Harry Potter is a massive attraction for many London tourists and a local favourite!
I’ve compiled a list of the best Harry Potter things to do in London so that you can make the most of your time in the city if you’re visiting soon and are as big a fan as I am.
There are plenty of Harry Potter things to do in London if you and your family are fans of the books and movies. From Harry Potter-themed attractions to movie set locations and afternoon tea to shopping!
Here’s my run-down of the top Harry Potter attractions in London. I have included a FAQ with all you need to know about Harry Potter locations London.
Harry Potter Things To Do In London
1. Stay At One Of The Harry Potter Hotels in London
If you’re hunting for Harry Potter places in London, why not go all out? Spend the night at one of the amazing Harry Potter-themed hotels.
There are three Harry Potter-themed places to stay, perfect for a short visit to London, whether you’re visiting around Easter, half-term or Christmas.
The lower ground floor of the Georgian House Hotel is a chamber of witchcraft and wizardry with different types of rooms with a mystical feel. Enjoy a magical afternoon tea and wizard potion-making, too!
Hagrid’s Hut is a replica of Hagrid’s Hut in the Harry Potter films. A unique character and a fan favourite, Hagrid lived in a spooky hut with spiders and furry friends (a three-headed dog).
Be aware that a miniature version of Aragog (Hagrid’s pet spider) will share the room with you!
Harry’s House is a short drive from the Warner Bros Studio, so it’s a great choice if you’ve got tickets to the studio tour.
If you are visiting London with kids, this house has bunk beds just like the Hogwarts dormitories, and the hallway and hall are complete with floating candles, just like those seen in the Great Hall in the films.
The house is packed with Harry Potter memorabilia, which fans will love.
2. Harry Potter at Warner Bros. Studio London
No Trip to London is complete for a Harry Potter fan without visiting Warner Bros. Studio.
It’s by far one of the best Harry Potter things to do in London, as you get to experience the real-life sets, props, and costumes used in the film franchise.
Some fan-favourite Harry Potter locations London from the film can be explored at the studio, including the Great Hall, home of the Sorting Hat Ceremony, and Diagon Alley London, where Harry buys his first wand and broomstick.
Get up close to real-life props and effects like the Chamber of Secrets door. While many think the door is special effects, it’s a physical and fully functioning door with motor-operated snakes.
You can even participate in an interactive green screen experience at the Warner Bros Studio – fly on a broomstick over film locations just like Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, and the rest of the Harry Potter cast!
Experience the film’s Art Department and learn how all of the best props, sets, and special effects were designed and brought to life.
My kids loved inspecting the amazingly intricate Hogwarts Castle model, which took a team of 86 artists to build.
The model features in the film, as shots of it were combined with special digital effects and other miniature sets to create a realistic location.
3. Harry Potter Tea Afternoon London
If the experience wasn’t enough, Warner Bros Studio also has a special Harry Potter afternoon tea!
There are various ticket packages available. The tea lasts 90 minutes and must be booked with a studio tour.
I was pleased to discover a vegan afternoon tea and a gluten-free menu available for those like me, with dietary requirements.
The studios request you inform them of dietary requirements 24 hours before your visit.
Afternoon tea for 2 starts at £70.00, so this would be something I’d recommend for a birthday, anniversary, or some other special occasion.
The closest railway station to get there is Watford Junction, just North of London.
Alternatively, the studios offer a shuttle bus service from Waterloo railway station in Central London, which is served by many train lines, including the London Underground. Buses run every half hour.
If you’re travelling into the city from a bit further afield (anywhere outside of London), book your travel via the Trainline for discounts.
Parking is available at the studios and is free of charge with a studio tour ticket.
Studio Tour tickets start at £51.50. There are also packages which can include a hotel stay and a souvenir gift ticket. Group tickets are also available.
The studio tour is an excellent option for a rainy day activity in London as it is mainly indoors.
