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

Leave a Reply

Leave a reply cancel reply.

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

We participate in various affiliate marketing programs. Flashpacking Family is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

Most popular posts

Guide to visiting Lake Louise, Canada

Jordan itinerary

Sri Lanka’s best beaches

Things to do in Suffolk with kids

Free things to do in London for kids

• United Kingdom

30 Places Every Harry Potter Fan Should Visit in London

• 20 Pinterest

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 🙂

We can't find the internet

Attempting to reconnect

Explore the Magic of London: 30+ Must-Visit Harry Potter Sites & Activities

Harry Potter fans visiting London have many exciting events and places to explore, as many of the locations and inspirations for the Harry Potter series can be found in and around the city. Here are some notable Harry Potter-related events and places in London.

Main Attractions

1. harry potter and the cursed child.

Watch the two-part play “Harry Potter and the Cursed Child” at the Palace Theatre in London. It’s the official eighth story in the Harry Potter series. Join Harry, Ron, and Hermione on a thrilling (new) adventure at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Prepare for spectacular spells, time travel, and an epic battle against mysterious forces. Don’t miss this one-of-a-kind theatrical experience in London’s West End .

The play, which consists of two parts, offers flexibility for ticket buyers. You can enjoy both parts daily as a matinee or an evening performance. Alternatively, you can watch the play two consecutive evenings, allowing for a more immersive and extended theatrical experience.

2. Warner Bros. Studio Tour

The Warner Bros. Studio Tour - The Making of Harry Potter, situated just outside London in Leavesden, is a must-visit for avid Harry Potter enthusiasts. This immersive tour offers a comprehensive and captivating glimpse into the intricate process behind creating Harry Potter films. Visitors can explore various facets of the movie-making journey, including meticulously crafted sets, costumes, intricate props, and impressive special effects.

Embark on a truly magical expedition, commencing with Harry’s modest cupboard under the stairs. As you continue your exploration, you will be transported to iconic and awe-inspiring locations such as the majestic Great Hall, the bustling streets of Diagon Alley, and even the seemingly ordinary yet extraordinary Privet Drive. It is an enthralling experience that enables fans to delve deep into the enchanting world of Harry Potter while gaining invaluable insight into the realm of the film industry.

There’s also a 7.5-hour tour available directly from King’s Cross, including transportation to the studios at Leavesden and four hours at the studio.

Harry Potter shops

Here are some Harry Potter merchandise stores in London.

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

Visitors can explore the film sets and shop for exclusive merchandise in various shops at the Warner Bros. Studio Tour.

During your visit to the Studio Tour Shops, you will have the opportunity to explore the enchanting world of Harry Potter and indulge in a delightful shopping experience. Immerse yourself in the magic as you browse three unique shops: The Studio Shop, The Forbidden Forest Shop, and Railway Shop.

Each shop has its distinct speciality and offers exclusive items. You can discover a wide range of replica wands and collectables at The Studio Shop. On the other hand, the Railway Shop showcases a delightful selection of homeware and gifts. For those seeking seasonal and exclusive items, head to The Forbidden Forest Shop. Here, you can find an array of shirts, toys, and other magical merchandise. It’s important to note that access to these incredible shops is exclusive to ticket holders.

4. The Harry Potter Shop at Platform 9 ¾

Opened on December 14, 2012, the Harry Potter Shop in London was the first of its kind to open worldwide, apart from the shops at theme parks and attractions. The Harry Potter Shop at Platform 9 ¾ is at King’s Cross Station.

The collection at the Harry Potter Shop is meticulously categorised according to various themes, ensuring that fans can find precisely what they’re looking for. The shop offers a wide range of clothing, accessories, gifts, and collectables themed around the Harry Potter series.

Explore the Harry Potter personalised gifts collection, featuring fan favourites and exclusive customisations. Choose from notebooks, house robes, trunks, and the famous Acceptance Letter, customised with your name and address.

The trolley-through-the-wall photo opportunity is outside the shop at King’s Cross Station. Professional photographers can capture your photo for you, and you can purchase your photographs in print and digital format in-store.

5. The House of MinaLima

The House of MinaLima is a gallery and store in the heart of Soho where you can step into the minds of graphic designers Miraphora Mina and Eduardo Lima, who played a vital role in shaping the visual style of the Harry Potter films. The studio has three floors filled with Harry Potter artwork, from handwritten letters to newspaper articles and distinct designs of picture frames.

The shop is divided into two categories: MinaLima and Wizarding World. This boutique shop and gallery showcases prints, illustrated books, and authentic props from the iconic film series, with the opportunity to purchase books and souvenirs.

With every book you purchase from MinaLima, you’ll receive an exclusive bookplate meticulously designed and hand-signed by the talented duo. It’s a unique keepsake that adds a touch of magic to your literary collection.

6. The Noble Collection

Located in Seven Dials in Covent Garden , this store provides high-quality Harry Potter collectables, including replicas from films, chess sets, wands, and jewellery. It offers a wide array of Harry Potter products that range from enchanting collectables to exquisite jewellery and cuddly plushes.

Established in 1991 in Washington D.C., The Noble Collection has found its way across the pond to the UK. The Noble Collection UK has become the official and licensed store for film merchandise, movie props, and replicas. It showcases an extensive range of collections inspired by films such as Harry Potter, Fantastic Beasts, The Lord of the Rings, Star Trek, Jurassic Park, Jumanji, Batman and The Hobbit, to name a few.

Some of these items are for sale while others are there for the visitors to admire, for example, signed items from movies such as Lord Of the Rings.

7. Hamleys Toy Store

The store located on Regent Street in London boasts an expansive and enchanting Harry Potter Toys & Games section. Spanning a remarkable 3,000 square feet, this captivating section can be found on the entire basement floor of the store on Regent Street . Hamleys has a dedicated section for Harry Potter merchandise, including toys, costumes, wands, and more, with a wide range of merchandise and memorabilia.

