Beachside ‘grave’ site of Dobby the house elf from the Harry Potter series is allowed to remain

The ‘grave’ of Harry Potter’s fictional elf character Dobby may remain on a secluded beach after being granted a last minute reprieve from the National Trust.

Thousands of tourists flock to Freshwater West Beach in Wales every year to leave tributes, including socks, to its mischievous but loyal nature.

The fake grave is above Pembrokeshire beach where Dobby’s death was filmed, but concerns over high visitor numbers and pollution prompted an investigation into its possible relocation.

Some locals had labeled the attraction an “thorn in the side” and likened it to a garbage dump, while fans of the show said it “brings so many children happiness” and labeled “haters” of the monument “killjoys”.

The National Trust had considered removing the tribute, which is made up of hundreds of painted pebbles, stones and socks, but ultimately ruled it could remain on the protected beach for now.

Dobby was a key figure in the Harry Potter films in the battle against he-who-must-be-named, also known as Lord Voldemort, and died at the hands of Bellatrix of Detta after rescuing Harry and friends from Malfoy Manor in the Deathly Hallows movie.

A sculpture was engraved on site with the words ‘Dobby is a free elf in Pembrokeshire’ but it became the subject of consultation due to the large number of visitors flocking to Freshwater West Beach to see the ‘grave’.

The sheer amount of dyed socks and pebbles left behind by fans in tribute was particularly concerning because of the potential damage to local wildlife.

National Trust Wales, which led the consultation and manages the beach, said: ‘Items such as socks, trinkets and shavings from painted pebbles can enter the marine environment and the food chain, endangering wildlife.

“But based on the results of the consultation, the memorial to Dobby will remain on Freshwater West for the foreseeable future for people to enjoy.”

However, the National Trust has asked people to protect the area and not to leave any more objects with the monument.

In the consultation survey, 30 questions were asked in the field of parking, toilet facilities and traffic.

Harry Potter Superfan and influencer, Victoria Maclean, said: ‘I am absolutely relieved by the National Trust’s decision to keep this monument in place.

“It brings so much joy to people all over the world.”

The beach is in a protected area where rare birds nest on the ground, lizards, orchids and large gray seals.

Socks have long been a popular tribute by fans for their significance in the Harry Potter storyline, but the sheer number left on the beach became a focal point of the deliberation.

In the franchise, house-elves would be freed from servitude if they were given clothes.

In the second part of the series, the Chamber of Secrets, Harry Potter makes sure that Dobby gets a sock from his owners.

The survey asked 30 questions about Freshwater West, including traffic, parking and toilet facilities.

It also asked whether Dobby’s grave should be removed or transferred to a “suitable publicly accessible location off-site.”

The consultation reads: ‘Zoetwaterwest is much loved and has become more and more popular over time.

‘Access to nature and the outdoors is vital for everyone, but the increase in visitors has put pressure on the environment and facilities.

‘Anyone who takes care of it, enjoys it and lives locally, only want the best for Zoetwater West.’

Outraged fans had demanded that Dobby’s grave be allowed to remain.

One said, ‘Why are some people so damn miserable. People come from all over to see this and the kids love it.’

John Hodge, of Milford Haven, built a wooden cross for the site in 2020 after his granddaughter asked him to.

He said: ‘The debate should be about the happiness Dobby’s grave brings to so many children like my granddaughter.

“With everything going on in the world, a little imagination is welcome. It is a pity that the municipality does not put up a headstone for children to see.

“If people are complaining about the sloppiness, why not organize a ‘Dobby Grave Clearing’.”

But other local residents disagreed, with some strongly opposing the site.

Commenting on a photo of the ‘grave’ in a Facebook group called ‘Pembrokeshire – I love it’, one user said: ‘Enough is enough, this is an absolute eyesore and it’s about time it got cleaned up ‘ while another said, ‘Take the kids to a dump, it looks the same.’

Another person called those who complain “utter bummers.” The fan added: ‘At least two of those painted stones belong to my young children who believe in the magic and beauty of this place.

“It’s a bit of magic for the kids. Everyone slides their panties over a few stones in one twist.’