harry potter tourist attractions uk

The Best Harry Potter Experiences In The UK In 2024

With Harry Potter being the best selling book series in HISTORY with over 500 million copies sold worldwide, it is only natural that there would be a whole host of amazing Harry Potter experiences too.

Our kids are 6 and 7 and just getting into the wizarding world so I decided to take a look at a the Harry Potter experiences we could do together as a family and my word there’s a lot of choice!

So, what does a Harry Potter experience mean to you? What is the ultimate Harry Potter experience? Is it seeing the Harry Potter steam train? Or maybe it is going on a Harry Potter studio tour?

It probably means different things to different people so we’ve selected the best Harry Potter experiences around the UK ensuring that there’s something for everyone.

Whether you’re visiting the UK from further afield or just taking a UK staycation , there are so many Harry Potter experiences waiting for you.

Before you do any of these Harry Potter days out, it’s always fun to catch up on the Harry Potter movies so grab that Harry Potter DVD box set or download them from Amazon .

And if you have a Harry Potter fan in your life with a birthday coming up and are wondering what to buy them, check out our Harry Potter gift guide !

This post contains affiliate links. Should you buy something from one of them, we may earn a small commission but this is at no extra cost to you.

Harry Potter London experiences

Many of the Harry Potter experiences are in London so we’ll start with those, but there are lots of other experiences around the country.

1. Take the Harry Potter Studio Tour

Harry Potter World London is probably the experience that most people have heard of, whether they are a Harry Potter fan or not.

It is a multi-award winning tour and one of the best attractions near London for kids so it seems only right to start our own tour of Harry Potter experiences in the UK with it.

The Warner Bros. Studio Tour provides a complete and immersive Harry Potter experience all about the making of Harry Potter. So what is the Harry Potter tour like? Well, first off, it’s not a tour as such.

You’ll get to wander through the studios without a guide and visit film sets, see props that were used in the movies and learn about special effects. There are also interactive activities along the way.

If you’re visiting London at Christmas , you can experience a Harry Potter Christmas at Hogwarts in the Snow (from 12th November to 15th January 2023). It is actually based in Hertfordshire and is one of the best things to do at Christmas in Hertfordshire .

Don’t forget to also check out the London Christmas lights if you’re doing a walking tour. It’s a lovely thing to do at Christmas with kids.

Getting to the Warner Brothers Studios

Warner Bros. Studio Tour London Studio tour Drive Leavesden Hertfordshire WD25 7LR

Many people search for the Harry Potter studio London but it is actually not in London , it is in Hertfordshire, just a little outside of London.

If you have a car, there is a free carpark on-site. You can also take a direct train from central London (Euston) to Watford Junction. From there you can take a shuttle bus to the studios.

If you prefer to stay closer to the studios, check out our guide to the hotels near Harry Potter World for families . Otherwise, visiting the Warner Brother Studios makes a fantastic day trip from London with kids .

Harry Potter Studio tickets

You must buy Harry Potter tickets in advance. This is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the UK and sells out well in advance.

If you miss out on tickets for the day you want, you can try booking a package instead including transfers from London.

See here for Warner Bros Studio tour with transfer from London (GetYourGuide).

WB Studio tour with coach transfer from London (Fever).

Hogwarts at the Warner Bros. Studio Tour | Photo credit: Warner Bros.

2. Take a Harry Potter Walking Tour

Harry Potter Studio Tours also offer a Harry Potter London tour taking you on a 2.5 walk around London visiting various film locations. You can buy your Harry Potter walking tour tickets here .

3. Visit Platform 9 3/4

Perhaps the next most well known Harry Potter London experience is the Harry Potter Kings Cross Platform 9 3/4 recreation. For years commuting into London I would walk past and not really give it much thought.

There was never a queue of people when I strolled past on the way to work at 7.30 am (or back to the train after a night out) but now when I want to take the kids, there is always a huge queue!

So, either get here very early if you want to avoid queuing or expect a bit of a wait. The trolley is there 24/7 but the only issues with going at unsociable hours are that:

a) you won’t get to take a picture with the flowing Harry Potter scarf because there are no employees there to provide you with this prop.

And b) you will need someone there with you to take a photo as their professional photographer will not be there.

You probably also want to go when the Harry Potter shop at Platform 9 3/4 is open. It sells all the Harry Potter merchandise. You don’t want to miss out on picking up some Harry Potter gifts here.

We found the shop quite expensive so as an alternative, you can find official Harry Potter merchandise here at Popgear .

The Harry Potter shop opening times are 9 am to 7 pm daily. If you can’t get there in person, there’s even a virtual Harry Potter shop.

By the way – on the 1st September every year, there is a special train departure announcement at Kings Cross station.  The train to Hogsmeade departs from Platform 9 3/4 at 11am. Don’t miss it!

Platform 9 3/4 at Kings Cross

4. Enjoy a Harry Potter afternoon tea in London

One thing you really should do when visiting London is to have an afternoon tea. As a Harry Potter fan, you’ll be pleased to know that there are some Harry Potter themed afternoon teas in amongst some of the best places to have afternoon tea in London .

Wands & Wizard Exploratorium – for a fabulously interactive afternoon tea using your wand that you can make at the same venue (see #10 below) to unlock secret compartments in the tea chest and much more.

Cutter and Squidge – for an immersive afternoon tea for wizards in the Potion Room.

The Georgian House Hotel – the afternoon tea is positively wizardly. Even the website cursor is a Harry Potter wand.

Afternoon tea at Cutter & Squidge | Photo Credit: Cutter & Squidge

5. Take a Harry Potter Muggles Walking Tour

The Harry Potter Muggles Walking Tour is rated as one of the best walking tours in London for Harry Potter fans. You set off from Monument Station and are taken on a walking journey through London to where the world of muggles and wizards meet.

Your guide, a real life witch or wizard, will entertain you with Harry Potter stories and you’ll see secret places along the way.

The company is running private tours currently to adhere to government guidelines. The tour lasts about 2 hours and currently costs £90.00. If you are not able to take the tour, they also have a virtual tour available.

Harry Potter Walking Tour for Muggles | Photo Credit: Muggles Walking Tour

6. Watch the Harry Potter Theatre production

Harry Potter and the Cursed Child has been running at the Palace Theatre on Shaftesbury Avenue since the summer of 2016. It has won a record nine awards and is one of the most popular shows in the West End.

You can take a sneaky peek at the Harry Potter London show trailer here:

7. Visit the Harry Potter film locations in London

If you want to do your own walking tour at your own pace, here are some of the Harry Potter film locations in London that you can visit. This is a lovely (and free) way to spend a day in London .

Leadenhall Market – where the Diagon Alley scene from the Philosopher’s Stone was filmed (when Harry was first introduced to the wizarding). Look out for the blue optician’s shop at 42 Bull’s Head Passage which was used as the entrance to The Leaky Cauldron.

Australia House – The scenes inside the Gringotts Wizarding Bank were filmed inside Australia House. Although not open to the public, you can take a peek through the glass doors (weekdays only) at the impressive marble interior and great chandeliers.

King Cross Platform 9 3/4 – although there is a Platform 9 3/4 (mentioned above), the station scene in The Philosopher’s Stone was actually filmed between platforms 4 and 5 at Kings Cross Station. The impressive red brick exterior of Kings Cross St Pancras station was also used.

Millenium Bridge – used in the filming of the Half Blood Prince

London Zoo – the reptile house was where Harry Potter started talking in to the python before he knew he was a wizard.

Piccadilly Circus – used in the filming of the Deathly Hallows I where Harry, Hermione and Ron are fleeing from the Death Eaters.

Leadenhall Market in London

Millenium Bridge in London

Piccadilly Circus in London

8. Attempt the Harry Potter Escape Room

Fancy getting locked in a Harry Potter themed room for 60 minutes and having to work as a team solving Harry Potter clues to escape? Sounds like fun to us. Check out Enigma Quests’  School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. No age limit but recommended age is 9+.

2-12 Wilson Street, London, EC2M 7LS

9. Visit the Harry Potter bar London

Harry Potter doesn’t have to be all about the kids. If you find yourself on a child free day out in London, why not pop into The Cauldron where you can mix cocktails with a difference. They can also be found in New York, Edinburgh and Dublin.

Mixing potions at the Cauldron in London | Photo credit: The Cauldron

10. Visit Wands and Wizard Exploratorium

The Wands & Wizard Exploratorium shop in London is a fabulous place to take the kids. They have various different events running through the year but the wand making experience is particularly fun.

You can try your hand at making your own magical wand choosing various magical elements to go into it. The wand can interact with the sweet dispensers in the shop or used during the fabulous afternoon tea experience (see #4 above).

Harry Potter experiences in Scotland

11. take the jacobite steam train.

The Jacobite Steam Train (otherwise know as the Hogwarts Express, Hogwarts train or the Harry Potter train Scotland) has been described as the greatest railway journey in the world.

It is a must for all Harry Potter enthusiasts visiting Scotland – although you don’t have to be a die-hard Potterhead to appreciate it. It is a fabulous experience for anyone.

The Jacobite train from Fort William to Mallaig takes you on a 41 mile (65 km) journey through the incredibly scenic Scottish countryside and, of course, over the Glenfinnian Viaduct (aka Harry Potter Viaduct).

The Jacobite costs £30 for a child and £52 for an adult (return).

See here for a day trip from Edinburgh, including a trip on the Hogwarts Express.

See here for a 3 day tour of the Scottish Highlands highlights including the Hogwarts Express, the Isle of Skye and Loch Ness.

If you don’t want to take the train, you can just go and watch as it passes. The train crosses the viaduct twice a day; once at 10.15 am and again at 3.15 pm (although check their site in case of changes to timetable).

If you are thinking of visiting the Isle of Skye – you can get the ferry from Mallaig. Read more on some of the top destinations in Skye ( Fairy Glen and Dinosaur Footprints beach ).

The Jacobite (aka the Harry Potter Train)

12. Tour Harry Potter sites in Edinburgh

Edinburgh is also an important location in the world of Harry Potter. It all began in Edinburgh with J.K. Rowling drawing inspiration from the fabulously historic Scottish capital and where she wrote the Harry Potter books.

Some important sites around Edinburgh are:

• Greyfriars Kirkyard – the headstone for Thomas Riddle inspired the Harry Potter villain, Lord Voldemort
• The Elephant House – where J.K. Rowling would sit and write
• Victoria Street – the famous bowed street is said to have given the inspiration for Diagon Alley
• The City Chambers – to see J.K. Rowling’s handprints in the style of the Hollywood stars
• George Heriot’s School – said to be the inspiration for Hogwarts. It’s not open to the public but you can get views of it from George IV Bridge and Greyfriars Kirkyard.

If you’re looking for non-HP things to do in Edinburgh? Check out these awesome things to do with kids in Edinburgh .

The Edinburgh skyline at dusk

13. Take a Harry Potter Walking Tour in Edinburgh

There are a number of walking tours you can do. Some are guided tours but using the information above, you can also do self-guided Harry Potter tours of Edinburgh. Here are some ideas for guided tours:

The Potter Trail .

Get Your Guide has a couple of highly rated tours available:

Harry Potter Magical Guide Walking Tour

Edinburgh Harry Potter Walking Tour

While in Edinburgh – you might also like to try one of these top attractions in Edinburgh:

Edinburgh Castle Skip the Line Tour

City Sightseeing Edinburgh: 24 hour Hop On Hop Off Bus

14. Attempt the Edinburgh Harry Potter Escape Room

Try The Department of Magic Escape Room (or make your own magic potions ).

9 Blair Street, Edinburgh, EH1 1QR.

15. Visit the Harry Potter film locations in Scotland

The most notable film locations in Scotland that you can put on your Scotland itinerary are:

Glenfinnian Viaduct – see the Jacobite Steam Train above

For a day trip from Edinburgh with a trip on the Hogwarts Express (The Jacobite Steam train) – click here .

Loch Shiel and Loch Morar – used as the Hogwarts lakes.

Glencoe – the beautiful scenery around Glencoe was used in many scenes.

For a day trip from Glasgow taking in the Glenfinnan Viaduct, Glencoe and Mallaig – click here .

For a 2 day trip from Edinburgh taking in the Highlands and the Hogwarts Express – click here .

The stunning Scottish Highlands

16. Visit the Harry Potter film locations in Oxford

Oxford University is also an important filming location for the Harry Potter series, most notably the Bodleian Libraries (one of the oldest libraries in Europe), New College and Christ Church.

You can read more on the Harry Potter filming locations in Oxford here .

Oxford is easy to reach on a day trip from London by train and you can do a self-guided walking tour or there are also also several guided tours you can take.

For a Harry Potter Guided Tour of Oxford – click here .

For a guided tour of the Harry Potter filming locations at Oxford University – click here .

For a small group tour of the Warner Bros studios in London combined with a tour of Oxford – click here .

Oxford University

17. Visit Alnwick Castle

Alnwick Castle, one of the most impressive castles in England , is also know as Harry Potter Castle. Much of the Philosopher’s Stone and the Chamber of Secrets was filmed on location at Alnwick Castle.

The Outer Bailey is where Harry and his friends learned to fly broomsticks and play Quidditch. Harry and Ron also crash landed their car in the Inner Bailey where much of the general goings about was filmed.

Address: Alnwick Castle, Alnwick, Northumberland, NE66 1NQ.

Alnwick Castle in Northumberland

18. Visit Gloucester Cathedral

The magnificent Gloucester Cathedral cloisters were used for the filming of the Hogwarts’ corridors in the Philosopher’s Stone and the Chamber of Secrets.

You can visit the cathedral from 10 am to 5 pm Monday to Saturday and from 12 pm to 5 pm on Sundays.

Address: 12 College Green, Gloucester, GL1 2LX.

Gloucester Cathedral Cloisters | Photo Credit: Michael D Beckwith

19. Harry Potter: A Forbidden Forest Experience

Arley Hall & Gardens is home to the Forbidden Forest Experience, a nighttime woodland trail with magical creatures and sound and light effects that bring the Wizarding World to life.

Tickets : Adult from £24.00 and Child from £19.00. You can buy your Forbidden Forest experience tickets here .

Address : Arley Hall and Gardens, Arley, Northwich, Cheshire, CW9 6NA.

Harry Potter Accommodation

If you would like to stay overnight in Harry Potter themed accommodation, here are a few suggestions for you.

20. Harry Potter overnight experiences

North Shire in North Yorkshire offers Harry Potter themed accommodation (as well as Hobbit accommodation). check out their Gryffindor Common Room dorm or the Groundkeeper’s Cottage.

The Enchantment Chamber is a one bedroom, wizard themed apartment in the centre of York.

Georgian House Hotel – with faux castle detail and stained glass windows in London

DeVere House – Godrick’s Hollow where Harry Potter’s parents were murdered by Voldemort is actually a beautiful cottage in Lavenham and you can book through Airbnb.

Canongate Luxury Homestay – a beautifully decorated room in a home in the centre of Edinburgh

Also of significance…

The Balmoral – this is where J.K. Rowling would stay when she was writing the final book in the series.

The St Pancras Renaissance Hotel – the entrance of the hotel was used as the entrance to the station in the Philosopher’s Stone.

See also Harry Potter breaks with National Holidays.

The Georgian House Hotel in London | Photo Credit: The Georgian House Hotel

Virtual Harry Potter experiences

21. try some virtual harry potter experiences during lockdown.

If you aren’t able to visit any of these experiences in person, there are a few virtual Harry Potter experiences to keep you entertained until you can.

Harry Potter at Home

Hogwarts Digital  Escape Room

Harry Potter Fan Club

Ever wanted to know the answer to the question ‘What Harry Potter house am I?’ Join the Harry Potter fan club and you can have a go at the Harry Potter sorting hat quiz. Harry Potter house quiz

Our favourite Harry Potter gifts for kids

Harry Potter Dobble – this is one of our favourite travel gifts for kids . We take ours everywhere with us and it provides hours of entertainment!

The same can be said for Harry Potter Top Trumps . It’s nice and small and easy to take out with us. Here are some other ideas:

Harry Potter wand

Harry Potter chess set

Harry Potter lego

Harry Potter Nintendo Switch

And if they haven’t already got them, don’t forget the Harry Potter books and movies.

Harry Potter book set

Harry Potter DVD box set

Or see here for more Harry Potter themed gifts .

Map of Harry Potter Experiences in the UK

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20 awesome Harry Potter things to do in London

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You’ve read the books, watched the movies, and maybe even played the games. But now it’s time to bring your Harry Potter fantasy to life by walking in the footsteps of some of the UK’s most beloved fictional characters.

In this post, you’ll not only find a rundown of the most famous Harry Potter filming locations in London you can visit for yourself, but also the best London Harry Potter attractions.

And as a bonus, I’ve even included some of the other top Harry Potter locations around the rest of the UK too. To visit them, it is best to consider a  car hire at London Heathrow . Renting a car will allow you to move freely between locations and have a truly magical experience.

Harry Potter Attractions in London:

Here are all of the best Harry Potter attractions London has to offer…

Visit Warner Bros. Studio Tour

The Warner Brothers Studio Tour: The Making of Harry Potter , is an exhibit offering a behind-the-scenes glimpse into the Harry Potter films.

At the studio, visitors are able to visit real film sets from the franchise, including Hogwarts Great Hall, the Forbidden Forest, Diagon Alley and the Hogwarts Express, as well as seeing many of the authentic movie props and original outfits worn by the cast.

You’ll also learn all about the special and visual effects which went into bringing the magic alive on screen as well as how the costumes and sets were originally designed.

Plus, there are some great photo opportunities so don’t forget your camera!

How to get to the Warner Brothers Studio Tour from London?

Despite the fact that the Warner Brothers Studio Tour usually tops lists of the best things to do in London for Harry Potter fans, did you know that the studio is not technically in London?

The Warner Brothers Studio is actually located in Watford, just to the north of London. However, it is easily accessible from central London by either:

• The train from London Euston to Watford Junction (20 minutes) followed by a regular shuttle bus (15 mins) to the studios.
• The official Golden Tours bus service from London Kings Cross or Victoria (around 1 hour).

Watch Harry Potter and the Cursed Child at the Palace Theatre

Another absolute must for fans of Harry Potter in London is watching Harry Potter and the Cursed Child Part One and Part Two   at the Palace Theatre.

The West End production is based on an original story by J. K. Rowling and takes place nineteen years after the final Harry Potter book. The story follows Harry’s youngest son, Albus Severus Potter, during his first year at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.

The Harry Potter show, which is split into two halves, has won multiple awards for its impressive on-stage theatricals creating the illusion of real-life ‘magic’ for the audience.

Tip : Make sure you check for discounted Harry Potter tickets at London Box Office .

Nearest tube stations: Leicester Square and Tottenham Court Road.

Visit the House of MinaLima

House of MinaLima is t he design studio behind the props that required graphic design or artwork in both the Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts films. It was founded by Miraphora Mina and Eduardo Lima.

They designed everything from Harry’s acceptance letter from Hogwarts and the Maurader’s Map to all of the newspapers , posters, signs and books used throughout the movies.

The studio is now a gallery and store situated in the heart of Soho where you can see their original designs and buy some of the coolest H arry Potter stuff in London.

Nearest tube stations: Leicester Square, Covent Garden and Tottenham Court Road.

Take on a Harry Potter Escape Room

The School of Witchcraft and Wizardry by Enigma Quests is a magic-themed escape room where players take on themed challenges and tasks in order to ‘pass all exams and defeat the dark forces’.

And yes, you even get to wear a robe!

Nearest tube station: Liverpool Street.

Alternatively, try The School of Magic by London Escaped for another magic-themed immersive escape room full of wizardy clues and puzzles.

Nearest tube station: Aldgate East.

Drink ‘Potions’ at a Harry Potter bar

The Cauldron is an amazing immersive cocktail-making experience in London in which you get to don your finest robe and receive a working magic wand in order to brew your own bubbling potions from a large selection of magical ingredients.

Well, that’s one way to live out your Harry Potter fantasy as an adult!

Nearest tube station: Dalston Kingsland.

Check out more of London’s coolest and quirkiest places to drink .

Go for a Harry Potter themed afternoon tea

Upgrade your Harry Potter in London experience by paying a visit to Cutter & Squidge’s Secret School of Wizarding Alchemy .

At this immersive London dining experience , you’ll sit at school tables and learn the art of potions with a real-life potion master, before getting to enjoy your tasty concoctions alongside a lavish Harry Potter themed Afternoon Tea.

Pop by Hoxton Street Monster Supplies

Hoxton Street Monster Supplies is the essential London shop for monstrous foods, gifts and accessories (aka fun novelty Harry Potter-esque items).

If there’s a particular spell you need ingredients for, Hoxton Street Monster Supplies will be sure to have it, such as tears of anger, tinned fear and bottled daylight.

Or for a gift for the ogre in your life, pick up organ marmalade, toasted bone chunks or cubed earwax.

Take a Harry Potter Tour of London

If you’re the kind of person who likes to explore somewhere new with a guide, then a pre-arranged guided tour is a great way to explore the best Harry Potter sites in London. Not only will you not have to navigate the city yourself, but you’ll also have a knowledgeable guide to give you plenty of interesting facts along the way.

Here are some London Harry Potter tours to choose from:

Shop at Tottenham Court Road Primark

Primark on Tottenham Court Road has to be home to one of the biggest collections of Harry Potter things in London. And the best part? You can buy them all!

So rather than waiting to visit the Warner Brothers Studio Shop and having to fork out a fortune on Harry Potter memorabilia, make sure you pay a visit to Primark first.

From robes and wands to pyjamas, socks, bedding, keychains, bags and more, Primark pretty much has Harry Potter themed everything in stock in its extravagantly decorated Harry Potter section (it’s pretty hard to miss!).

Head to Hamley’s Harry Potter Floor

The largest toy shop in the world, London Hamleys, now has an entire floor dedicated to Harry Potter!

As you enter the large store, follow the Harry Potter signs and head downstairs to the basement, where you’ll find an exciting world of wizarding magic, from full-sized Lego characters to wands, clothing, toys, sweets, and more.

Stay in Georgian House Hotel’s Wizard Chambers

The Georgian House Hotel is a charming boutique hotel in London Westminster with an unsuspecting secret. Hidden away within the hotel’s walls are its famous Wizard Chambers themed rooms.

With dated furniture, brick fireplaces, dusty glass goblets lining shelves and bedsheets in Grifindoor’s house colours, every little detail of the Wizard Chambers will have you believe you’re falling asleep inside Hogwarts itself.

Book a stay in a Wizard Chamber at the Georgian House Hotel here

Nearest tube station: Victoria (convenient for the Warner Bros. Tour).

Harry Potter Filming Locations in London:

The best Harry Potter London sites you can visit for yourself…

Kings Cross (Platform 9 3/4)

Kings Cross St Pancras is definitely one of the most popular Harry Potter London attractions, being home to platform 9 3/4 itself.

The original scenes were supposedly filmed between platforms 4 & 5, however, the location has become such a major tourist attraction that close to platforms 9 & 10 there is now a signposted wall with half a luggage trolley positioned against it.

Now you can snap some cool photos as you pass through the magical gateway to catch the Hogwarts Express.

Plus, don’t forget to visit the Platform 9 3/4 Harry Potter shop right next door.

Nearest tube station: Kings Cross.

Reptile House at London Zoo

Back at the very beginning of the first Harry Potter film, before Harry even knows about his magical abilities, he speaks parseltongue to a Burmese python inside the reptile house at London Zoo before accidentally setting it free from its display case.

This scene was filmed on location at London Zoo and you can visit the exact display inside the reptile house where the filming took place. It’s not difficult to find thanks to the special board right next to it with details about the scene and the python.

Nearest tube station: Camden Town.

Leadenhall Market (Diagon Alley)

Leadenhall Market is an impressive covered Victorian market in the City of London which was used for the original shots of Diagon Alley in the very first Harry Potter movie, The Philosophers Stone.

While exploring the market, see if you can find the door in Bull’s Head Passage which was originally used as the doorway to the Leaky Cauldron pub.

Nearest tube stations: Bank and Monument.

Borough Market (also Diagon Alley)

In Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, the filming location of the entrance to Diagon Alley was moved from Leadenhall Market to Borough Market .

After riding the Knight Bus across the city, Harry disembarks at Borough Market and walks into the Leaky Cauldron pub, which in real life is the market’s charming Chez Michele flower shop.

Nearest tube station: London Bridge.

Goodwins Court ( Knockturn Alley)

While Goodwins Court in London’s West End is not technically a Harry Potter filming location, it is rumoured to be the inspiration behind Knockurn Alley, Diagon Alley’s more sinister alternative.

Visiting the narrow alleyway, with its dark 17th-century houses and dim streetlights, it’s pretty easy to imagine Bellatrix Lestrange lurking in the shadows on her way to buy some contraband magical items.

Nearest tube station: Leicester Square.

Picadilly Circus

Only the more hardcore Harry Potter fans will probably remember this, but during Deathly Hallows Part One, Harry, Hermione and Ron are fleeing from the Death Eaters and end up rushing through Picadilly Circus and down Shaftsbury Avenue where they narrowly avoid being hit by a red London bus.

Although this is only a very brief moment out of the entire Harry Potter franchise, Picadilly Circus is a location on most people’s London bucket list anyway so shouldn’t be a tough one to tick off.

Nearest tube station: Picadilly Circus.

Old Scotland Yard (Ministry of Magic)

If you stand at the intersection of Scotland Place and New Scotland Yard in Westminster, you’ll probably recognise it as the spot where Harry and Mr Weasley enter a red phone box that transports them inside the Ministry of Magic in Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix.

Unfortunately, the phone box was just a prop and is not there in real life, however, the location is still an interesting place to visit in London for Harry Potter fans and features in most Harry Potter tours.

Nearest tube stations: Embankment and Charing Cross.

Australia House (Gringotts Bank)

Australia House on the Strand was where the interior scenes of Gringotts Bank were filmed, with its grand central hall, marble pillars, and impressive chandeliers.

As the name suggests, Australia House is home to the Australian Embassy so is not open to the public. However, if you visit during working hours from Monday to Friday, you can take a quick peep through the large glass doors to see the recognisable marble banking hall.

Nearest tube station: Temple.

Millennium Bridge

In Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince, the death eater chase sequence in which Ollivander is kidnapped sees the camera span through numerous locations in central London, including Nelsons Column in Trafalgar Square and Charing Cross Road.

But the most iconic scene in this sequence is when the death eaters tear apart Millennium Bridge, twisting the metal railings before collapsing it completely into the Thames underneath as muggles scramble for their lives.

Nearest tube station: Blackfriars and Mansion House.

Harry Potter trips from London:

Other Harry Potter filming locations in the UK…

Hogwarts in Oxford

There are numerous Harry Potter filming locations in Oxford, therefore a day trip to the city is an absolute must. The city’s gothic architecture and impressive college buildings made it the perfect spot for filming many of the scenes inside Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.

A few of the Harry Potter locations in Oxford include:

• Christ Chuch Dining Hall -> (the inspiration for) Hogwarts Grand Hall
• Bodleian Library’s Duke Humfrey’s Library -> Main Hogwarts Library
• The Divinity School -> Hogwarts Hospital Wing
• Christ Church Cloisters & New College Cloisters -> Hogwarts Hallways
• Bodley Tower Staircase -> Hogwarts Staircase

How to take a Harry Potter day trip from London to Oxford:

You can either make your own way from London to Oxford then book a Harry Potter tour once you arrive. Or alternatively, combine your trip to Oxford with the Harry Potter Studio Tour on this dedicated Harry Potter day trip from London which includes all transportation.

Also read: When is the best time to visit the UK?

Origins in Edinburgh

Most superfans will know that Edinburgh is the city in which J. K. Rowling originally dreamed up the idea of Harry Potter, which is evident in the way the settings in the franchise reflect the medieval architecture and general feel of the city.

You can even visit The Elephant House Cafe where the author wrote much of the first books.

You can also book a Harry Potter walking tour of Edinburgh . 

Train tracks in Scotland

Other than Edinburgh, another not-to-miss Harry Potter location in Scotland is the Glenfinnan Viaduct in Lochaber , which is more recognisable as the Victorian Railway Bridge which the Hogwarts Express travels over on its way to Hogwarts.

Check out even more Harry Potter filming locations in Scotland here .

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Emily is a born and raised London girl, starting life in the north of the capital then moving down to Fulham in the southwest. She has a master’s degree in Social and Cultural Anthropology from University College London and now works full-time running this blog and as a freelance travel writer, splitting her life between London and travelling the world as a digital nomad.

Find me on: Instagram

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13 Magical Harry Potter Places to Visit in the UK

Are you looking for the best Harry Potter places to visit in the UK? I’ve got you covered!

I love Harry Potter! I’ve both read the books and watched the movies multiple times and I’ve spent months in the UK during which time I had the chance to visit quite a few Harry Potter locations.

The absolute best place to visit for all Harry Potter fans is the Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Warner Bros Studios. I’ve visited three times so far and every visit was magical. There’s no other place you can actually walk down Diagonal Alley which looks just like in the movies.

Thee next best places to visit are London and Oxford because there are so many different Harry Potter locations in each of those cities and you don’t need to go out of your way to see just one location.

Table of Contents

Best Harry Potter places to visit UK

1. harry potter places in london.

London is full of Harry Potter locations just waiting to be discovered! From the iconic Platform 9 3/4 at King’s Cross Station to the famous Piccadilly Circus, there are so many places in London that will transport you straight into the world of Harry Potter.

You can visit the Leaky Cauldron in Leadenhall Market, stroll along the Millennium Bridge from the Half-Blood Prince, and even take a Harry Potter walking tour to see all the best locations with an expert guide.

And don’t forget to grab a Butterbeer at one of the many Harry Potter-themed souvenir shops around the city!

Or you can even have a full Harry Potter afternoon tea in London , one of the amazing Harry Potter activities in London .

To find a detailed description of the locations, check out my article about the best London Harry Potter locations . Here I’m just gonna list the locations you can visit in London:

• Kings Cross and St. Pancras – King’s Cross Station
• Leadenhall Market – The Leaky Cauldron 
• Millennium Bridge – Death eaters destroy the bridge
• Schottland Yard – Ministry of Magic
• Westminster Station – Mr Weasly struggles with muggle money
• Borough Market – The Leaky Cauldron 
• Piccadilly Circus – Harry, Ron and Hermione apparate there
• Shaftesbury Avenue – Harry, Ron and Hermione try to hide
• Trafalgar Square – Death eaters fly past
• House of Parliament & Tower Bridge – Characters fly past
• Lambeth Bridge – Knight Bus squeezes through two buses
• St Paul’s Cathedral – Stairwell to Divination Tower 
• Claremont Square – 12 Grimmauld Place
• Australia House – Gringotts Wizarding Bank 
• London City Hall – Office building
• Reptile House London Zoo – Reptile House

2. Warner Bros Studio in Watford

The Warner Bros Studio is home to the sets, costumes, and props from the Harry Potter movies, giving you a behind-the-scenes look at how the magic was made.

You can explore the Great Hall, see the Hogwarts Express up close, and even walk through Diagon Alley. Plus, there are plenty of interactive exhibits and activities, like learning wand choreography or trying your hand at Quidditch.

And the best part? You can take a train from London to the Warner Bros Studios and take as long as you like to explore the studio, so you can really take your time and soak up all the Harry Potter goodness.

So if you’re planning a trip to the UK and want to experience the ultimate Harry Potter location, be sure to add the Warner Bros Studio in Watford to your itinerary!

3. Harry Potter places in Oxford

Oxford, the historic university town, is home to some of the most iconic Harry Potter locations, including the Bodleian Library, which served as the inspiration for the Hogwarts library in the movies.

You can also visit the Divinity School, which was used as the infirmary in the films, and explore the stunning Christ Church College, which was used as the inspiration for Hogwarts’ Great Hall.

I recommend spending at least one day in this historic town but you can also do a day trip from London to Oxford .

4. Harry Potter places in Edinburgh

Edinburgh is home to some of the most iconic locations which inspired J.K. Rowling in writing the Harry Potter books. The city is also one of the best cities to visit in the United Kingdom .