8. House of Spells

The House of Spells is a Harry Potter-themed store located in London. It is a popular destination for Harry Potter fans and visitors. The store offers a wide range of officially licensed Harry Potter merchandise, including clothing, accessories, collectables, and other themed products.

House of Spells is known for its attention to detail in creating an immersive Harry Potter atmosphere. When you enter the store, you’ll find it decorated to resemble the world of Harry Potter, with elements that evoke scenes from the books and films. This includes wands, clothing, and other memorabilia associated with the Harry Potter universe.

9. Wizards & Wonders

Wizards and Wonders has two stores in central London, one on Strand opposite to Charing Cross train station and the one on Coventry Street between Piccadilly Circus and Leicester Square .

These stores have a good selection of Harry Potter items, such as clothing, magic wands and backpacks.

10. Harry Potter and the Cursed Child - shop at the Palace Theatre

You can watch Harry Potter and the Cursed Child live at the Palace Theatre on Shaftesbury Avenue. After watching the play, you can then enter its small store of Harry Potter merchandise and souvenirs.

You can also purchase scarves, beanies, tote bags, and shirts and choose among the four Houses of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.

11. Forbidden Planet

The Forbidden Planet, located just 0.2 miles away from the Palace Theatre, is a haven for enthusiasts of all things science fiction, fantasy, and film. This iconic store stands as one of the largest in the world, offering a vast collection of comic books, toys, collectables, and merchandise spanning various genres. The store also has Harry Potter-related products, especially books, although the collection mainly consists of other products. The megastore is centrally located on Shaftesbury Avenue in the heart of West End .

12. The Lego Toy Shop

You must not miss LEGO’s incredible Harry Potter Toys and Gifts collection. There is a big store on Leicester Square , which can get very busy with people exploring Legos. If you love Harry Potter and Legos, this store is a no-brainer. There are also other products, including colouring books and key rings.

You’ll also find a Harry Potter statue on Leicester Square near the Lego store.

13. Primark

The Primark store on Oxford Street is the largest in London and offers a wide range of affordable Harry Potter-themed merchandise. They have a dedicated section for Harry Potter-related items, from clothing and accessories to home goods.

14. London Heathrow Harry Potter Shop

The Heathrow Harry Potter shop in Terminal 5 is a store that sells officially licensed Wizarding World merchandise. You’ll find many items, including wands, figurines, toys, plushies, keychains, and clothing. The store’s front resembles a boutique straight out of Diagon Alley, while the interior features stars, lampposts, and Ministry of Magic wanted posters on the walls.

Accommodation

15. georgian house hotel.

If you’re looking for an enchanting experience, look no further than the Georgian House Hotel in Pimlico. There are several options for staying in a magical setting with Family Wizard Chambers for up to 4 to 6 people. These rooms have bunk beds for the kids and a lovely interior relevant to the magical theme. There’s a candlelit passageway with portraits on the way to the rooms. Inside the rooms, you’ll find stained glass windows, stone walls, cauldrons and curious artefacts to provide the perfect experience.

There’s also the Double Enchanted Chamber for two when travelling without kids. These rooms are hidden behind a bookcase door, and once you find them, you can enjoy similar interiors matching the magical chamber feel.

In addition to the rooms, the hotel also serves a Wizard Afternoon Tea with three courses of sweet and savoury delights and an enchanting drink list for children and adults.

Experiences

16. afternoon tea at warner bros. studio tour london.

The Warner Bros. Studio tour offers insight into making the Harry Potter movies and a delightful afternoon tea experience with a 90-minute time slot. Indulge in exclusive dining, a selection of loose-leaf tea, coffee, and savoury and sweet treats served in Hedwig’s cage. The three-tiered presentation includes finger sandwiches, pastries, sweet treats, and jam and clotted cream scones. The afternoon tea is available to ticket holders of the Studio Tour only.

17. Wizard Afternoon Tea at Georgian House Hotel

We already mentioned the Georgian House Hotel in the accommodation section, and we still want to highlight it here to the Wizard Afternoon Tea, a delightful experience the hotel offers. Indulge in savoury treats, delightful desserts, and freshly baked scones. There are several wizard drinks available on the menu. Are you tempted to try a Basilisk Blood or a Serpents Venom drink? How about Ghoulish Gin? You can also upgrade to include unlimited Prosecco for £20 per wizard. There’s also a Vegan menu option available. The afternoon tea is available on Saturdays and Sundays from 1:30 pm to 5:30 pm.

18. The Wands & Wizards Exploratorium

The Wands & Wizard Exploratorium, on Greek Street in Soho , offers several types of experiences. It is a 5-storey Soho townhouse which is decorated to match the theme. With a blend of technology and illusion, the Wizard Exploratorium offers a captivating and educational journey into the mystical realm of magic.

19. Afternoon Tea

The Wizard Exploratorium afternoon tea is a magical experience of riddles, wand-wielding, and interactive tea brewing. It’s not officially Harry Potter-themed, but draws inspiration from fantasy worlds. The tea includes access to the wizard parlour, magical teas to brew, a rented wand, and delightful treats on a Dragon Egg tea stand. Prices range from £32 to £42 per person, and bookings are available every day of the week. Ticket times vary based on the day. Booking is recommended for this immersive and enchanting experience.

20. The Magic Wand Experience

Another type of experience is the Magic Wand Experience, where you’ll get to choose a magic wand of your liking and practice spell-casting. The experience takes place in Wandmaker’s Attic Workshop, where you’ll be guided by the master Wand-maker.