4. Harry Potter Photographic Exhibition
As part of the magical experience at Warner Bros Studios, you can also enjoy the Harry Potter Photographic Exhibition. It is an enchanting and nostalgic journey that brings the magic to life.
This immersive experience showcases a collection of photographs that capture the essence of the Harry Potter series. Fans will love catching a glimpse of behind-the-scenes moments.
One of my favourite things about the exhibition was watching the cast grow and witnessing their talent. You can also see more of the world-building process and costume creation, which I thought was fascinating.
It’s a must-see on my Harry Potter Locations London list for fans of all ages!
5. Organised Harry Potter Walking Tour
As there have been so many locations in London included in the filming of Harry Potter, joining a Harry Potter walking tour is a great way to fit everything in and learn something new about the series.
Brit Movie Tour is one of the more unique Harry Potter things to do in London and is included in the GoCity London Pass.
As well as Harry Potter, the Brit Movie Tours explore locations from other favourite British TV shows and movies such as Sherlock Holmes and Love Actually.
You should book your tour online in advance on the GoCity website – tickets can be included as part of the GoCity London Pass deal. This is a great way to see the city in a couple of days, and wish to fit lots in!
If you’d like to visit another Harry Potter film location in London, the ZSL London Zoo, this is also included in the GoCity London Pass.
There are a number of other walking tours based on Harry Potter locations London, which you can find and book online.
Check out this Harry Potter Walking Tour.
6. Central London Filming Locations
Some Harry Potter locations London, for example, the Great Hall, the Forbidden Forest, and Diagon Alley, were filmed on artificial sets.
These are open for visitors to explore at Warner Bros Studio: The Making of Harry Potter Tour.
Other scenes were filmed in London. The Millennium Bridge, that connects the bustling South Bank to Central London, was home to the opening scene of The Half-Blood Prince. Death eaters collapse the bridge in this iconic scene.
Another of the Harry Potter scenes in London, Leadenhall Market in East London, was home to many of the exterior shots of Diagon Alley. Entry to the market is completely free, and you might be able to recognise some of the famous scenes.
You and your family could easily visit these Harry Potter film locations in London, even if you only visit the city for a day or two.
7. Harry Potter’s House In London
Very near to Kings Cross, home to Platform 9 ¾, you’ll find the location of the invisible 12 Grimmauld Place, the home of the Black Family and Harry’s godfather, Sirius Black.
The square at this location (23 Claremont Square) was used for filming on Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix and Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows.
The house, however, is thought to be at a different location altogether, a charming Georgian terraced house at Lincoln’s Inn Fields.
To get to 12 Claremont Square, travel to Angel or Kings Cross St Pancras tube stations and take a short (less than 10 minutes) walk to the pretty green square.
8. London Streets in Harry Potter
Charing Cross Road in London’s West End was used in the filming of Harry Potter as it was home to the Leaky Cauldron Pub. This pub served as a gateway to Diagon Alley.
Charing Cross Road is renowned for its second-hand book and antique shops in London. It’s a really interesting stroll down this road if you’d like to walk about the quirky shops here, like Harry on Diagon Alley.
Other streets and locations included in the filming (which you can visit) were Lambeth Bridge, Westminster Tube Station, and Australia House in central London.
9. Platform 9 ¾
For perhaps the most Instagram-worthy Harry Potter things to do in London, head to Kings Cross station in North London to snap a pic at the famous Platform 9 ¾!
The magical platform was, of course, the secret location where students of Witchcraft and Wizardry caught the train to Hogwarts school in the Harry Potter movies.
On the platform, students would board the Hogwarts Express, a magical train that transports them to the school.
Accessible only to witches and wizards, the platform is concealed from Muggle’s (non-magical) eyes. To reach it, students must run through the barrier between platforms 9 and 10, disappearing into a hidden passageway that leads to the platform for their magical journey.