You can visit the Elephant House café, where J.K. Rowling wrote much of the first Harry Potter book, or take a stroll down Victoria Street, which inspired the winding streets of Diagon Alley.

The stunning Edinburgh Castle, which should be on every Edinburgh itinerary , served as the inspiration for Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.

Those unique Harry Potter locations make Edinburgh a perfect destination for all Harry Potter fans.

Even without all the great Harry Potter-related attractions, Edinburgh is one of the best places to visit in Scotland . You can stroll through the beautiful old town, admire the stunning architecture, explore the castle or relax in the picturesque botanical garden.

5. Glenfinnan Viaduct in Scotland

At the Glenfinnan Viaduct, the iconic Harry Potter scene was filmed where Harry and Ron try to catch up with the Hogwarts Express in the Chamber of Secrets film.

You can either go for a ride in the Jacobite Steam Train or wait until the steam train passes the viaduct to get the perfect Harry Potter shot.

The best way to visit the Glenfinnan Viaduct is to incorporate it into your UK road trip itinerary .

6. Alnwick Castle in Northumberland

Alnwick Castle in Northumberland was used as a filming location for both Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone and Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets .

You can explore the Outer Bailey, where Harry and his classmates learned to fly broomsticks and play Quidditch, or take a broomstick training lesson yourself!

And if you’re feeling brave, you can even take a tour of the castle’s dungeons, which were used as the location for the Forbidden Forest in the movies. 

7. The Shambles in York

The Shambles in York is a historic street, with overhanging timber-framed buildings. It wasn’t actually a filming location but it served as the inspiration for Diagon Alley in the Harry Potter movies.

Even though some Diagon Alley scenes were shot in London, to me walking down the Shambles felt like the only place that comes close to a real-life version of Diagon Alley.

You can explore the winding streets and quirky, magical shops in York , just like Harry and his friends did on their first trip to Diagon Alley.

And if you’re looking for a magical souvenir, you can even visit The Shop That Must Not Be Named , a Harry Potter-themed store that’s sure to delight any fan.

8. Gloucester Cathedral in Gloucester

Gloucester Cathedral was used as a filming location for several scenes in the Harry Potter movies, including the famous scene where Harry eavesdrops on Snape and Malfoy talking about the unbreakable vow in Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince .

You can explore the beautiful cloisters, which served as the location for several Hogwarts classrooms and corridors. 

9. Lacock Abbey in Lacock

Lacock Abbey in Lacock was used as a filming location for several scenes in the Harry Potter films.

You can explore the stunning cloisters, which served as the location for several Hogwarts classrooms. Inside the abbey, you can also find the locations for Quirrell’s Defense Against the Dark Arts classroom and Snape’s Potions classroom.

Another movie scene which was filmed at Lacock is the scene from the first Harry Potter film with the troll in the girl’s bathroom. And the washbasins are still in the room today!

You can also find the house of Harry’s parents and the house where Horace Slughorn hid from the death eaters in Lacock. Both are normal houses but you can find them on Google Maps.

10. Malham Cove in North Yorkshire

Malham Cove in North Yorkshire was used as a filming location for the scene where Harry and Hermione camp on a cliff while searching for Horcruxes.

You can explore the dramatic cliff made of limestone rock, which served as the location for this iconic scene, and take in the stunning views of the surrounding countryside.

11. Goathland Train Station in Yorkshire

Goathland Train Station in Yorkshire is the location of Hogsmeade Station, where Harry says goodbye at the end of the first movie next to the Hogwarts Express.

You can explore the charming station, which is still in use today, and imagine yourself boarding the Hogwarts Express for a magical journey to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.

And if you’re looking for a magical souvenir, you can even visit the nearby shops and pubs in the charming village of Goathland.

12. Durham Cathedral in Durham

Durham Castle was the filming location for multiple scenes of the Hogwarts halls and the inner courtyard.

In the courtyard, Hedwig takes off to fly around Hogwarts on a winter day in Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone and in Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets Ron pukes slugs after his spell backfires.

Interesting side note, Harry Potter is not the only blockbuster which was filmed in Durham Castle . It’s also the filming location for some scenes of Avengers: Endgame.

13. Glencoe in Scottish Highlands

Glencoe in the Scottish Highlands is the filming location for Hagrid’s Hut in Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban.

You can explore the breathtaking landscape, which served as the location for the Forbidden Forest and the stunning backdrop for Hagrid’s Hut.

14. Freshwater West Beach in Pembrokeshire Coast, Wales

Freshwater West Beach in Pembrokeshire Coast is the location of Shell Cottage, the home of Bill and Fleur, in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows.

It’s also the last resting place of Dobby in the movies and you can actually find a grave dedicated to Dobby there!

Final thoughts: Harry Potter places to visit UK

All in all the UK is the absolute best country to visit for all fans of the Harry Potter films and books. You can create your own personal itinerary visiting the magical locations which sound most interesting to you.

If you do have time to do a bigger Harry Potter-themed holiday in the UK, I highly recommend visiting York. Even though none of the films were actually filmed there, the Shambles is the closest version of Diagon Alley you’ll find in real life.

Read more about London:

• 4 Day Itinerary for London: What to See & Do
• 21 Best Things to Do in London in August
• 15 Amazing Things to Do in Soho London
• Best Fully Vegan Restaurants in Soho London
• How to get to Harry Potter Studios from London
• 21 Magical Harry Potter Locations in London
• 13 Magical Harry Potter Things to Do in London
• 10 Most Magical Harry Potter Shops in London
• Do You Tip in London? All You Need to Know
• The Best Oxford and Cambridge Tours from London
• Top 10 Most Vegan Friendly Cities in Europe You Should Visit

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Tina Riegelnegg is the founder of Veganderlust. She started this blog in 2022 to share her experiences in order to help other travellers have the best experience and find the best vegan food while travelling. So far Tina has been to 31 countries on 5 continents.

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Visit Harry Potter filming locations

Britain is bursting with spell-binding Harry Potter filming locations, making it magical for Potterheads everywhere. Head to King’s Cross station’s Platform 9¾ with its disappearing luggage, to York’s own wonky timber-framed version of Diagon Alley, the giant cauldron located in a Wiltshire abbey, and creep around the cloisters of Gloustershire Cathedral. 

Check out Oxford, the city of spires, with the famous Bodleian Library doubling up as Hogwart’s library, and the vaulted Divinity School next door which became Hogwart’s Hospital – admitting students with broomstick injuries and back-firing spells. For a full experience, immerse yourself into a film set tour and check out original sets, animatronic creatures and impressive special effects.

Or tour Edinburgh to discover the city where the magical world was conceived .

Top Harry Potter locations in London

@aleks_london_diary

King’s Cross Station

The Hogwarts Express departs from Platform 9¾ at King’s Cross station . On the western concourse, you’ll find a baggage trolley disappearing into the magical realm through a wall.

Harry Potter Platform 9 3/4 Walking Tour .

Reptile House, London Zoo

The Reptile House at ZSL London Zoo is where Harry first discovers his gift for talking with snakes in Harry Potter and the Philosopher ’ s Stone. Chat to snakes, lizards, frogs and crocodiles.

visitlondon.com/Ben Pipe

Leadenhall Market

Leadenhall Market in the City district was used as Diagon Alley. The entrance to wizard’s pub, the Leaky Cauldron, is an optician in Bull’s Head Passage.

Bryan Shorter

Lambeth Bridge

It’s on Lambeth Bridge that the Knight Bus has to squeeze between two oncoming double-decker buses in Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban .

@levensgenieter_77

Millennium Bridge

Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince opens with a dramatic sequence of the Millennium footbridge collapsing. The bridge links Bankside with the City and St Paul’s Cathedral.

Harry Potter London Cab Tour Tickets

Book a bus tour of harry potter film locations, everything you need to know before visiting warner bros. studio tour london – the making of harry potter.

Warner Bros Studio Tour London @znajdujacsens

What is the Warner Bros. Studio Tour London – The Making of Harry Potter?

Next-door to the working film studios where all eight Harry Potter films were made, the Harry Potter Studio Tour offers visitors the unique opportunity behind the scenes. Explore two sound-stages and a backlot filled with original sets, animatronic creatures and breathtaking special effects.

Where is The Making of Harry Potter Studio Tour?

The Harry Potter Studio Tour is located 20 miles (32 kilometres) north-west of London and less than three miles (approximately 5 kilometres) from the M1 and M25 motorways. The P post-code for sat-nav is WD257LR.

What sets can I explore on the Harry Potter Studio Tour?

Step onto iconic sets on the Harry Potter Studio Tour including the Great Hall, the Forbidden Forest, Platform 9¾ and Diagon Alley.

What Harry Potter props will I see on the studio tour?

In Professor Dumbledore’s office, you’ll find 900 memory vials. There’s over 950 filled potion jars lining the walls of the Potions Classroom. In Professor Dolores Umbridge’s pink office, you’ll find her collection of plates featuring various moving kittens.

Are there costumes from the Harry Potter films on display?

Everything from Quidditch uniforms to a more formal style of wizard wear - created for the Yule Ball, held to celebrate Christmas and the Triwizard Tournament - are on display during the tour.

What else can I expect on the Harry Potter Studio Tour?

Treat yourself to a tankard of Butterbeer – this delicious non-alcoholic drink tastes of shortbread and butterscotch. And marvel at a model version of the whole of Hogwarts. The 1:24 scale construction was used for filming the exterior and aerial shots of the school.

How much are Harry Potter Studio Tour tickets?

Studio Tour tickets can be purchased from the Warner Bros. Studio Tour London – The Making of Harry Potter website .

Enjoy a Magical Harry Potter Studio Tour .

Harry Potter film locations around Britain

VisitBritain/Crown Copyright

Freshwater West, Pembrokeshire, Wales 

This stretch of golden sand was the location for Bill Weasley and Fleur Delacour‘s Shell Cottage in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows . When Harry found himself inside the whimsical cottage he could hear nothing but the ebb and flow of the sea. Although the cottage was taken down after filming, you can still visit the Freshwater West Beach and watch surfers riding some of Wales’ best waves.

National Trust Lacock Abbey @ashtonprior

Lacock Abbey, Wiltshire, England 

Lacock Abbey’s Warming Room – which contains a giant cauldron – was Professor Quirrell’s Defence Against the Dark Arts classroom, while Professor Snape’s Potions Class was held in the Sacristy. It was in the abbey’s Chapter House that Harry stumbled upon the Mirror of Erised, which shows the heart’s deepest desire.

VisitBritain

Alnwick Castle, Northumberland, England

Madame Hooch’s broomstick flying lesson, from Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, takes place in the Outer Bailey of medieval Alnwick Castle in Northumberland.

Harry also learns the rules of Quidditch here, while the inner courtyards and baileys were used to film Hogwarts students and staff going about their daily activities. Broomstick training for visitors still occurs at Alnwick Castle, along with wizardry magic shows and costumed tours.

Gloucester Cathedral, Gloucestershire, England

Watch out for Nearly Headless Nick or Moaning Myrtle and see where Harry and Ron hid from the giant troll in the spooky cloisters, under the fan vaulted roof of the 1,300-year-old Gloucester Cathedral . The cathedral was transformed into the corridors of Hogwarts for the first, second and sixth Harry Potter films.

VisitOxford

Bodleian Library, Oxford, England

The oldest reading room in Oxford University’s magnificent Bodleian Library doubled as the Hogwarts library in three Harry Potter films. The next-door vaulted Divinity School became Hogwarts hospital, admitting students for broomstick injuries, curses and back-firing spells.

Nearby Christ Church College is where we were first introduced to Hogwarts, with Harry and the other first-year wizards ascending the 16th-century stone staircase to the Great Hall. 

Visit England/ Diana Jarvis

Durham Cathedral, Durham, England 

Durham Cathedral’s Chapter House was where Professor McGonagall taught the young wizards to turn animals into water goblets. The cathedral’s elegant cloisters saw Ron Weasley fall victim to his own slug-vomiting curse, in Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets. They were also the setting for the snow-covered quadrangle where Harry first set Hedwig flying in Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone. 

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The Black Country Living Museum

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Harry Potter Places to Visit in the UK

A list of places in the UK where Harry Potter was filmed, written, or inspired

This post may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase through these links, I may receive a small commission at no additional cost to you.

Year Visited: 2022

Time of Year: May

Harry Potter Places in the UK

There are SO many places for Harry Potter fans to visit in the UK. From filming locations, to places that inspired the story, to themed afternoon teas, it’s impossible to fit them all in one vacation (or one list!).

I guarantee there will be plenty more places to visit than just what this list mentions. But I have discovered quite a lot of Harry Potter places to visit, so this list will certainly get you started in your trip planning.

Map of Harry Potter places to visit in the UK:

Warner bros. harry potter studio tour.

The Warner Bros. Studio Tour is a must visit for fans of the series. With actual sets, costumes and props, plus butterbeer, chocolate frogs, and the best selection of Harry Potter themed merchandise around, it’s a mecca for Harry Potter fans around the world.

Get a sneak peak of the tour with this video:

Millennium bridge.

Walk across this famous pedestrian bridge to cross from the Tate Modern toward the iconic St. Paul’s Cathedral.

Just hopefully the bridge won’t collapse from Death Eaters on your way over…

Platform 9 3/4

My sister trying to enter Platform 9 3/4

Visit the famous gateway to the Hogwarts Express at King’s Cross Station.

The platform isn’t actually between platforms 9 and 10. It is at the far end of the main rail station lobby area. You know you’ve found it when you run into the line of people waiting to take a selfie.

Leicester Square Film Statues

The city of London recently installed 13 film inspired statues in Leicester Square . These include many beloved classics like Mary Poppins, Paddington Bear, and of course, Harry Potter.

Harry Potter Themed Afternoon Tea

You can sit under the enchanted ceiling if you book an afternoon tea with your studio tour.

There are all sorts of themed afternoon teas to try in London (although they are expensive!). We opted for the Romeo and Juliet themed afternoon tea at the Globe Theater, but you could do a Harry Potter themed afternoon tea.

There are several “wizard themed” afternoon teas in London. Here are a few you can choose from:

You can add an afternoon tea to your tour at the studios.

Wizard’s Afternoon Tea at the Wizard Exploratorium in London.

Afternoon Tea at the Potion Room at Cutter & Squidge.

Bodleian Library

There are many majestic sites to see in Oxford, UK, but the Divinity School at the Bodleian Library might be the best.

You might recognize it as the filming location where the Gryffindors practiced for the Yule Ball dance. It is also the filming location for the school’s infirmary, where Harry spends no short amount of time.

There are other parts of the library that were also used for filming. You can book a timed entry into just the Divinity School, or you can book a 30 minute, 60 minute, or 90 minute tour of the library.

New College

The city of Oxford is full of colleges, each with their own unique cloisters. You can visit all of them, usually for a small fee. Some are more notable than others for fans of the Harry Potter series.

The cloisters at New College are quite recognizable as the courtyard where “Mad Eye” famously turned Draco into a ferret.

Christ Church College

Christ Church College was another filming location for the Harry Potter movies. The hallways are where Hermione shows Harry the Quidditch trophy case with his father’s name in it.

While not used for filming, the dining hall of Christ Church is usually cited as the inspiration for the great hall at Hogwarts.

Please Note: The dining hall is usually closed to visitors from around 11:45-2, during the students’ lunch.

Gloucester Cathedral

I only discovered this incredible cathedral, and site of several Harry Potter filming locations, after we returned home from England (which… is probably a good thing, because I have no idea how I would have fit it in!).

Located near the Cotswolds (those adorable little villages), Gloucester is less than a 2 hr. train ride from central London.

So if you’re not me, and you already know Gloucester is a must-see on your list, you can easily visit on a day trip from London.

Check out this article for all the information you need (plus pictures of how incredible it really is!).

The Shambles

The famous street in the medieval city of York might be the inspiration for Diagon Alley. It certainly looks a lot like we imagine the fictional street would appear, but it’s even cooler because it wasn’t trying to imitate Diagon Alley. This is just how the street is. And has been. For hundreds of years!

As a bonus, you can find several Harry Potter themed shops down this alley. So if you’ve dreamed of buying a wand in Diagon Alley… here’s your chance.

Alnwick Castle

Located between York and Edinburgh, Alnwick Castle is a bit out of the way, but a beautiful place to visit for Harry Potter fans. It was used as a filming location in both of the first two movies (both the interior and exterior)!

One of the scenes filmed here is the learning to fly scene, and you can even recreate this scene with your own flying lesson at the castle! You can book a time slot for your flying lesson upon arrival at the castle, but note that they prioritize letting kids and teenagers into the class first, over the kids at heart (adults).

Tip: Try to avoid visiting during school holidays for a better chance of getting in the lesson (plus less crowds in general).

You can even have a meal at the magical Treehouse Restaurant in the Alnwick Castle gardens.

The Elephant House

The Elephant House is one of the cafes where writer J.K. Rowling penned the original books in the Harry Potter series.

Unfortunately, the building caught on fire in 2021, and much of the inside was damaged. It is currently being remodeled, and will hopefully open again sometime in the next year.

Who knows how much of the inside will be the same (including the famous bathrooms, where fans penned notes to JK and HP), but at the very least, the table where J.K. liked to sit was saved from the flames.

Read Next: It only took 5 tries to actually find an open “writer’s cafe ” to visit in the UK!

Nicolsons Cafe

Thankfully, J.K. didn’t just write in one cafe. So even though we couldn’t visit The Elephant House in Edinburgh, we could visit Nicolsons Cafe (and the red velvet cheesecake was definitely worth it, Harry Potter fan or not!).

Although this cafe closed down and reopened under new management, it’s still in the same location, and is definitely playing up the Harry Potter connection. Plus, did I mention the cheesecake?

Department of Magic

The Department of Magic is an “unofficial” Harry Potter (wizard) themed bar and escape room. The best part about it is it’s in a secret location (or at least, down the hidden staircase).

There are some crazy potions (drinks) you can try, or you can come to the escape room (which we did). Fair warning, it was a pretty challenging escape room.

Greyfriar’s Kirkyard

This kirkyard, or graveyard, is reminiscent of the graveyard where Tom Riddle’s father is buried in “The Goblet of Fire.”

You will definitely recognize some names as you wander through the tombstones, including Tom Riddle .

Note: The city of Edinburgh has reported that the thousands of fans who visit the kirkyard has led to some erosion of the tomb, so please be careful and considerate if you do visit it.

The Jacobite Steam Train

Fort william.

The Jacobite Steam Train was used as the Hogwarts Express in several of the Harry Potter movies. You can visit the Glenfinnan Viaduct and watch it go by, or you can ride the train itself.

Be sure to bring some money to buy something off the trolley.

Glenfinnan Viaduct

The historic Glenfinnan Viaduct is a stunning viewpoint to watch the Jacobite Steam Train roll by, either in the morning or the evening.

Whether or not you’re a fan of Harry Potter, it is a truly awesome sight to walk beneath this imposing structure.

Hagrid’s Hut

This picture is from Glencoe Valley, but it is not the actual filming location of Hagrid’s Hut.

If you’re driving through Glencoe Valley (an especially stunning part of Scotland), you can stop to see the location where they filmed Hagrid’s Hut .

We didn’t see this particular location, but Glencoe was absolutely gorgeous, and there are plenty of pull off spots to stop and take pictures and walk around.

Bonus: There are lots of other movies that were filmed here too, including the James Bond movie “ Skyfall .”

Honorary Quidditch Towns

Across the uk & ireland.

With the release of J.K. Rowling’s book Quidditch Through the Ages in 2020, 11 towns throughout the UK and Ireland were named “ honorary Quidditch towns .”

What that means is they get a team banner and a Quidditch goal post set up in town, which makes a great photo op. There are also supposed to be Quidditch themed activity packs for Harry Potter fans that visit any of these towns.

There are 13 Quidditch teams in the book, but 2 of them are from ficticious towns. All 11 other towns mentioned were named honorary Quidditch towns:

Ballycastle

Map of the honorary Quidditch towns:

Harry potter souvenirs.

Harry Potter themed shops are EVERYWHERE in the UK. Here is a list of all the places I found Harry Potter souvenirs, and which ones were worth browsing.

In general, most shops will have the same merchandise.

Warner Bros. Studio Tour

The studio tour is actually the best place for buying souvenirs. Their shops are definitely the most extensive, plus they are all themed. You can buy candy from Honeydukes, or a wand from Olivander’s.

I chose not to buy anything at the gift shops here, because I wanted to buy souvenirs from the Shambles (AKA the real life Diagon Alley!). But this is really the best place to buy souvenirs.

Be sure to spend some time browsing around the shops at the studio.

Heathrow Airport

When you first arrive in London at Heathrow, you can visit the Harry Potter gift shop in terminal 5.

Please note: We arrived at terminal 2, and did not travel to terminal 5. You might need to go out of your way to visit this shop.

There is a Harry Potter themed gift shop at King’s Cross Station, near Platform 9 3/4, which is in the main lobby of the rail station ( not between platforms 9 &10!).

The York Shambles

The Shambles are arguably the coolest street in England. They definitely have a Diagon Alley vibe, which I think makes it the perfect place to buy a wand.

There are several Harry Potter themed gift shops here, the largest one being The Shop That Must Not Be Named . Keep in mind that, even though it is a larger shop, there are still a lot of things you can find at the studios that you can’t find here.

If you choose to ride the Jacobite Steam Train in Scotland, someone will come push the souvenir cart around so you “get something off the trolley.”

Of course they do not have a lot of options, as it is just a little cart, but you can get some unique steam train (Hogwarts Express) themed items here.

This is where the steam train stops off at, before returning to Fort William. We found a fun little shop here, hidden away down a secret alley.

Again, it was mostly the same things you will find at other gift shops, and because it is a smaller shop, the selection will be slimmer. It is fun, however, to find secret hidden shops that make buying Harry Potter souvenirs more special.

You can visit the Glenfinnan Viaduct to watch the steam train go by! And then of course, you can find buy Harry Potter souvenirs in their visitor center.

This is not strictly a Harry Potter shop though, and the selection is small. But you will find more Hogwarts Express themed merchandise, if you are not able to go on the actual train.

Literally Every Street in Edinburgh

Everywhere you go in Edinburgh, you will find stores advertising the “birthplace of Harry Potter.” It’s all the same merchandise, so there’s no need to wait to find something better somewhere else, if you do find something you want.

Conclusion:

After traversing the UK in search of all things Harry Potter , I would conclude that the best place to buy souvenirs really is at the Studio Tour. So go ahead and consider this permission to blow all your vacation fund at their gift shops.

However, it is especially fun to buy Harry Potter souvenirs from Diagon Alley (the York Shambles) and the Hogwart’s Express (the Jacobite Steam Train).

But if you find something special, buy it at the studio. You can always buy chocolate frogs and every flavor beans at any of the shops you come to, but you might not find the same merchandise that they have at the large studio stores.

Map of the Harry Potter souvenirs:

The Harry Potter wall in the entrance to Nicolson’s Cafe, Edinburgh.

Know of any other Harry Potter experiences in the UK?

Feel free to share your favorite Harry Potter places to visit in the comments below!

Planning your own Harry Potter themed trip to the UK?

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Harry Potter Themed Things To Do in London – The Ultimate Guide

If you’re a lover of the Harry Potter franchise and are looking to have a wonderfully wizard time on your next trip to London, you’re going to want to check out all of the magical spots in our Ultimate Harry Potter Guide to London

I know this is going to be a shock to a lot of people, but…it’s been 25 years since the first Harry Potter book was released…let me give you a second to just collect yourself before I also hit you with the fact that, it’s 21 years since the first film was released. Yep, those of us who remember the anticipation around the next instalment in the magical series being released in book shops and begging our parents to let us queue up at Waterstones at midnight are officially old – How’s your back? Can you still drink on a school night and be ok for work the next day? Unsurprisingly the fantastic series of books and subsequent films are still as popular today as they were back then, magic never goes out of fashion! Whether you want to relive the excitement, you felt when you first got caught up in the lives of Harry, Ron and Hermione or want to share the wonder with your kids, there is a great array of Harry Potter themed things to do in London that are suitable for the whole family.

The Ultimate Guide to Harry Potter Things To Do in London

We’ve put together the ultimate guide to the best things Harry Potter attractions to visit when in London, including seeing where scenes from where the Harry Potter movies were filmed and building your own magic wand, to relaxing with an ice-cold Butterbeer and getting a photo at 9 ¾.

Watch Harry Potter and the Cursed Child

Booking tickets to see Harry Potter and the Cursed Child is a must for any die-hard Potter fan. This fabulous West end production has been adapted from the original story written by JK Rowling and is the 8th story in the Harry Potter series. Set 19 years after The Battle Of Hogwarts, we see Harry’s son, Albus, in his first year at Hogwarts and his struggle trying to live up to a family legacy he never wanted. All the while, Harry, now an employee at the Ministry of Magic, is grappling with issues from the past that refuse to go away.

The unique thing about this play is that it’s split into two parts. Part One is performed as an afternoon matinee at 2pm (1pm on Sundays), and Part Two is an evening performance starting at 7pm (6pm on Sundays). You can book tickets to see just one part of the play at a time or both performances on the same day.

Harry Potter and the Cursed Child Top Tips

• Book the best seats – To enjoy the most immersive experience of the play, you should try to get seats in the centre of the Stall or the front of the Dress Circle.
• Each part of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child is around 2.5 hours long, if you are booked to see each part on the same day, you will have approximately 2.5 free in between shows. This gives you a good amount of time to grab a bit to eat. If you are wanting to enjoy a sit-down meal, be sure to make a reservation beforehand.

Harry Potter and the Cursed Child – Palace Theatre

Location: Palace Theatre, 113 Shaftesbury Avenue, W1D 5AY View on Google Maps Nearest Station: Leicester Square and Tottenham Court Road Price: Ticket prices start from £15 per part

Take the Warner Bros Studio Tour

The Harry Potter Studio Tour is an immersive behind-the-scenes look at how the epic film franchise was filmed. You’ll get to explore some of the most the iconic main sets including the Great Hall, Gringotts, Diagon Alley, and the Forbidden Forest as well as try your hand at flying a broomstick.

Is the Harry Potter Studio Tour actually in London? Ok, so this one technically isn’t in London, it’s on the outskirts of the city in Watford, but it’s still easy to get to! You can get there by train or book a spot on a coach tour that will take you from Victoria in Central London, directly to the Warner Bros Studios and back again.

How To Get There: You can get a train from London Euston to Watford Junction and then hop on the shuttle bus service to the studios (The shuttle bus costs £2.50 per person each way and takes around 15 minutes), but we’d really recommend looking into booking studio tickets and transport as a bundle. Not only does it save you a good chunk of money but it also saves you a lot of hassle trying to organise your journey. PLUS, you are more likely to be able to book tickets for your desired date when purchasing as a ticket and travel bundle.

Harry Potter Studio Tour Top Tips

• You have to book a time slot to start your tour BUT will have access to the studio for the whole day. To make the most of your trip, try to book the earliest slot so you have more time to explore.
• If you can plan your trip around Halloween or Christmas, you’ll be able to see all the sets decorated for the season making it even more magical!

The Making of Harry Potter – Warner Bros. Studio Tour London

Location: Studio Tour Drive, Leavesden, WD25 7LR View on Google Maps Nearest Station: Watford Junction Price: Entry ticket prices start from £49.95 per adult, depending on what time of year you go.

Have a Harry Potter Themed Afternoon Tea

Interactive afternoon tea for two at wands and wizards exploratorium.

Indulge in a magical and interactive afternoon tea at the Wizard Exploratorium in Soho. You’ll be invited to select a magic wand and then lead to an interactive work station where you’ll brew your teas. The magic wand also controls your afternoon tea stand which is filled with a carefully curated selection of delicious sandwiches, desserts and a traditional English scone for each ‘wizard’.

The main Wizards afternoon tea is aimed at adults and older children from ages 12+. If you are looking to take younger children, you can book in for a Little Wizards Afternoon Tea designed for ages 5-11. University students can get a 20% discount on specific dates and times.

Arcane Afternoon Tea for Two – Wands and Wizard Exploratorium

Location: 26 Greek Street, London, W1D 5DE View on Google Maps Nearest Station: Leicester Square Price: £42 per adult (ages 12+), £32 per child (ages 5-11), £33.60 University Students

DISCOUNT CODE – 10% OFF Potion Making Experience

Use code Magical_Potions to get 10% off all Potion Making experiences booked in March 2023 *End Date: 31st March 2023*

Take a Harry Potter Tour in London

Magical london: harry potter guided walking tour (with boat option).

If you want to see all of the best Harry Potter themed and related spots in London then this interactive walking tour is a great option. Your expert guide will take you to see the main sites from the films (including The Leaky Cauldron, Diagon Alley and the bridge destroyed by the Death Eaters), test your Wizarding knowledge with fun trivia, and even sort you into your Hogwarts House. For part of your guided tour, you can choose to take a route via the London Underground or one that takes you down the Thames by boat! If you choose the London Underground option you will need to provide your own Tube tickets.

The tour takes 2.5 hours, and you’ll cover an impressive 3.2km

Magical London: Harry Potter Guided Walking Tour

Location: Southwark View Point, SE1 9DF View on Google Maps Nearest Station: London Bridge Price: £15 per person (walking & Tube), £25 per person (walking & Boat)

Harry Potter Exploration Tour & Game

If you’re not a fan of guided tours and would rather explore at your own pace, this is the activity for you – It’s the perfect mix between a self-guided tour, treasure hunt and escape game! You’ll embark on a quest around London led by an interactive app, visiting key wizarding locations and unlocking clues to your next destination. You can play alone or with a group of friends (maximum of 4 people on a single phone) and take it at a leisurely pace or race against the clock to secure a ranking on the leaderboard. The tour takes around 1.5-2 hours to complete, but there is no time limit, and you can start and stop as you please.

The City of Harry Potter Exploration Tour & Game

Location: Westminster Tube Station, SW1A 2LZ View on Google Maps Nearest Station: Westminster Price: £6.04 per person

Harry Potter Movie Locations Bus Sightseeing Tour

London is a big city and covering it on foot can be a bit of a struggle, if you want to take a tour at a more leisurely pace then why not hop on a Bus sightseeing tour! This excursion will take you to multiple filming locations from the Harry Potter film franchise, including the entrance to the Ministry of Magic and the leaky cauldron, as well as spots that inspired JK Rowling in her writing, you’ll also get a chance to get a photo at the iconic platform 9 ¾! The tour lasts 3.5 hours and has a central pick-up/drop-off point very near St Pancras Station, making it easy to get to.

Guided Harry Potter Movie Locations Bus Sightseeing Tour

Location: St. Pancras Renaissance Hotel, Euston Road, NW1 2AR View on Google Maps Nearest Station: King’s Cross St Pancras Price: £30 per person

Stay in a Harry Potter Themed Hotel

If you’re making a full-on trip of your visit to London and want to stay somewhere extra special, why not book into the magically themed Wizarding Chambers at Georgian House! Located in Westminster, this award-winning hotel has transformed some of its rooms into chambers fit for any wizard wanting to feel at home. Accessed via a hidden doorway, you’ll step into a room adorned with house colours and sleep in a fourposter bed, it’s hard to beleive that you’re not really in Hogwarts hallowed walls. Not only do you get the chance to stay in a themed room, you also get the option of adding a ‘Forbidden Feast’.

Georgian House Hotel’s Wizard Chambers

Location: 35-39 St Georges Drive, Westminster Borough, SW1V 4DG View on Google Maps Nearest Station: Victoria Price: Check dates using the below button to get accurate prices

Visit the Harry Potter Photographic Exhibition

If you love to know all about the behind-the-scenes goings on of your favourite films, then the Harry Poter Photographic Exhibition is not one to be missed. You’ll get to view a massive collection of photos taken during the production of all 8 films as well as a chance to experience the green screen technology used in the film to help Harry and his friends whizz through the sky. Your souvenir photo can even be put onto an official Ministry of Magic identification card!

You HAVE to try the Butterbeer!