21. Potions Experience

Third type of experience is the Potions Experience, where you can participate in an immersive potion-making class in a magical setting using a provided magic wand to brew different potions. The potions mixed during the experience can be alcoholic or non-alcoholic. Children’s tickets are also available during the daytime from Sunday to Thursday. The experience is mainly self-guided, but there’s a potion master available should guidance be needed.

There are two locations for the Potion Making Experience. As mentioned above, one is in Soho , on Greek Street, and the other is in Dalston in northeast London. Both locations offer a similar immersive magic-filled experience where you can try out different potions you wouldn’t get elsewhere.

22. The School of Witchcraft and Wizardry

If you love Harry Potter and escape rooms, the School of Witchcraft and Wizardry escape room in Shoreditch is an excellent option. Put your magical skills to the test as you solve ingenious puzzles and pass final exams in just 60 minutes. The escape rooms are designed for teams of 3 to 5, but the School of Witchcraft and Wizardry can be done with a skilled team of 2. You have a fantastic time, whether it’s your first or hundredth escape room. A Questmaster will guide you, introduce the game, and offer hints if needed. All experience levels can enjoy the varied puzzles in the magic-themed escape room. Plenty of fantastical adventures, surprises, magical details, and immersive puzzle designs are available.

Harry Potter filming locations

23. king’s cross station.

One of the notable filming locations for the Harry Potter series in London is at King’s Cross Station. This is the iconic spot where Harry embarks on his journey to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry by accessing Platform 9 ¾. While Platform 9 ¾ may not exist, visitors can still indulge in a range of enchanting Harry Potter experiences within the station, including The Harry Potter Shop, where various magical souvenirs can be purchased.

Additionally, there’s a photo opportunity featuring a trolley that creates the illusion of passing through the wall. Visitors can wear a Hogwarts scarf and hold a wand for added authenticity, and have their photo taken by a professional photographer.

The station also houses the filming location where Harry vanishes through the wall separating the Muggle platforms 9 and 10 and was filmed on platforms 4 and 5 in real life.

24. St. Pancras Station

While King’s Cross Station is where Harry Potter and his schoolmates board the Hogwarts Express, it’s interesting to note that the exterior seen in the films is actually that of St Pancras Station, which adds to the enchanting atmosphere of the experience.

St Pancras, located adjacent to Kings Cross Station, is an extraordinary high-speed railway terminus that offers seamless transportation to various destinations, including Belgium, France, and the Netherlands. The station’s remarkable architecture, with its intricate detailing and grandeur, adds a touch of enchantment to the scene, making it a perfect choice for exterior shots portraying Kings Cross Station in movies and television.

25. St Pancras Renaissance Hotel

The St Pancras Renaissance Hotel is a magnificent Victorian building in London, known for its stunning architecture and rich history. It is famously associated with the scene in which Ron Weasley flies his enchanted Ford Anglia to the Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. This is the iconic moment when Harry and Ron, eagerly heading to Platform 9 ¾, encounter an unexpected obstacle. Their path to board the Hogwarts Express is blocked, leaving them in a state of panic. But Ron, fuelled by desperation, hatches a daring plan. He seizes the opportunity to fly his father’s beloved blue Ford Anglia to find the elusive magical train.

In the movie adaptation, the filmmakers chose the majestic St Pancras Renaissance Hotel as the entrance to King’s Cross Station. Arthur Weasley’s car parked just outside added a touch of enchantment to the already magical setting. As the Ford Anglia takes flight, it soars over the magnificent St Pancras Hotel, capturing the attention of the unsuspecting Muggle world. The daring escapade becomes front-page news, causing quite a stir.

The hotel also graced the screen as King’s Cross Station, a familiar and beloved location for fans of the magical world.

26. Leadenhall Market

Many of the Diagon Alley scenes in the Harry Potter world were brought to life at the Warner Bros. Studio. One of these remarkable spots is the Leadenhall Market, a charming covered market in the heart of London that traces its roots back to the 14th century.

This beautiful Victorian market in the City of London inspired Diagon Alley in the Harry Potter films. Leadenhall Market is a delightful destination characterised by its covered Victorian walkways and picturesque shopfronts, many of which were featured as the exterior shots of Diagon Alley.

As you explore the Leadenhall Market, keep an eye out for the Bulls Head passage, where you’ll find an optician’s shop. This location was the entrance to the Leaky Cauldron London in the iconic Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone movie. Imagine walking through the same magical doorway that led Harry Potter into a world of wizardry and adventure.

27. London Zoo Reptile House

One of the most iconic Harry Potter moments occurred at the London Zoo. In November 2001, the Reptile House became the set for a famous scene with a Burmese python in the first film, Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone. This moment marked the first time Harry heard the python speak. Interestingly, the enclosure depicted in the scene is home to a resident black mamba.

28. The Back to Hogwarts Day

The Back to Hogwarts Day celebrations at King’s Cross Station are a magical event that occurs every year on September 1st at 11 o’clock. Fans from all around gather at the station, eagerly awaiting a special one-off Hogwarts Express announcement.

The celebrations go beyond the announcement. The station comes alive with special shows, enchanting performances, and photo opportunities. The event is also usually live-streamed from King’s Cross on the Wizarding World YouTube channel.

29. Dark Arts Tour at Harry Potter Studios

If you’ve ever wanted to experience Halloween at Hogwarts and witness the scene of floating pumpkins in the Great Hall, then the Dark Arts at Harry Potter Studios Halloween Tour is a must. This annual event decorates Hogwarts for Halloween, featuring 100 unique pumpkins floating in the Great Hall, a Death Eaters procession, and a Dark Mark trail. During the tour, you can watch the Death Eaters’ menacing display and take your photo with them outside the Ministry of Magic sets. Don’t forget to grab a Harry Potter Studios passport, including a special Dark Arts Passport for Halloween, to solve riddles and find hidden gems. Get your Dark Mark stamp and start solving the puzzles. You should book your tickets early, especially for Halloween and the days leading up to it, as they tend to sell out quickly. The event takes place between September and November.