At Kings Cross station, between Platforms 9 and 10, there stands a ‘Platform 9 ¾’ sign and a luggage trolley that appears halfway through the wall! These Harry Potter locations London has different colour scarves that can be used as photo props.
The scarves are associated with the Harry Potter houses, which fans will know well. Choose your house – Gryffindor, Slytherin, Hufflepuff, or Ravenclaw – and snap a pic in the house colours.
Gryffindor is known for bravery and daring, Hufflepuff for loyalty and hard work, Ravenclaw for intelligence and wisdom, and Slytherin for ambition and cunning.
Hogwarts students are sorted into one of these houses based on their characteristics and qualities.
Many railway lines, including Great Northern Railway and Thameslink serve Kings Cross railway station. Book train tickets via the Trainline for convenience and to find the best prices.
Alternatively, take the London Underground to Kings Cross St Pancras tube station and walk less than 5 minutes.
The station is served by the Northern, Metropolitan, Hammersmith & City, Circle, Piccadilly, and Victoria lines.
This is a really fun option for Harry Potter things in London and is also affordable, so you can easily fit this in amongst a packed itinerary of London attractions and other Harry Potter activities London.
10. FREE DIY Harry Potter Walking Tour Of The Sites
Following on from the above locations around London, why not go on a DIY walking tour of all the Harry Potter spots in London.
Starting Point: King’s Cross Station – Platform 9 3/4
- Begin at King’s Cross Station, where you can find Platform 9 3/4
- Arrive by tube, bus or cab.
- Scene from the Movie: This is where Harry and other Hogwarts students catch the Hogwarts Express.
23 Claremont Square (Harry’s House)
- Walk to 23 Claremont Square, known as Harry Potter’s house in the movies. It’s a private residence, so you can only view it outside.
- Walking Time: Approximately 15 minutes. Alternatively, take the tube from Kings Cross to Angel and walk 400 metres.
- Scene from the Movie: Harry’s childhood home.
Leadenhall Market
- Head to Leadenhall Market, which served as Diagon Alley in the movies.
- Walking Time is approximately 50 minutes wandering through places like Barbican and past St. Paul Cathedral. Alternatively, take the Northern Line tube to Bank, which will take around 17 minutes.
- Scene from the Movie : Diagon Alley, where Harry buys his school supplies.
Millennium Bridge
- Walk to the Millennium Bridge, featured in “Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince” when it’s destroyed by Death Eaters. The bridge offers a great view of St. Paul’s Cathedral.
- Walking Time: Approximately 18 minutes or take the circle line to Monument statin.
- Scene from the Movie: The bridge is destroyed by Death Eaters in the sixth film.
Australia House
- Walk to Australia House. It was used as a filming location for the interior of Gringotts Bank in “Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone.”
- Walking Time: Approximately 19 minutes, or, take the Circle Line from Monument to Temple.
- Scene from the Movie: Interior of Gringotts Bank.
Charing Cross Road
- Walk to Charing Cross Road, known for its bookshops and literary connections. While not featured in the movies, it’s a great place for book lovers.
- Walking Time: Approximately 17 minutes, or, take the Picadilly line from Holbon to Leicester Square and walk.
- Scene from the Movie: Not featured in the films.
Westminster Station
- Head to Westminster Station. In the movie Westminster Station is where Harry and Mr. Weasley use the phone booth to access the Ministry of Magic.
- Walking Time: Approximately 25 minutes or take 26 bus towards Victoria
- Scene from the Movie: Entrance to the Ministry of Magic.
Lambeth Bridge
- Walk to Lambeth Bridge, featured in the movies as the bridge the Knight Bus squeezes between two double-decker buses.
- Walking Time: Approximately 14 minutes or take the 87 bus towards Wandsworth.
- Scene from the Movie: Knight Bus squeezing between buses.
London Zoo (Optional)
- If you decide to visit the London Zoo, take public transport (e.g., London Underground or buses) from Lambeth Bridge to the zoo.