The Harry Potter Photographic Exhibition is the only place in London where you can get bottled Butterbeer. You can drink it there and then from a souvenir tankard or, purchase a bottle or two to take home. If you only want to go for the Butterbeer bar, you can do so without needing to buy tickets for the exhibition. You can access it through a rear entrance located in the south east corner of Covent Garden Piazza, WC2E 7BB.

Harry Potter Photographic Exhibition at The London Film Museum

Location: London Film Museum, 45 Wellington Street, Covent Garden, WC2E 7BN View on Google Maps Nearest Station: Covent Garden Price: £20 Adult, £14 Child (discounts available on family tickets)

Try a Harry Potter Escape Room

If you’re looking for a perfectly Potter-themed activity to do with a group of friends while in the capital, look no further than this magic-themed escape room. London Escaped have put together an authentically decorated magic escape room perfect for anyone with a bit of wizarding know-how to try their hand at solving. You have a time limit of 60 minutes to try and solve all of the puzzles, and there is a game master on hand to give you clues if you get stuck.

School of Magic Escape Room

Location: 101 Settles Street, Commercial Road, E1 1RD View on Google Maps Nearest Station: Aldgate East or Whitechapel Price: £40 per person Discounts: SAVE 63% when booking a game for up to 6 people via Wowcher using the button below!

Make Your Own Magic Wand

Step into the Wandmaker’s workshop and become immersed in a hands on 4D experience as you customise, design, and build your own illuminated magic wand! First you’ll need to select what type of magic your wad will run on, then you’ll be led up to the Wandmakers workshop in the attic of the Exploratorium where you will be taught how to make your wand. With over 280 possible combinations of magical components your wand really will be unique to you! Once you’ve constructed your wand you’ll have to learn how to use it – the wandmaster will teach you your first few spells to help get your magical powers flowing. If you are taking a child to the wand-making experience, they will need to be over 8 years of age (due to small components being used as part of the wand-making experience that may pose a choking hazard to younger children), you can accompany them free of charge as their assistant.

The Wand Making Experience – The Wands & Wizard Exploratorium

Location: 26 Greek Street, London, W1D 5DE View on Google Maps Nearest Station: Leicester Square Price: £40 per wand experience (1 maker and 1 assistant if required

Become a Magical Mixologist

What’s better than cocktails with friends? An immersive cocktail experience where you’re dressed as wizards and get to make potions! Armed with a cloak and a magical wand you’ll learn the basic of spell casting to create your welcome drink before progressing on to the art of potion making. You’ll be seated at an interactive work station where you can brew two different molecular cocktails (there is a selection of options) This immersive experience lasts 1hr 45mins, and all alcoholic drinks can be swapped for non-alcoholic if required (they are just as delicious!)

Potions Experience – The Wands & Wizard Exploratorium

Location: 26 Greek Street, London, W1D 5DE View on Google Maps Nearest Station: Leicester Square Price: £35.99 per adult (ages 18+), £24.99 per child (under 18), £30.99 University Students

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30 Places Every Harry Potter Fan Should Visit in London

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If you’re a huge Harry Potter fan, then you need to visit London to see the best of everything this magical movie and book has to offer.

From studio tours to filming locations trips, there are loads of Harry Potter places to see in England’s capital.

And we’ve listed all of the best ones so that you can indulge in the world of wizardry and transport yourself into the magical world of Harry Potter.

1 – Platform 9 ¾

Located at King’s Cross station in central London, Platform 9 ¾ is where the Hogwarts Express departs. In the real-life station, you can find Platform 9 ¾ on the wall in the station concourse. Make sure you take a picture or two for Instagram.

• Compare Harry Potter filming locations tours

2 – The Cauldron Bar

Sticking with a Harry Potter-themed location, The Cauldron is a cocktail bar with drinks inspired by the movie. Learn to make a potion or two with a class and sip back on cocktails and enjoy the night.

• see price & reviews

3 – Shaftesbury Avenue

You might remember a scene from the Deathly Hallows part 1, where Harry, Hermione and Ron are attacked by death eaters? Well, that scene happened in Shaftesbury Avenue, which is just a few steps from Piccadilly tube station.

• Check Harry Potter tours

4 – Harry Potter Escape Room

Take on the school of witchcraft and wizardry with this Harry Potter escape room from Enigma Quests . Games last 60 minutes, and anyone between two and five players can attempt to graduate from the School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.

5 – Reptile House, London Zoo

Visit the London Zoo and go to Reptile House to see where Dudley was stuck behind the glass while the snake slithered away. Then see the rest of the animals at London’s most iconic zoo.

Read here how to book cheap London Zoo tickets and save up to 30%.

• Compare London Zoo tickets

6 – Westminster tube station

Westminster tube station is the location when Harry Potter travels in the Chamber of the Phoenix. It was closed for the entire day during filming, which is some feat considering Westminster is one of London’s busiest areas, for both working professionals and tourists.

7 – Diagon Alley

Diagon Alley provides Harry Potter with his first look into the world of wizardry. And you can find its filming location at Leadenhall Market, which is just a few steps from Monument tube station.

8 – The Leaky Cauldron

Sticking with Leadenhall Market, here you’ll find the secret wizard’s pub, The Leaky Cauldron, which in real life is an optician. But you can still enjoy the Harry Potter magic by visiting Old Tom’s Bar , which is hidden underneath Leadenhall Market.

9 – Gringotts Bank

The only bank in the wizarding world, you can withdraw your fortune at the Australia House, which is just north of Temple tube station at the Victoria embankment. Marvel at the gargoyles and impressive stonework.

10 – Lambeth Bridge

Remember in the Prisoner of Azkaban when the Knight Bus and to squeeze past oncoming doubler deckers? That was at Lambeth Bridge, a bridge that connects Vauxhall and Westminster.

11 – Harry Potter Warner Bros Studio Tour

Perhaps the de facto Harry Potter tour, head to the studio in Watford and wander the 200-acre complex as you see magical sets from the movies. There are props and costumes to discover too.

Is it sold out? Read here how to book last-minute Harry Potter Studio tour tickets .

• Compare Harry Potter Studio tickets

12 – Harry Potter and The Cursed Child

Get yourself down to the West End and buy Harry Potter tickets for a showing of Harry Potter And The Cursed Child . This popular play takes place after Harry Potter’s children have grown up and gone off to Hogwarts. It usually plays at the Palace Theatre.

13 – 10 Downing Street

The first chapter of Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince takes place in 10 Downing Street. In real life, it’s the location of the UK’s Prime Minister, and it serves the same purpose in the world of Harry Potter, though the PM can talk to the Minister for Magic occasionally.

14 – St Pancras International

Right next door to Platform 9 ¾ is where you’ll find St Pancras International with its neo-gothic facade. It’s also the location where the Weasley’s magical Ford Anglia takes off in Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets.

15 – The Harry Potter Shop at Platform 9 ¾

Get all the Harry Potter memorabilia you need at The Harry Potter Shop at Platform 9 ¾ . From sweaters to stuffed owls and wands, the themed gift shop at King’s Cross station has you covered with a wealth of Harry Potter gifts.

16 – Millennium Bridge

The winding, twisting bridge featured in Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince is the Millennium Bridge, and you can find it linking bankside and the city. Take a walk across and soak up the sights of London.

17 – The House of MinaLima

Located in Soho, The House of MinaLima is run by the graphic design team responsible for visual design in the world of wizarding. Visit this multiple-floor shop and get yourself Harry Potter posters, maps, and more.

18 – Charing Cross Road

Charing Cross Road is the entrance to the Leaky Cauldron in the Harry Potter novels, and it’s easy to see why J.K. Rowling drew inspiration from the area. There are loads of second-hand bookshops and antique stores to discover.

19 – Lincoln’s Inn Fields

Located near Sir John Soane’s Museum in Holborn is where you will find Lincoln’s Inn Fields, the place where 12 Grimmauld Place was filmed. In real life, however, it’s not quite as magical and mostly acts as an office for lawyers. Still, it’s certainly one to tick off the Harry Potter list.

20 – Borough Market

Famous for its mouthwatering foods in real life, Borough Market serves a different purpose in Harry Potter. In the Prisoner of Azkaban, it acts as the entrance to the Leaky Cauldron and is a popular spot on Harry Potter tours.

21 – Trafalgar Square

Trafalgar Square has its own place in Harry Potter folklore as the location for the final movie premiere. Actors Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint, Emma Watson, J. K. Rowling stood on stage and gave speeches to the thousands of fans that showed up to see the stars in real life.

22 – The Ministry of Magic

Whitehall and Old Scotland Yard were both used to represent the magical counterpart to muggle organizations and are the home to muggle politicians. Head to Old Scotland Yard to see where they filmed the Polyjuice potion scenes in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows.

23 – Georgian House Hotel

Make your Harry Potter experience and overnight one with a stay at the Georgian House Hotel. There’s a Harry Potter-themed room hiding behind a hidden door. Re-watch the movies and tuck into a special cooked breakfast with a broomstick & snitch.

• View prices & reviews

24 – No. 12 Grimmauld Place

In Islington, you will find No. 23–29 Claremont Square, otherwise known as No. 12 Grimmauld Place. It’s the location of Sirius Black’s familial residence in the Harry Potter movies and is located in one of London’s most popular areas.

25 – St. Paul’s

One of London’s most iconic landmarks, St. Paul’s Cathedral is used as the Geometrical Staircase seen in the Prisoner of Azkaban.

26 – Horse Guards Avenue

Where do the Ministry of Magic staff reside in Harry Potter? In real life, the Ministry of Magic entrance is located on Horse Guards Avenue, which is a road in the City of Westminster.

Harry Potter locations outside of London

There are many exciting Harry Potter locations in London, but there’s also a fair few scattered around the UK. If you’ve got the time, we recommend heading to these other great spots to discover more of the world of Harry Potter.

27 – Oxford

The prestigious university at Oxford was used for several filming scenes in the Harry Potter movies as it doubled up as Hogwarts, including the Dumfries Library, Christ Church Dining Hall, and New College Courtyard.

• Check Oxford tours from London

28 – Lavenham

A small village in Surrey is the location of Godric’s Hollow, and it was used for all the Godric’s Hollow scenes from Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part I. The fictional village is actually located in Lavenham, which dates back to the 11th century and is around 75 miles from London.

29 – Lacock

The village of Lacock is located just over 90 miles from London. Various places in Lacock were used in Harry Potter such as the Potter’s house in Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone and the Lacock Abbey which served as the interior for the Hogwarts School.

30 – Alnwick Castle

Madam Hooch’s broomstick flying lesson, seen in the first film, takes place in the Outer Bailey of medieval Alnwick Castle. The castle is a sight to behold and is located some 320 miles from London. An overnight stay is recommended .

We hope you enjoyed our list of the best Harry Potter places to visit in London. If you wish to book a Harry Potter tour, don’t miss our article about the best Harry Potter tours in London so you can pick the one that fits your needs, itinerary and budget.

We wish you a magic stay in England’s capital. Have fun 🙂

Posted on Published: 27th April 2020  - Last updated: 16th January 2024 Categories Things to do

By: Author Julianna Barnaby

Harry Potter in London: Magical Filming Locations + Attractions You Have to See

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It’s official. Harry Potter is the boy who lived – more than 20 years after Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s stone first hit the shelves and we STILL can’t get enough of him.

London just so happens to be a rather magical place for Harry Potter fans. In fact, I’ll go as far as saying that there are few destinations that boast so many cool Potter related locations (believe me, I’ve looked).

You can whizz around the film studios, challenge yourself to a Potter-themed escape room, or take a self-guided walking tour of many of the locations that pop up in the films.

As someone who snuggles down to watch the films every year and has reread the books a rather obsessive number of times, I can’t tell you how exciting it was to discover the world of Harry Potter in London.

Now it’s your turn. Let’s go!

Harry Potter Filming Locations in London

King’s cross station.

All aboard the Hogwarts Express!

King’s Cross train station is the very place that the Hogwarts Express departs from in the books and the films.

Apart from dreams of what it would be like to actually whizz away on the train to Hogwarts, there are three things that you won’t want to miss within the station.

The first is the actual spot between Platforms 9 and 10 where Platform 9 ¾ is supposed to reside. There’s not actually that much to see here though.

Much more exciting is the trolley half-buried into the wall poised for you to take that classic shot, and the Harry Potter Shop (which I talk about in more detail in the attractions section below). Both of these are at the edge of the station.  

Back to that photo of you running through the wall at Platform 9 ¾. I won’t lie – unless you get there first thing in the morning, chances are that you are going to have to queue for it. Like, for hours. I’m not saying that it isn’t worth it but forewarned is forearmed.

What I will say that if you are going to the Harry Potter Studios – DON’T BOTHER QUEUING at King’s Cross. There are several spots in the studio’s reconstruction of Kings Cross where you can get the same shot and (oh blessed day), there are zero queues. You’re welcome.

St Pancras Station

Just across the road from King’s Cross, St Pancras International Station steals the limelight from its humbler neighbour.

The exterior of St Pancras features as the London Harry Potter station the Hogwarts Express departs from.

I totally understand why the filmmakers used the exterior of St Pancras in the films rather than King’s Cross… who doesn’t want an eyeful of that beautiful Gothic architecture?

Plus it makes it even more dramatic when Harry and Ron purloin the Ford Anglia to fly to Hogwarts when they miss the Express in The Chamber of Secrets right?

Leadenhall Market

Does Leadenhall Market look familiar? It was used as one of the Harry Potter filming locations in London for several of the films – specifically as Diagon Alley.

Look even closer and you can find the blue door of what was then an empty opticians within Leadenhall Market, which pops up as the entrance to the wizarding pub Leaky Cauldron.

Lambeth Bridge

Cast your minds back to Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, when Harry storms out from the Dursleys only to be rescued by the totally fabulous Knight Bus.

Careering through the streets of central London at what is, quite frankly, a rather irresponsible speed, the Knight Bus hurtles around, narrowly avoiding mowing down old ladies and causing destruction.

With me now? Then you’ll certainly remember the excitement when the bus has to squeeze between two muggle London buses on a bridge. Lambeth Bridge is that bridge.

While you won’t see any optical illusions here, it’s a cool little spot to add to your tour of Harry Potter filming locations in London, if only for the beaut views of the river Thames, Parliament and beyond.

Australia House

Time to withdraw your  galleons – for which you’ll need to head to Australia House, which doubles up as Gringotts in the film series.

Unfortunately, the outside was the work of some nifty CGI, but if you can sweet talk your way inside, you’ll see the stately interior that serves as the backdrop to the trio’s antics in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part II.

London Zoo’s Reptile House

Have you ever had the sneaking suspicion that maybe, just maybe, you could speak Parseltongue?

Well, there’s no better place to test out that theory than in the Reptile House at ZSL London Zoo… otherwise known as the Harry Potter filming location where Harry first speaks parseltongue and sets a snake free. As you do.

Claremont Square

A quiet terrace of Georgian houses in Islington might not look like much but Claremont Square is the film location for 12 Grimmauld Place.

Still not ringing any bells? It’s the home of the Order of the Phoenix – a.k.a the Black residence that Sirius kindly donates to be used by the order in Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix and by the trio The Deathly Hallows Part I.

Make your way to numbers 23 to 29 and all will become clear.

Piccadilly Circus

Piccadilly Circu s is terrifying enough at the best of times. The thronging crowds and neon lights are a recipe of things guaranteed to set your teeth on edge. Well, imagine how stressful it would be if you disapparated there only to be chased by Death Eaters trying to kill you.

Sound familiar? That’s exactly what happens to Harry, Hermione and Ron in the Deathly Hallows Part I. Swing by Piccadilly Circus, but keep your eyes open – you never know who’s on your tail.

Great Scotland Yard

Great Scotland Yard looks innocuous enough. There are some rather beautiful buildings, it’s located just off of Whitehall. Nothing incredible to see here… right?

Picture a red telephone box at the junction of Scotland Place and voila – you have the entrance to the Ministry of Magic. Unfortunately, the telephone box was just a prop but know you know, your imagination can do the rest.

Stoney Street

Now, I know that I said that Leadenhall Market held the entrance to the Leaky Cauldron but there are actually a couple of spots with this title as the films moved about a bit as they progressed.

Underneath the railway bridge on Stoney Street, next to Borough Market, features as the entrance to the Leaky Cauldron in Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban.

Read More: Visiting Borough Market – What You Need to Know Before You Go

Westminster Tube Station

Westminster might look like any other tube station from the street.

However, the beady-eyed amongst you will spot that it was the very same station that Harry used in the Order of the Phoenix when he’s travelling to his disciplinary hearing at the Ministry for his use of magic against the dementors in Little Whinging.

Millennium Bridge

I think that we can all agree that those Death Eaters are a right nasty lot. It’s a pretty bad sign of things to come for poor muggle London when they destroy the Millennium Bridge (which has come to be nicknamed the Harry Potter bridge in London), plunging all the people walking along it into the Thames.

Perhaps don’t think about that too much while you’re walking over the bridge though.

Tower Bridge

I’ll be honest, Tower Bridge only makes a fleeting appearance in Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix.

Remember the scene when Harry flies over Tower Bridge on his broomstick? Well, turns out that Tower Bridge is pretty magical even without wizards zipping around it in the air. Who knew?

Must-Visit Harry Potter Attractions in London

These spots weren’t used as filming locations (apart from the Warner Bros Studios) but they’ve all been inspired by the film and should go straight onto your list of cool Harry Potter locations in London.

Warner Brothers Studio Tour – Peek Behind the Scenes at the Ultimate Harry Potter Filming Location in London

People. We need to talk about the Harry Potter Studio Tour at the Warner Bros Studios in Leavesden .

Short version of that talk = It’s brilliant.

Longer version: I finally went last month, trying to pretend that I was totally chilled out about the fact that I was going to spend hours in the film studios where the Harry Potter films were created.

Obviously, I was not chilled out, I was more excited than a five year old at Christmas. Even so, it still managed to exceed expectations.

Seeing the sets and props IRL, walking along Diagon Alley , seeing the scale construction of Hogwarts – as I said, it’s brilliant.

I know that tickets are quite expensive and you have to book ages ahead (though it’s always worth checking as we snaffled ours three days in advance) but it’s absolutely worth it.

PS – the studios are in Leavesden, which is a bit of a pain to get to from London. If you don’t have your own transport, it’s easier to book on a tour than trying to get there independently.

Read Next: This is Why Every. Single. Harry Potter Fan Needs to Head to the Studio Tour

The House of Minalima – The Harry Potter Store in London

The House of Minalima is the shop where all of your Harry Potter-related dreams come true.

Part Harry Potter exhibition, part shop, this multi-floored space in Soho was started by two of the graphic designers responsible for bringing the books to life in the films.

Eduardo Lima and Miraphora Mina met when working on the Harry Potter films – together, they designed so many of those iconic graphics that you’ll remember – the striking covers of the Daily Prophet, the wanted posters from which death eaters’ faces stare malevolently.

As you can imagine, visiting The House of Minalima is a pretty big deal. You can also pick up limited edition posters, cool badges – even your very own potion books to bring home. Now if that doesn’t make you go all heart eyed emoji, I don’t know what will.

The Harry Potter Shop at Platform 9 ¾ – Alternative Spot for Buying Your Wands

The Harry Potter Shop at Platform 9 ¾ sits inside King’s Cross Station.

Don’t worry about finding it – just keep your eyes open for the queue of people waiting to get that famous shot with the trolley half buried in the wall.

Of course, any shop centred around all things Harry Potter is going to be pretty fantastic – especially when it’s based on a design of Ollivander’s wand shop.

Trying on loads of swag from your house (in case you’re wondering, Slytherin / Gryffindor when I’m playing nice) and choosing a wand – what’s not to like?

The Cauldron – The Harry Potter-Themed Cocktail Bar in London

Sorry kids but if you’re under 18, time to skip ahead because The Cauldron is strictly one for the adults.

What if I told you that there was a Harry Potter-inspired cocktail bar in London where you can make your own (drinkable and boozy) potions. You would think that was pretty awesome wouldn’t you?

Good. Because that’s exactly what I am telling you.

The Cauldron is a cool pop up in Stoke Newington where you can don your robes, pick up your wand and spend a few hours cooking up a few real-life brews.

Read More: What’s it Really Like to Visit The Cauldron?

Harry Potter and the Cursed Child – The Harry Potter Theatre in London

I have to be honest here. I haven’t actually been to see Harry Potter and the Cursed Child yet.

It makes me endlessly sad inside and believe me, seeing the play (which is actually split into two parts) is high up on the list of awesome things I need to do like, yesterday.

Everyone I’ve spoken to says it’s awesome. I’ll be going soon and will update as soon as I have.

In the meantime, you can book your Harry Potter and the Cursed Child tickets here .

Cutter and Sqidge – The Harry Potter Afternoon Tea in London

It should be clear by now that there are a lot of Harry Potter-inspired experiences in London. But few are going to appeal to your stomach as much as the rather delicious Harry Potter afternoon tea at Cutter and Squidge .

London does a jolly good afternoon tea at the best of times but when you add in a few drinkable and edible potions, it gets so much better.

School of Witchcraft and Wizardry – The Harry Potter Escape Room in London

Escape Rooms can be totally brilliant or pretty naff. We can all guess which category a Harry Potter escape room falls into right?

So what does it involve? You and your team of fellow witch and wizard wannabes are locked in a room, your task? To solve a series of Harry Potter-themed enigmas to defeat the dark side and win your freedom. Simples.  

That’s a wrap guys. I hope you have an absolutely brilliant time discovering all the places featured in this guide. Happy exploring!

Looking for more Harry Potter tips and Guides? Check these out.

• The House of Minalima – Soho’s Little World of Magic
• Visiting Borough Market (which just so happens to be one of the filming locations for Harry Potter).
• The Ultimate Self-Guided Harry Potter Walking Tour
• Which is the Real Diagon Alley?

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23 Must-See Harry Potter Locations in London

London is not only known for its iconic landmarks and rich history, but also for being home to some of the most magical locations from the beloved Harry Potter series. From Platform 9¾ at King’s Cross Station to the enchanting Leadenhall Market, where Diagon Alley was brought to life, fans of J.K. Rowling’s wizarding world can immerse themselves in real-life Harry Potter locations in London.

Table of Contents

When I started visiting London , one of my favorite things to do was see iconic Harry Potter sights in London. I wanted to share the hidden gems that I found through all of my research so I can help you also find the best Harry Potter spots in London without the hassle. If you’re looking for some Harry Potter action elsewhere, see my guide on Harry Potter Locations in England .

THIS ARTICLE MAY CONTAIN AFFILIATE LINKS. PLEASE READ  THE DISCLAIMER  FOR MORE INFO

Must-visit London Harry Potter Locations include:

Platform 9 3/4 at King’s Cross Station

Platform 9 3/4 is an iconic location in J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter series, serving as the magical gateway for students to embark on their journey to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. This enchanted platform holds a special place in the hearts of fans worldwide, offering a glimpse into the enchanting world of wizards and witches.

While Platform 9 ¾ doesn’t exist in real life, and, in fact, Platforms 9 and 10 don’t exist the way they were filmed for the movie (those are Platforms 4 and 5), you can still visit the iconic photo spot with a sign of Platform 9 ¾ along with a trolley just like Harry’s about halfway through the barrier. 

To get to the photo spot, simply find the Harry Potter Shop near Platforms 9 and 10. The easiest way is to enter from the Kings Boulevard entrance between Kings Cross and St. Pancras or enter from Euston Road and head around Platforms 1-8 and toward the back, following signs for Platforms 9-11. If you’re coming via the Tube, take the Circle line to King’s Cross St. Pancras and follow the signs for King’s Cross Rail Station when exiting.

The photo spot can get very crowded with long lines, so unless you want to wait, it’s best to get there early. Taking a photo with your own phone or camera is free, but there are also photographers there to take professional photos that can be purchased as souvenirs as prints on a keyring, magnet, etc. Store staff cannot take photos on your phone or camera, so if you want a group shop or you’re solo, you may need to ask the person near you in line.

Shop Hours are:

• Monday to Saturday: 8am-8pm
• Sunday: 9am-8pm
• Bank Holidays: 9am-8pm

You don’t need a train ticket to enter the shop or get a photo, but if you want to visit the filming location between Platforms 4 and 5, you will need a train ticket. 

If you find yourself in London on September 1st, you can also attend the very popular event when the Hogwarts Express and Platform 9 ¾ show up on the Departures board. And if you need just a bit more wizarding magic, you can ride the real life Hogwarts Express: Jacobite Steam Train in Scotland .

Address: Euston Rd., London N1 9AL

Millenium Bridge

Shown in the opening sequence of Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince when the Death Eaters cause it to collapse, The Millenium Bridge has long been a symbol of London for Harry Potter movie fans. The bridge crossing the Thames can be found in the City of London, connecting the Tate Modern and St. Paul’s Cathedral. 

As seen in the film, the Millenium Bridge is a walking bridge so you can stroll across, take photos on it, or of the Shard, St. Paul’s, the Tower Bridge in the distance, or The Globe Theatre.

To get there, you can take the Circle Line to Blackfriars or Mansion House, or the Central Line to St. Paul’s.

You can also take the Jubilee or Northern lines to London Bridge and walk along the river to the Millenium Bridge. This route also takes you by Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre and Borough Market.  

Address: Thames Embankment, London EC4V 3QH

The Reptile House at The London Zoo

The Reptile House at the London Zoo is a popular spot for Harry Potter fans as it’s featured in both the movies and the books. In the first book, before Harry knows he’s a wizard, he accidentally sets a python loose in the reptile house, resulting in him being punished by his aunt and uncle. 

The Reptile House can be found just right of the entrance past the Reptile Kiosk shop. The scene from the movie was filmed inside the reptile house at the enclosure that actually holds a black mamba, though in the movie, Harry speaks to a Burmese python. 

The London Zoo is easy to access from anywhere in London and actually, close to Baker Street, so if you’re also a Sherlock Holme’s fan, you can see the museum at 221b Baker Street .

Read Also: Literary Travel Guide to London

The easiest way to get to the London Zoo is to take the Northern Line from Trafalgar Square and get off at Camden Town station. Camden Town station is the nearest Underground station to the Zoo. It is then a 15-16 minute walk to ZSL London Zoo. You can also get there by the Baker Street or Regent’s Park stations or by bus . 

The zoo is also home to one of the best Easter activities in London : the annual Easter Egg hunt that runs in the spring.

Standard pricing is £31 for adults and £21.70 for ages 3-15.

Address: Outer Cir, London NW1 4RY

The Cursed Child Play at the Palace Theatre

Set 19 years after the final Harry Potter book/movie, the Cursed Child play is like the 8th Harry Potter story that true Harry Potter fans have been waiting for and is one of the top Harry Potter things to do in London After its initial release at the Palace Theatre in the summer of 2016, the Cursed Child has been shown around the world in places like New York, Hamburg, and Tokyo.

But true Potterheads will want to see the play at its original theatre in London. From the impressive display of the play’s title outside the entrance to knowing it’s the original location for the play, and all of the special effects that have been catered to the venue.

Tickets range from £40 to £160 depending on show date and time and seat selection. 

And it’s also worth mentioning that the play is in 2 parts so you’ll have to buy 2 tickets to see the whole thing but the prices listed above are for both tickets for consecutive showings, i.e. the 2PM and 7PM shows. There’s also options to book each part on separate days or to book one or the other.

Address: 113 Shaftesbury Ave, London W1D 5AY

Read Also: Harry Potter Locations Scotland

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The House of MinaLima

Located in the heart of London, the House of MinaLima stands as a mecca for all Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts fans. This enchanting exhibition showcases the incredible design work of Miraphora Mina and Eduardo Lima, two talented graphic artists responsible for bringing J.K. Rowling’s wizarding world to life on the big screen.

Many of the designs featured in the films were created by MinaLima, such as the Daily Prophet newspapers, the products at Weasley’s Wizard Wheezes, the Marauder’s Map, the candy wrappers, school books, or Quidditch World Cup posters, and more.

The cozy four-story townhouse showcases an extensive collection of vibrant prints, original artworks, and intricate designs from both Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts films. Each room highlights different aspects such as Weasley’s Wizard Wheezes, Daily Prophet newspapers, Marauder’s Map, and much more, with so many props and designs that were barely shown on screen and simply used to give depth to the Wizarding World.

This free museum is a must for any Harry Potter fan in London. It’s open every day from 11AM to 6PM with the last entry at 5:30. It takes about 30-45 minutes to get through the gallery and you can purchase prints of many of the art or other Harry Potter souvenirs. 

To get to the House in Soho, you can take the Elizabeth Line, the Central line, or Northern line to Tottenham Court Road or the Bakerloo or Central lines to Oxford Circus, or the Northern line to Leicester Square.

If you find yourself in Seoul , Osaka , or New York , you can also visit one of their stores there. 

Or, buy their illustrated books. The first three books are out as of 2023, and more should be published in the years to come.     

Address: 157 Wardour St, London W1F 8WQ

For more Harry Potter stores in London , see our complete guide. 

Warner Bros Studio Tour London

The Warner Brothers Studio Tour: The Making of Harry Potter is an immersive experience at Leavesdon Studios for Harry Potter lovers. It involves sets, props, and costumes from the making of the Harry Potter movies in the location where the movies were primarily shot. If you’re a fan of the Harry Potter movies, this is a no-brainer that you need to visit one of the most popular Harry Potter attractions in London.

Despite finishing filming over ten years ago, this tour evolves and expands regularly. Sets, props, and costumes are being expanded, swapped with other collections around the world (like the Studio Tour in Hollywood or Tokyo), or brought out of storage. 

A few must-visit items are the sets for The Great Hall, Diagon Alley, Platform 9 ¾ (with the Hogwarts Express), Gringotts Wizarding Bank, Dumbledor’s Office, and The Forbidden Forest. You can also countless props and costumes up close. Some of my favorites include Dobby, The Knight Bus, and the miniature replica of Hogwarts Castle. 

Another great thing the tour does is have seasonal themes to create even more magic and display their collection in a slightly different light. Some themes return each year to give you a dose of your favorite Harry Potter moments, while others are brand new to experience.

Regularly occurring themes are:

• Mischief Managed – Which will show filmmaking trickery, magical pranks and wizarding mishaps.
• Discovering Hogwarts – Where you will be invited to explore Harry’s early years at Hogwarts with some of your favorite scenes brought to life.
• Dart Arts- You can step into the iconic sets from the Harry Potter film series in a spookier setting in dim the lights and set the stage especially for Hallowe’en.
• Hogwarts in the Snow – Tour all of your favorite sets, including the Forbidden Forest, Diagon Alley, and the Hogwarts model decked out in snow and Christmas decorations. Plus, learn the secrets behind ice that never melts and fire that doesn’t burn.

Find out what’s on right now.

And don’t forget to stop in any of their three gift shops to purchase wands, robes, books, collectibles, and more. Plus, get some treats like Butterbeer and Chocolate Frogs to sample. 

You can get to the Studio Tours in a number of ways, including trains, by car, or a shuttle service.

The easiest way for most travelers to get to the Studio Tour is by train. Watford Junction is the stop for the studio tour and can be accessed from London Euston or Birmingham New Street. 

From London, it will be about 20 minutes. From Birmingham, it’s about an hour. Oyster Cards can be used between London Euston and Watford.

Once in Watford, you can board a free shuttle (included in the price of your ticket) to the Studio Tour. It takes about 15 minutes to get to the Tour from Watford. Buses typically start running at 8:15 AM and leave every 30 minutes. Check the schedule here for the opening times and bus schedule for your visit. 

See tickets on Viator or GetYourGuide. 

Prices start at £51.50 (adult), Kids 5-15 are £40, and Kids 4 and under are free. There are also family packages available at a slight discount.

Address: Studio Tour Dr, Leavesden, Watford WD25 7LR

Cutter & Squidge, The Common Room : Harry Potter Cafe

There is no shortage of Harry Potter themed places in London. From cafes and stores, to photography spots and tours, you can spend weeks in the city and not hit them all. But if heading to a cafe is your preference, here is one of the best Harry Potter cafes to check out.