30. Hogwarts in the Snow

Hogwarts in the Snow is a magical experience! With incredible decorations, fun festivities, and snowy sets, Harry Potter Studios is a must-visit at Christmas time. Over 30 Christmas trees are outside, in the foyer, and the Great Hall. You’ll also find them in the Gryffindor Common Room and The Burrow. Explore the studios to find your favourite character costumes dressed up for Christmas. Learn about the snow-making techniques in the Harry Potter movies, and visit Diagon Alley, covered in snow. While you can’t go inside the shops, walking down this magical set is a treat. Indulge in festive foodie items offered at the cafés and restaurants. The event is available between November and January.

31. Harry Potter Walking Tour with Magical Afternoon Tea (5h)

Explore the magic of Harry Potter in London with a walking tour to over ten movie locations and places that inspired J.K. Rowling’s beloved books. The tour starts from King’s Cross station next to Platform 9¾, where you can pose in a photo next to the trolley disappearing into the wall.

From there, the tour continues to Leicester Square , where you can visit the shop that created the paper props for the films and learn about different locations in the area. The next step is to continue towards London Bridge to see Leaky Cauldron and Millennium Bridge . On the way there, you’ll see buildings that inspired the books. End your adventure with a spellbinding experience at The Wands & Wizard Exploratorium, where magical treats and tea await, and you can indulge in an enchanting afternoon tea.

32. Harry Potter Tour with a Magical Potion Class (5h)

This tour is similar to the one above, with the difference that instead of Afternoon Tea, you get to participate in a Magical Potion Class, where you’ll learn to mix potions and put your wizarding skills to the test.

33. Magical London: Harry Potter Guided Walking Tour (2.5h)

This tour starts from Minerva Square next to the Thames and close to London Bridge in Southwark. The tour visits 18 places that have inspired Harry Potter books and movies, including Shakespeare’s Globe and Knockturn Alley. Highlights include The Leaky Cauldron, Diagon Alley, and Millennium Bridge , featured in the famous Death Eater scene in “Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince”. During the tour, you’ll also walk past the Great Scotland Yard building and visit Trafalgar Square .

You can take the Underground or a short boat trip during the tour. Remember to have a ticket for the Underground.

This tour is also available at night. While the locations are the same, some great evening views are available when buildings along the Thames are lit. The view from the Millennium Bridge at night is gorgeous, and seeing St. Paul’s Cathedral on one end of the bridge and City skyscrapers close by is an unforgettable experience.

34. Harry Potter 3-Hour Private Walking Tour (3h)

Explore the magical world of Harry Potter on a 3-hour private walking tour in London. You’ll meet the tour guide at the Westminster Tube Station, who will take you to iconic locations such as the Ministry of Magic, Leaky Cauldron, and Diagon Alley. The tour also includes the Leadenhall Market and Millennium Footbridge, both of which have been featured in the movies. On the way, you can also admire famous landmarks, including St. Paul’s Cathedral, Big Ben , and Parliament. The tour ends at King’s Cross Station,

Don’t forget to shop for Harry Potter souvenirs along the way. The tour ends at Platform 9¾ in King’s Cross Station, and you’ll have the opportunity to buy souvenirs from the store or get your photo taken by a photographer on your way to Hogwarts.

35. Private Tour: Harry Potter film locations Tour in London (4h)

This tour differs from the tours above as you visit the Harry Potter locations in an iconic London Taxi cab. The cab will take you around London to several locations, such as the awe-inspiring Gringot’s Bank and Platform 9 ¾ at King’s Cross. As you journey along the River Thames , follow in Harry’s broomstick flight and uncover fascinating facts and fables about Potter and Hogwarts. The tour lasts approximately 4 hours and is perfect for private groups wanting more from their Harry Potter experience. The tour is also wheelchair accessible.

36. Magical Harry Potter Private Photo Tour

If you are interested in photography and Harry Potter, this tour is for you. Embark on a magical Harry Potter photo tour through London. Starting at Borough Market , visit iconic locations like the Leaky Cauldron, the Millennium Bridge , the London Eye , and the Ministry of Magic. The next stop will be Covent Garden and two famous alleys that inspired the creation and look of Diagon Alley. Don’t forget Shaftesbury Avenue, where the trio escaped from Bill & Fleurs wedding. The tour ends at the House of Spells in Leicester Square , which has lots of Harry Potter artefacts.

As you can see, there are many Harry Potter related places to see in London. We hope this guide makes it easier to plan your trip.

Activities from Get Your Guide

Flights and hotels from expedia.

Recent Articles

Taylor Swift | Songbook Trail

10 Things to do in London in August 2024

A Day at the Wimbledon Tennis Tournament

Wimbledon Tennis Grounds Tour: A Complete Guide to Exploring Tennis History

10 Things to do in London in July 2024

Select language

What are you looking for.

Visit CountyDurham

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. 

More magical Harry Potter locations and tours

Original harry potter locations tour - york.

Explore the real-life inspiration behind Diagon Alley and visit a Potter-themed potion shop.

Getty Images/Joe Daniel Price

Oxford Alumni Harry Potter Tour

Discover the Oxford landmarks that starred in the Philosopher’s Stone and Goblet of Fire films.

Harry Potter Tour - Experience Oxfordshire

So spectacular are these landmarks and locations, that even non-Potter fans will be spellbound.

Experience Oxfordshire

Harry Potter - Hogwarts in the Snow

Experience The Making of Harry Potter on a whole new festive level, with spectacular decorations and displays, plus, have Christmas Dinner in Hogwarts Great Hall.

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

Watford, England

Warner Bros. Studio Tour - Harry Potter

Filled with original props, sets and costumes from the Harry Potter films, this is a must-visit for all fans.