- Public Transport: Take the London Underground (Jubilee Line) or a bus to London Zoo from Waterloo.
- Scene from the Movie: Not featured in the films, but a great attraction to explore.
Below is a map of these locations.
The weather is pretty chilly from October, Halloween time, through to around February, so wrap up well if you decide to go out throughout this period.
Otherwise, May is the first month of summer and a great time to do this walk
10. The Cauldron
The Cauldron is a Harry Potter-themed cocktail bar in London. Serving potent potions in delicious cocktail form is a great way to have fun if you are a Harry Potter fan!
The Cauldron will provide you with magical ingredients (which you may not recognise) to whiz up your cocktail.
This is an entirely immersive experience, wand included, and a great night out if you’re a fan of the series (and cocktails).
Located in Stoke Newington, the nearest station is Dalston Kingsland (on the London Overground), which is approximately a 5-minute walk away.
There is a second venue, the Wizard Emporatorium, a multi-story pink townhouse in Soho!
Tickets for Potion Making start at £35.99 for adults and £20.99 for children. Children are allowed entry Sunday – Thursday until 5:15 pm. Book in advance on the website.
For tickets and more information for The Cauldron London click here.
Harry Potter Locations London -Shops and Markets
London is home to so many fantastic and enchanting Harry Potter shops. Buying some souvenirs is a great way to end your Harry Potter experience in London and take home something to remember the magic of London.
11. Harry Potter Shop at Kings Cross, Platform 9 ¾
Kings Cross Railway Station has a Harry Potter shop next to Platform 9 ¾. This wonderful shop is expertly styled to resemble Ollivander’s wand emporium in Diagon Alley.
There is a wand shop, a trunk station, Harry Potter clothing, and the famous sweet trolley. Taste the same magical delights as Harry and his friends, including Chocolate Frogs and Honeydukes.
12. House of MinaLima, Soho
House of MinaLima is run by a design duo who worked on the original Harry Potter movies. It is both a gallery and store where you can purchase Wizarding World prop replicas, art prints, and button badges, to name a few.
Located at 26 Greek Street, Soho, London. The closest underground station is Tottenham Court Road (on the Northern and Central lines). From the station, it’s a short walk of about 5 minutes to reach the shop.
13. House of Spells
House of Spells is a fandom merchandise shop that stocks merch from various TV shows, series, and movies.
These include Stranger Things, Fantastic Beasts, and (you guessed it) Harry Potter! Browse wands, books, jewellery, and cute plush toys of characters.
Charing Cross Road is a great Harry Potter film location in London, as some of the footage was shot here.
It’s also full of quirky second-hand shops to look around. House of Spells’s nearest underground station is Leicester Square (on the Northern and Piccadilly lines). From the station, it’s a brief walk of approximately 3 minutes to reach the shop.
14. Official Harry Potter Store
The Official Harry Potter Store is home to all the official merchandise you could dream of! Stock up on wands, robes, collectables, and confectionary designed by the team behind the making of Harry Potter itself.
Found on Mercer Street, the closest underground station is Covent Garden, which can be accessed via the Piccadilly line.
From the London Underground station, take a short stroll of approximately 2 minutes to reach the Official Harry Potter Store.
15. Hamley’s Toy Shop
Also near Oxford Circus is Hamley’s Toy Shop. This is a popular toy shop amongst locals and tourists alike, especially at Christmas when Santa and his elves set up a grotto.
The shop is the world’s largest toy store, with multiple floors and will always stock some Harry Potter-related toys and memorabilia.
Visiting Oxford Street in November and December is a great time to see the Christmas lights lit up around London. As mentioned, Oxford Street is accessible via Oxford Circus tube station on the Bakerloo, Central, and Victoria Lines.
16. The Lego Toy Shop
The Lego Toy Shop often has some Harry Potter dedicated merchandise, which fans of Harry Potter and Lego will enjoy!
