It seems that a little magic might be just what Cornwall needs right now.

As cameras start rolling on HBO’s new Harry Potter TV series, locals in the southwest are daring to hope that the boy wizard could cast a much-needed spell on the region’s struggling tourism industry.

A Region Searching for a Comeback

Cornwall has long been one of Britain’s most beloved holiday destinations — a place of sweeping coastlines, golden beaches, and picture-perfect fishing villages. But in recent years, that sparkle has dulled.

Visitor numbers fell by around 10 to 12 percent in 2024, and the region’s official tourism board, Visit Cornwall, recently announced it was folding due to “insurmountable financial problems.”

The collapse has raised serious concerns about how the county will promote itself moving forward.

Enter the Boy Wizard

Now, a potential savior has appeared — or rather, flown in on a broomstick.

The highly anticipated HBO Harry Potter remake, set for release in 2027, has arrived in Cornwall for filming.

The show’s production has taken over parts of The Lizard Peninsula, bringing with it a flurry of excitement (and hopefully, future visitors).

Among the cast spotted filming were John Lithgow, who’s playing Professor Dumbledore, Amos Kitson as Dudley Dursley, and Dominic McLaughlin stepping into Harry’s famous round glasses.

Filming Turns Cadgwith Into a Magical Set

One of the biggest filming locations has been Cadgwith, a charming fishing village with a long smuggling history.

Locals watched as the 300-year-old Cadgwith Cove Inn — a whitewashed pub overlooking the sea — was transformed into a movie set.

Scenes were shot on the surrounding lanes and beach, featuring fishing boats, extras dressed as local fishermen in traditional Sou’westers, and one dramatic moment involving a car surrounded by boats.

Many believe the scenes are inspired by Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone.

The inn itself, recently refurbished and offering rooms from around £50 a night, is already a local treasure — but with its new Hollywood cameo, it could soon become a must-visit for fans worldwide.

Kynance Cove Brings the Magic to Life

Further along the coast, the spellbinding Kynance Cove — already one of Cornwall’s most photographed beaches — has also played host to the HBO crew.

John Lithgow was seen filming there in full Dumbledore attire, complete with silver hair, flowing beard, and wizard robes.

The cove’s stunning turquoise waters and misty rock formations made the perfect stand-in for the wizarding world.

It’s not the first time the area has been in the spotlight — Poldark and House of the Dragon were also filmed here — but the arrival of Harry Potter could take the tourism impact to a whole new level.

Coverack and Cornwall’s Film Legacy

Nearby Coverack, another picturesque fishing village on the Lizard Peninsula, is also rumored to be featured in upcoming episodes.

For Cornwall, this kind of screen exposure is gold dust.

Past hits like Doc Martin (filmed in Port Isaac) and Poldark proved that a successful TV series can inject millions into local economies.

Tourism experts are already predicting a similar “Potter effect” once the HBO series airs.

Tourism Board Collapse Leaves a Void

But the excitement comes at a difficult time. With Visit Cornwall now in liquidation, the county has lost its central voice for tourism promotion.

The worry is that without official marketing support, Cornwall could struggle to attract the same level of attention it once enjoyed — making film productions like this even more vital for visibility.

Experts Urge Tourists to Rethink How They Visit

Tom Hall, Head of Lonely Planet UK, says visitors shouldn’t give up on Cornwall just because of the challenges.

“It’s still one of the most beautiful regions in the UK — maybe even in all of Europe,” he told the Daily Mail.

He encouraged travelers to think differently, suggesting visits in the shoulder season (spring or autumn) to avoid crowds, take advantage of milder weather, and enjoy cheaper stays.

“Cornwall’s beauty, food, and culture make it an unbeatable holiday spot — you just need to plan smarter,” he added.

Hall also recommends swapping cars for trains to avoid those infamous Cornish traffic jams and exploring lesser-known corners of the coast.

Hidden Gems Worth Exploring

For those looking beyond Cornwall’s most famous beaches, Hall highlighted a few personal favorites:

The Roseland Peninsula, with its artistic hub of Falmouth and ferry access to scenic spots like St. Anthony Head.
St Just and Flushing, which offer peaceful coastal walks and charming harbor views.
Lamorna and Sennen Cove, near Penzance, which he described as having an “end-of-the-world feeling” that captures Cornwall’s wild, untamed essence.

A Touch of Magic for Cornwall’s Future

As Cornwall looks for new ways to recover its tourism magic, the arrival of Harry Potter couldn’t have come at a better time.

From misty coves to quaint harbors, the region offers a ready-made film set — and now, perhaps, a much-needed spotlight.

If all goes well, Harry and his Hogwarts pals could bring a new generation of visitors back to the Cornish coast, proving once again that a bit of magic can go a very long way.