Warner Bros. Studio Tours, The Making of Harry Potter / Marc Sethi

Lacock Abbey, Wiltshire

A quirky country pile on the site of a former 13th-century nunnery and the set for Pride and Prejudice and Harry Potter.

Gloucester Cathedral

This magnificent cathedral offers guided tours, discovery trails and breathtaking live concerts.

Gloucestershire, England

Alnwick Castle

A really magical day – the setting of wizarding schools for Harry Potter, Alnwick Castle even offers magic performances and wand-making workshops.

Bodleian Library

Take a fascinating guided tour of the Divinity School, Old Quadrangle and Duke Humfrey’s Library.

Durham Cathedral

Discover over 1,000 years of history, travel up into the central tower or explore the grounds and spy Harry Potter filming locations.

Walking in Malham

From easy rambles to long-distance hikes, the Yorkshire Dales is blessed with spectacular walking routes.

VisitBritain/MattCant

Malham Cove

North Yorkshire Moors Railway

Travel back in time on a steam-powered train – between the market town of Pickering, and Whitby on the coast.

VisitBritain/Lucy Ellis

The Jacobite

Cross the Glenfinnan Viaduct on the Hogwart’s Express.

VisitBritain/Alex Nail

Explore other filming locations in Britain

Top filming locations: britain on screen.

Great Britain sets the scene to embark on a star-studded adventure. Seek out the stories from the latest releases and pose for that picture-perfect moment.

VisitBritain/Rod Edwards

James Bond filming locations

From the Scottish glens, to international art - spy Britain's favourite agent.

visitlondon.com/Antoine Buchet

Period drama filming locations

From loyal royal fans of The Crown, to loving the scandal of Regency high society in Bridgerton, discover the places that bring it all to life.

VisitBritain/Andrew Welsher

Visit Bridgerton filming locations

Live out your Regency fantasies and immerse yourself in the record-breaking series.

VisitBritain/Historic Royal Palaces

Visit Peaky Blinders filming locations

Explore the filming locations of Steven Knight's hit crime drama, Peaky Blinders.

The Black Country Living Museum

Not found what you were looking for?

20 awesome Harry Potter things to do in London

Disclosure: I may earn a small commission from the companies or products mentioned in this post.

Last Updated on March 23, 2024 by London City Calling

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 .

Enjoyed this post? Pin it for later:

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

You may also enjoy:

15 fun things to do in london in the winter, camp wildfire: a music festival & summer camp for adults, 7 best pumpkin patches near london this halloween [2023], best fireworks displays in london for bonfire night 2023.

Trending Post : Halal Fine Dining In London

The London Local

The Insider's Guide To Visiting London

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

• Latest Posts

• Keeping Kids Entertained: Tips and Tricks for Fun-Filled Travels and Holidays - 28 June 2024
• Best TK Maxx Stores in London for Fashion and Bargain Lovers - 8 September 2023
• Frozen The Musical - 7 July 2023

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

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!

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

By using this form you agree with the storage and handling of your data by this website. *

18 Harry Potter Filming Locations in the UK: The Ultimate Guide to England, Scotland and Wales

By: Author Tracy Collins

Posted on Last updated: July 7, 2024

No Potterhead can surely come to the UK without notching up a few Harry Potter filming locations in the UK en route. Places all over London, Scotland, England and Wales either featured on the silver screen or provided inspiration for J K Rowling when she created the characters and wrote the stories.

From where to find the Harry Potter shop in London to a range of Harry Potter locations in Scotland, Wales and the rest of England, this guide will point you in the direction of all the key Harry Potter places to visit in the UK.

If you can’t put a good Harry Potter book down or stop watching the movies, don’t plan your UK itinerary before reading this guide to Harry Potter sites in London and places where Harry Potter was filmed in Scotland and elsewhere.

Head north to beautiful, beachside Northumberland to see one location that served as the real Hogwarts Castle in England, or take a trip to the Harry Potter shop in London Kings Cross to stock up on an exclusive range of official memorabilia. 

Other Harry Potter sites in England can be found in York , Wiltshire and Oxford , while in Wales a certain Pembrokeshire beach has become a Mecca for fans of Harry’s favourite elfin pal. 

As for Scotland, it’s long been associated with the boy wizard and his school chums, as author J. K. Rowling was residing in the city when she penned the series of novels. 

Continue reading so you can plan your perfect Potter-y UK itinerary! The following list includes 18 of the finest Harry Potter places in England, Scotland and Wales. Beginning just as the boy himself did, with the Harry Potter train station in London. 

King’s Cross station 

The wizarding world of harry potter, trafalgar square , piccadilly circus, the millenium bridge, borough market,  st paul’s cathedral , london zoo , claremont square, lacock abbey, alnwick , the jacobite, pembrokeshire, which harry potter locations in the uk will you visit, london travel guide & itinerary planner (+ 4 bonus ebooks), 18 of the best harry potter filming locations in the uk, 10 harry potter film locations in london.

London King’s Cross is number one among Harry Potter London locations. Here you can snap a selfie at the ‘Platform 9 & ¾’ sign and browse the wares sold at the Harry Potter shop. This Harry Potter station in London is easy to get to from all over the city by Underground. It’s also featured on many London walking tours, like this recommended one . 

Located outside the city, the Harry Potter theme park near London is a must for any serious Potter fan. It takes under an hour to get there and you can find out how in this post .

Or to do things the easy way, simply book this tour !

Trafalgar Square is one of the key Harry Potter places in London for two reasons.  J. K. Rowling, Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint and Emma Watson stood on stage here before the final film premiere. 

Trafalgar Square is also one of the main Harry Potter filming locations in London as it was shown as the Death Eaters flew overhead during the the Half-Blood Prince movie. 