Located in Leicester Square, take the Northern or Piccadilly Lines on the London Underground to get there. From the station, it’s approximately a 5-minute walk to the shop.
17. Theatre: Harry Potter and the Cursed Child
Harry Potter and the Cursed Child is a mesmerizing theatre show set in the wizarding world, continuing the story from the famous book series.
It follows Harry Potter’s son, Albus, as he embarks on an unexpected adventure at Hogwarts School.
Filled with magic, friendship, and family, the show captures the essence of J.K. Rowling’s world and offers a thrilling and emotionally engaging experience.
Harry Potter and the Cursed Child is a great show that surpassed my expectations. The story is a smart blend of old and new, exploring themes of identity, courage, and the enduring power of love.
While some plot themes go against the established narrative, the majority of the original series, which will please old fans.
At the same time, the show is exciting enough to be interesting for new fans, too, for different reasons.
For the best experience, I highly recommend watching Harry Potter and the Cursed Child at one of London’s top West End Theatres such as the Palace Theatre.
This theatre provides a fitting setting for this magical production, with its historic charm and fantastic acoustics.
Also, I love the Palace Theatre because of its location. Found tucked away on Shaftesbury Avenue in Soho, the Palace Theatre is right around the corner from a great range of London restaurants and bars.
Head into Covent Garden or Soho for a pre-show meal at one of the fantastic restaurants. Soho is busy weekday evenings and all day at the weekends.
If you’re visiting with children, check out my guide to the best kid-friendly restaurants in London, including some Soho faves of ours, and others in the nearby Piccadilly Circus.
Overall, Harry Potter and the Cursed Child gets rave reviews all around and is 100 per cent a must-see for any avid Harry Potter fan!
Click here now to find great prices for Harry Potter and the Cursed Child!
Harry Potter Locations In London FAQ
Is there a Diagon Alley in London?
No, Diagon Alley isn’t a real street in London. However, you can visit Charing Cross Road and Leadenhall Market, where many Diagon Alley scenes were filmed.
Also, if you take a tour of the Warner Bros Studio, you will get to experience the actual set of Diagon Alley, as used in the making of Harry Potter.
Where is the Harry Potter shop in London?
If you want to do some Harry Potter shopping, there are plenty of options.
My favourite magical Harry Potter shops in London are the Harry Potter Shop at Platform 9 ¾, the House of Minalima in Soho, the House of Spells, and the Official Harry Potter Store.
Where was Harry Potter filmed in London?
As discussed above, the major filming locations in London are Leadenhall Market, Westminster, and the Millennium Bridge.
You can visit these locations on your own or as part of a walking tour. GoCity London Pass have some great walking tours included in their package.
Where is Harry Potter station in London?
A few train and underground stations have been used to make Harry Potter.
Perhaps the most major Harry Potter station is Kings Cross train station, where the Hogwarts Express departed to take students of Witchcraft and Wizardry to Hogwarts.
Platform 9 ¾ exists here, and you can ‘run’ into the wall with your luggage trolley and snap a picture for Instagram!
Westminster Underground Station was the home of a scene in Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix when Harry and Ron Weasley travel through London.
Ron amusingly struggles with the Oyster Card system in this famous scene.
Where are Harry Potter studios in London?
The Warner Bros Studio in London is located just north of London, in Watford. To get there, take the London Overground to Watford or jump on the shuttle bus service, which runs from Waterloo station directly to the Studios every 30 minutes.
Is Harry Potter World in London worth it?
If you or a loved one is a big fan of Harry Potter, then yes, I think the Warner Bros Studio Tour is the best way to experience Harry Potter things to do in London.
Nowhere else will you be able to experience the expertly designed sets and props which were used in the films.
I think the best Harry Potter things to do in London would be visit the Warner Bros Studio and some filming locations (including Platform 9 ¾).
You can do this on your own or using one of the Harry Potter filming location walking tours.
