Geography as related to the accents

[Donna]

No: HPFGUIDX 81910

Okay, I'm not very good at finding posts about subjects.  So, if this 
has been discussed, please point me to the right thread!

All this discussion about the characters various accents got me to 
thinking about where the scenes are set.  Everyone assumes that 
Hogwarts is in Scotland, JKR has them traveling north for hours on 
the train.  I don't dispute that, but how did we come up with that 
location?

Being American, I really have no frame of reference for all these 
places.  Just where is Surrey in relation to London?  Where exactly 
in London is Kings Cross?  Where would the MoM be located?  What 
about Ottery St. Catchpole?

Point me to a really good map!

Thanks for your patience.  And to our list elves, sorry if this is 
off topic.

D