Cutter & Squidge, located in Soho does an amazing Harry Potter themed afternoon tea. You can sit in a the decorated rooms to feel like you’ve been transported to a Hogwarts Common Room. You can choose from a variety of sweet and savory treats from their buffet service to go with your tea. 

The afternoon tea is for 1.5 hours and cost £45 for adults and £35 for children. 

Address: 20 Brewer St, Soho, London W1F 0SJ.

For a more in-depth guide to Harry Potter Cafes in London, check out my guide Here.

The Georgian House Hotel : Harry Potter Hotel

If you’ve done any research, you’ve probably heard about the Harry Potter London Hotel, or the Georgian House Hotel. It’s by far the best place to stay in London for Harry Potter fans.

The Georgian House Hotel is a gorgeous hotel made of two adjoining houses near Victoria Station. While you’d have an amazing time staying at The Georgian House, the real reason I recommend this hotel is for the Wizard Experiences they offer. 

If you’re a fan of Harry Potter, The Georgian House Hotel offers an immersive experience that will make you feel like you’ve just stepped into Diagon Alley. The friendly staff, dressed in robes reminiscent of Hogwarts professors, will guide you through the check-in process while sharing fascinating stories about the hotel’s magical history. 

Each room at The Georgian House Hotel is individually designed with different magical themes inspired by J.K. Rowling’s beloved series. From Gryffindor-inspired chambers adorned with scarlet and gold accents to Hufflepuff hideaways featuring cozy nooks and earthy tones, there’s something for every aspiring witch or wizard.

The Georgian House Hotel offers various activities and experiences that truly bring out your inner magic. Join their interactive potion-making classes where expert “professors” teach guests how to create mystical concoctions using real potions ingredients.

Location: 35 – 39 St George’s Dr, Pimlico, London SW1V 4DG

Check Prices

For more info on The Georgian House Hotel see my complete guide and review Here, or check out my list of Harry Potter hotels in London Here.

Harry Potter Filming Locations in London

The enchanting world of J.K. Rowling’s beloved series comes to life in various corners of the city, where many memorable scenes were filmed. From the bustling streets of Diagon Alley to the magical platform 9¾ at King’s Cross Station, London offers an immersive experience for those seeking to delve into the wizarding world. Join us as we explore the captivating filming locations that have become pilgrimage sites for Potterheads and discover the magic that awaits in every corner of this extraordinary city.

Leadenhall Market: Leaky Cauldron Pub

42 Bulls Head Passage in Leadenhall Market was used as the exterior of the Leaky Cauldron pub in Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone. You can also see more of Leadenhall Market when Harry and Hagrid walk together as they approach Diagon Alley. However, 7 Stoney Lane in Borough Market, across the London Bridge, was the exterior for the Leaky Cauldron in Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban. 

Address: Gracechurch St, London EC3V 1LT

St. Paul’s Cathedral: Divination Staircase

St. Paul’s is on every list of must-visit places in London, but it also happens to be a Harry Potter filming location. The South West Tower of St. Paul’s Cathedral is the location of the Divination Staircase in the North Tower of Hogwarts. You can see the scenes in both the Goblet of Fire and Prisoner of Azkaban.

Address: St. Paul’s Churchyard, London EC4M 8AD

The Millenium Bridge

Of course, we’ve mentioned this already because it’s pretty iconic for Harry Potter fans, but the Millenium Bridge shows up in the opening sequence of the Half-Blood Prince when the Death Eaters cause the bridge to collapse. During this scene, you can also glimpse Trafalgar Square, Nelson’s Column, and Charing Cross Road.

Lambeth Bridge: Knight Bus Bridge

Most Harry Potter movie lovers will recognize Lambeth Bridge as the Knight Bus Bridge. This is where the triple-decker Knight Bus squeezes between two oncoming double-decker buses in the Prisoner of Azkaban. “Mind your head.”

Address: Lambeth Rd, London SE1 7SG

Australia House: Gringotts

What many don’t know is that the entrance hall to the Australian Hight Commission served as the entrance to Gringott’s Bank in the Sorcerer’s Stone. Unfortunately, it’s not open to the public to view. 

Address: Strand, London WC2B 4LA

Westminster Tube Station

In the Order of the Phoenix, when Mr. Weasley accompanies Harry to his trial at the ministry, they pass through a tube station where Mr. Weasley is fascinated by the tube and all of its inner workings. This was, in fact, Westminster Tube Station. Apparently, it was closed for 24 hours to allow for filming.  

Address: Underground Ltd, Westminster Station, Bridge St, London SW1A 2JR

Scotland Yard: Ministry Visitor Entrance

In the next scene of the Order of the Phoenix, Harry and Mr. Weasley enter the Ministry of Magic’s visitor entrance. The phone box entrance was right by the Met Police headquarters on Scotland Place. The location was used again for the Deathly Hallow’s Part 1 when Harry, Ron, and Hermione sneak in to steal Umbridge’s locket. Unfortunately, the phone box doesn’t actually exist and was just a prop. 

Horse Guards Avenue: Ministry Toilet Entrance

The underground toilets the trio use to actually sneak into the ministry were located in Whitehall. While the Gentlemen sign for the toilets isn’t real, the statue shown does exist and can be visited on Horse Guards Avenue.

Address: 1 Horse Guards Ave, London SW1A 2ER

Piccadilly Circus and Shaftesbury Avenue

In the Deathly Hallows: Part 1, when Harry, Ron, and Hermione disapperate away from the death eaters during Bill and Fleur’s wedding, they end up on Shaftesbury Avenue right near Piccadilly Circus. After almost being squished by a passing Number 19 bus, movie viewers can view the world-famous displays and landmarks of Piccadilly Circus. 

Address: Piccadilly Circus, London W1J 9HS

London Zoo Reptile House

Of course, already mentioned is the Reptile House at the London Zoo. It features in the Sorcerer’s Stone when Harry and his family go to the zoo for Dudley’s 11th birthday. He then speaks to a Burmese python using parseltongue and sets him free with magic. 

Palmers Green, Green Lanes: Knight Bus Stop

In the Prisoner of Azkaban when the Knight Bus comes to a jolting stop (sending Harry face first into the windshield) to avoid hitting an old woman crossing the street. This location can be found in Palmers Green, Green Lanes.

Address: 336 Green Lanes, London N13 5TW

King’s Cross Station

Possibly the most famous Harry Potter landmark in London is none other than King’s Cross Station. We’ve already mentioned it above but you can view the movie scenery outside and head to the trolly photography spot at Platform 9 ¾.

St. Pancras Station

Right next to King’s Cross is St. Pancras Station. The station can be seen in the Chamber of Secrets when Harry and Ron steal Mr. Weasley’s car and fly it to Hogwarts.

Address: Euston Rd., London N1C 4QL

23-29 Claremont Square: 12 Grimmauld Place

Claremont Square in Islington is the location of Sirius Black’s family home: 12 Grimmauld Place. 

Address: 23 Claremont Square, London N1 9LX

9 Heathgate, Hampstead Garden Suburb

Located in the northern London Suburb of Hampstead Garden, 9 Heathgate can be recognized as Hermione’s house from the Deathly Hallows Part 1. Interior shots show Hermione casting the Obliviate spell on her parents before leaving the house and walking down the street. While this isn’t one of the more well-known or popular Harry Potter locations in London, it can be fun for super fans to see Hermione’s childhood home. Remember this is a residential home so if you do visit, be respectful of the owners and neighbors. 

Address: 9 Heathgate, London NW11 7AR, UK

Best Harry Potter Tours in London

While I definitely think you can hit all or at least most of these locations on your own, having a guide can really speed up the process and give you additional information on each location. So I would think about taking a tour to make sure you see all the Harry Potter places in London.

The Original Harry Potter Locations Tour- London is the best Harry Potter tour, in my opinion. Not only do you get to see filming locations, you get a knowledgeable guide to give information and facts about the books, movies, and J.K. Rowling. For around $25 (at the time of writing), you really can’t find a better tour for that price. 

If you’re looking for a free Harry Potter walking tour London that you can head out on by yourself, sign up Here to get a PDF to follow to make the most of your time in London.

Harry Potter Locations London Map

Check out the Harry Potter Locations in London Map to prioritize the Harry Potter sites in London and make the most of your time.

And there you have it! My complete guide to Harry Potter locations in London, including all of the Harry Potter filming locations, Harry Potter cafes attractions, and stores. Be sure to browse around my other Harry Potter and United Kingdom posts to see what else I’ve written about. If you have any questions or can’t find the content you’re looking for, drop a comment down below and I’ll answer the best I can!

London Harry Potter Locations FAQ

Where was diagon alley filmed in london.

Diagon Alley was filmed on a set in Leavesdon Studios, but the exterior (the Leaky Cauldron Pub) was filmed in Leadenhall and Borough Markets.

Where is the Harry Potter set in London?

While Harry Potter was primarily set at Hogwarts in Scotland, a good portion of the early chapters of each novel was set in London. Harry’s childhood home at 4 Privet Drive is in Surrey, a suburb of London. Harry Potter has settings around London such as King’s Cross Station, Diagon Alley, and the Millenium Bridge.

Where was Harry Potter filmed in London?

Most of the scenes for Harry Potter were filmed at Leavesdon Studios just outside of London. But, some scenes were filmed on location around Scotland, England, and Wales. There were even places in London where Harry Potter was filmed like at St. Paul’s Cathedral, King’s Cross Station, and The Reptile House at the London Zoo.

Where is the Harry Potter shop in London?

While there are many Harry Potter shops around London, the main shops people think of in London are the Shop at Platform 9 ¾ at King’s Cross Station and MinaLima House at 157 Wardour Street. More Harry Potter shops can be found in my London shops guide .

Where is Harry Potter Studios in London?

The Warner Bros Studio Tour: The Making of Harry Potter is located in Leavesdon, just outside of London. The location can be accessed by train or car. If coming by train, you can get a bus connection from the station included in the cost of your entrance ticket.

Is there a Harry Potter World in London?

There is no Wizarding World of Harry Potter in London. However, there is the Warner Bros Studio Tour: The Making of Harry Potter in Leavesdon, just outside of London.

Is there a Harry Potter hotel in London?

There is an unofficial Harry Potter hotel in London called The Georgian House Hotel. It features rooms that look like Hogwarts dormitories and staff that dress and act like Hogwarts students and teachers.

Are you ready for The U.K.?

• Book Your Flights – To find the cheapest flights, flexibility is a must. Some great options are Google Flights for the calendars to find the cheapest options, Skiplagged , and Skyscanner . For more options, see our resources page . Heathrow and Gatwick (London) are the main entry points for long-haul flights but Manchester and Birmingham are options for those coming from Europe. Belfast in Northern Ireland is also an option.
• Find Transportation- If you’re driving, look into Rentalcars.com before arriving to find the best rates. Rail and bus services are frequent and easy. A BritRail pass can help save you money. For convenience, choose a train, for low-price choose buses .
• Book Your Accommodation – Look at Booking.com , Hotels.com , or Expedia for hotels in the U.K. You can also look at AirBnB or VRBO as we’ve had great luck finding inexpensive, large, and clean homes to rent.
• Book Tours and Experiences- Check Viator or Klook for some of the best tours and attractions for a great price for experiences like the Tower of London , Stonehenge , Edinburgh Castle , or Warner Bros Studio Tour .
• Stay Connected – If your phone’s data plan is going to be expensive, order an eSIM card before you go, or just head to an airport kiosk upon arrival or a store like Tesco or Boots.
• Buy Travel Insurance- I always recommend World Nomads for insurance. It’s better to protect yourself in case of mishaps. Learn more about World Nomads in this FAQ post.
• Pack Your Bags – Check out my packing lists , or my favorite travel gear to help you remember all of the essentials.
• Learn About the U.K .- Learn about the U.K. with guidebooks like Lonely Planet , or, novels and books about the country, or, shameless plug , search around my site for more info.

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Hey, I’m Mackenzie, a writer, book lover, and traveler. I've been to 65 countries and have found the best bookstores, coffee shops, and literary activities around the world. I have 10 years of travel writing experience, writing for my own sites and for other large brands. When not writing, I'm probably running or hiking, reading, or watching British TV. Like this article? Consider buying me a coffee to help keep the posts coming.

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A Magical Harry Potter London Bucket List: 14+ Experiences You Can’t Miss

Last Updated: November 18, 2023

*FYI - this post may contain affiliate links, which means we earn a commission at no extra cost to you if you purchase from them. Also, as an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Check out our Privacy Policy and Disclosure. for more info.

It has been a few years in the making my friends, but today I unveil to you one of my nerdiest pieces of magic yet: a Harry Potter London bucket list that (I hope) will make every superfan pee their pants a little.

You see, 5 years ago when I visited London for the first time, crossing off ALL the Harry Potter things to do was priority #1. With that in mind, I galloped to Platform 9 3/4, drank real life butterbeer, and essentially sobbed my way through the Warner Bros Studio Tour.

And since that humble visit five years ago, the grand city of London has only cranked up its HP-fandom madness, churning out a variety of attractions and activities catering to even the most rabid of Harry Potter fans. You guys, it is a MADHOUSE of magic in that city and I am here for it……

So, after a dutiful few years of running around Harry Potter places in London, I’ve finally compiled this list of enchanting experiences for you. In this post, you’ll find THE ultimate guide to London for Harry Potter fans, filled with amazingly magical attractions, locations and more! Cloaks and wands are optional, but of course, strongly encouraged.

Save this list of Harry Potter Things to Do in London for Later!

You’ll be very glad you did.

First: Here Are All the Harry Potter Filming Locations in London

The main focus of this article is on the most magical Harry Potter attractions and activities in London, not just filming locations.

That’s because to be honest, I don’t think the HP filming locations in London are anything special – they’re mostly normal parts of the city that happened to be featured in the movies, whereas all the really pretty spots that represented Hogwarts and other “magical” destinations are in Oxford and scattered around the UK.

But, if you ARE looking for a full list of Harry Potter filming locations in London, feel free to disregard what I just said, and click here for a fittingly thorough list.

Otherwise, let’s get to it – here are some of the most magical Harry Potter activities in London you need to add to your itinerary. Accio tissues.

The Most Magical Harry Potter Things to do in London

London is seriously a paradise for Harry Potter fans. Here are some of the best HP-themed attractions and experiences that you can find in the city!

1. Happy-cry through the actual Harry Potter film set at the Warner Bros Studio

No Harry Potter trip to London would be complete without visiting the Warner Bros Studio just outside of London, which houses a treasure trove of Harry Potter film sets, props, costumes and more at the actual location where they filmed the movies for over 10 years.

This is one of the few attractions in the world where I’ll happily confess that I CRIED! It’s that good, guys. Imagine walking through the Great Hall, stepping on Hogwarts Bridge, flouncing through Diagon Alley, all the while nursing a sugar high from a real-life frosty butterbeer. If it’s only one Harry Potter activity if you have time for while in London, make it this one.

NOTE: Tickets sell out way in advance so I highly, highly, highly recommend you book your tickets as soon as you know you’ll be going. Seeing as how the studios are actually just outside of London, the most convenient way to visit is to book a tour that includes transport. You can browse options here or grab tickets online from the studio itself  here.

2. Have the sleepover of your dreams in a Harry Potter themed hotel room

If you want to have the most magical Harry Potter experience possible in London, then you might want to ensure your sleeping quarters are equally magical.

Well, unsurprisingly, there is an actual Harry Potter themed hotel you can book in London! No, I’m not joking.

You see, concealed behind a bookcase door in the regular muggle hotel known as The Georgian House Hotel , you’ll find a series of enchanted rooms and wizard chambers designed with every detail to feel like you’re sleeping in Hogwarts itself! From stone walls and archways, to actual four-poster beds draped with velvety curtains, it’s like sleeping in the Gryffindor dorm that you see all the boys share, except you know, luxurious.

Complete the experience with a variety of magical knick knacks like tapestries and cauldrons, and you’ve got yourself a magical stay! While this experience does NOT come cheap, it’s a worthy splurge for any die-hard Potterhead .  Click here to check reviews and availability.

3. Nerd out on a Harry Potter walking tour in London

As I’m sure you can guess, there are a lot of Harry Potter places to visit in London, so if you want to take the stress out of visiting them all on your own, you can easily book yourself a Harry Potter themed walking tour.   Most of these tours take you to filming locations and important spots in London at the same time, so think of it as killing two birds with one very magical and nerdy stone.

In terms of Harry Potter tours in London, you’re very much spoiled for choice. A lot of companies offer this experience now, but this one is by far the highest rated (and cheap too!). On my recent trip, I was actually JUST about to book this one thanks to all the excellent five star reviews but cancelled because I got last minute tickets to see Cursed Child.

Funnily enough, I ran into them twice while I was in town: once while walking around Leadenhall Market, where I shamelessly eavesdropped on some fun facts that even I (maniacal Googler) did not know. And again as I went to the theatre to see Cursed Child, when everyone was getting sorted into their houses and I felt some serious FOMO. The next time in town, I’d definitely make time for this tour. Click here for reviews and availability.

4. Stop by the House of MinaLima for THE ultimate London Harry Potter museum

Address: 26 Greek Street

The House of MinaLima is a Potterhead’s dream, and I am (quite frankly) shocked that it isn’t better known.

This free museum can be found in Soho, so close to the Harry Potter and the Cursed Child theatre that you can even see it from the back of the play’s line-up!

Long story short, the House of MinaLima a FREE showcase arranged on four separate floors of amazing graphic art from MinaLima, the design geniuses who created all the graphic art from the Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts films. This means they’re the ones who designed all the Hogwarts textbooks, Daily Prophets, Quibblers, posters, magical advertisements, and more…. and you can explore a museum FILLED with them, artfully displayed, for free!

I am a big fan of stationary, books and design, so this place was basically heaven for me. Sweetening the pot was a little showcase of actual props from the film, and a badass gift shop that had gorgeous limited edition prints, postcards, notebooks, and more. This place is a must for any Harry Potter fan visiting London. Trust me!

5. Watch Harry Potter and the Cursed Child

Of all the Harry Potter things to do in London, seeing Harry Potter and the Cursed Child on the West End always felt the most out of reach. Between sky-high ticket prices and incessant demand, I didn’t think I’d get to see it for a very, very long time.

But with some luck and patience, I was able to score tickets on my last visit! They were literally the worst possible seats in the house (back row, corner, some heads were cut off from time to time), but still, I saw it, I held back tears through it, and it was  incredible.

I mean, what can I say? I don’t want to ruin the magic for you (I went in blind, not even knowing the plot, and it was the best decision I made!), but I’ll tell you this: if you can manage to get tickets to this play, which is split into two 2.5 hour segments, then DO IT. Next to the Studio Tour, I think this is one of the best Harry Potter activities you can enjoy in London, and a must for any superfan. After all, there is real magic involved…….. but again, no spoilers ; )

So how can you secure tickets to Harry Potter and the Cursed Child in London? It’s complicated because tickets sell out really far in advance, and often the only last-minute tickets left are the mega-expensive packages that cost upwards of 300 pounds! Here are a few tips for securing tickets though:

OPTION A: Buy them online in advance. This is the smartest and most sensible way. If you already know the dates you’ll be in London, then head over to the official ticket website here and check to see if they have tickets for your dates! Typically tickets are released in batches about 6 months in advance, so keep checking back. You can also sign up for an email alert for when they release new tickets.

OPTION B: Enter the Friday Forty lottery.  Eager bargain hunters, listen to this secret: Harry Potter and the Cursed Child reserves 40 tickets per performance that are released the week before and sold for only £40 (that’s only £20 per part!) through something called the Friday Forty . It’s basically a randomized lottery that happens the week before a performance, which gives winners a chance to buy tickets for only £40 total. This is by far the cheapest way to get tickets to see Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, but it’s very random and competitive! I’ve tried entering several times with no luck, but it takes two seconds to do so I highly suggest you give it a shot!

OPTION C: Check the website or box office in person on the day before, or day-of. This is how I managed to get my last minute £115 tickets. The day before the performance, I checked the official website and magically, there was a ticket for the next day’s performance for 1/3 of the cost of the other remaining tickets. I sweated the entire time I entered my credit card details, but I got them! The reason you should always check online or the box office is because there are always cancellations, and when this happens, tickets are given back to the box office to sell. So, try your luck – you might just score tickets like I did!

6. Snap a shameless photo at Platform 9 3/4

Address: The New Western Departures Concourse at King’s Cross Station

So, ever since a giant renovation at King’s Cross Station several years back, the ACTUAL area between platforms 9 and 10 are now located behind a fare gate, inaccessible to most tourists….

BUT what has emerged instead is a lovely Platform 9 3/4 photo opp set up for fans to live out their wildest dreams, complete with staff photographers, a little cart stuck in the wall, and free props for you to use, like scarves from every house. The line-up is often long, but trust me when I say it’s worth it: there is literally a staff member there who swishes your scarf for you so it looks like it’s floating in your photo. It’s so extra, I can’t even handle it. If you’re dying to get a photo of yourself heading to Hogwarts, this little Harry Potter attraction is a must-do.

PS: A few metres away from the Platform 9 3/4 photo opp, you’ll find an official Harry Potter shop with merchandise that you can browse through. It’s not the cheapest place to get HP merch (I’ll tell you about another place below) but it’s still fun to take a peek inside!

7. Nibble away at a magical afternoon tea

If it’s a magical HP-themed afternoon tea experience you’re after, look no further than the Potion Room at Soho’s Cutter & Squidge.

This immersive two hour experience takes the conventional afternoon tea experience and sets it in a Potions classroom, with real life Potions professors and of course, wearable cloaks as you brew up magical edible concoctions and of course, sip some flavourful tea as you go. Learn more about the experience here .

8. Hoard Harry Potter merch at rock bottom prices

No Harry Potter London trip is complete without going home with a suitcase full of HP swag.

… Like seriously, leave some empty space in your suitcase because you’ll need it.

And while you’ll find official Harry Potter shops in places like Platform 9 3/4 and the Studio Tour, one of my favourite places to load up on Harry Potter stuff in London is actually Primark, a UK fashion chain with rock-bottom prices, often a fraction of official HP gift shops!

Here, you can stock up on officially licensed Harry Potter socks, pyjama sets, fun notebooks, and way more for ridiculous prices (usually less than £10). No doubt, this Harry Potter activity takes a great deal of self control, but it’s worth it for all the wonderfully magic crap you go home with. Go wild, my friend.

9. Enjoy a wizard-inspired cocktail class

How does mixing Harry Potter and booze sound?

Well, if you’re craving the magic of Hogwarts in London (with a side of adult beverages), then quickly enrol yourself in a magical wizard-inspired cocktail class at the Cauldron.

And before you imagine yourself faceplanting into a cauldron full of mojito, know that this is a slightly classier affair, with an immersive experience that combines magic and liquor in the best possible way.  

The Cauldron Magical Cocktail Experience is a special little mixology class in which you use the magic of mixology (and actual… wands, apparently) to create delicious, edible elixirs that will give you the special kind of buzz that only true magic (and alcohol) can create. Click here for more details.

10. Try your luck at a Harry Potter inspired escape room

If being trapped in a dark room with an uncertain chance of escape sounds like your thing, then I’m happy to report that’s yet another Harry Potter thing you can enjoy in London. I told you they have everything.

While not officially a Harry Potter activity, one quick glance at the plot for this “Magical Witchcraft and Wizardry” escape room and you’ll see it is, in all likeliness, an ode to the magic of the HP universe.

Click here for more info.

11. Look for locations that inspired Harry Potter sets

Beyond just filming locations, there are plenty of Harry Potter sights in London to explore if you consider the spots that inspired different sets later built in-studio! Here are a few places in London that are widely recognized as having inspired Harry Potter sets.

Goodwin’s Court – Tucked away in Central London are countless nostalgic side streets, and Goodwin’s Court is one of them, located steps away from Leicester Square Tube Station. What makes this little street special? One quick look and you’ll see: this quiet street is a doppleganger for Diagon Alley. Speaking of, there’s another street nearby widely recognized as an inspiration for Diagon Alley, and that is…

Cecil Court – Lined with beautiful Victorian shopfronts that have remained unchanged for over a century, Cecil Court is a lovely little street (again) near Leicester Square Tube Station that is well known for its wide selection of bookstores.  A quick jaunt down this street and it’s easy to see why many Harry Potter fans consider “Cecil’s Court” to be the real life Diagon Alley. Fun fact: a young Mozart once lived here!

London Sewers – Okay, I’m definitely not suggesting you go lurking around the sewer system in London, but I wanted to take a quick moment to divulge a Harry Potter nerd fact! According to  Harry Potter: Magical Places from the Films,  HP production designer Stuart Craig and his crew once took a trip down to the sewers of London to examine the architecture so they could use it while creating the Chamber of Secrets. Weird, right?

Kew Gardens Temperate House – Last but not least, we have the largest Victorian glass greenhouse, located at London’s iconic Kew Gardens. It’s well known that this greenhouse was initially used as inspiration for the Herbology classroom. Do you see the similarity?

12. Stock up on Harry Potter sweets in a magical candy shop

Hardy’s Original Sweet Shop is a well-known chain of candy stores that you’ll find all around the UK, but their London locations offer something extra special for Potterheads: they’re well-stocked with assorted Harry Potter candy!

So, if you’ve ever wanted to dive into a magical little sweet shop and get your fill of every flavour beans and chocolate frogs, you can do so here. It may not be Honeyduke’s, but they do have a huge selection of fun Harry Potter sweets and merch, even selling special Wizarding gift bags! You’ll find plenty of Hardy’s around town, but there are some locations in Soho near the Cursed Child Theatre, so be sure to pop in for a treat.

13. Flaunt your knowledge at a Harry Potter London pub quiz

If you’re anything like me and enjoy getting unnecessarily aggressive about things that don’t actually matter, then why not sign up for a Harry Potter themed pub quiz while you’re in London?

Channel your inner Hermione know-it-all attitude and get into shouting matches, debate the hard facts, and triumph over your enemies! If this sounds like your idea of a good time, the folks over at Spectacular Pub Quizzes are the mad geniuses behind this event, which takes place across the UK a few times a year. Click here for upcoming dates and info.

14. Go shopping at a full-on Harry Potter department in a toy store

For the largest selection of Harry Potter goodies in London (apart from the Studio Tour of course), head to the iconic London toy store Hamley’s, who have recently introduced a full-on Harry Potter department in their basement floor.

Complete with massive Harry Potter LEGO sculptures, staff dressed in Hogwarts cloaks, movie prop showcases, and giant photo opps, this is THE place to rummage for Harry Potter merch you never knew you needed… things like actual flying Golden Snitches and an app-powered invisibility cloak! Yes these are real items you can buy here. What a time to be alive.

I can’t lie to you, Hamley’s gets EXTREMELY busy, but the chaos is kind of fun. In fact, the madness of Hamley’s in peak season even made me feel like I had just stepped into Diagon Alley for the first time.

A dancing man with a bubble gun greeted me at the front door, staff members were shouting on platforms above the store doing product demos, and there were hordes of excited children filling every corner of the shop. A bit crazy, but fun nonetheless.

15. Lastly, go hunting for Harry Potter filming locations in London

As I mentioned in the introduction, chasing Harry Potter filming locations in London isn’t really as magical as it sounds.

Of all the Harry Potter things to do in London, I really do think this is the least interesting. That’s because many of the areas used to film Harry Potter in London are either just regular parts of the city (e.g. Tube stations, office buildings, government buildings, etc.) or are otherwise just big tourist attractions you will likely see during your visit (e.g. Picadilly Circus and Leicester Square).

The more magical places in the Harry Potter movies (like the spots used to portray Hogwarts , for instance) are located elsewhere in England. You can click here for a full list of locations.

But hey, there’s no harm in adding a filming location or two to your itinerary! if you’d really like to visit different Harry Potter filming locations in London, you can click here to see my full list!

Harry Potter locations in London I definitely wouldn’t miss are Leadenhall Market (super magical looking place!), Borough Market (it has delicious eats) and Millennium Bridge (one of the most iconic views in London).

A Map of Harry Potter Places in London

I know this was a long list, so I’ve starred all the different locations on this map below, along with all the London HP filming locations . I hope you find it useful!

Any more questions about Harry Potter places in London?

I hope you enjoyed this long list of Harry Potter things to see in London, and that it helped you out with planning your own magical trip! Be sure to let me know in the comments if you have any additional questions!

My Go-To Travel Favourites:

🧳 Eagle Creek: My favourite packing cubes

💳 Wise: For FREE travel friendly credit cards

🍯 Airalo: My go-to eSIM

🏨 Booking.com: For searching hotels

📷 Sony A7IV: My (amazing) camera

✈️ Google Flights : For finding flight deals

🌎 WorldNomads: For travel insurance

🎉 GetYourGuide: For booking activities

8 thoughts on “A Magical Harry Potter London Bucket List: 14+ Experiences You Can’t Miss”

OMG I LOVE this list! Saving it for my next trip to London 🙂 The guy who opened the Magical Cauldron Pub is an old friend of mine, so I’ve been wanting to get there for a while! I had no clue just how many more HP experiences there are! Oh, and I love your picture at Platform 9 3/4!

Been planning a ‘dedicated to Harry Potter’ visit to London for a while. Your post is going to be my guide then! So much fun reading it! #harrypotterrules

Such a great list (I love the Lego Hagrid! Will definitely be referring to this for our next London trip.

What a fantastic list!! I reckon I’d rock a pub quiz!!

What a fun read. I’m going to share this with a friend who is a huge Harry Potter fan and is in London as I write this. Thanks for the detailed post 🙂

I really need to go have a sleepover at the Harry Potter themed Hotel. Why did I not no about this?! 🙁 On a side note, I’m currently writing my master thesis about Harry Potter related journeys. Which is why I wanted to ask, if you or anybody interested would participate in my survey about Harry Potter journeys? It would mean a lot to me. (the levied data will be handled with care of course) >> https://survey.aau.at/index.php/293357?lang=en Thank you and thanks for sharing this great bucket list! 😀 I’m definitely updating my own.

I love this, thank you so much!!

You’re welcome! Hope you have a great trip!

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24 Astounding Harry Potter Things to do in London!

By: Author Girl with the Passport

Posted on Last updated: July 7, 2023

Categories Europe

Calling all my fellow Potterheads out there because if you’re looking for the ULTIMATE list of Harry Potter things to do in London, then this is the guide for you!

Because in all seriousness:

Anyone who knows me in real life knows that I am a HUGE Harry Potter fan.

I went to Barnes and Noble at midnight and attended a wand making party when the fifth book first came out level obsessed.

My Harry Potter addiction is pretty serious. And I for one am totally okay with that.

Hey, at least it’s not crack!

Am I right? Of course, I am!

Because let’s be honest! The muggle struggle is all too real!

That’s why:

We all need a little extra Harry Potter awesomeness to bring joy into our otherwise, slightly dull lives, especially when you’re in an amazing city like London!

Because legit:

There are so many amazing Harry Potter attractions and  cool things to do in London , that it’s kind of hard to know just where to start! Especially if you’re planning a five days in London itinerary .

Do you enjoy a Harry Potter themed afternoon tea at Cutter and Squidge, rock out at the Harry Potter Studio Tour, or check out one of the many different Harry Potter filming locations in London?

Decisions, decisions.

Because yes people, THESE really are the most important decisions in life.

And I’m only half-joking about that.

However, since you’re a busy witch (or wizard) who probably needs to mosey on over to Diagon Alley for a new Nimbus 2000, I’m gonna keep it short and sweet (Seeker pride right here. Even though I’d actually probably be more of a chaser, but I digress).

Mind the gap as you board the tube (You could also grab a portkey or use some floo powder since my broom is currently out of commission). Because we’re about to embark on one hell of a whimsical journey, where we discover all of the most fantastically wonderful Harry Potter places to visit in London. Who knows, I might even throw in some awesome Harry Potter experiences in the UK too.

And real talk? It is going to be 100% epic!