This is one of those Harry Potter places to visit in London that you’re bound to see anyway. It’s featured in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, when Harry, Ron and Hermione apparate close by. 

The Millenium Bridge starred in the later movies when the Death Eaters ran riot across the London skies. It doubled up as the Harry Potter bridge in London from the Half-Blood Prince film, and was destroyed by Voldemort’s followers. 

Borough Market is one of London’s top markets and a favourite foodie destination. The market and Stoney Street also served as Diagon Alley and the Leaky Cauldron in the movies. Another Harry Potter market in London is Leadenhall Market, which was also used for some scenes.

While you’re in the vicinity of the Thames, look out for another of the Harry Potter locations in the UK – the BT Tower. It was seen when Harry and Ron flew over it in a Ford Anglia during Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets . 

London’s mighty cathedral belongs on most London itineraries anyway. While you’re there, don’t miss the staircase within one of the front towers that was used as the route to Harry’s Divination classroom. It’s one of those Harry Potter spots in London that you can easily glimpse while exploring the city. 

A commemorative plaque marks the spot here as one of many Harry Potter attractions in London. It’s in the Reptile House, where the zoo scenes with Harry and Dudley were filmed during the making of the first movie. 

Located in Islington in north London, Claremont Square doubled up as Grimmauld Place for the films featuring The Order of the Phoenix headquarters.

The square was used during filming to represent Sirius Black’s former home, and as such is one of the main Harry Potter sites in the UK.

You can visit it on this bus tour of the key locations. 

Read more – Complete Guide to Harry Potter film locations in London | Best Harry Potter themed bus & walking tours of London

4 Harry Potter film locations in England

Historic Oxford is home to several Harry Potter places in the UK. The Bodleian Libraries were used as the Divinity classroom and Hogwarts library, while Draco Malfoy was transformed into a ferret by an oak tree in the New College Cloisters. 

The halls and staircases of Christ Church College were also used for several scenes at Hogwarts. If you’re looking for a tour, try this walking one that includes Christ Church College or this combined studios and Oxford day trip.  

Lacock Abbey was used in The Philosopher’s Stone and Chamber of Secrets films. Located in Wiltshire in the Cotswolds , the interiors stood in for various parts of Hogwarts.

You can visit Lacock as part of various tours, including this one to Stonehenge and Bath .   

The Shambles in the small, historic northern city of York are linked to the Harry Potter films, and you only need to wander down the street to see why.

The ancient buildings and cobblestones make you feel like you’re in another, more magical world. Explore the city by taking this Potter-themed tour . 

Harry Potter fans travelling to Scotland won’t want to miss Alnwick as they pass by. This charming Northumbrian town is home to Alnwick Castle – plus a few cobbled streets of its own. Exterior scenes were shot at the castle when the Hogwarts students learn to fly.

A tour from Edinburgh like this one is another way to see Alnwick. 

3 Harry Potter film locations in Scotland

Edinburgh is synonymous with the boy wizard, and The Elephant House cafe is famously where J. K. Rowling wrote some of the series. A fire on the historic George IV Bridge has meant it’s closed for now, however. 

Other Harry Potter filming locations in Scotland to be found in the capital include Greyfriars Kirkyard, where a real-life Thomas Riddle lies. Like York’s Shambles, the Grassmarket in Edinburgh is also said to have inspired Diagon Alley. 

You can also see J. K. Rowling’s golden handprints at the Edinburgh City Chambers, or discover why Heriot’s School might have also provided inspiration. Why not take a walking tour if you want to explore Harry Potter sites in Edinburgh? 

The London train station in Harry Potter might be where the Hogwarts Express departs from, but if you want to ride the steam locomotive then you’ll need to book a seat on The Jacobite.

Find out all about it in this post – or take an all-inclusive day trip from Edinburgh , including the Scottish Highlands. 

Breathtaking Glen Coe is one to add to your list of Harry Potter destinations in the UK. The Highland town was used when filming outside during the making of The Order of the Phoenix,  The Goblet of Fire and The Half-Blood Prince. 

A spot just above the Clachaig Inn, meanwhile,  is where Hagrid’s Hut was positioned for The Prisoner of Azkaban . You can see Glen Coe and ride The Jacobite on this Scotland tour . 

1 Harry Potter film location in Wales

Freshwater West in the coastal Welsh country of Pembrokeshire has attracted many Potter fans since The Deathly Hallows films were released. Shell Cottage was also at the site, but alas Bill and Fleur’s home is now long gone. 

Where Dobby was buried on the beach is now a place to find memorials left behind by keen fans. Typical items include painted pebbles, flowers, socks, gnomes and messages.

There are plenty of Harry Potter filming locations in England, Wales and Scotland to see – and there are also lots to discover in London itself. Including, of course, the Wizarding World to the north of the city. 

From the exterior Alnwick Castle filming locations for Harry Potter and his pals learning to ride a broomstick or the Hogwarts Express to ‘Dobby’s beach’ or the dreaming spires of Oxford, finding your own Harry Potter alley in London or another historic city can be a real highlight of your trip to the UK.

And what better excuse to watch the movies once more – or re-read the books – before you set foot on British soil?

For more inspiration, don’t miss our posts on Harry Potter London locations , the best bus and walking tours of the capital and how to get to the Warner Bros. Studios . As well as where to board the real-life Hogwarts Express !

Veganderlust contains affiliate links and is a member of the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. If you make a purchase using one of these Amazon links, I may receive compensation at no extra cost to you.  For more info, see the Disclosure Policy .

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

Pin it for later:

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.

