting.

NB. It won’t appear as a place on your Sat Nav (at least, it didn’t on ours), but enter the postcode will lead you there.

Useful Information

Price 
£195 per night

Website 
northshire.co.uk/ground-keepers-cottage/

Address 
Golden Hill Farm
Liverton
Saltburn-by-the-Sea
Cleveland
TS13 4TJ

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