Dear reader, since I am incapable of making it rain money, there’s a high probability that this post may contain affiliate links. Please see my  disclosure  for more information. As an Amazon Associate, I earn a small commission from qualifying purchases.

1. Visit King’s Cross Station and Platform 9 and 3/4

While in London, stop by King’s Cross Station and visit Platform 9 and 3/4 location there.

The first rule of being a diehard Harry Potter fan?

Umm, you’ll have to go to Platform 9 and 3/4 , where you can catch the Hogwarts Express to, DUH, Hogwarts!

And I’m not gonna lie:

I had been waiting for this moment since the Sorting Hat first put me in Hufflepuff (No, I’m not smoking crack. I really did go to a Harry Potter exhibit in NYC where the Sorting Hat actually did sort me into Hufflepuff).

One of the very first Harry Potter London sites that I visited was King’s Cross Station, where you’ll find both Platform 9 and 3/4 AND King’s Cross Station, an iconic, Harry Potter filming location.

Even though Platform 9 and 3/4 is a full-on tourist attraction, complete with a designated queue area, pro photographers eagerly waiting to take your picture (for a not-so-nominal fee of £10 per photo), and gift shop, it’s still a ton of fun and a must-see for any die-hard Harry Potter fans out there, especially if you’re looking for the best things to do in London with kids (You can also take your photo at Platform 9 and 3/4 while on the Harry Potter Studio Tour. So you definitely don’t NEED to make a special trip here).

To visit for yourself, just make your way to King’s Cross Station, which is a very real, very working railway station.

I’m not referring to either St. Pancras or the King’s Cross Underground station since Platform 9 and 3/4 isn’t in either of those locations.

Because believe it or not:

You’ll actually find this gem of a Harry Potter attraction inside the main atrium of King’s Cross Railway Station. It’ll be all the way to the left of the electronic departures board, right before you enter any actual train platforms.

If you’re directionally challenged like me, just look for the huge line of people.

You can’t miss the hordes of Harry Potter fans waiting here to take their picture with a trolley that is stacked with a tattered suitcase and an owl’s cage. Which is just one of the many reasons why you should probably try and get here early.

Like right when they open at 8:00 am early.

If you’re a very un-morning person like me, then you can always just stop by later in the evening since the platform is officially open until 10:00 pm.

You’ll also be delighted to know that this is one of those very fun, totally free things to do in London! HOORAY!

No need to break into Gringotts just to see one of the most iconic Harry Potter attractions in London.

***Fun little factoid for you! The one external shot of King’s Cross Station in Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets is actually NOT of the station itself! In fact, the film maker’s used the exterior of the much prettier, St. Pancras Renaissance Hotel to represent the station instead! As for the scenes in which the interior of King’s Cross was used, most of those scenes were taken at platforms 4 and 5 of King’s Cross Station.***

Address: Pancras Rd, Kings Cross, London N1 9AP, United Kingdom

Hours: Open Monday through Saturday from 8:00 am to 10:00 pm and Sunday from 9:00 am to 9:00 pm.

Price: FREE! Or, £10 if you want a professional photo taken.

How to Get There: Take either the Circle, Piccadilly, Hammersmith & City, Northern, Metropolitan or Victoria line to King’s Cross Station. From here, it’s about a 5-minute walk to the platform upstairs.

2. Stop By the Leaky Cauldron

This is the storefront at 42 Bulls Head Passage, the filming location for the entrance to the Leaky Cauldron in the first Harry Potter film!

Umm, who doesn’t want to chillax, sip on a Butterbeer, and kick with Hagrid at the Leaky Cauldron?

I know I do!

Well, you totally can, sort of.

So, in truth, the Leaky Cauldron doesn’t actually exist.

Sorry, but the only Butterbeer that you’ll be ingesting is at the Harry Potter Studio Tour, but more on that later!

You can still visit the filming location that was used as the entrance to the Leaky Cauldron in the first Harry Potter film.

Located at 42 Bull’s Head Passage:

This store is actually an optometrist’s shop, known as The Glass House , and is still painted in that iconic shade of bright blue that you’ll see in the first movie (While you’re here, you can also visit Leadenhall Market since it’s literally two seconds away and another one of the most iconic, Harry Potter filming locations in London).

But wait. because it gets better!

See, 42 Bull’s Head Passage isn’t the only place that was used to represent the Leaky Cauldron in the Harry Potter films.

For Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, a store in Borough Market actually became the entrance to the immortal, wizarding pub.

If you wanna see where all the Leaky Cauldron, wizarding magic happened in the third film, then head on over to  Chez Michele flower shop, just under the railway bridge, at 7 Stoney Street in Burrough Market (The food here is so delicious that this place is well worth a visit, even if you’re not into Harry Potter).

While you’re here:

You can also swing by number 8 Stoney Street since the exterior of this building served as the site of The Third Hand Emporium in Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (It’s the scene where Harry first meets Lucius Malfoy and the not-so-talented, lame AF, Gilderoy Lockhart).

***Psst…Another fun little factoid for you! In the Harry Potter films, the Leaky Cauldron is actually located on the very real, Charing Cross Road. A place where you can find a ton of London theaters, as well as a series of quaint little, second-hand bookshops that are well worth exploring.***

Address: 42 Bull’s Head Passage and 7 Stoney Street at Burrough Market

Hours: While both stores have official hours, you can obviously stop by any time of day to pictures of the exterior of both shops.

Price: Both are FREE! Unless you wanna buy something from either shop!

How to Get There: To get to Burrough Market and 7 Stoney Street, take the tube to either London Bridge, Borough, or Southwark stations. To get the 42 Bull’s Head Passage, you can take the tube to either Monument, Bank, or Liverpool Street stations.

3. Visit Leadenhall Market

Stop by Leadenhall Market in London, a historic covered market that makes an appearance in the first Harry Potter film, when Harry and Hagrid are first walking to the Leaky Cauldron and Diagon Alley!

This place is straight-up awesome on so many different levels.

Not only is it the oldest market in London, with origins that date all the way back to the 14th century, but this covered market is truly stunning to behold and features charming, cobblestone streets that are perfectly paired with red and green, Victorian-style architecture.

Couple all this aesthetic beauty with the fact that Leadenhall Market actually made an appearance in the first Harry Potter film, when Hagrid and Harry first arrive in London and pass through the market to get to the Leaky Cauldon, and you have one hella awesome place!

Because Leadenhall Market is located right smack dab in the middle of London’s busy financial district, you may want to avoid this place around lunchtime/5:00 pm on weekdays, when many local bankers flock here for lunch and/or happy hour.

Instead: 

Try to visit either early in the morning or on the weekend, when the atmosphere here is much more relaxed.

Address: Gracechurch St, Langbourn, London EC3V 1LT, United Kingdom

Hours: Open 24 hours a day.

Price: FREE (Unless you want to visit some of the quaint shops and delicious restaurants in the area).

How to Get There: To access the market’s main entrance on Gracechurch Street, get off the tube at either Monument or Bank station.

4. Enjoy a Potions Making Class with A Harry Potter Themed Afternoon Tea at Cutter and Squidge

Wands at the ready people because your very Harry Potter themed afternoon tea is about to begin!

I’m sorry.

Who doesn’t want to dress up like a wizard, wave a “magical” wand around, and brew edible potions, of varying degrees of deliciousness, for two glorious hours?

Because truth be told:

This Harry Potter obsessed individual right here totally does!

If I’m being totally honest, I was a little skeptical before I experienced this quirky afternoon tea in London for myself/

My 90’s era was dying to know if this place really would be all that…and a bag of chips.

I am delighted to inform you that Cutter and Squidge does not disappoint.

Because not only is this beyond awesome, themed afternoon tea held in an entirely separate room from the upstairs bakery but is also fully bedazzled in all things Harry Potter, to look just like Snape’s potions class.

Your seat in the class really will come fully equipped with one standard, full size, pewter cauldron.

And as if that wasn’t cool enough:

Your kickass, wonderfully enthusiastic professor will also stand in front of the class and lead everyone through a mock potions class.

Since all that potion making is incredibly daunting work, you’ll obviously need some libations and sustenance to get you through the class!

You’re in luck because this   Harry Potter themed afternoon tea has got you covered.

Between the leek and potato pie (definitely the best savory item on the menu), Yorkshire pudding, scones with clotted cream, and an avocado roast vegetable sandwich, there is no way that you will leave hungry (Vegan, vegetarian, wheat-free, dairy-free, and children’s menu options are also available upon request, at the time of booking, you magical muggle you).

And then there are the desserts!

Because not only do you get to indulge in decadent butterscotch sandwich cookies and gloriously traditional English trifle with whipped cream, but a full-on, dessert trolley will actually stop by your table and give you some desserts to take home with you.

Just in case you hadn’t already had enough wickedly wonderful dessert action in your life.

My favorite dessert had to be the slab of caramel cake (Yes, it was so big that it was an actual caveman size slab and not a piece) that I received at the end of the lesson, just in case I got hungry while on the way back to my hotel.

So moist and delicious that I had to actively present myself from licking the crumbs off my plate.

if you’re looking for some Harry Potter things to do in London, then definitely check out this wonderful, Harry Potter-themed afternoon tea experience with Cutter and Squidge.

Because yes:

All the cool Potterheads really are doing it.

Address: 20 Brewer St, Soho, London W1F 0SJ, United Kingdom

Hours: Their Potions Room Afternoon Tea is an immersive, 2-hour long experience that is offered every day at 12:00 pm and 6:00 pm, with an additional 3:00 pm class available on Saturdays and Sundays (Be sure to make your reservation at least a month in advance since spaces fill up FAST! Like, Harry whizzing past on his Nimbus 2000 level fast).

Price: Prices start at £49.50 for adults and £39.50 for kids, with VIP packages available that include alcoholic beverages.

How to Get There: Take the tube to either Leicester Square (Northern and Piccadilly line) or Piccadilly Circle station (Bakerloo and Piccadilly line).

5. Buy Some Harry Potter Merchandise at House of Mina Lima (or Hardy’s or Primark)

Wanna take some Harry Potter swag home with you after your trip to London?

GIRRRL (or guy), I am so right there with you!

I mean, who doesn’t need an 11′ wand, with a Pheonix tail core, from Olivanders to help them cast wicked awesome spells like “Accio”, “Petrificus Totalus”, “Nox”, and “Lumos”?

And while you may be tempted to go on an impromptu shopping spree during the Harry Potter Warner Brothers Studio Tour, don’t.

Because not surprisingly:

The merchandise here is incredibly expensive and just not worth the high price tag.

Visit other super-fab, retail establishments in London, that are brimming over with all things Harry Potter, like The House of Mina Lima .

Located right in the heart of Soho (near the Covent Garden tube station), inside a rickety, four-story house that was built in the 1700s:

This fine purveyor of all things Harry Potter is beyond awesome because this London store was actually founded by Miraphora Mina and Eduardo Lima (AKA MinaLima), two individuals who actually did graphic design work for the Harry Potter films.

The unique, one of a kind merchandise that they create is LEGIT with a capital “L”.

You’ll discover super snazzy things here like an Advanced Potions Making Journal, A Bellatrix Lestrange wanted poster, limited edition prints, and more.

Even if you’re not actually in the market for any Harry Potter related goodies (Because yes, those luggage fees really can be beyond brutal), this is still a fun place to stop, look around, and marvel at all the enchanting, Harry Potter-themed decor.

And if you can:

Swing by on either a Monday or a Tuesday, when the store offers free, Harry-Potter themed, guided tours throughout the day.

Address : 26 Greek St, Soho, London W1D 5DE, United Kingdom

Hours: Open daily from 10:30 am to 7:00 pm.

Price: FREE to look around.

How to Get There: Take the tube to Covent Garden station (located on the Piccadilly line).

***Other Harry Potter stores in London include Hardy’s (an old-fashioned candy store that sells all the confectionary candies that were featured in the films, like Bertie Bott’s Every Flavor Beans, Jelly Slugs, Chocolate Frogs, etc.) and Primark (A local clothing store, right across the street from Tottenham Court Road tube station, with a reasonably priced Harry Potter clothing section near the back right of the first floor. You’ll know you’ve arrived when you see a flock of white owls hanging from the ceiling).***

6. Stay in the “Wizard Chambers” at the Georgian House Hotel

The beyond adorable Wizarding Chambers at the Georgian House Hotel in London.

So before my most recent trip to the UK, I was doing a bit of research and stumbled upon this one-of-a-kind experience while looking up various Harry Potter things to do in London.

And not gonna lie:

I may have squealed like a pig (with glee) when I realized that I could stay in an actual wizard chamber at the Georgian House Hotel !

Like, full-on, four-poster beds, wood floors, plaid as far as the eye can see, owls on every surface imaginable (but in a cute, tasteful kind of way), and various other types of Harry Potter inspired decor.

Not only do you get an ultra-vintage skeleton key (with an owl keychain on it) to enter your room, but you’ll also be able to hear the Harry Potter audiobooks playing just outside, in the hallway.

You know, just for a bit of mood music.

I also found some coffee mugs inside my room that may or may not have been Hocruxes (#justsayin’).

I loved the fact that all of the special, Harry Potter themed rooms here were outfitted with antique furniture, a wood fireplace, vintage paintings, old school rugs, and dark, tile walls; all of which made it feel as though you were actually inside a castle (AKA Hogwarts) and not just inside another hotel in London.

And while the Georgian House Hotel does have a variety of different sized wizard chambers for you to choose from, some of which are suitable for couples and families, I opted for a smaller room since, well, it was just me, myself, and I during this particular trip to London.

But wait, it gets better!

Because also included with the price of your stay is a very delicious, Harry Potter-themed English breakfast.

Which makes since well, breakfast isn’t really breakfast unless your baked beans on toast are served to you with a wand and a scroll.

Yup, talk about every Harry Potter, fan girl’s dream.

However, the real question is, “How much is all this Harry Potter awesomeness gonna cost you?”.

I hardcore splurged and spent £255.00 ($335) for a blissful evening amidst an oasis of Harry Potter wonderfulness.

And I have no regrets. Even if I did cry a little when I saw my bank statement.

While I wouldn’t spend an entire week in these wizarding chambers since, well, I just can’t afford it, I definitely think this would be an amazing, one night experience for any of my fellow Harry Potter lovin’ fools out there.

Address:  35-39 St. Georges Drive, London.

Hours: The front desk is open twenty-four hours a day and the staff here are super lovely and helpful.

Price: Around $335 per night if you book a designated Wizarding Chamber, with larger rooms being slightly more expensive. Breakfast is also included in the price of your room.

How to Get There: Take the tube to Victoria Station (The Victoria Line, Circle Line, and District Line all connect to this station) and walk to the hotel from here.

7. Take a Harry Potter Walking Tour of London

Muggles of the world…UNITE! Because you’re about to go on the tour of your life .

Okay, yeah:

In all honesty, that was a bit of an exaggeration. Because while this tour is lovely, it definitely isn’t a life-changer.

If you can’t make it to any of the free tours offered by the House of Mina Lima, then definitely hop aboard this Harry Potter walking tour of awesome.

Not only is this tour a quick and easy way to see many of the Harry Potter filming locations that I’ve listed here, but you’ll also get to enjoy a ton of fun little factoids about all things Harry Potter along the way.

What, still not convinced?

Well, this budget-conscious muggle did it and thought that this 2.5-hour tour was well worth the $26 per person price tag.

Not only did I not have to worry about Google maps going rogue and leading me into the Thames, but my tour guide was SUPER nice, sorted me into a Hogwarts House (they got it right and sorted me into Hufflepuff) even before the tour started, and was beyond fun and informative.

I also got to see a ton of different sites in London that not only inspired J.K. Rowling’s writings but that were also used in some of the films.

Super cool places like Shakespeare’s Globe Theater, St. Paul’s Cathedral, King’s Cross Station (to see the one and only Platform 9 and 3/4), Trafalgar Square, and so much more.

So, what are you waiting for?

Hop on the nearest Thestrel and get your butt on over to  this Harry Potter walking tour now.

Address: Meet your guide outside the Palace Theatre (Shaftesbury Avenue, London W1D 5AY). He or she will be wearing some uber-fab, GetYourGuide attire and holding a red GetYourGuide flag (Try to arrive about 15 minutes prior to the start of your tour).

Hours: Tours are 2.5 hours long and are offered at 10:00 am and 2:00 pm on weekdays and at 10:00 am, 10:30 am, 11:00 am (sometimes), and 2:00 pm on the weekends (Tour start times can vary by week, so be sure to do your research before booking a tour).

Price: $26 per person

How to Get There: Take the tube to Covent Garden Station (on the Piccadilly line) and walk to the theater from here.

8. Visit the Reptile House at London Zoo

The exact spot in the Reptile House, at the London Zoo, where a scene from Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone was filmed.

Who doesn’t remember that immortal scene in the film, The Sorcerer’s Stone, when Harry all of sudden starts speaking parseltongue and BOOM, the window to the snake’s enclosure at the zoo totally disappears?

I know I’ll never forget that scene. LOL!

Especially since lame old Dudley falls into the snake’s habitat while the snake goes on a nice little jaunt through the zoo.

Throw in some hordes of screaming school children in the background and you have an iconic, Harry Potter moment that no one will soon forget.

Oh Harry, you saucy little Minx you.

But, aside from making us all super jelly that we can’t sick a Burmese Python on a relative that we’re not-so-fond of, this is yet another, super snazzy Harry Potter filming location in London that you can visit.

Located just a short, 15-minute walk from the Camden Town tube station:

London Zoo  has been in the North of Londo since ye olde 1847 and was actually started when all of the animals from the Tower of London Menagerie were transferred here and added to the zoo’s collection.

As you can imagine:

The zoo’s assortment of wildlife has grown immensely since then and now includes more than 720 different species of animals.

Kids of all ages will love a trip to the London Zoo .

Because once here:

Visitors can explore a variety of different historic heritage buildings, as well as several wonderfully innovative wildlife exhibits that are home to various species of animals like gorillas, penguins, and more.

If you’re here to see the Reptile House where the Sorcerer’s Stone was filmed, then you might as well use your admission ticket to marvel at the menagerie of animals that are on display here.

Once you finally do get to the immortal reptile house, you’ll actually find a nifty little plaque that sits right where the scenes for the film were shot.

Look a little closer and you’ll even see some juicy little details about the shooting of this scene and the Burmese Python that was used in this shot.

Definitely purchase your tickets for the London Zoo online , in advance, since you’ll not only skip the queue but you’ll also get to enjoy a nice little discounted rate of $30 per person.

Avoid visiting on the weekend when the crowds here are next level insane.

Since you’re in the area anyway, might as well stop by Primrose Hill after your trip to the London Zoo. Not only will you get some epic views of London’s skyline from here, but you’ll also love the fact that this park is just a hop, skip, and jump away from the zoo.

Address: Outer Cir, London NW1 4RY, United Kingdom (at Regent’s Park)

Hours: Open every day from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm.

Price: Tickets are $30 for adults, $20 for children, and $27 for seniors.

How to Get There: Take the tube to Camden Town station and walk between 10 and 15 minutes to the zoo from there. You could also take the 274 bus to the Baker Street bus stop.

9 See J.K. Rowling’s Portrait at the National Portrait Gallery

This one is a bit of a stretch and is really only for those of you out there who are total, die-hard, Harry Potter fans to the core.

I’m gonna mention the National Portrait Gallery anyway since it would be a really neat place to visit, even if it didn’t have a portrait of  J.K. Rowling (author of the Harry Potter series of books, in case you aren’t in the know) hanging within its hollow walls.

Because after all:

It is the oldest portrait gallery in the world and is home to the portraits of some insanely famous, uber-important famous people like Queen Elizabeth, Rembrandt (a self-portrait), Sir Thomas More, Anne Boleyn, Ed Sheeran, and more!

Before you swing by to see Rowling’s official portrait in person, do note that many of the portraits here are rotated in and out of public display.

Depending on when you visit, you may or may not be able to see Rowling’s portrait for yourself, which is totally fine since there are literally like 10,000 other paintings and sculptures here for you to enjoy.

And I pinkie promise that they all really are insanely beautiful.

Address: Trafalgar Square, Charing Cross, London WC2N 5DN, United Kingdom

Hours: Open every day from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm.

Price: FREE (My favorite price)!

How to Get There: Take the tube to Charing Cross Station (on the Bakerloo and Northern lines) and walk to the National Portrait Gallery from there.

10. See Harry Potter and the Cursed Child in the West End!

Be sure to see Harry Potter and the Cursed Child at the Palace Theater in London.

Unless you’ve been living under a rock for the past four years:

Then I’m sure you know that Harry Potter and the Cursed Child is kind of a thing.

And if you really have been living under a rock:

Then it’s basically a stage play, written by J.K. Rowling, Jack Thorne, and John Tiffany, that follows the adventures of the children of Harry, Ron, Ginny, Hermione, and Malfoy, nineteen years after the final moments of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows.

At this point in the story, Harry is gainfully employed at the Ministry of Magic and his son, Albus Severus Potter, is about to start his first year at Hogwarts.

This post will remain spoiler-free since you really should see this show for yourself.

But don’t take my word for it!

Let the sold-out shows, numerous awards, and rave reviews, since the show debuted in July of 2016, speak for themselves!

Just don’t be like me and inadvertently book tickets for the show in NYC when you’re actually in  London.

Yup, epic travel fail.

But whatever, I still absolutely loved the show and had an amazing time. I was even able to get cheap(ish), last-minute tickets with killer views of the show.

I would definitely not recommend doing this, especially if seeing Harry Potter and the Cursed Child is a total must for you since shows routinely sell out weeks in advance (I just got lucky since I only needed a single ticket).

Pre-book your tickets like NOW (don’t worry, we’ll wait), or take a chance and enter to win the weekly, Harry Potter and the Cursed Child ticket lottery on the TodayTix website (or app).

Every week, starting at 12:00 am Monday (London time), TodayTix opens up a lottery where customers can enter to win one of 40 tickets to see Harry Potter and the Cursed Child the following week.

These really are tickets for some of the best seats in the theater, tickets that cost just £40 for both parts of the show (or £20 per part).

This play is so long that it actually consists of two distinct parts (FYI: Part one is two hours and forty minutes long while part two is two hours and thirty-five minutes long), parts that can either be seen on the same day or on two separate evenings (I’d opt for the later, just to make the Harry Potter awesomeness last a little bit longer. Plus, seeing a show that is more than five hours long in a single day may be a bit much).

Plan on spending two solid nights (or one long day) watching Harry, Ron, and Hermione…all grown up.

Please remember that you will have to pay for each part separately, so seeing this show can get pricey since you’re essentially paying for two, full-price tickets to see a show on the West End (Depending on how far in advance you book your tickets and where your seats are in the theater, tickets can start at £35 per part and go all the way up to £160 per part).

It’s totally worth it since this show is incredibly fun and exceptionally well done. So much so that I might actually see this show again when I’m back in London.

Crazy I know but what can I say?

I have Hufflepuff blood running through my veins!

Address:  113 Shaftesbury Ave, Soho, London W1D 5AY, United Kingdom

Hours: Shows start at 2:00 pm and 7:30 pm on Wednesdays and Saturdays, at 7:30 pm on Thursdays and Fridays, and at 1:00 pm and 6:30 pm on Sundays (There are no shows on Mondays and Tuesdays).

Price: Tickets can cost anywhere between £35 ($46) and £160 ($212) per part.

How to Get There: T ake the tube to Leicester Square station (on the Northern and Piccadilly line) and walk to the theater from here.

11. Cecil Court (AKA Diagon Alley)

Technically speaking:

Cecil Court isn’t an actual Harry Potter filming location in London.

It is said to be J.K. Rowling’s favorite street in the city and, as such, is thought to be the inspiration behind Diagon Alley.

If you go up north to Edinburgh and take a Harry Potter-themed tour there , guides will quickly inform you that Victoria Street, not Cecil Court, was the REAL inspiration for Diagon Alley.

Regardless of which street did, in fact, serve as J.K. Rowling’s creative muse, Cecil Court is still a fun place to visit in London since it’s a charming little pedestrian street with all of these quaint bookstores; bookstores that are adorned with these fantastic, Victorian-era storefronts.

Which is also why this street has been locally known as Booksellers’ Row since the 1930s.

Come, see the beyond enchanting bookstores that line this street, and leave as the happy muggle that I know you are.

Address: Cecil Court (a pedestrian road that links Charing Cross Road to St Martin’s Lane).

Hours: Open twenty-four hours a day, unless you want to visit any of the bookstores along this street.

Price: Free to visit, unless you want to buy some books. OBVI.

How to Get There: Take the tube to Leicester Square Station (on the Northern and Piccadilly line) and walk to Cecil Court from here.

12. Lambeth Bridge

London’s iconic Lambeth Bridge makes a guest appearance in both the Prisoner of Azkaban and the Order of the Pheonix films.

Probably one of the lesser-known Harry Potter things to do in London, Lambeth Bridge is actually featured in the third film.

Remember when Harry catches the Knight Bus after inadvertently blowing his aunt up (whoops)?

As the Knight Bus picks him up and takes him to the Leaky Cauldron, the mythical wizard bus actually crosses over the very real, Lambeth Bridge (You’ll know it’s Lambert Bridge from its distinct red color).

That scene where the Knight Bus has to squeeze in between two double-decker buses and that weird AF shrunken head keeps saying, “Hey guys, why the LOONNGG faces?”.

Yeah, clearly I’ve seen these movies one too many times,

Let’s just pretend like I was watching the films purely as a form of  “research” for this post (insert a winkie emoji here).

Lambert Bridge is so awesome that it was also featured in another Harry Potter film.

In the fifth film, when Harry Potter and his homies from the Order of the Pheonix actually fly under Lamberth Bridge as they make their way to the Order headquarters at 12 Grimmauld Place.

Cool right? Or as Ron would say, “Wicked”.

Address: Lamberth Bridge

Hours: Open twenty-four hours a day.

Price: FREE!

How to Get There: Take the tube to Westminister Station and Lamberth Bridge will be about a 10-minute walk away.

13. Goodwin’s Court (AKA Knockturn Alley)

The old-world charm of Goodwin’s Court, the inspiration behind Knockturn Alley in the Harry Potter films.

Once you find St. Martin’s Lane:

Walk up an easily overlooked set of stairs, through a low-roofed arch, and continue around the corner to Goodwin’s Court, a perfectly preserved piece of London that heralds from yesteryear.

Resembling something straight out of a Dickens novel:

Goodwin’s Court was first built in 1690 and is lined with a series of 17th-century terrace houses that are outfitted with ornate window facades and antique, gaslight lamps.

Picturesque right?

That’s why it is absolutely shocking to no one that this small court near Covent Garden was used as the design inspiration for Knockturn Alley in the Harry Potter films.

That iconic place where dark wizards do dark deeds and skulk around under the cover of night.

Or an invisibility cloak, whichever is more convenient, Sadly though:

Because this court is so narrow, film maker’s couldn’t actually use it as a shooting location since well, there was no way that entire crew could fit inside this tiny corridor.

Being the ingenious individuals that they are, creators of the Harry Potter films decided to build an exact replica of the alley and just film any Knockturn Alley scenes in the relative comfort of Warner Brothers Studios.

Yup, true story!

Address: Goodwin’s Court

Hours : Open twenty-four hours a day

How to Get There: Take the tube to either Trafalgar Square station or Charing Cross Station and walk to Goodwin’s Court from there.

14. Brew Some Very-Adult Beverages at The Cauldron

Looking to get your drinky, drank on but wanna do so with a bit of Harry Potter flare?

Then why not check out The Cauldron , a Harry Potter-themed pop-up bar in London.

Just pre-book your tickets online  (at least if you want to guarantee your spot) and enjoy a 1 hour and 45 minute, immersive, cocktail making experience where you can brew a series of fantastical elixirs that are of the very adult variety.

Grab an Olivander’s wand of your choice, don a super snazzy wizarding robe, and wield your magical might to create two separate potions of your choice (and not to worry because alcohol-free, gluten-free, and vegan options are also available).

And while this experience is largely self-guided (That’s why this Harry Potter experience in London is better done when with a group of friends):

A super savvy potions professor will be on hand to help you with all of your magical needs.

You really don’t want to blow yourself up like Seamus Finnigan, now do you?

Eye of rabbit, harp string hum, turn this water into rum. A not-so-effective transfiguration spell that Seamus used to try and, you guessed it, turn water into rum.

You also have the opportunity to enjoy this other-worldly experience inside either the Castle Realm, a ground-floor space with castle-themed decor, or the Dungeon Realm, a darker, danker, basement space with dungeon-themed decor,

Personally:

I’d opt for the Castle Realm but alas, that’s just me being the pseudo-diva that I am. LOL.

***Looking for another, uber-magical bar in London? Then visit the Blind Pheonix, a wizard-themed, speakeasy bar near Dalston Junction that actually requires you to have an entry code to get inside (Just visit their website and register for their mailing list to get an entrance code). While you’re here, enjoy the whimsical decor and a series of delicious molecular cocktails from within this beyond fantastical bar/art gallery (And while this bar is awesome, it technically has no affiliation with Harry Potter. It’s just a super fun place for fantasy and sci-fi enthusiasts of every variety to check out.***

Address: 79 Stoke Newington Rd, Stoke Newington, London N16 8AD, United Kingdom

Hours: Open Tuesday from 5:00 pm to 1:00 am, Wednesdays and Thursdays from 3:00 pm to 1:00 am, Friday from 12:00 pm to 1:00 am, and Saturday from 11:00 am to 1:00 am (Closed Mondays). However, you will book a specific time slot when you order your tickets online,

Price: Tickets start at £29.99 per person for off-peak seatings and £34.99 per person for peak seatings. All tickets include one welcome drink (a beer, cocktail, or mocktail), two cocktails, and the interactive experience,

How to Get There: Take the Overground to Rectory Road station and walk about ten minutes to the bar.

15. The Westminster Tube Station

The Westminster Tube Station in London.

I’m not gonne lie:

Westminister Tube station is probably one of my least favorite, Harry Potter things to do in London.

It’s a regular old tube station. So, how exciting could it really be to visit?

Since it is indeed an actual, Harry Potter filming location in London, I felt compelled to add it to this seemingly, never-ending list of Harry Potter things to do in London.

Just in case you can’t quite remember which film this tube station is featured in, it’s actually The Order of the Pheonix.

When Harry is summoned to a hearing at the Ministry of Magic, for using a Patronus Charm to protect his cousin Dudley from a group of rogue Dementors, both he and Mr. Weasley do a very Muggle thing and use the tube to get to the Ministry of Magic,

As the pair exit the tube and make their way to the Ministry, you’ll see Mr. Weasley cautiously get off the escalator and desperately attempt to use an Oyster Card to exit the station.

And that station Is none other than Westminister Station, in all of its glory.

However, I still think that a trip here really isn’t all that exciting since this is just a regular old, every day, working London tube station.

But per usual, I’ll let you decide that for yourself.

Address: Westminster, London SW1A 2JR, United Kingdom (found along the Circle, District, and Jubilee lines)

Hours:  The London Underground generally operates between 5:00 am and 12:00 am, Monday through Saturday, with reduced hours of operation on Sundays.

Price: A single journey ticket on the London underground will cost you £4.90. In contrast, a single ride with an Oyster card will cost £2.40 for a ride within zone 1, £2.90 for a ride within zone 2, and £3.30 for a ride within zone 3.

How to Get There: Take either the Circle Line, District Line, or Jubilee Line to Westminister Station.

*** Visiting London for the first time ? Then check out all of my secret, expert tips on how to make the most of your magical time in this amazing city.***

16. The Building at the Corner of Great Scotland Yard and Scotland Place (AKA the entrance to the Ministry of Magic)

So in film five, right after Harry Potter and Mr. Weasley exit the aforementioned, Westminster Station, they beeline it straight for the Ministry of Magic, or this building at the corner of Scotland Place and Great Scotland Yard.

Now, because of this scene in the Order of the Pheonix:

You may turn up here and expect to find the super snazzy phone booth that Harry and Mr. Weasley used to gain access to the Ministry.