Similar Posts

Have you considered taking one of the Oxford and Cambridge tours from London? I’ve got you covered! Oxford and Cambridge are two…

London is one of the best places to be as a Harry Potter fan, there’s a wide selection of Harry Potter attractions…

Where Should I Travel In Europe Quiz

Are you ready for your next European adventure but you don’t know where to go? Don’t worry, that’s why I created this…

7 Absolute Best Day Trips from Bristol

Bristol is fantastic for exploring, with lots of great day trip options. Many visitors overlook these opportunities because they don’t stay long…

As a traveler, it’s always important to be aware of local customs and etiquette when visiting a new city. And one question…

Are you looking for the best vegan restaurants in Soho London? I’ve got you covered! I love going to all-vegan restaurants and…

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?

Save one of the pins below for future reference:

You might also like:

The Harry Potter Studio Tour from London

The Jacobite Steam Train & Glenfinnan Viaduct

What to Read & Watch Before Going to the UK

Which Harry Potter World is Better: London vs. Orlando

The Beginner’s Guide to London

The Best 1-Week Scotland Road Trip

How to Throw a Long Expected Hobbit Party

This article was written by: Julia Rexford

Sign up with your email address to receive news and updates.

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.

If you want to find more Harry Potter themed rentals near the Harry Potter studio tour, check out my complete guide and breakdown of the choices.

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. 

Related : Wondering if the Harry Potter studio tour in London is worth your time? Or want to know the easiest way to get there, how much time you need, or best tips to get the most out of your experience? Make sure to check out my detailed Harry Potter studio tour review .

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.

Don’t forget to pin this post for later, and sign up for the newsletter so you don’t miss any more literary travel tips or book recommendations!

Don't miss anything! Subscribe now

By subscribing, you will be automatically notified of new blog posts. I'll never spam you or sell your email address. For more information, read my privacy policy .

Check your inbox or spam folder to confirm your subscription.

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.

Similar Posts

Best Venice Bookstores for Bookish Travelers

Venice manages to be both beautiful and overwhelming; it has a unique charm that sets it apart from every other European city, but tourist crowds can feel suffocating in the narrow streets and alleyways. But here’s an insider tip: One of the best ways to escape…

A Pilgrimage to Monk’s House, Home of Virginia Woolf

Here’s a little known secret: one of the best literary travel destinations is just a 1-hour train ride from London! I’m referring, of course, to Monk’s House, Virginia and Leonard Woolf’s country home and where Virginia wrote nearly all of her most famous books and essays. …

Harry Potter Sights in Edinburgh: An In-Depth Guide

Edinburgh is a dream destination for Harry Potter fans, but it’s easy to miss some of the most important fan sights there. I hate finding out about cool sights after I’ve already visited a destination, which is why I’m such an avid researcher and why I…

Boekhandel Dominicanen: Europe’s Unique Cathedral Bookstore

Should you ever find yourself in the charming college town of Maastricht, Netherlands, googling “bookstores near me,” you will be in for a surprise and an absolute treat: a grand, memorable bookstore housed inside a 13th-century gothic cathedral. Yes, you read that right. The Boekhandel Dominicanen…

Is Atlantis Books in Santorini Open? 2024 Update

Atlantis Books in beautiful Santorini, Greece is one of the most famous bookstores in the world. You’ll find it on countless lists of the world’s most beautiful bookstores and bookstores to add to your bucket list. Atlantis Books is arguably one of the most frequently recommended…

25 Books Set in Scotland You’ll Love

If you’re looking for some great books set in Scotland, look no further.  For those of you who are new here, I’m a literary travel enthusiast, so I write about all things books and travel. In today’s world, real cultural experiences are hard to come by….

• Day trips from London >

Harry Potter Theme Park England

Harry Potter Theme Park England, known as the Warner Bros Studio Tour London, is one of the world’s most popular attractions for Harry Potter fans! Step into the world of witches and wizards and go behind the scenes to see how the 8 Harry Potter movies were made. Highlights of a visit include riding a broomstick, standing on platform 9 ¾ and getting onboard Hogwarts Express! This is an amazing day out for all family members and the Harry Potter Theme Park England is one of the most popular attractions for visitors to London. We offer awesome Harry Potter Warner Bros Studio tours departing daily from Central London that also includes pickup and transfer to the studio!

Discover a world of Harry Potter and book tickets today ! Tickets can be collected directed at the Studio Tour or taken with transportation from Central London.

Top tip: If you cannot find tickets on your travel dates, please check out our useful last-minute guide for finding tickets.

Harry Potter Theme park england:

The Harry Potter Theme Park England, known as the Warner Bros Studio Tour London is one of the most popular places to visit in England! A typical visit takes around 3 hours and highlights include:

• Go behind the scenes with awesome sets that bring the movies to life
• Ride a broomstick like in the movies!
• Enter the forbidden forest and see Buckbeak, Hippogriff and more…
• Admire the authentic props and costumes that were used in the films
• Visit the Great Hall, Diagon Alley and the Chamber of Secrets
• Stand on platform 9 ¾ and take a photo infront of the luggage trolley
• See the incredibly detailed model of Hogwarts Castle, used to create amazing shots of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft
• Hop onboard the Hogwarts Express for the ultimate Harry Potter experience

The Great Hall: Home to some of the most famous Harry Potter Scenes. You’ll get to see the place that was used in Yule Ball and the Battle of Hogwarts. On display are the costumes of students for Hogwarts House plus the teacher’s table.

Forbidden Forest: Enter the Forbidden Forest! Used partially or fully in the filming of most of the movies. The set has 19 trees, each over 14 feet width!

Platform 3¾: Stand on Platform 3¾ and see the Hogwarts Express – whilst most of the films used the location at Kings Cross Station in London, some of the shots were also filmed on the platform at the Warner Bros Studio.

Diagon Alley: Have a walk around Diagon Alley and see Gringotts Bank, Flourish and Blotts, Mr Mulpepper’s Apothecary and Ollivanders wand shop

Potions: See over 900 potion jars!

