Harry Potter is one of the most beloved fantasy novels around the world. But for me, it’s not just a magical adventure—it feels more like a journey into the heart of British culture. As an international student who’s lived in the UK for over a year, rereading Harry Potter has made me realise how deeply the series reflects elements of British society. Despite all the spells and fantastical creatures, the values, lifestyle, and cultural nuances embedded in the story have helped me gain a deeper understanding of life in the UK.
1. Hogwarts and the British Education System
Hogwarts is undoubtedly one of the most iconic parts of Harry Potter. The way students are sorted into four houses—each representing different traits and values—is strikingly similar to the traditional collegiate systems of Oxford, Cambridge, and Durham, where colleges serve as close-knit communities within the university.
At Hogwarts, students' backgrounds, personalities, and interests often determine their social circles, just as they do in real-life British academia. The diverse curriculum at Hogwarts also reminded me of how British education blends tradition with innovation. Students are exposed to a wide range of subjects but are also expected to face real-world challenges, echoing the UK’s focus on holistic education and critical thinking.At Durham, college dinners at Castle College and Hatfield College offer students a taste of those grand scenes straight out of the films.
Castle College
2. British History and Folklore
The Harry Potter series is rich with references to British history, legends, and folklore. Elements like the Sword of Gryffindor or the festive Christmas feasts draw from deep cultural traditions. The settings—ancient towers, forbidden forests, and mediaeval-style buildings—are steeped in the historical atmosphere that defines much of the UK.
During my time in Britain, I visited many historical sites and noticed how closely some of them mirrored the magical world of Harry Potter. From hidden ruins in city corners to castles and museums, the real-world connections to the books are everywhere. One memorable experience was visiting Greyfriars Kirkyard in Edinburgh, where I found the gravestones of “Tom Riddle” and “McGonagall”—a surreal link between fiction and history.
3. British Humour and Social Etiquette
One thing that stood out to me while reading Harry Potter is its quintessentially British sense of humour. Characters like Harry and Ron often display that dry wit and self-deprecating charm typical of British culture. It’s not loud or in-your-face; it’s subtle, ironic, and often layered with meaning.
Over the past year, I’ve come to appreciate this type of humour more and more. British people tend to avoid direct expressions of emotion, instead using humour to ease tension or defuse awkward situations. This understated sarcasm or quiet teasing, as seen throughout the books, is a very real part of everyday life in the UK.
4. Friendship and Loyalty: Core British Values
The friendships in Harry Potter, especially the bond between Harry, Ron, and Hermione, are among the most moving parts of the story. Their loyalty to each other, even in the darkest times, reflects the value that British culture places on friendship and trust.
In my own life here, I’ve seen how much importance Brits place on honesty, dependability, and commitment—whether among friends, family, or coworkers. These values have made many of my relationships in the UK feel stable and sincere. It’s exactly this kind of emotional depth and loyalty that’s so vividly portrayed in the series.
Harry Potter is more than just a fantasy series—it’s a rich tapestry of British culture. Through its magic and characters, J.K. Rowling weaves in elements of history, social structure, education, humour, and values like loyalty and integrity. For me, reading these books has been more than a return to a magical world—it’s been a meaningful cultural journey into the heart of Britain.