Sadly though:

One does not exist. In reality, the telephone booth was created specifically for the film and was just a prop.

You can follow in this dynamic duo’s footsteps by riding the tube to Westminster Station and taking a short walk from here, along Whitehall, to Great Scotland Yard.

***PSST: The side of the building that faces Scotland Place is also featured in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Part I. It’s in the scene where Harry, Ron, and Hermione stun three Ministry of Magic employees in an attempt to gain access to the Ministry by using Polyjuice Potion to impersonate them.***

Address: At the corner of Great Scotland Yard and Scotland Yard.

How to Get There: Take the tube to Westminster station and walk to this street corner from there.

17. Millennium Bridge

Millennium Bridge in London, which was unceremoniously destroyed by Deatheaters in Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince.

Probably one of the prettiest places in London :

Millennium Bridge can actually be seen in the opening scenes of Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince.

Deatheaters are shown terrorizing Muggles who desperately cling to this pedestrian walkway as this bridge collapses and falls into the Thames below.

A scene that is beyond ironic since Millenium Bridge really did wobble when it was first opened in 2000.

Thankfully though:

The bridge was immediately closed and quickly repaired.

In contrast though:

Deatheaters didn’t actually destroy Millenium Bridge in book number 6.

Fictitious Brockdale Bridge was annihilated by these magical miscreants, which makes a lot of sense since the series takes place between 1991 and 1998 and Millenium Bridge wasn’t opened until June 10, 2000.

Go forth and win Who Wants to Be a Millionaire with all of this genius-level, Harry Potter trivia.

***Another fun little factoid for you. Believe it or not (and you should always believe me) there is actually a Cruikshank Street in London. And if that name sounds familiar, it’s because Hermione’s cat was named Crookshanks. Coincidence? I think not!***

Address : Thames Embankment, London SE1 9JE, United Kingdom

How to Get There: Take the tube to Mansion House Station (on the Circle and District Lines) and walk to Millenium Bridge from here.

18. Visit Claremont Square (AKA No. 12 Grimmauld Place)

Most Harry Potter fans out there know that 12 Grimmauld Place is the address of one place, and one place only. And that place is the headquarters for the Order of the Pheonix.

This delightful little house is also the private residence of the Black family and was only converted into the Order headquarters after Voldemort came back to power and the resistance needed a safe place to meet.

And while the 12 Grimmauld Place that you saw in the fifth film was not actually visible from the street (I mean, after all, it is expertly protected by a series of spells and enchantments that hide it from prying muggle and non-muggle eyes alike), the real-life Claremont Square where this scene was filmed totally is!

In the fifth film, a group of kick-ass wizards come to get Harry Potter and escort him to his Godfather, Sirius Black, at 12 Grimmauld Place.

As this band of not-so-merry magic makers fly across the Thames (cue panoramic shots of Canary Wharf, Tower Bridge, the HMS Belfast, Blackfriars Bridge, and the Houses of Parliament), they conclude their journey behind a group of trees, from which they emerge, to open an iron gate that eventually reveals…12 Grimmauld Place.

Since this isn’t the address of an actual London home, filmmakers decided to use the townhouses along Islington’s Claremont Square to film this scene instead.

Yup, just another one of the many Harry Potter things to do in London.

***Believe it or not, Claremont Square actually has an incredibly funky shape that is due in large part to its use a giant, water reservoir throughout the 18th century. However, once a larger reservoir was built within the immediate area, what is now present-day Claremont Square was quickly emptied, filled in, and replaced with houses, houses, and, oh yeah, more houses!***

Address: Claremont Square in Islington

How to Get There: Get off the tube at Angel Station (on the Northern line) and walk to the Square from there.

19. Take a Day Trip to the Cotswolds

The medieval beauty of Gloucester Cathedral in Gloucestershire, England. A place where various interior shots of Hogwarts were filmed.

If you’re from the United States, and Google tells me that most of you are, then you may not know what the Cotswolds are.

Which is fair enough since I had never actually heard of them before I became a travel blogger.

But shh! Don’t tell my two readers that. LOL.

In all seriousness though, the Cotswolds is actually an 800 square mile region in South/Central England that is home to the famous Cotswold Hills which start along the upper Thames and continue all the up through the Severn Valley.

Enchanting landscapes are not the only thing that the Cotswolds is famous for.

Because in addition to picturesque meadows and rolling hills, the Cotswolds is also home to a wealth of beyond charming, medieval villages that are the stuff Instagram legends are made of.

If you’re learning more about the Cotswolds and imagining quaint AF fairytale villages with picturesque country lanes that are lined with historic, stone cottages, complete with window boxes full of flowers, then you’d be 100% correct.

Because all of the towns in the Cotswolds are just so damn endearing, some of them were actually used as filming locations for various Harry Potter films,

More specifically:

Lacock Abbey , which is found inside Lacock Village, is a sprawling country house that was used as the beautiful backdrop for various corridor and classroom scenes at Hogwarts, including shots of the Mirror of Erised in the first film (FYI: The Crimes of Grindelwald was also shot here).

Because the Cotswolds is home to not one, but two different Harry Potter filming locations.

If you have time, venture on over to Gloucestershire and discover the Gloucester Cathedral with its exquisite, Norman and Gothic-style cloisters.

See, because of it’s awe-inspiring, historic beauty:

This church was also used as a filming location for various shots of the seemingly neverending corridors of Hogwarts Castle, including the door to the Gryffindor Common Room and the corridor where the words, “The Chamber of Secrets has been opened! Enemies of the Heir Beware!” and “Her skeleton will lie in the Chamber forever” were scrawled, in blood, in the second movie.

Some of the scenes featuring the rampaging mountain troll from the first movie were also shot here, as were the scenes from the sixth movie where Harry Potter overhears Draco and Snape discussing the unbreakable vow.

It’s not really all that surprising that J.K. Rowling was drawn to this filming location since Gloucester Cathedral is found in Gloucestershire, the exact town that the famous author grew up in!

Talk about a small world!

But you know what’s not a small feat (terrible segway but just humor me and go with it)?

Getting to the Cotswolds. Because in all honesty, the easiest way to visit this region is to simply rent a car and drive here.

If you don’t fancy speed racing through the area’s plethora of narrow, winding, country lanes, all while simultaneously acclimating to driving on the left side of the road, then you may want to take a day tour to the Cotswolds instead.

And while there is no guarantee that the tour will stop at either of the above filming locations:

It’s still a great way to quickly and easily experience the exquisite beauty and overwhelming charm of the English countryside.

Now, if it were up to me:

I’d opt for this Cotswolds Day Tour since it includes stops at Burford, Bibury, Bourton-on-the-Water, and Stow-on-the-Wold, four of the most stunning villages in the entire region.

Because unlike many other day tours to the Cotswolds:

This tour won’t have you visiting 10,000 other English cities along the way, giving you ample time to enjoy the medieval charm and beauty of the English countryside.

And while I know that this tour may seem a bit pricey at $126 per person:

You really do get what you pay for. Because this epic, 11-hour tour not only includes transportation to and from Victoria Coach Station but it also features a fantastic commentary from a professional guide, and a delicious, 2-course lunch at the immortal, Swan Hotel (Feel free to “oh” and “ah” at will here people).

Go on you Harry Potter lovin’ baller,  and treat yo’self.

Because let’s be honest:

You totally deserve to rock out and enjoy every little bit of real-life magic that you can find as you frolic through the English countryside.

Address : This tour departs from Victoria Coach Station which is at 164 Buckingham Palace Road, London.

Hours: Tours depart almost every day at 8:15 am (check-in starts at 8:00 am) and return to London around 7:15 pm, depending on traffic,

Price: Tours are $126 per person.

How to Get There: Take the tube to Victoria Station and walk to the bus station from there.

20. Piccadilly Circus

Another one of my not-so-favorite Harry Potter filming locations in London.

Well, I dunno. I guess Piccadilly Circus has just never really been all that impressive to me.

It’s just a giant circular intersection, in London’s West End, that was built in 1819 to connect Regent Street with Piccadilly.

And while you may think of clowns, acrobats, and elephant parades when you see the word “circus”, in this context, it actually refers to a round open space in which you’d find a street junction.

This is also the place where, in the seventh movie (Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Part I), Harry, Ron, and Hermione nearly get run over by a double-decker bus as they attempt to flee from Bill and Fleur’s wedding, which was suddenly infiltrated by murderous death eaters after the Ministry of Magic fell to Voldemort.

Visit if you must but it really is just one giant, noisy, over-crowded intersection with lots of lights and flashing signs.

#justsayin’

Address: Piccadilly Circus

How to Get There: Take the tube to, DUH, Piccadilly Circus station.

21. Australia House on Strand (AKA Gringotts Wizarding Bank)

The beautiful exterior of Australia House in London, the filming location for the interior of Gringotts Wizarding Bank in the first Harry Potter film.

Forget those Benjamins.

Because here at Girl with the Passport, we’re all about those bronze Knuts, silver Sickles, and golden Galleons (FYI: There are twenty-nine Knuts in a Sickle and seventeen Sickles in a Galleon)!

And the only place to find them?

Why Gringotts Wizarding Bank of course. Especially since, as Hagrid would say, “There t’ain’t no safer place. Not one.”

If you’re looking to up your epic levels of wizarding swag with some hard-earned golden Galleons, then head inside The Australia House on Strand and marvel at the beyond exquisite interior of this building, which was used to film the inside of Gringott’s Bank in Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone (Even though the interior of Gringott’s is also featured in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part II, the filming of these scenes was actually done at the studio, where the interior of The Australia House was recreated since the bank gets totally destroyed by a dragon in the film).

Okay, in truth:

This place is actually a working Australian embassy in London and not a super-chic, goblin owned and operated bank for the wizarding world.

You can’t really go wandering around the building, gawking at the grandeur of this edifice’s opulent crystal chandeliers, stunning marble tile floors, and ornate marble columns with accents of gold at the top and bottom.

What you can do is discreetly look through the glass doors of the building and ogle at the magnificent chandeliers inside.

Address: Strand, London WC2B 4LA, United Kingdom

Hours: The Australia House is not open to the public but is open daily for business, Monday through Friday, from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm.

How to Get There: Take the Tube to Temple Station (on the Circle and District Line) and walk to Australia House from there.

22. St. Paul’s Cathedral (AKA The Divination Stairwell)

The exquisite interior of St. Paul’s Cathedral in London.

Possibly one of the most famous churches in all of London:

St. Paul’s is an iconic, Anglican Church in London that serves as the seat for the Bishop of London.and pays homage to the apostle Paul.

Sitting atop the highest point in London, on Ludgate Hill:

This immortal cathedral stands with its iconic domed roof, which was designed by Sir Christopher Wren between 1675 and 1710 after much of the city was destroyed by the Great London Fire of 1666.

This church is kind of a big deal and a must-see in its own right, even if you’re not really into Harry Potter.

And while the exterior of this building is absolutely stunning (which makes sense since this church was modeled after St. Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican):

The real highlight of any trip to St. Paul’s is a journey inside, where you can marvel at architectural highlights like a large domed ceiling that is supported by eight columns, the Whispering Gallery (so named because when you speak into the wall of the dome, your words will be carried to the other side), the exterior Stone Gallery, and the Golden Gallery at the top, where you can enjoy unparalleled, panoramic views of London.

Additionally:

If you feel so inclined, you can also descend into the crypt and visit the more than 300 memorial tombs for important British citizens, like the designer of the church himself.

Although there is no fee for attending a church service here (If you’re backpacking London , this would be any budget traveler’s best way of seeing St. Paul’s for free), you will need to purchase a standard admission ticket if you want to visit the church at any other time than the ones listed below.

***If you want to attend a church service, you can stop by for the Eucharist Service at 11.30 am on Sunday or for an Evensong Service at 5:00 pm, Monday through Saturday, and at 3.15 pm on Sunday.***

Because St. Paul’s Cathedral is one of THE TOP attractions in London, I highly recommend ordering your skip-the-line entrance ticket online, in advance .

Ain’t nobody got time to spend their entire trip to London in a queue, waiting to get into St. Paul’s.

When you order your tickets in advance , you receive a nice little discount on the price of admission.

And I mean really, who doesn’t like saving money? Exactly, glad we agree.

Even with the aforementioned discounts,   entrance tickets for St. Paul’s ain’t cheap They’re like $22.63 per person).

But, on the plus side:

Included with the price of admission is a super handy audio guide (so you actually know what you’re looking at), as well as full access to the cathedral floor, the crypt, the three upper galleries, and the top of the dome.

***FYI: Free, 1½-hour guided tours depart four times a day at 10:00 am, 11:00 am, 1:00 pm, and 2:00 pm. Just reserve a place at the tour desk if you want to participate and get your history-loving swerve on.***

Okay, in al honesty:

By now, you’re probably wondering something along the lines of, “WTH Girl with the Passport! Where is the Harry Potter goodness? Enough of your blabbering on about this damn church!”.

And that is totally understandable since this is a post about all of the Harry Potter things to do in London.

You’ll be beyond delighted to learn that in the fifth film, when Harry, Ron, and Hermione make the long, arduous journey up that giant stone spiral staircase to Divination Class, they’re actually ascending a set of stairs in St. Paul’s Cathedral that will take you to the whispering gallery!

Pretty epic huh? But wait, because there’s more! See:

This staircase was also featured in the fourth film, when “Mad-Eye Moody” (really Barty Crouch Jr. in disguise) gives Neville Longbottom a book entitled, Magical Mediterranean Water-Plants and Their Properties.

And while the fake Mad-Eye may seem like he’s being helpful:

We all know that he’s really just trying to lure Harry into the Triwizard Tournament so that he can use him to bring Voldemort back to life.

So sorry Barty Crouch Jr. but that is really, not-so-nice behavior.

However, St. Paul’s Cathedral is super nice, which is why you should 100% visit during your next trip to London!

Address: St. Paul’s Churchyard, London EC4M 8AD, United Kingdom

Hours: Open Monday through Saturday from 8:30 am to 4:00 pm.

Price: A discounted, online admission ticket will cost you $22.63 per person.

How to Get There: Take the Tube to St. Paul’s Station, on the Central Line, and walk to the Cathedral from there.

23. Go on the Harry Potter Warner Brothers Studio Tour!

The office of none other than Delores Umbridge, at the Harry Potter Studio Tour.

Words fail me when it comes to describing the Harry Potter Warner Brothers Studio Tour .

It kind of felt like coming home and was without a doubt, the highlight of my trip to London.

Because I’m not gonna lie:

I may or may not have had shed more than a few tears when I first laid eyes upon the full-scale model of Hogwarts that is on display here.

Even if you are a Harry Potter fan of the smallest measure, you should still 100% take the Harry Potter Warner Brothers Studio Tour .

But before you do:

Here are a few tips to help you make the most out of your time there.

Book your tickets online, in advance (I feel like this is an ongoing theme with every Harry Potter activity that I mention) since lines to enter the studio are incredibly long and tickets routinely sell out weeks in advance (I’d try booking your tickets at least a month in advance, maybe even more if you plan on visiting during the summer).

The Harry Potter Studio Tour is NOT located inside of London and is actually about twenty miles northwest of the city, in Leavesden.

To get here on your own, it will take about 45-minutes (depending on where your hotel is located) and will require you to first take the tube to Euston Station.

Exit the tube and enter the train station, where you can get a round trip train ticket from Euston Station to Watford Junction.

Board the train and get off at Watford Junction, where you will then hop on the 311 bus and take it all the way to the studio (Don’t worry because the bus stop is literally right outside the station).

And while using public transportation to get to the Harry Potter Studio Tour may seem like one giant pain in the ass, it’s relatively easy to do and is a great way to save money on the cost of the tour.

If you can’t be bothered to use public transportation to get to the Studio, or are traveling with an unruly herd of children, then you can always just book a Harry Potter Studio Tour with a Transfer since this ticket option will include a road trip bus journey from Victoria Station to the Harry Potter Studios.

Also, if you can: 

Try and reserve an early morning ticket.

You can take your time wandering through the Studio (This place is huge, so it will take you no less than three or four hours to walk through the entire place) and enjoy it without hordes of people all around you, at least for a little bit (PSST: When you’re in the Great Hall, try and be the last one out so that you can score some pictures without tons of people in them since tour operators always wait for everyone to exit the hall before they let the next group in).

But seriously, trust me on this.

You do not want to be rushing through this place, frantically trying to see everything before the Studio closes.

Plus: 

If you book an early morning ticket, you’ll be able to stop for a Butterbeer at the onsite cafe (A total must since this is one of the only places in the world where you can get “real” butterbeer and butterbeer flavored ice cream! Plus, the food here is actually pretty good and not as expensive as I thought it would be) and pursue through the merchandise at the gift shop without worrying that everything is about to close (Only look and don’t buy anything here since everything is ridiculously overpriced).

Okay, phew!! That was a lot.

But, I’m glad we got all of those beyond boring details out of the way so that we can talk about all the good stuff…like the wizarding wonderfulness that is this beyond magical tour!

Because, as I said before, this experience really is amazeballs level awesome.

Even though you’ll be visiting the actual studio where the movies were filmed, this space has since been transformed into an impeccable, incredibly well-organized, museum-like experience that you can explore at your own pace, as you marvel at all of the film sets, costumes, props, and concept art that was used to make the world of Harry Potter come to life.

There are even several interactive experiences along the way where you can do fun things like try riding a broom or have your picture taken as you push your trolley through the wall, at King’s Cross, to Platform 9 and 3/4.

Other tour highlights include walking through the Great Hall, hopping aboard the Hogwarts Express, wandering through the Forbidden Forest, getting up close and personal with the Knight Bus, seeing a model of Hogwarts, exploring Number 4 Privet Drive, visiting Gringotts, walking through Diagon Alley, and so much more!

Because in all honesty:

If you only do one Harry Potter related activity in London, then this should be it!

***Since the Harry Potter Studio Tour will take up the better part of a day, I would suggest trying NOT to schedule any other activities for the day that you visit this Harry Potter mecca of sorts.***

Address: Studio Tour Dr, Watford WD25 7LR, United Kingdom

Hours: The Studio is open seven days a week from 8:00 am to 10:00 pm, excluding major national holidays.

Price: Tickets are £47 ($60) per person without a transfer and $118.50 per person with a transfer.

How To Get There: See ABOVE for full details.

***Looking for some more Harry Potter things to do in London? Then stop by The Golden Hinde at St. Mary Overie Dock in Bankside. Because docked here is a full-scale replica of the first English ship that sailed around the world. A vessel that is also thought to be the inspiration behind the design of the ship that Viktor Krum, and the other wizards from Durmstrang, used to travel to Hogwarts for the Triwizard Tournament, in Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire.***

24. Take a Day Trip to Oxford

Guess what?

London isn’t the only place in the UK that is home to a wealth of different Harry Potter filming locations!

And the crowd goes wild!

Because less than an hour away from London (at least if you drive or take an extra fast broom) is Oxford, a beyond charming city that is home to no less than three different Harry Potter!

1. Christ Church

And first up? Why, the beautiful Christ Church , a consultant college of the University of Oxford that was founded way be in 1525 by Cardinal Wolsey!

Today though:

This institution for higher education has become an incredibly popular tourist destination since, well, it’s just so damn photogenic!

Lewis Carroll himself, the author of Alice and Wonderland, used to come here and picnic with the dean’s daughter, so clearly this place is a big deal (both literally and figuratively).

If you wanna swing by and see what all the fuss is about, then run, don’t walk, to the Great Tudor Hall, where you’ll immediately see the resemblance that this historic space bears to the Great Hall in the Harry Potter films.

That’s because:

The set for the Great Hall was actually designed to resemble this renaissance style space with its hammer-beam roof and ancient portraits of past students hanging all along the walls (FYI: The Great Tudor Hall is often closed to visitors at lunchtime, between 12:00 pm and 2:00 pm).

The College’s Grand Stairway (the fan-vaulted staircase that you just used to enter the Great Tudor Hall) was also used to film the scene in which Professor McGonagall first welcomes the dynamic trio, Harry, Ron, and Hermione, to Hogwarts.

And while there are tons of other things for you to see at Christ Church (like the onsite cathedral, meadow, and picture gallery), the only other part of the college that was used in the Harry Potter films were the ancient-looking Cloisters, which make a guest appearance in The Sorcerer’s Stone, when Hermione shows Harry the Quidditch trophy that has his dad’s name on it.

***If you want to learn more about the college and it’s connection to Harry Potter, then book a 2-hour, Christ Church Harry Potter Film Locations Tour for $66.56 per person. During this tour, you’ll not only learn about one of the world’s oldest universities, but you’ll also see some of Oxford’s most famous colleges (en route to Christ Church), explore the Divinity School film site, learn all about Lewis Carroll’s time at the university, and even receive free admission to the college itself.***

2. Bodleian Library

Bodleian Library , the main research library for the University of Oxford.

And while the library has been around since 1602:

Most people today have only recently become aware of the stunning, Gothic-style architecture here since Bodleian Library was used as the filming location for the Restricted Section of the Hogwarts Library in the first film.

Remember when Harry snuck into the Restricted Section to learn more about Nicholas Flammel?

Harry (AKA Daniel Radcliffe) was actually in the Arts End of the medieval Duke Humfrey’s Library, the oldest reading room in all of Bodleian.

Bodleian’s ties with Harry Potter don’t end there.

Because the Divinity School, with its Gothic vaulted ceilings, was also used as a shooting location for the Hogwarts Infirmary throughout many of the Harry Potter films.

All the students at Hogwarts really do seem to constantly be in the hospital, forever recovering from some ultra-rare, super scary, magical malady.

But as long as they don’t end like Moaning Myrtle then it’s all good.

3. New College

And lastly?

Yup, you guessed it, New College! It’s yet another constituent university (not that I actually know what that means) of Oxford and was founded in 1379, by William of Wykeham, with its full name being, St Mary’s College of Winchester in Oxford.

However, let’s be honest.

You’re not really here for a history lesson and but to learn about the college’s connection to all things Harry Potter.

So, let’s get to it!

Because the South Cloisters Walk of New College was used as a filming location for the scene in Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire when Harry comes face to face with Malfoy, who jumps out of a large tree that actually sits in the New College Cloisters.

Once firmly back on the ground:

Malfory attempts to curse Harry while his back is turned, only to have “Mad Eye Moody” transfigure him into a Ferret as a form of punsihment; something that Professor McGonagall is none too happy about.

Before you go ahead and check out the college for yourself, please be aware of the fact that while the college is free to enter during the winter months (between October and March), you will be required to purchase a £5 admission ticket if you decide to visit during the summer months (between March and October).

Address: Oxford, England.

How to Get There: Getting to Oxford from London is relatively easy, thankfully. Just take either the Oxford Tube (which is actually a bus) or catch the train from Paddington Station. The journey should take no more than an hour and a half, depending on traffic.

***If you don’t want to visit Oxford on your own, you can always join a full day tour to Oxford from London . This five-hour tour costs just $55.92 per person and departs form Paddington Station. During this excursion, you’ll visit iconic, area highlights like Oxford University, the Ashmolean Museum, Trinity College, the pub where J.R.R. Tolkien and C.S. Lewis once drank, Christ Church College, Radcliffe Square, and the Oxford Martyrs memorial monument.***

Check Out This Free Interactive Map Which Shows You Where to Find 24 of the Best Harry Potter Things to do in London!

Additional London Resources You’ll Love

• Famous London Landmarks

There you have it my fellow Potterheads of the most epic proportion.

Because this concludes my list of 24 of the most amazing, super wonderful, harry potter things to do in london, and if this article has left you jonesing for a pumpkin pasty, some butterbeer, and a scenic ride aboard the hogwarts express, then you know what to do., just pin this article now so that you can read it again later., because i pinkie promise, this article is most definitely not a hocrux..

Friday 23rd of October 2020

This is so beautiful!!!! I love Harry Potter and I really want to go to visit all this places! Thank you!

girlwiththepassport

Oh, I am so glad you enjoyed the post and me TOO! I am hardcore obsessed with Harry Potter!

Tuesday 10th of March 2020

What about Harry Potter Tree near Oxford?

Wednesday 11th of March 2020

Oh, good suggestion! Thanks for sharing!

Saturday 8th of February 2020

I'm not even a Potterhead, and you've got me tempted to visit!! Love all the history, and your passion for Potter! :D

That's nuts! I had no idea there were so many Harry Potter activities and sights in London. I only went to the Studio tour and thought that was it. I'm so down for a potion-making class!

Alanna Koritzke

This is amazing! Thank you for sharing! This Ravenclaw is ready for a visit to London!

Nice! So happy you enjoyed it and found it useful!

Privacy Overview

The Ultimate List of Harry Potter things to do in London

If you’re a fan of Harry Potter, then taking a Harry Potter tour of London is an absolute bucket list necessity. Sure, you can hire a tour company to arrange it for you, but it’s not hard to plan a great Harry Potter trip to London on your own.

This guide to the best Harry Potter things in London will help save you time on research and save you some money that you’d otherwise be paying to an expensive all-inclusive tour company. I’d call that a win-win.

I recently took my son to London for his eleventh birthday and to celebrate finishing the Harry Potter series. We packed our time with the best Harry Potter things to do in London, and now you can reap the rewards of all my research, because I’m not going to gatekeep what I learned!

In this guide, I’ll tell you all the Harry Potter attractions in London and what you need to know about them to make it the best trip ever.

If you don’t have time to read now, make sure to pin this post for later.

In This Post

As always, this post may contain affiliate links, which means at no additional cost to you, shopping from them may generate small commissions to support the operations of this blog.

Whenever possible, I recommend buying books at local bookshops or through Bookshop.org , because shopping there puts the profits right into the hands of indie bookstores all over the country.

At a glance

No time to read the whole post? No worries. Here’s the info you need in a nutshell: Essential experiences: – Harry Potter studio tour – Harry Potter & the Cursed Child play – Platform 9 3/4 – Harry Potter shops If you have extra time: – Harry Potter walking tour – Harry Potter afternoon tea – Magical escape room – Harry Potter potions making pub – Potter-themed pub trivia – Statue in Leicester Square If you’ve got the funds: – Stay in a Harry Potter hotel Read each section below for more details, and happy travels!

Stay in a Harry Potter themed hotel

If you’re going all out for your Harry Potter tour of London, you can make your entire trip magical down to the very hotel you sleep in. There are aren’t a lot to choose from, but here are your options for London Harry Potter hotels as of 2024.

Georgian House Hotel

The Georgian House Hotel has really branded itself as the Harry Potter hotel in London, offering Potterheads a variety of “wizard experiences” from which to choose. One of those experiences is to stay in one of their magical hotel rooms.

Guests can choose between Wizard Chambers and Enchanted Chambers , both of which give the feel of staying in a Hogwarts dormitory, with strong gothic castle vibes. One guest room is even concealed behind a bookcase door! That’s just my cup of tea.

Of course, you’ll need to shell out some money for these themed rooms. On our trip, we opted to save on accommodations to splurge on activities. But I think a stay at a Harry Potter-inspired hotel can be a fun splurge if it’s in your budget.

Hagrid’s Hut in Watford

To stay in the Hagrid’s Hut themed hotel, you’ll have to travel a little ways outside of London proper. You’ll get the feel of staying in the game keeper’s cabin, including being away from the bustle of the city.

You’ll find miniatures of many of Hagrid’s pet beasts, like a hippogriff, owls, and even a mini acromantula (the giant spiders in the Forbidden Forest). Hagrid’s Hut features two bedrooms and a living area, making it a good choice for families and groups. 

It’s best to stay in Hagrid’s Hut if you are planning to drive, including driving to the Harry Potter studio tour. Keep in mind that you’ll need to plan for extra time to commute into the city to visit the other Harry Potter attractions in London.

Glamping in Hagrid’s Hut

How’s this for a unique Harry Potter hotel? You can go glamping inside of Hagrid’s Hut near the Harry Potter studio tour. Simply known as “The Hut,” this one-of-a-kind accommodation is a dead ringer for Hagrid’s hut as shown in the Harry Potter movies. 

It sleeps up to five people, which makes it great for families or groups. You’ll have bunk beds, a deep soaker tub, and a kitchenette to reduce food costs on your holiday.

Note that this Harry Potter hotel of sorts is not in London proper, so it won’t be very close to the rest of the Harry Potter things to do in London. Plan accordingly. 

Take a Harry Potter walking tour

A London Harry Potter walking tour was one of the highlights of my magical Harry Potter tour of London long weekend, and I think it should be high on your list of priorities. It’s a chance to take in London in my favorite way — by walking. 

Along the way, you can visit many of the Harry Potter filming locations in London and hear behind-the-scenes anecdotes about filming the movie series. Depending on the tour you take, you may also get to play games like Harry Potter trivia.

I wrote a detailed breakdown and review of the London Harry Potter walking tour I took as well as a comparison with the other major tour companies. If you don’t need the detailed breakdown, go ahead and book directly here:

Reminder : When booking a tour on Viator, always make sure you’ve started a session with Rakuten ! If you install the extension in your browser, all it takes is one click, and you get anywhere from 2-10% cash back from your Viator booking! I have personally gotten more than $1,000 back that way.

Enjoy a Harry Potter themed afternoon tea

Afternoon tea is a quintessentially London experience and a must-do on any trip to the city. Luckily, there are seemingly infinite options when it comes to unique afternoon teas in London , including several options for a Harry Potter afternoon tea. 

Note that for any of these afternoon tea experiences, you’ll want to book early. Not booking your afternoon tea in advance is one of the most common tourist mistakes when visiting London. Make your reservations well in advance so you don’t miss out! 

Wizard afternoon tea at the Wands & Wizards’ Exploratorium

The afternoon tea at the Wands & Wizards’ Exploratorium is probably the most famous and most popular Harry Potter afternoon tea in London. It’s conveniently located in Soho within easy walking distance of other Potter attractions, like the Palace Theater (home to the Cursed Child Play) and the MinaLima bookstore. 

In this interactive Harry Potter afternoon tea experience, the entire building is Potter-themed. You’ll use a magic wand to do things like open up locked boxes, turn the lights on, and brew your potions. For adults, there are a few adult potions you can make as well. 

This Harry Potter afternoon tea experience starts at £32.00 for children and £42.00 for adults. 

Option : for ease of planning, you can combine a London Harry Potter walking tour with a magical afternoon tea all in one. This tour company includes the walking section and then takes you right to The Wands & Wizards Exploratorium for tea. 

Cutter and Squidge afternoon tea at the Common Room

Cutter and Squidge is another company accommodating Harry Potter fans with a unique afternoon tea experience. Cutter and Squidge is a bakery run by a pair of sisters that specializes in cakes, so guests rave about the quality of the food and sweets here.

Their Harry Potter afternoon tea follows a theme; it was once a potions room theme, but it’s currently a Gryffindor Common Room theme.

Cutter and Squidge is also located in Soho, making it a convenient location when touring the other Harry Potter attractions in London. Prices begin at £34.99 for children and £44.99 for adults. 

The Georgian House Hotel offers Harry Potter afternoon teas in addition to Potter-inspired hotel rooms. At their afternoon tea, you will be given a wizard’s hat to wear during your afternoon tea experience and have the opportunity to brew your own potion in a cauldron — complete with dry ice to contribute to the ambience. 

Your afternoon tea treats are served inside Hedwig’s owl cage, and there are several menu options available, including a vegan menu. Note that this Harry Potter afternoon tea experience is only available on weekend afternoons. 

The Harry Potter afternoon tea at the Georgian House hotel starts at £20 for children (“mini wizards”) and £40 for adult wizards. 

Related : If you’re looking to branch out from Harry Potter sights in London and explore more bookish destinations, check out the Charles Dickens House Museum and the Sherlock Holmes Museum , two of my favorites.

Visit Platform 9 ¾ at Kings Cross Station

When JK Rowling chose King’s Cross Station as the location where Harry and his schoolmates would catch a train to Hogwarts, I don’t know if she ever could have imagined how much that would leave its mark on one of London’s busiest transportation hubs. 