Visit some Harry Potter merchandise shops to buy some fun souvenirs. In the evening, make sure you catch a showing of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child in theatres in London’s West End while you still can.
Which Harry Potter tour in London is the best?
I enjoyed the Brit Movie Walking Tour available with GoCity London Pass because I also enjoyed hearing about the other movies, like Love Actually.
What Harry Potter attractions are in London?
The major Harry Potter attractions in London are Warner Bros Studio Tour: The Making of Harry Potter, various individual filming locations including Kings Cross Platform 9 ¾, and the West End show Harry Potter and the Cursed Child.
You can also find Harry Potter actors in wax form at the infamous London tourist attraction, Madame Tussauds. For big fans of the films and cast, these wax figures are indeed a must-see.
Click here now to check out tickets to London’s Madame Tussauds for massive discounts!
Is Harry Potter Studios in London?
Yes, the Warner Bros Studio is just north of London in Watford and very easy to travel to from Central London.
Here, you can experience the magic of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, including the sets used in the films, the props, and behind-the-scenes of the art department.
Is Harry Potter in Madame Tussauds London?
Yes, you will find many of the famous actors from the Harry Potter films in wax figure form at Madame Tussauds, London. This includes the three main characters, Harry Potter (Daniel Radcliffe), Hermoine Granger (Emma Watson), and Ron Weasley (Rupert Grint).
Tickets for Madame Tussauds start at £36 for adult entry. To get to Madame Tussauds, take the Bakerloo Line to Baker Street and walk for approximately 2 minutes.
Where to see Harry Potter in London?
If you’re looking to see the theatre production Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, London’s West End is the best place for it. I would recommend London’s Palace Theatre.
It provides a fitting and grand setting for this magical production, with its historic charm and excellent acoustics.
Also, the venue’s location near London’s vibrant theatre district and its convenient transportation links make it easily accessible for locals and visitors.
Prepare to be enchanted as the Palace Theatre becomes a portal to the wizarding world, transporting you on an extraordinary journey through the eyes of Harry Potter’s next generation.
Where are the best places to go in Scotland for a Harry Potter fan?
Edinburgh is the best location to visit in Scotland as a fan of Harry Potter. This is the magical city where J. K. Rowling first penned the early chapters of the book series and, therefore, arguably inspired the franchise.
Start with a visit to The Elephant House café, where Rowling spent time writing much of the series. Stroll along the charming streets of the Old Town, admiring the architecture that inspired the fictional Diagon Alley.
Don’t miss the opportunity to explore the iconic Edinburgh Castle, which resembles the grandeur of Hogwarts.
For a more in-depth experience, take a guided tour like “Potter Trail” or “The Magic of Harry Potter” to discover hidden locations and trivia.
Book tickets from London or anywhere else in the UK via the Trainline to go by train. See what’s on offer easily, book tickets on your phone, and find the best prices and last-minute deals on train tickets.
How was your experience at the Harry Potter Studio Tour London? Was it worth it?
Our experience as a family was fantastic; we had so much fun. I would recommend it and say it’s worth it for a special treat for the entire family if you are a big fan of the films or books.
Is Privet Drive, where Harry Potter lived with the Dursleys, a real place to visit?
Yes, Privet Drive, where Harry Potter lived with the Dursleys, is a real place. However, it’s not in London. Privet Drive in Little Whinging is located in Berkshire, Bracknell.
Today, the home can be visited as a tourist attraction after it was bought from its owners for a massive £650,000, a third more than the asking price.
Some of the locals have said that they enjoy seeing young children and groups of tourists come to their residential street, dressed in Harry Potter outfits, excited to take pictures of the famous location.
I hope this helps you plan your magical trip to London and experience all things Harry Potter while there! It’s one of the best cities in the world to visit as a Harry Potter fan.
If you’re spending any time in London, you may also want to check out some of my other blog posts:
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