Over the years, the location of the real life Platform 9 ¾ within King’s Cross has changed many times. When I first visited back in 2009, there was a simple trolley placed to look like it was halfway through a wall, and you could wander up at any time for a photo. Over the years, as the sight became increasingly more popular, they had to relocate the Platform multiple times to accommodate the crowds of people who wanted to see it in person and take that iconic photo — off to Hogwarts!. 

Now, Platform 9 ¾ has a more permanent home alongside the Platform 9 ¾ shop, one of the official Harry Potter shops in the city. And if you’re looking for Harry Potter things to do in London, a visit to Platform 9 ¾ is simply essential. 

If you happen to visit on September 1st, you can take part in an annual celebration marking the day the Hogwarts Express leaves from King’s Cross station each year to begin another year at Hogwarts. 

You can read more about the Platform 9 ¾ shop and my tips on navigating the crowds at the photo spot in my guide to London Harry Potter stores .  

Seek adventure in a Harry Potter escape room 

Another fun and unique idea for Harry Potter things to do in London is to do a magical escape room! There are several options for these in the city. Here are the three main ongoing Harry Potter escape rooms, though always check and see if there happen to be any seasonal escape room offerings anywhere during your visit! 

Breakin’ Wizarding School 

In this Harry Potter escape room, you are a student tasked with finding a precious artifact. It will involve exploring areas of your castle school that have never been explored before. The Breakin’ Wizarding School escape room has a minimum of 2 players and costs from £82. 

Location : 89 Holloway Rd, London N7

Enigma Quests 

Enigma Quests hosts a Magical Witchcraft and Wizardry Escape Room in London. In this one-hour escape room, your magical group become students of a “prestigious School of Witchcraft and Wizardry” — taking your O.W.L.s — I mean generic end of year exams. Can you get out with an “Outstanding” or will you walk away with a “T” for “Troll?” 

The Enigma Quest Harry Potter London escape room is intended for teams of 3-5 people, though their website claims the School of Witchcraft and Wizardry can be completed by a team of 2 if you really know your stuff. 

Location : 2-12 Wilson Street, EC2M 7LS, Shoreditch

Cost : From £105

City of Wizards outdoor escape

City of Wizards is a different sort of escape room — instead of being locked in a physical room, you are set with tasks and clues to solve throughout London City. To play the game, you download an app and take on the role of Theodgar, a wizard who wants to protect non-magic folk. 

This variation of a Harry Potter escape room begins at Westminster station and takes you to many of the Harry Potter filming locations in London. This might be a nice choice for someone limited on time who wants to combine the experience of an escape room with a Harry Potter walking tour. 

This costs from € 9.99 per person. 

Spend a day at the Harry Potter studio tour

Of course you can’t miss the number one Harry Potter attraction in London: the Harry Potter studio tour. This gives you access to the actual film studio where the eight Harry Potter films were made. 

You’ll get to see the actual sets like the Gryffindor common room, the potions room, Gringotts Bank, the Great Hall, and Dumbledore’s Office. You’ll see what it feels like to stroll down the real Diagon Alley and relax in the Weasleys’ kitchen. 

You’ll also get to try butterbeer on tap as well as butterbeer ice cream — this is one of only a few places in the world where you can do so, the Harry Potter store in NYC being one of the others. It’s also one of the best places to buy official Harry Potter merchandise in London. 

Make sure you give yourself plenty of time to enjoy the Harry Potter studio tour, because it’s so much bigger than people think. It’s also a little ways outside of the city center, which means you’ll need to take a train and then a free bus, or book your tour through a third party tour company . 

Whichever way you choose, make sure you book this early! Slots for the studio tour sell out literally months in advance. 

Watch the Harry Potter & the Cursed Child play

I’ll be the first to say that my feelings about the plot and script of Cursed Child are — mixed. If you’re not aware, Potter author JK Rowling developed the storyline for the play, which takes place when Potter and his friends are adults sending their children to school.

But the Cursed Child play was written by another writer, Jack Thorne. Some people consider it a disgrace, others love it, and still others — like me — mostly enjoy it but prefer to consider it fan fiction as opposed to actual Potter canon. 

Anyway, if you haven’t seen Cursed Child live, then you really need to, if for no other reason than the amazing special effects. Yes, they do magic on stage! 

While Cursed Child has been condensed in some cities — like New York — into one single play, it’s still done in the original two parts at the Palace Theater in London, so this will take up a chunk of your time on your Harry Potter tour of London.

Tip : If you book the Original Harry Potter Locations walking tour on a weekend morning, it takes you right to the Palace Theater before the first part of Cursed Child starts.

Check out the London Harry Potter shops 

If you’re a Potterhead doing a Harry Potter tour of London, of course you’re going to want to load up on magical souvenirs. London has really embraced its Harry Potter tourism, and there are always new Harry Potter shops popping up all over the city, some that are better than others. 

You probably already know about the Platform 9 ¾ shop at King’s Cross Station, but there are lots more to choose from as well, depending on the type of souvenirs you’re looking to buy. There’s also a lot of stores that are selling cheap versions of merchandise at premium prices. 

To make the best choices for the best Harry Potter shops in London, check out my guide to the best and worst shops, including details on pricing and what you’ll find at each. 

Visit a Harry Potter pub: the Cauldron

The Cauldron Bar in London is a Harry Potter potions making experience for grown-ups. You can get the experience of being in a Hogwarts potions class with the added benefit of enjoying an adult beverage, creating your own cocktail or mocktail. 

This Harry Potter pub in London has really committed to the theme, with an all-out magical decor and environment. They change up the themes of their classes depending on the season and even have special events for holidays like Christmas and Valentine’s Day (love potion, anyone?). 

While the Cauldron seems to be geared toward adults, there are options for children to participate as well. You can even get a “season pass” to come back for each new themed experience in the year. 

Adult tickets start at £35.99 at off-peak times and increase at more popular times. Make sure you book in advance.  

Location : 5D Stoke Newington Road, London

Photograph the Harry Potter statue in Leicester Square

If you don’t already know, Leicester Square is a big deal in cinema. It’s the site of the biggest movie premieres in England, including the Harry Potter films. Over the years, they’ve added some statues to the square as a tribute to some of the popular films that have premiered there, including Mary Poppins, Paddington Bear, and Mr. Bean. 

In 2023, there was another magical addition — a bronze statue of the boy wizard himself atop his Nimbus 2000. While there’s not much to do here except admire and take a photo, it’s probably worth stopping by in between other Harry Potter attractions in London. 

Try your hand at Harry Potter Pub Trivia

It’s going to require a bit of luck (or obsessive planning) to enjoy this activity on a list of Harry Potter things to do in London: participate in Harry Potter pub trivia. But if you’re an avid book or movie fan, you’ll want to try to find an event if you can! 

There aren’t currently any pubs that have a regular Harry Potter trivia night that I’ve been able to find. Some pubs that host occasional events that you should check out are: the Market House Brixton, the London Pub , and The Albany London. Also, poke around on Facebook events and Eventbrite to see if you can find one. 

Bonus: Day trip to Oxford to visit several filming locations

If you have more time on your ultimate Harry Potter tour of London, consider taking a day trip to nearby Oxford University. In addition to being one of the most famous and prestigious universities in the world, it’s also rife with Harry Potter sights.

At Oxford, you can visit the real-life inspiration for the Hogwarts great hall as well as some Harry Potter filming locations, like where they filmed the Hogwarts Hospital Wing, a Hogwarts staircase, part of the Hogwarts library, and the courtyard in which Moody transforms Malfoy into a ferret. 

Related : To find other places with a Hogwarts feel, take a train up to Manchester, UK for the weekend, and check out the John Ryland’s Library and Chetham’s Library . 

For this day trip, you can do a self-guided tour using public transportation ( check for trains using Omio ), or sign up for a third party that will transport you and potentially give you a Harry Potter guided tour of Oxford as well. 

There are also tours (I’ve done one myself) that combine transportation to the Harry Potter Studios with a short stop in Oxford to explore. 

That concludes my ultimate list of Harry Potter things to do in London. With this information, you should be able to plan an amazing trip and see all there is to do for Potterheads in London.

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I'm Constance, an avid reader and traveler. I love tracking down the best literary sights everywhere I go, from the best indie bookstores to author's homes and fictional locations you can visit in real life. I'm also passionate about all things tea and chocolate. I have a BA in English literature and an MS in Nutrition Science.

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Are you a fan of Harry Potter? Or maybe you know someone who loves the series? London is a special place for fans like us. It has many Harry Potter spots to explore. Don’t miss out on seeing them when you’re in the city!

The old streets, ancient buildings, and secret alleys of the city have been key in making the magical world of Harry Potter come alive in the movies.

As a fan myself, the first time I visited London, I went on a guided walking tour. It was a thrill to recognize some locations from the films and books, places where Harry, Hermione, and Ron had their adventures, which felt almost like meeting old friends in the most unexpected of places. 

However, I quickly realized there were many more magical nooks and crannies that I couldn’t identify on my own. This realization inspired me to write this guide to help fellow fans find these spots easily and explore them independently. Hunting down each location turned into an adventure, piecing together the magical puzzle that London hides in plain sight.

Now, I’m thrilled to share these discoveries with you, ready for you to explore on your own with ease!

Limited time? Here’s a sneak peek inside:

Where to find the magic: harry potter filming locations in london.

It’s been over 25 years since the release of “Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, ” and the fascination with the series remains strong.

This guide is your passport to discovering the magic of Harry Potter in London , featuring 15 must-visit locations that every Potterhead should know.

For easy navigation, this guide is organized by sections (locations near Embankment, West End, City of London, North London) so that locations near each other are grouped together, making your magical journey through London as smooth as possible.

1. Warner Bros Studio – The Making Of Harry Potter

Our first stop is a pilgrimage to where the magic of the books came to life—The Warner Bros Studio – The Making of Harry Potter in Leavesden. Though not located within London itself, Leavesden is just a short journey from the city, making it easily accessible for visitors. Its proximity ensures that it’s well worth the journey for Harry Potter fans.

Imagine walking through the Great Hall, its tables set for a grand feast, or wandering down Diagon Alley, peering into the shop windows. For any fan, it offers an unforgettable journey into the heart of the wizarding world, making it a must-visit destination.

During my first trip to London, I didn’t get the chance to visit the Warner Bros Harry Potter studio since I got there a week earlier than my cousin. I held off on making plans, hoping to align our schedules, but unfortunately, by the time we attempted to secure our spot, it was fully booked.

So, a piece of advice from me? Make sure to book your tickets early!

Locations near Embankment

2. 🪄 Great Scotland Yard  as Ministry of Magic

📍Great Scotland Yard, magically transformed into the Ministry of Magic entrance in the Harry Potter series, is where the wizarding world blends with everyday Muggle life. Featured in Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince and Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1 , it’s a must-see for fans wanting to walk in the footsteps of Harry and Mr. Weasley.

🎬 Movie: Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince; Deathly Hallows Part 1

🎥 Scene: In Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, Harry and Mr. Weasley uses a phone box located at the junction of Scotland Place and Great Scotland Yard to descend into the Ministry of Magic. 

In a scene from Deathly Hallows Part 1, concealed by Harry’s invisibility cloak, the trio stuns Ministry workers to infiltrate the Ministry of Magic. They cleverly use Polyjuice Potion to assume the workers’ identities as part of their disguise.

🏢 Scotland Place, Great Scotland Yard, London

🚇 Embankment, 4 min walk

The tour I joined started here, a popular spot for Harry Potter walking tours, where groups of fans frequently gather to begin their magical journey through London.

Despite its significance in the films, visitors should note that the phone box used by Harry and Arthur Weasley was a prop and is not present at the location. The attempt to find this magical entry point will be in vain, as the prop was removed after filming, leaving no physical phone box on site.

3. 🚇 Westminster Tube as Featured in Harry Potter

📍Westminster Tube Station makes an appearance in Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, showing the moment when Mr. Weasley and Harry navigate the complexities of the Muggle world on their way to the Ministry of Magic. This scene charmingly highlights Mr. Weasley’s fascination with Muggle innovations.

🎬 Movie: Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix

🎥 Scene: During a scene in Harry Potter and The Order of the Phoenix, Mr. Weasley (Ron’s dad) and Harry use the Westminster Tube Station to reach the Ministry of Magic. Mr. Weasley’s wonder at the Muggle transportation system is evident when he remarks, ‘Train’s underground, genius, these muggles’.

🏢 Westminster, London

🚇 Westminster Station

This location provides Harry Potter fans with a tangible connection to the series, allowing them to walk in the footsteps of their beloved characters through one of London’s most iconic and bustling tube stations.

🎥✨ Ready to explore the magic of Harry Potter on your own? Download the Harry Potter Movie Location Tour App here to start your wizaring journey! 📱🧙‍♂️

4. 🌉 Lambeth Bridge 

📍Lambeth Bridge was shown in a thrilling Knight Bus scene from Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban movie. The magical triple-decker bus that Harry boards was filmed crossing this very bridge over the River Thames.

🎬 Movie: Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban

🎥 Scene: The iconic scene with the Knight Bus in The Prisoner of Azkaban features it expertly navigating between two double decker buses on Lambeth Bridge, showing the bus’s magical ability to dodge Muggle traffic and safely deliver Harry to the Leaky Cauldron.

🏢 Lambeth Bridge, London

🚇 Westminster, Lambeth North

5. 🏦 Australia House as Gringotts Bank

📍The majestic entrance hall of the Australian High Commission on the Strand famously served as Gringotts Bank in Harry Potter and The Philosopher’s Stone. The building’s imposing façade and ornate interior provided the ideal setting for Gringotts Bank, convincingly transporting viewers into the wizarding world’s most secure bank.

🎬 Movie: Harry Potter and The Philosopher’s Stone

🎥 Scene: In the first movie, Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, Harry enters Gringotts Wizarding Bank for the first time with Hagrid and is amazed to see Goblin bankers.

🏢 Australia House, Strand, London

🚇 Temple, 5 min walk

The building is not open to the public, but its exterior can be admired from the street.

In reality, Australia House serves as a gateway for those looking to explore Australia, operating within typical Muggle office hours, Monday to Friday, until 5pm.

6. 🚽 Horse Guards Avenue Underground Toilets

📍In Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1, the underground toilets at Horse Guards Avenue provided a magical entrance to the Ministry of Magic. The attention to detail is evident, down to the statue that exists in reality, though the “Gentlemen” sign was a magical addition for the film.

🎬 Movie: Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1

🎥 Scene: The scene involves Harry, Hermione, and Ron as they infiltrate the Ministry of Magic in their quest to find and destroy Voldemort’s Horcruxes. The trio uses the magical entrance located in the underground toilets at Horse Guards Avenue to gain access to the Ministry.

🏢 Horse Guards Avenue, Whitehall, London

🚇 Westminster, 4 minutes walk

West End Locations

7. 🌆 Piccadilly Circus and Shaftesbury Avenue

📍Piccadilly Circus and Shaftesbury Avenue feature prominently in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1, where the trio’s flight from Death Eaters leads them through the heart of London’s bustling streets. This iconic location becomes the backdrop for a dramatic moment in the series, blending the magical world with the familiar sights of the city.

🎥 Scene: In a gripping scene from Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1, Harry, Ron, and Hermione make a dramatic escape from Death Eaters by apparating directly into the heart of London at Piccadilly Circus. The exterior shots capture the trio rushing through London’s West End, navigating around Piccadilly Circus and up Shaftesbury Avenue. As they pass a row of stone pillars, Hermione explains their location, guiding them to a nearby cafe.

🏢 Piccadilly Circus, London

🚇 Piccadilly Circus, 2 min walk

City of London

8. 🧙‍♂️ Leadenhall Market as Diagon Alley

📍Leadenhall Market, a historic place in the heart of London, transforms into the magical Diagon Alley and the entrance to the Leaky Cauldron in Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone. Although you’re more likely to find cheese and wine than cloaks and wands today, this 14th-century covered market still echoes its cinematic portrayal. Notably, the entrance to the Leaky Cauldron is cleverly disguised as an optician’s shop at 42 Bulls Head Passage.

🎬 Movie: Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone

🎥 Scene: In Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone (also known as “Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone” in some countries), Hagrid and Harry Potter enter the Leaky Cauldron for the first time together.

Although the exterior of the Leaky Cauldron in this particular scene was inspired by the magical and historic feel of Leadenhall Market in London, the movie magic blended real locations with studio sets to create the wizarding world we see on screen.

🏢 42 Bulls Head Passage, Leadenhall Market, London

🚇 Monument, a short walk to the market

9. 🍲 Borough Market as Leaky Cauldron

📍Borough Market, with its rich history spanning over a thousand years, is a culinary haven and a must-see destination. For Harry Potter fans, it holds an extra sprinkle of magic, serving as the backdrop for the Leaky Cauldron’s entrance in Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban . Specifically, the scene was filmed at 7 Stoney Street, a location nestled within the market’s vibrant confines, adjacent to the Market Porter Pub.

🎥 Scene: In Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, Borough Market is used as the entrance to the Leaky Cauldron. The scene shows Harry being dropped off by the Knight Bus in a bustling urban area, where he then enters the pub through what appears to be an ordinary shop front.

🏢 7 Stoney Lane, Borough Market, London

🚇 London Bridge, just a short walk away

10. 🌉 Millennium Bridge in Harry Potter

📍The Millennium Bridge featured in a memorable scene from Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, dramatically collapsing under the assault of the Death Eaters. This modern bridge symbolizes the dark forces of the wizarding world entering London. Its spectacular destruction at the film’s start is both shocking and visually striking.

🎬 Movie: Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince

🎥 Scene: The film opens with an terrifying scene where Death Eaters, emerging from a storm shaped like a skull, wreak havoc across London. After flying over iconic sites like Trafalgar Square and Charing Cross Road, they cause the Millennium Bridge to collapse into the River Thames, a spectacle that leaves onlookers from City Hall in disbelief.

🏢 Millennium Bridge, London

🚇 Blackfriars, Mansion House

11. 🏛 St. Paul’s Cathedral featured in Divination Class

📍St. Paul’s Cathedral is an architectural wonder that’s been standing for 324 years. For Harry Potter fans, the most magical part of the cathedral is the geometric staircase in the South West Tower. This staircase became the entrance to Professor Trelawney’s Divination class in, Harry Potter and The Prisoner of Azkaban.

The staircase is unique because it looks like it’s floating without any support. It’s not just in, The Prisoner of Azkaban” but also adds to the magic in, Harry Potter and The Goblet of Fire. The way this staircase spirals up, with no central support visible, seem like it defies gravity.

🎬 Movie: Harry Potter and The Prisoner of Azkaban; Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire

🎥 Scene: The cathedral’s geometric staircase doubles as the Divination Staircase seen in Hogwarts, particularly in The Prisoner of Azkaban and The Goblet of Fire.

🏢 St. Paul’s Cathedral, London

🚇 St. Paul’s Station

🏰 Discover the secrets behind the iconic geometric staircase, famously featured in Harry Potter movies. 🔮✨ Book your magical journey here now! 🪄📚

North London Spots

12. 🐍 London Zoo – The Reptile House Encounter

📍The London Zoo’s Reptile House is where Harry discovers his magical ability to speak with snakes, a moment that hints at his connection to the darker elements of the wizarding world. It’s a scene that highlights both his innocence and his inherent magical abilities.

🎥 Scene: In Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, during a visit to the London Zoo, Harry Potter discovers his ability to speak Parseltongue in the Reptile House. He communicates with a Burmese python, astonishing everyone when the glass of the snake’s enclosure vanishes, allowing the snake to momentarily escape.

This incident, where Harry empathizes with the python’s desire to return to Burma, marks his first known use of magic. The scene highlights Harry’s unique connection to the magical world, setting the foundation for his journey as a wizard.

🏢 London Zoo, Regent’s Park, London

🚇 Camden Town, a short walk to the zoo.

🐍✨ Visit the very place where Harry first discovered his ability to speak Parseltongue at the Reptile House. 🌟 Book your adventure now and walk in the footsteps of your favourite wizard! 🎟️

13. 🚂 King’s Cross Station – The Portal to Hogwarts

📍King’s Cross Station is a must-visit for any Harry Potter fan, known for the legendary Platform 9 ¾, the departure point for Hogwarts students. While you can’t visit the actual platform without a valid train ticket, there’s a designated spot by the Harry Potter 9 ¾ Shop where fans can pose as if they’re pushing a trolley through the wall.

🎬 Movie: All Harry Potter movies

🎥 Scene: King’s Cross is immortalized in the Harry Potter series as where students catch the Hogwarts Express from Platform 9 ¾, beginning their journey to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.

In the first Harry Potter movie, “Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone” (also known as “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone” in some regions), Harry, accompanied by the Weasley family, stands before the barriers between Platforms 9 and 10 at King’s Cross Station. Harry watches as the Weasley children effortlessly disappear through the magical barrier leading to Platform 9 ¾, the secret platform where the Hogwarts Express awaits.

Encouraged by Mrs. Weasley, Harry takes a deep breath, pushes his trolley forward, and runs at the barrier successfully and passes through.

In Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2, the station plays a significant role in the epilogue of the series, set 19 years later, where an adult Harry, Ginny, Ron, and Hermione are seen sending their own children off to Hogwarts.

This scene brings the series full circle, showing King’s Cross as a place of beginnings and endings, as well as a bridge between generations of wizards.

🏢 King’s Cross St. Pancras, London

🚇 King’s Cross St. Pancras, 1 min walk

For the films, platforms 4 and 5 were cleverly renumbered as 9 and 10 to bring the magical platform to life. Today, a special installation at the station allows fans to find the “hidden” entrance to Platform 9 ¾, complete with a luggage cart vanishing into the wall, ready for your photo op..

My sister’s place is just a walking distance from King’s Cross Station. Despite this, on my visits to London, I always missed the chance to take a photo at Platform 9 3/4. Since we head out early to explore the city and return late at night, the shop is closed, and the trolley is removed.

However, you can still snap a photo with the wall, just not with the trolley.

14. 🚙 St Pancras Station – The Flying Ford Anglia Departure

📍St Pancras Station captures a memorable moment in Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets where Harry and Ron take to the skies in the Ford Anglia. Chosen for its stunning architecture, St Pancras stands in for King’s Cross in this classic scene, offering a visually striking backdrop for their magical departure.

🎬 Movie: Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets

🎥 Scene: In Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, the iconic scene at St. Pancras Station features Harry and Ron taking an extraordinary flight in the Ford Anglia. The car magically lifts off from the forecourt of the station, soaring into the London sky as the boys embark on their unauthorized journey to Hogwarts. 

🏢 St Pancras Station, London

🚇 King’s Cross St. Pancras, 5 min walk

15. 🏠 Claremont Square as Order of the Phoenix Headquarters

📍Claremont Square, a picturesque and tranquil street in Islington, transforms into the mysterious 12 Grimmauld Place in Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix and Deathly Hallows Part 1. Its rows of houses provided the perfect inspiration for the exterior of Sirius Black’s family home, with filmmakers opting to recreate Grimmauld Place on a set, drawn by the unique charm of Claremont Square’s façades.

🎬 Movie: Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, Deathly Hallows Part 1

🎥 Scene: Claremont Square serves as the backdrop for the secret headquarters of the Order of the Phoenix, where the rows of houses conjure the magical, hidden presence of Grimmauld Place in the heart of London.

With a spell, the buildings magically shift apart, and Number 12, Grimmauld Place, reveals itself, expanding from the space where it was concealed by a charm to keep it hidden from the outside world.

🏢 Claremont Square, Islington, London

🚇 Angel, 5 min walk

Map of Harry Potter Locations

🗺 Other Harry Potter Locations in London to Explore

These locations offer Harry Potter fans a unique way to explore London through the lens of their favourite wizarding world, blending the magic of the series with the rich culture of the city.

🪄✨ Leicester Square – Harry Potter Statue

A magical addition to Leicester Square, there’s a cool statue of Harry Potter flying on his broom. It’s a fun spot for fans to see Harry in action and snap a photo with him!

🧙‍♂️⛫ Legoland – Harry Potter Legos

Experience the wizarding world in miniature at Legoland, where Harry Potter-themed Lego sets recreate famous scenes and characters with amazing precision.

🎭🔮 West End – Harry Potter and The Cursed Child

Step into a new chapter of magic at the West End with Harry Potter and The Cursed Child, set around 19 years after the events of “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows,” the final book in the Harry Potter series. The play focuses on the next generation, particularly Harry Potter’s youngest son, Albus Severus Potter, as he attends Hogwarts and deals with the legacy of his family’s past.

Cecil Court – Diagon Alley

Often cited as a real-life Diagon Alley, Cecil Court charms with its array of shops selling theatrical memorabilia, maps, first edition children’s books, and even magical supplies, all next to Wyndham’s Theatre.

Goodwin’s Court – Knockturn Alley

Hidden in the heart of the bustling West End, Goodwin’s Court boasts architecture that dates back to the 17th century, with its narrow, dimly lit passageway and vintage gas lamps. It’s often rumored that this enchanting spot served as the inspiration for Knockturn Alley, the notorious dark wizarding alley in the Harry Potter series. This hidden gem provides a fascinating glimpse for fans into a place that feels like a real-life version of the mysterious and slightly eerie shopping district famous for its assortment of shady magical items.

House of Minalima – Harry Potter Art Prints

Discover the visual world of Harry Potter at the House of Minalima, perfect for Harry Potter fans and art lovers.

Magical Stays: Accommodations in London

Budget Stay: 💤 Generator Hostel

Vibrant and youthful, The Generator Hostel offers both dormitory-style and private rooms, perfect for those who want to save their Galleons for more adventures. It’s got a lively bar and a chill-out lounge that’s great for meeting fellow Potterheads and muggles alike.

📍Near King’s Cross Station, you’re just a hop away from Platform 9 ¾ and a short tube ride from other Harry Potter sites around London.

Mid Range : 💤 The Resident Soho

Located in the bustling Soho district, The Resident offers stylish and comfortable rooms with kitchenettes, making it a great base for exploring nearby Diagon Alley stand-ins like Cecil Court and Goodwin’s Court. Plus, you’re surrounded by great dining and nightlife.

📍Soho, a quick stroll to the West End where you can catch “Harry Potter and the Cursed Child” and immerse yourself in the magic of theatre.

Luxury Stay: 💤 The Savoy

For those looking to indulge in a spellbinding stay, The Savoy is an iconic luxury hotel offering luxurious rooms and suites, exquisite dining experiences, and impeccable service. It’s like staying at the Hogwarts of the Muggle world, with all the charm and elegance one could wish for.

📍Situated on the Strand, you’re close to the Thames for a magical walk and within a wand’s throw from the Ministry of Magic (Great Scotland Yard) and other central London attractions.

Other Harry Potter Experience

Harry potter escape room.

Challenge yourself and your friends in Harry Potter-themed escape rooms, where puzzles and mysteries await to test your wizarding skills.

🫖🍪 Harry Potter Afternoon Tea

Experience the charm of the wizarding world with a Harry Potter afternoon tea. Indulge in enchanting treats and magical teas that would make even Mrs. Weasley proud.

🧁 Reserve your Harry Potter Tour with Afternoon Tea now!

🧪📚 Attend a Potions Class

Step into the shoes of a Hogwarts student with a hands-on potions class. Mix your own magical concoctions under the guidance of an expert potion master.

🧙🏻Brew up some magic! Book this Harry Potter Tour with Magical Potion Class here .

Beyond London: Harry Potter Locations Across the UK

🏰🧹 alnwick castle: the quidditch lessons.

Alnwick Castle’s stunning grounds transformed into the backdrop for Harry’s first Quidditch lessons in “The Philosopher’s Stone.” This iconic location brings to life the thrilling moment when Harry discovers his natural talent for flying on a broomstick.

🏞️🏕️ Malham Cove: The Camping Site

The rugged and breathtaking landscape of Malham Cove in Skipton provided the perfect, secluded backdrop for Harry and Hermione’s camping scenes in “The Deathly Hallows Part 1.” This natural limestone formation offers visitors a glimpse into the dramatic and serene setting that helped bring some of the series’ most introspective moments to life.

🏰✨ Durham Cathedral: Hogwarts Exteriors

Imagine stepping into the pages of your favourite Harry Potter book as you wander around Durham Cathedral. This place, with its ancient walls and mystical vibe, literally transformed into Hogwarts right before our eyes in the movies!

🚂🌉 Glenfinnan Viaduct: The Journey to Hogwarts

The Glenfinnan Viaduct, with its iconic arches, serves as the scenic route for the Hogwarts Express in the Harry Potter films, showcasing the breathtaking Scottish landscape. This location represents the magical transition from the ordinary world to the extraordinary realm of Hogwarts, making it a symbol of adventure and discovery in the series.

🏰📚 Oxford: Hogwarts Interiors

The historic buildings of Oxford, including New College and Christ Church, doubled as Hogwarts interiors, their ancient halls and stone corridors providing the perfect setting for a world where history and magic intertwine.

🎬✨ If you’re pressed for time but eager for adventure, this tour is your golden ticket to explore not one, but two iconic Harry Potter destinations in a single day, Warner Bros Studio Tour + Oxford – book now and let the magic begin!

The Magic continues

The magic never really ends, does it? The world of Harry Potter, with its magical locations and spellbinding adventures, opens a door to a world where anything feels possible. It’s as if we’ve embarked on this incredible journey together, retracing the steps of Harry, Hermione, and Ron. Every spot we’ve visited has been a piece of the magic we hold dear.

Stepping into these locations is like to stepping into the pages of our favourite stories, where the boundary between our world and the wizarding world blurs, and for a moment, magic feels palpably real. It’s an experience that rekindles our childlike wonder, reminding us that magic can be found in the most unexpected places.

If you’re as spellbound by Harry Potter’s world as I am, then these places will surely mesmerize you. And if you’re looking to keep a bit of this magic with you, why not let a piece of it come directly to your doorstep? For those enchanted postcards that carry the essence of the wizarding world, feel free to visit my Ko-fi page.

It’s like receiving an owl post from a friend, bringing a sprinkle of Hogwarts magic right to you.

And there we have it, fellow muggles, witches and wizards, a guide through the nooks and crannies of London, tracing the steps of our favourite magical trio.

As we close this chapter and tuck away our Marauder’s Maps, remember: “Happiness can be found, even in the darkest of times, if one only remembers to turn on the light.”

So, until our next magical journey,

Mischief Managed 🪄

Uncover more of Harry Potter and London, explore these posts for further adventures.

Looking for the perfect Harry Potter Instagram caption for your next post?

Curious about where to find the Harry Potter merchandise and souvenirs?

Plan your a magical family adventure in London!

—The content on this blog, including all images and text related to movie scenes, is used for commentary, criticism, educational, and analytical purposes under the Fair Use doctrine. All movie scene screenshots and other copyrighted material are property of their respective copyright owners and are used here for illustrative purposes only. Our intention is to engage in a critical discussion about cinema and to explore its elements in depth, without infringing on the original works’ market value or copyright. The use of any copyrighted material is done on a non-commercial basis and is not intended to substitute for the original work. All efforts have been made to attribute the copyrighted materials correctly to their sources. If you are a copyright holder and believe your content is being used inappropriately, please contact us, and we will address the issue promptly.

Gailey, the creative mind behind Postcards from G, is a travel blogger, Potter head, and a passionate postcard enthusiast who developed a deep love for travel during her upbringing in the Philippines. After studying Tourism and working in the airline industry for a decade, Gail found her passion in the hotel sector after moving to Canada. With a wealth of travel experience spanning 20 countries countries, she's on a mission to help others plan their own adventures through her blog, whether they're new to traveling or seasoned explorers. But that's not all—Gail's postcard collection is a testament to her love for the written word and connecting with people from all corners of the globe.

18 Most Magical Harry Potter Locations in London

Follow the steps of harry potter throw london with this guide.

The enchanting realm of Harry Potter has left its mark on numerous locations throughout the British capital. Many scenes from the films were filmed in London. Some are quite obvious, while others are more hidden. But fear not! There’s no need to run into train station walls to unearth these magical spots. We’re here to guide you to 18 captivating Harry Potter filming locations in London. So, let’s get started. Aparecium!

These articles may also interest you:

• The ULTIMATE Harry Potter London Guide
• Our TOP 12 Things to Do in London
• Best 16 Attractions in London

What will you find in this article?

• Explore these 18 Harry Potter locations in London on your own or choose a guided walking tour ( starting at just £17 ).
• Check out the Harry Potter Warner Bros. Studios , where you can explore the original filming spots.
• Craft your own potions at The Cauldron Bar .
• Spot numerous additional Harry Potter filming locations across England .

The Most Magical Harry Potter Filming Locations in London

Put on your most comfortable shoes and get ready to discover the best of Harry Potter in London. These are the 18 must-visit spots that every Harry Potter fan should visit on a trip to London:

Platform 9 ¾ in King’s Cross Station

London boasts the most renowned setting in the history of Harry Potter: King’s Cross Station. It stands as the ultimate destination for Harry Potter fans visiting the city. Here, you’ll find the one-of-a-kind, enchanting Platform 9 3/4.

Some time ago, this magical trolley was halfway between the Hogwarts Express and the Muggle world. Best of all, it was located on Platform 9 of King’s Cross Station.

However, after the station’s renovation, in part due to the large number of tourists visiting the site, this area is now unfortunately only accessible to people with a valid train ticket. But there’s a solution! The iconic Harry Potter scene has been relocated a few meters away to a more accessible location in the station’s main hall. If you’re planning to visit this spot, be prepared for the crowds. But with a little patience, everyone manages to capture their coveted photograph.

Note: You will find the trolley next to the official Harry Potter store. There, a member of the store’s staff will provide you with a scarf and toss it in the air to create the illusion of you running through the wall while another staff member takes a photograph. You can purchase a professional photo at the store if desired, but it’s entirely optional. Otherwise, you are more than welcome to take your own photo for free.

The Reptile House at London Zoo

In the first Harry Potter movie, the young wizard talks to a snake for the first time and discovers his magical abilities. If you want to visit this filming location from the Harry Potter movie, you’ll have to take a trip to the London Zoo’s Reptile House. Finding the enclosure that Dudley fell into in the movie scene after an altercation with Harry will be easy, thanks to a sign. A visit to the London Zoo is highly recommended, especially if you’re in London with children.

St. Pancras Renaissance Hotel at the Entrance to King's Cross Station

You can see the St. Pancras Renaissance Hotel in Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, which served as the King’s Cross Station entrance. In the real world, the St. Pancras Renaissance Hotel is and remains a hotel. That means you can spend the night there, dear Harry Potter fans! However, the location overnight adventure comes with a steep price. The St. Pancras Renaissance Hotel is awarded five stars and is correspondingly high-priced, so not all Muggles will have the pleasure of bedding down in the precious feathers.

Fun Fact: Not only were scenes for Harry Potter shot at the Hotel St. Pancras Renaissance but also scenes for Batman and 102 Dalmatians films. Even the Spice Girls’ Wannabe music video happened here.

The Leaky Cauldron in Leadenhall Market

One of the most beautiful places in the city of London is the covered Leadenhall Market. Harry Potter fans will immediately see the resemblance to Diagon Alley. There’s a store in the Bull’s Head Passage, which was the entrance of the pub “Leaky Cauldron” in the first Harry Potter movie. Still, Leadenhall Market served primarily as a model for the film set at Warner Bros Film Studios, not as the actual filming location. Most of the filming occurred at the Warner Bros. studio lot.

The Shops in Cecil Court in Covent Garden

Diagon Alley of Harry Potter was inspired by various streets in central London. However, the series took much inspiration from Cecil Court in Covent Garden. If you walk through Cecil Court, you’ll quickly realize why! Colorful shop windows full of books and curious objects immediately make you feel like you’re in the famous shopping street from the magical world of Harry Potter. But that’s not all! In these stores, you will see many extraordinary fan items you would hardly find elsewhere.

Cecil Court is also a great place to look for curious objects and fan items related to other British institutions, such as Sherlock Holmes, Paddington Bear, and Alice in Wonderland.

Goodwin’s Court inspired the Diagon Alley

When I first walked into Goodwin’s Court, I couldn’t help but be amazed by its striking resemblance to Harry Potter’s Diagon Alley! This small narrow alley in central London is a bit difficult to find if you don’t know exactly where to look. But you can reach it from St Martins Lane or Bedfordbury.

If you’ve been to Warner Bros. Studios, where the films were shot, you’ll notice the resemblance especially quickly! There, as you know, you can walk through the actual Diagon Alley used as a backdrop!

Tacos El Pastor - Borough Market

This is one of my favorite Harry Potter-related places! In Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, Harry escapes from his home and boards the Knight Bus, which transports him to a spot in the Borough Market. The destination is The Leaky Cauldron, which serves as a pub and gateway between the wizarding and Muggle worlds. Interestingly, the front door that acts as the entrance to this enchanting place in the film actually leads to a fantastic Mexican taco restaurant known as Tacos El Pastor!

I’m sure that regardless of whether you’re a fan of the movies or not, you’ll love these tacos! Plus, you may need to grab a bite to eat after a day of running around London, looking for film locations.

The South Africa House as Gringotts

The South African Embassy in London is located right on Trafalgar Square and served as a backdrop in the Harry Potter films. The embassy is one of the most eye-catching buildings in this area. Fans of the Harry Potter movies will find the shape of the facade made of columns very familiar: In the movies, it’s the entrance to Gringotts’ magical bank!

The Australian Embassy → Gringotts Interior

This building, located in Temple, between Covent Garden and the City, was used as the base to bring the famous magical bank Gringotts to life in the Harry Potter movies. The scenes inside the banking institution were mainly filmed here. However, its monumental exterior reminds us of the magical bank and is undoubtedly worth a photo.

Unfortunately, entry to the building is only possible with a visa. If you want to take photos with the real facade and interior of Gringotts, you should visit the Warner Bros. Studios exhibition.

• Piccadilly Circus

Few places in London are as famous as Piccadilly Circus. In Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1, this was the filming location for the outdoor scenes where Harry, Ron, and Hermione escape through London’s West End.

Our Expert Tip: Just a 5- to 10-minute walk from Piccadilly Circus is the House of MinaLima museum in Soho. The small store includes an exhibition of graphic objects and art inspired by the Harry Potter film series. The extensive collection of maps, newspapers, and movie props is unique and appreciated by die-hard fans. Many parts are faithfully reproduced and offered for sale in limited editions. Whether you want to buy a souvenir or just browse the design pieces, this spot is a must for Harry Potter fans!

Claremont Square

Claremont Square’s Houses was a filming location for Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix. It served as an exterior view of Grimmauld Square. In the movie, the house at number 12 Grimmauld Place belongs to Harry’s godfather, Sirius Black. It is also the headquarters of the Order of the Phoenix. After you’ve been to Platform 9 ¾ in King’s Cross, it’s not far to get here.

Claremont Square is located not far from the famous King’s Cross Station. You only need a few minutes‘ walk from the Tube Station Angel.

• Millennium Bridge

The Millennium Bridge connects London with the district of Southwark and ensures that pedestrians can cross the Thames dry-footed. It also offers fabulous views of the Tate Modern and St. Paul’s Cathedral. In the sixth part of the film series, Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, the Millennium Bridge is one of the most important filming locations and can be seen in some significant scenes.

London City Hall

London’s City Hall is the seat of the central county council and is featured in one of the first scenes of Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, even though the modern and beautiful landmark is not even mentioned in the books. In the film, City Hall employees witness the Dementor attack on the Millennium Bridge.

Westminster Station

All London visitors will sooner or later pass Westminster Station. After all, Big Ben and Westminster Abbey are also located in the immediate vicinity. But that’s not the only reason a stop at Westminster Station is worthwhile. Perhaps you remember the scene in Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince where Harry and Mr. Weasley pass through a train station on their way to the Ministry of Magic? Right. This is Westminster Station.

The Ministry of Magic at Great Scotland Yard

The Ministry of Magic could not have been better housed than on this street. As you head toward Scotland Place, you can already see the visitors’ entrance that Harry and Mr. Weasley took in Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince to get into the Ministry of Magic.

While it’s a shame, what you can’t see is the phone booth from the movie. Oh, how nice it would be if the whole Harry Potter world would coincide with reality!

Lambeth Bridge

You know the scene from Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban when the Noctambul bus is stuck on Lambeth Bridge between two other buses? Here’s your spot! Whether to your disappointment or relief, there are no mythical buses here. If you want to see those, then head to the Warner Bros Studios in London, where it is on display.

Charms at the Harrow School

In the real world, the magic classroom where the diminutive Professor Flitwick teaches is the Fourth Form Room at Harrow Boarding School. This stunning facility is a historic boys’ school dating back to the 16th century. Not only can you see the classroom you know from the movies on a guided tour, but you can also experience the atmosphere of a first-class boarding school in the UK. Just be sure to not get in the way of any magic happening—even if it’s just kids learning.

Surbiton Railway Station

In Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, Harry sits in the station café at Surbiton Railway Station and reads about the attacks on the Millennium Bridge. This is exactly the place where Harry was once picked up by Dumbledore. Lucky for you, muggle: The station is located just a little farther from the city center, southwest of London.

Guided Harry Potter Tours in London

Want to see as many locations of Harry Potter movies as possible in one day and as stress-free as possible? Take a walking tour of the filming locations! There are many options, whether on foot, in small groups, or in private tours. Here is a small overview of the different tickets for Harry Potter tours in London:

Warner Bros. Studios: Original Sets from the Harry Potter Saga

Another way to see Harry Potter filming locations is to visit the Harry Potter Studios. The lots are like the hallowed halls for Harry Potter fans. Whether it’s the original sets, costumes, props, or a glimpse of the special effects, in the studios, die-hard fans’ hearts swell at the sight of the many gems from the film. You’ll also have the chance to learn how the most magical special effects in the film series were created.

The pleasure is bittersweet, though, because the price of admission is steep. In this case, however, the bite into the sour apple is still worth it for every Potter fan, especially those traveling from outside the country. Frankly, you may never know when you can get the chance to visit again!

Of course, you’ll also find the Hogwarts location here. The scenes from inside the magic school were also shot in this studio. You can see the original backdrops on the tour, walk around, and take photos!

The studios are located outside London, so it’s best to plan a whole day for the visit. Both admission and transfer to the studios are convenient and can be managed through their website.

Check Availability 

The Cauldron: the Harry Potter Bar in London

Okay, the Cauldron Pub is not a Harry Potter filming location, strictly speaking. Still, I don’t take that too seriously because it definitely could be! If you want an atmosphere in London like in the Harry Potter movies, this is the place to be. It feels so authentic that I think it must be on this list.

This Harry Potter-esque bar in London combines magic with technology to give visitors a wizardly experience. Enter this mysterious place that’s a cool mix of the Leaky Cauldron, the Forbidden Forest, and a Three Wizards Tournament Tent. Here, you can make your own potion with the help of a cauldron and a wand!

More Harry Potter filming locations in England

Are you in London and dying to see where the exterior shots of Hogwarts were filmed? As you probably know, Hogwarts Castle doesn’t exist in reality—only in the Harry Potter world. But the Alnwick Castle was used for many shots . Unfortunately, this beautiful castle is not near London. Instead, it’s north of Newcastle on the Scottish border . Still, if you have the time for a trip to the area, you really won’t want to miss out.

What you see in the movies is a mix of special effects and a miniature version of Hogwarts, which you can check out at Warner Bros. Studios in London ! Otherwise, many schools in Edinburgh are said to have inspired Hogwarts, including George Heriot’s School and Fettes College . Why Edinburgh? Well, that’s the hometown of the Harry Potter series author, J.K. Rowling.

What you can visit, however, is the Hogwarts library . This is the oldest reading room in the Bodleian Library at Oxford University . Next door is Divinity School , whose building was used as the wizard school’s hospital wing , where curses and Quidditch injuries were cured.

At Durham Cathedral in Durham, the young wizards learned how to turn animals into water goblets .

Other filming locations are also in Scotland (Glenfinnan Viaduct and Lochaber) and Wales (Freshwater West and Pembrokeshire) . So, it’s actually already decided where your next trip should be!

Frequently asked questions about Harry Potter filming locations in London

Where in london was harry potter filmed.

In the city you will find 18 locations of the famous films, including:

• Kings Cross Station
• Reptile House at London Zoo
• St. Pancras Renaissance Hotel
• Diagon Alley in Leadenhall Market
• Entrance to the Leaky Cauldron at Borough Market
• The South Africa House as a magic bank

Where is the Diagon Alley in London?

Leadenhall Market in The City and Goodwin’s Court and Cecil Court in Covent Garden served as inspiration for the Diagon Alley. If you you want to walk through the actual Alley, you will need to visit the Warner Bros. Studios.

Where is the bridge of Harry Potter?

This refers to the Millennium Bridge, which connects the City of London with the borough of Southwark. In the movie “Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince” the bridge is destroyed by the followers of Voldemort. Hundreds of Muggles run across the bridge while Death Eaters fly over and under it, magically loosening the bridge’s bolts.

Where is the Leaky Cauldron in London?

For the first film, a blue store, which is now an optician, in Bull’s Head Passage in Leadenhall Market serves as the Leaky Cauldron. From the third film, the entrance to the Mexican taco restaurant Tacos el Pastor at Borough Market is the entrance to the pub.

Does Platform 9 ¾ exist in London?

Yes, it does. You can visit the fictional Platform 9 ¾ at Kings Cross Station. The film location was between tracks 4 and 5, but today they are only accessible to travelers. However, you will find the luggage trolley in the main hall of the station, where you will be able to take photos crossing to the platform 9 ¾.

The Ultimate Harry Potter London guide

Our Top 12 things to do in London

TOP 16 attractions in London

I love traveling in Europe and I am passionate about writing about my travels. The cultural peculiarities of each region always fascinate me. I enjoy exploring and discovering the best-kept secrets of each town or village. I love road trips as much as city breaks; I love visiting an art gallery and also the magic of musicals or discovering new delicacies in a street market. In this blog, I write about all my travel adventures and my best tips and tricks! Auf Loving Travel schreibe ich über alle meine Reiseerlebnisse und gebe euch meine besten Tipps und Tricks!

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Warner Bros reveal NEW Harry Potter attraction in the UK this summer

• A new mystical classroom will be displayed at Warner Bros. Studio Tour London
• READ MORE: Harry Potter OFFICIALLY set to become a TV show, bosses confirm

Harry Potter fans across the UK are set for an enchanting summer - as a new classroom is set to be unveiled at the Warner Bros. Studio Tour in London .  

In celebration of the 20th anniversary of Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, the Studio Tour in Leavesden will introduce visitors to the mystical art of Divination with the first-ever display of the Divination classroom set.

Fans will recognise this setting from when Harry, Ron, and Hermione attend their initial lesson with the enigmatic Professor Trelawney, known for her expertise in tea leaves, crystal balls, visions and astrology. 

This iconic classroom is integral to the film's plot, hinting at the dangers awaiting Harry. 

One of the classroom's notable props is the teacup Harry uses for Tessomancy, which ominously reveals the Grim - an omen of death, according to Professor Trelawney.

To some eagled-eyed fans, the Defence Against the Dark Arts and Divination classrooms may feel familiar.

During filming Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, filmmakers re-dressed the Defence Against the Dark Arts classroom to become the lush, fabric-covered Divination classroom we see on-screen.

Visitors can now explore the original teacup and other detailed set pieces from the mystical classroom up close, including rich red fabric lining the castle walls, numerous patterned rugs, and jewel-toned velvet pouffes.

As part of the 20th-anniversary celebrations and new for Return to Azkaban, visitors will receive an activity passport to participate in the new "Find Scabbers" trail. 

This interactive quest involves placing a map at four projection stations, revealing footprints that spell out Scabbers' location. 

The trail concludes in the wand room, where fans will uncover the elusive rat's hiding spot after holding their map up to the light. 

In addition to the Divination classroom, fans can explore the interior of the Knight Bus up close and in action, as a full cross-section of the set has been crafted by the original filmmakers. 

This immersive experience includes the set's characteristic rattling, swaying chandelier, moving beds, and fast-paced views of London's streets, replicating Harry's journey to the Leaky Cauldron.

The Studio Tour also features the original Leaky Cauldron bed and a demonstration of The Monster Book of Monsters.

Fans will witness The Monster Book of Monsters go on a rampage in Harry’s room and will be able to learn about the mechanics that brought the infamous book to life on screen. 

This summer, Warner Bros. Studio Tour London promises to transport visitors deeper into the magical world of Harry Potter, with new exhibits and interactive experiences celebrating a beloved chapter in the series.

For more details and to book to explore the new attraction, visit https://www.wbstudiotour.co.uk/. 

It comes after it was revealed in 2023 that the Harry Potter Studio Tour is the UK's most desired experience - and comes second globally. 

8 Best Harry Potter Things To Do In London

Posted on Last updated: 22 May 2024

Categories England , London

If you’re looking for the best Harry Potter things to do in London, look no further. Here’s our guide for all the wandering wizards and Hogwarts fans.

In the unlikely event that you don’t know of Harry Potter, he is the main character in a series of fantasy novels written by British author J K Rowling.

The novels follow the fantastical life of young wizard Harry Potter and his friends at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. 

As of February 2023, the books had sold more than 600 million copies worldwide, making them the best selling book series in history.

Table of Contents

1. Platform 9 3/4

An obvious number 1 on the Harry Potter things to do in London list!

Platform 9 3/4 is located at Kings Cross Station and is of course the platform is where Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry students board the Hogwarts Express.

In the films, students must catch the train from Platform 9 3/4 on the 1st September, in order to attend school.

However, you can visit and capture your London Instagram photos 365 days of the year, at possibly the most famous Harry Potter spot on your London itinerary !

Finding the luggage trolley embedded in the wall is simple. Take the tube to Kings Cross Underground Station and follow the exit signs to Kings Cross Rail Station.

Once you enter the overground station, look up for the big black departure boards showing all the train departure times. When facing the boards, turn to your left and you can’t miss it.

The Harry Potter shop is also located next door. Styled to resemble Ollivander’s wand emporium, you can find time turners, horcruxes and games, as well as Hogwarts school jumpers in house colours.

The trolley is accessible at all hours, and you don’t have to pay to take your own photographs.

There is a professional photographer on hand between 9am-9pm daily. Offering the service of photographing you with a scarf in your house colours, which is then available for you to view and purchase inside the Harry Potter shop next door.

2. Warner Bros Studio Tour

Warner Bros Studio Tour – The Making of Harry Potter is a permanent exhibit offering an authentic behind-the-scenes glimpse of the Harry Potter films.

One of the most popular tourist attractions in the UK, this is an absolute must on the Harry Potter things to do in London list!

“Step on to authentic sets, discover the magic behind spellbinding special effects and explore the behind-the-scenes secrets of the Harry Potter film series. Tread the original stone floor of the iconic Hogwarts Great Hall, encounter animatronic creatures and wander down Diagon Alley. Located at the Studios where all 8 films were produced, the Studio Tour showcases the incredible British talent, imagination and artistry that went into making the impossible a reality on screen.”

Located in Leavesden, it’s a little outside of central London, so the best option is to book your Ticket to Warner Bros. Studio Tour with Transfer in advance.

The first tour starts at 10:00 and the last tour is between 16:00 and 18:30 (depending upon the time of year, school holidays and weekends).

If you’re a Harry Potter fan this also makes for a great Fun Date Idea In London .

3. Harry Potter & The Cursed Child Show

Harry Potter and the Cursed Child is a 2016 British two-part play written by Jack Thorne based on an original story by J. K. Rowling, John Tiffany, and Thorne.

It is currently acted out in 6 locations around the world: London, New York, Melbourne, San Francisco, Hamburg and Toronto.

The plays depict what happens after the movies finish, and the story is acted out live on stage:

“While Harry grapples with a past that refuses to stay where it belongs, his youngest son Albus must struggle with the weight of a family legacy he never wanted. As past and present fuse ominously, both father and son learn the uncomfortable truth: sometimes, darkness comes from unexpected places.”

The London west end show is located at The Palace Theatre, with the nearest tube station being Leicester Square. Which is just a 5 min walk to the theatre.

The play is split into two performances, and performances are available from Wednesday to Sunday.

However if you wish to watch both parts of the play in one day, the best option is to visit on a Wednesday or Saturday where Part 1 is shown at 2pm and part 2 follows at 7.30pm.

Tickets start at as low as £15 per performance (£30 for both parts), although they can go up to £80 per performance (£160 for both parts) depending on choice of seating.

Both times and prices can be found via Harry Potter The Play website and, for the more mature fans, this is a great one to add to the Harry Potter things to do in London list!

4. Leadenhall Market

For a mix up of both the Wizarding world and the Muggle world, Leadenhall Market is perfect!

Leadenhall Market, which first appears in the film Harry Potter and the Philosophers Stone, is where Diagon Alley was transformed.

The place that gave Harry his first look into the world of wizardry!

This is one of the destinations included on the popular Harry Potter Guided Walking Tour .

The covered market in London, is home to high end fashion brands and cosy restaurants scattered among the cobblestones.

Just a 10 minute walk from the Tower Of London, it makes for the perfect place to rest your legs and grab a bite to eat.

In the film Harry Potter and the Philosophers Stone, you can see Harry and Hagrid pass through Leadenhall Market on their way to the Leaky Cauldron and Diagon Alley.

5. Take A Harry Potter Walking Tour

If you’re short on time, or simply want to leave the planning to someone else, then a walking tour is one of the easiest Harry Potter things to do in London.

The tours generally last 3-4 hours, as you explore the streets of London and indulge in your fandom for Harry Potter.

Most walking tours begin at King’s Cross Station, where the magical journeys of young wizards and witches begin, and your guide will take you to a few famous places in London that heavily inspired several locales in the book series.

Throughout this short adventure, you will be entertained with stories about London and trivia regarding the films.

6. Find The Harry Potter Film Locations

If the walking tour isn’t enough, then why not keep on going and hunt out all of the Harry Potter film locations around the capital!

We spent a full day exploring on the film locations alone, and it was a great day out in London .

This one is more for the die hard fans, but if you have plenty of time spare then there are always more spots to find.

Here’s a little list of some of the most popular ones:

• Diagon Alley: Leadenhall Market & Borough Market
• Platform 9 3/4: Kings Cross Station
• Cafe Attack: Piccadilly Circus/ Shaftesbury Ave
• Ministry of Magic: Great Scotland Yard, Scotland Place
• Gringotts Wizarding Bank: Australia House, Strand
• Harry First Speaks Parseltongue: London Zoo
• 12 Grimmauld Place: Lincoln’s Inn Fields
• The Three Bridges: Tower Bridge, Lambeth Bridge & Millennium Bridge

7. Hardy’s Original Sweetshop

The inspiration for the famous Honeydukes sweetshop, as seen in Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban.

So if you’re looking for Butterbeer, Bertie Bott’s Every Flavour Beans and Chocolate Frogs then this is your place.

Hardy’s is a traditional British sweet shop, who’s stores are magical emporiums for confectionery connoisseurs everywhere.

After finding out that J.K Rowling took inspiration from there old fashioned sweet stores, they of course stocked up and now supply Harry Potter treats across 12 stores around the UK.

There are actually a few Hardy’s Sweetshop’s located in London, however the most central are those near Leicester Square Underground Station.

We visited the one at 52 Charing Cross Rd and it was a candy lovers heaven!

A great addition to the Harry Potter things to do in London list, if you’re looking for souvenirs to take home!

8. House Of MinaLima

House of MimaLima is the design studio behind the graphic props of the Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts films.

Miraphora Mina and Eduardo Lima started working together in 2002, to imagine and create the graphic universe of the Harry Potter film series for Warner Bros.

Sharing a common artistic vision, they crafted the entire graphic style of all the Harry Potter movies, and have since opened a gallery and store showcasing their entire treasury of graphic works.

An absolute creatives heaven, this store/exhibition is an amazing place to pick up some unique works of art for your home, or even small gifts to take home and put on display.

You can purchase the prints on display and there is a shop on the ground floor with lots of Harry Potter trinkets.

Overall it’s a really interesting place for Harry Potter fans, and best of all it’s completely free to look around.

The exhibit in London is located at 26 Greek St, Soho and is open daily 10.30am-7pm.

If you’re looking for more things to do in London , other than Harry Potter, there are some awesome tours on Get Your Guide available to book in advance.

For all tourists visiting London, I recommend purchasing a Go City London Pass .

These are a great way of saving money when visiting multiple tourist attractions during your stay in London.

Where To Stay In London

The London EDITION

The London EDITION is located in central London’s Fitzrovia district, with Oxford Street, Theatreland and Piccadilly Circus all within a 10-minute walk.

Inside, there is a Michelin star restaurant, 2 cocktail bars, a 24-hour front desk, free WiFi and free use of the on-site fitness centre for all guests.

With a view of the vibrant city, each en suite room come with a flat-screen TV and air-conditioning. An iPod docking station, bathrobes and a mini-bar are also provided.

Each evening, the restaurant offers a contemporary British menu using fresh, British produce.

Corus Hotel Hyde Park

Set within a 20-minute walk from Royal Albert Hall and boasting a stylish, spacious piano lounge , Corus Hotel Hyde Park features modern rooms with free WiFi.

The hotel is just a 10-minute walk from Paddington Station, offering a direct train link to Heathrow Airport.

The cosy, air-conditioned bedrooms at Corus Hotel have private en-suite bathrooms and satellite TVs with on-demand movies. Rooms also feature work desks, tea/coffee facilities, iron and ironing boards.

The conservatory brasserie serves a modern European menu using seasonal produce.

Olio Bar offers light snacks and beverages, and overlooks Hyde Park.

The Queens Hostel

Featuring free WiFi, The Queens Hostel offers accommodation in London, just a 2-minute walk to Queens Park Rangers football stadium.

Guests can enjoy the on-site bar. Rooms come with a shared bathroom.

You can play tennis at this hostel, and the area is popular for golfing.

For more places to stay in London, you can check the latest prices on Booking.com .

Planning Your Trip

Book your flight.

Use Skyscanner to find a cheap flight.

They search websites and airlines around the globe to find you the best possible routes and prices.

Book Your Accommodation

Use Booking.com to find the best accommodation deals.

They consistently return the cheapest rates on everything from guesthouses to hotels for all of your budget needs.

Don’t Forget Travel Insurance

Use SafetyWing to find the best travel insurance for you.

They provide travel and medical incident insurance built specifically for digital nomads.

Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations.

Book Your Tours & Activities

Use GetYourGuide to book your activities in advance.

They sell the best tours, excursions and activities to attractions around the world.

Conveniently book, download and access your tickets on the move all from your mobile.

Book Your Rental Car

Use RentalCars.com to find the best deals on rental cars in the area.

They compare all major car rental companies and allow you to easily book the perfect vehicle for your trip.

Buy Those Last Minute Bits

Use Amazon to buy everything you need for your adventure.

They offer next day delivery and you can use my travel packing checklist to make sure you haven’t forgotten anything.

Pin It For Later

Universal Announces the End of ‘Jurassic World,’ ‘Harry Potter’ Attractions at Parks

in Universal Orlando

Universal Orlando Resort may soon welcome its new Epic Universe in 2025, but it’s still business as usual at Universal Studios Florida and Universal’s Islands of Adventure.

For those planning their upcoming summer vacations, take note that the resort has just announced the end of its popular Jurassic World and Harry Potter attractions.

Universal Takes Over

Over the last few decades, Universal Orlando Resort has existed in the shadows of its neighbor, Walt Disney World Resort. Together, these two theme park resorts, as well as other offerings like SeaWorld Orlando, have seen the Sunshine State become a hub of destination tourism.

There’s a reason Disney World’s Magic Kingdom Park is the most visited theme park in the world. It captures the unique fairytale charm of a 100-year-old legacy. That said, in recent years, Universal has pulled away from the Mouse and is now forging ahead with a development intensity not seen by Disney for a long time.

In 2023, Universal Destinations & Experiences revealed two new additions to its global empire: Universal Kids Resort in Frisco, Texas , and the Universal Horror Unleashed experience in Las Vegas, Nevada . The addition of a horror-themed destination is not unusual, considering how popular the Halloween Horror Nights event is at both Universal Orlando Resort and Universal Studios Hollywood.

Both of these additions saw Universal break out of the traditional East and West Coast model, which some fans claimed was akin to Disney’s major 1990s expansion plans under former CEO Michael Eisner .

Back in Florida, perhaps the most exciting new addition to the theme park landscape is the arrival of Universal’s Epic Universe. The sprawling 750-acre theme park will feature all-new themed lands, attractions, and even an in-park hotel. It is due to open in 2025.

Universal Reveals the End of Attractions

While fans of the Universal parks await the addition of these major new destinations, guests visiting Studios or Islands of Adventure in the coming months can experience familiar attractions like Jurassic World VelociCoaster and Despicable Me Minion Mayhem, as well as the upcoming summer entertainment schedule.

Universal Orlando Resort has now confirmed when guests will have to wave goodbye to these summer events. Including many iconic franchises and characters under Universal’s huge umbrella , the three summer entertainment options–Hogwarts Always, CineSational: “A Symphonic Spectacular,” and Universal Mega Movie Parade–will debut over the coming weeks.

Hogwarts Always takes place over Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry at the Hogsmeade side of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter. The nighttime show opens on Friday, June 14, 2024, and replaces The Nighttime Lights At Hogwarts Castle.

“Experience the wonder of Hogwarts™ Always, a breathtaking new show that takes you on a magical journey through a school year at Hogwarts™,” writes the official Universal Orlando Resort website . “Enjoy unforgettable music and incredible moments of wizardry, all set against the majestic backdrop of Hogwarts™ castle.”

While Hogwarts Always has only just begun entertaining guests, Universal has confirmed that the show will end on August 25, 2024. It should be noted that the Harry Potter -themed event is only performed on select nights.

As for CineSational: “A Symphonic Spectacular,” the show is also opening on June 14 and playing select nights through August 25. The light and water spectacular takes place over in Hollywood at Universal Studios Florida.

The official event page states , “Be swept away on a cinematic journey for your senses with stirring film scores and dancing fountains. “Relive your favorite movie moments through powerful soundtracks that evoke the mystery and magic of Harry Potter™, the pulse-pounding excitement of Jurassic World, and the gripping suspense of Jaws.”

Coming on July 3 will be the Universal Mega Movie Parade. Like CineSensational, the parade will take place in Hollywood at the Studios theme park. Universal has confirmed that the parade will close to all guests on November 14, where it will seemingly be replaced by the seasonal offering, Universal’s Holiday Parade featuring Macy’s.

“Your favorite movie characters leap off the screen and spring to life in a daytime parade,” the synopsis reads. “Excite all your emotions as you feel the roar of the T. rex, enjoy the adventure of E.T., embrace your true colors with Trolls, and more. You’ll laugh, you’ll cheer, you’ll relive memorable movie moments the whole family can enjoy.”

It will be interesting to see what Universal Destinations & Experiences will deliver at its new Epic Universe theme park. Chances are the entertainment profile will be even bigger than what the resort already offers.

With five new areas (Celestial Park, Dark Universe, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter: The Ministry of Magic, How to Train Your Dragon: Isle of Berk, SUPER NINTENDO WORLD), Universal has a lot of space to introduce fresh entertainment experiences alongside its new attraction offering.

And it may not stop there.

Related: New Universal Theme Park Shelved Indefinitely, Report Reveals

This week, it was shared that Universal now had the ability to develop hundreds more acres of land in the Epic Universe area , revealing that Universal’s plans to own its own version of Walt Disney World are well underway.

Across the pond, Universal is also dipping its two into the landscape of the United Kingdom, with a so-called Universal Great Britain resort potentially coming to Bedfordshire in the future .

Related: Universal Confirms Total Epic Universe Takeover Happening This Month

The Comcast Corporation, which owns Universal Destinations & Experiences, purchased a 476-acre parcel of land last year and held a period of public engagement between April and May 2024 .

What is your favorite time to go to Universal Orlando Resort? Are you excited about the new parks coming soon? Let Inside the Magic know in the comments down below!