Professor Umbridge’s Office: The pink office in the Ministry of Magic, featuring Professor Umbridge collection of plates and moving kittens

See the incredible costumes used for playing Quidditch, 300 costumes for the Yule Ball and the Beauxbatons.

Specials & Visual Effects:

See some of the special and visual effects in the films including the (real!) Chamber of Secrets Door, invisibility cloak, whomping willow & green screen. Also learn how certain creatures were brought to life onscreen including Basilisk, Buckbeak, Goblin Heads and Aragog.

How to get tickets:

The Harry Potter Theme Park England (known as Warner Bros Studio Tour London) is located outside of North London. We offer two main tours, each includes transportation from Central London and an entrance ticket to the Harry Potter Warner Bros Studios.

Our first tour departs from London Victoria Coach Station and is available with five regular departures every day. You’ll travel to the Harry Potter Theme Park England on luxury transportation and you’ll have over 3 hours to explore the studios before returning to Central London. This is the most convenient way of travelling to this incredible world of Harry Potter from Central London. Victoria Coach Station is a major transportation hub, and the train station located next door is serviced by the Circle and District and Victoria underground lines. This means that you can reach it from most parts of London. Once you’ve boarded the coach, we’ll take you directly to the studios, and the journey normally takes around 1 hour. You’ll then have at least 3 hours to work around the Studio yourselves, ride a broomstick, check out the awesome displays and take in this awesome Harry Potter experience!

guided tour:

Our second tour is the only fully guided tour of the making of Harry Potter. We depart from Central London via train from Euston Station. Euston Station is one of London’s major train stations and is on the Northern and Victoria underground. You’ll be greeted at the station by a tour representative who will give you your tickets and accompany you on the train to Watford Junction Station. At Watford Junction, you’ll then take a short bus journey to the studios. On arrival at the Warner Bros Studio Tour London, you’ll get to go behind-the-scenes and discover some of the amazing techniques that went into the making of the Harry Potter films. This is a fully guided tour with an extremely knowledgeable tour guide, meaning you’ll get to discover lots of things you never knew! In fact, this is the only fully guided tour into the world of Harry Potter with transportation included from Central London and is highly recommended for the most serious Harry Potter fans.

Once the fully guided tour is complete, you’ll then have the option to reenter the Studio by yourself. Alternatively, you could check out the awesome Harry Potter souvenir shop or head to the cafe! Why not try a butterbeer? More details about this fully guided tour , with daily departures from Central London.

Last Minute Tickets:

Tickets to the Harry Potter Warner Bros studio tour get sold out really quickly! If you are having trouble finding last minute tickets then check out our ticket finder page , where we’ve compiled a list of the best places to look to find a ticket, along with the Warner Bros Studio Website. If you are still unable to find a ticket, you can also contact us. In the event that a last minute ticket becomes available our expert team will get back to you immediately.

more things to do

Get Tickets to Harry Potter Studio Tour If Sold Out

Dark Arts at Warner Bros. Studio Tour, 13 September to 10 November 2024

Hogwarts in the Snow, Warner Bros. Studio London

How to Get to Harry Potter Studio Tour from London

Hotels Near Harry Potter World

A Celebration of Slytherin at the Warner Bros. Studio Tour London - until 15 Sep 2021

8 Best Harry Potter Things To Do In London

By: Author Charlie Pauly

Posted on Last updated: 22 May 2024

Categories England

Home » England » 8 Best Harry Potter Things To Do In 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

MORE SECTIONS

• Dear Deidre

MORE FROM THE SUN

• Newsletters
• Deliver my newspaper
• Sun Vouchers
• The Sun Digital Newspaper
• Racing Members Enclosure
• Fabulous Clothing

Huge UK tourist attraction dubbed ‘Harry Potter meets world’s poshest art galleries’ will open in former jail

• Summer Raemason , News Reporter
• Published : 10:56, 9 Aug 2024
• Updated : 21:13, 9 Aug 2024
• Published : Invalid Date,

HARRY Potter fans are desperate to get their hands on tickets to a new £36million UK tourist attraction - set to open in a former jail.

Inverness Castle, situated in the atmospheric hills of the Scottish Highlands , is set to undergo a major £36million re-vamp and transform into a one-of-a-kind spectacle.

And, Harry Potter/art lovers will be thrilled to hear doors are scheduled to open by summer 2025, with construction due to finish by the end of this year.

Fiona Hampton, director of Inverness Castle and Events for High Life Highland, told the Press and Journal : “We’re at the stage where we’re taking it from concept to reality.

“The audio-visual material that will be in each room is now being created. The text that goes with the exhibits is being written.

“And it’s been a conscious decision to ensure all the scriptwriters are from the Highlands.”

Major tourist attraction evacuated during 'illegal fireworks display'

Little-known theme park has huge outdoor waterpark & it's great value

The majestic castle is predicted to draw in a whopping 500,000 visitors a year to undergo the Inverness Castle Experience.

“We’ve been talking about the concepts, stories and ideas for years now," added Fiona.

The upcoming attraction has been designed by Mather & Co, and the company vowed ticket holders will "laugh, cry and think".

Mather & Co have been instrumental in Downton Abbey: The Experience and the R&A World Golf Museum at St Andrews.

Most read in Travel

Pretty English city has ‘fanciest’ Wetherspoons and is right on the river

Two popular drinks flight attendants are sick of passengers asking for on planes

Major UK airport faces first-ever strike as passengers warned of travel chaos

Stunning home built inside a Royal Navy helicopter - and you can stay

Chief executive Chris Mather dubbed Inverness Castle a combo of the Harry Potter wizarding attractions some of the world's poshest art galleries.

He hailed the "unique" experience and boasted it will "spearhead" Highland tourism.

“It’s not just one thing. It’s food and drink, entertainment, education learning, tours, the natural landscape and sustainability," he said.

“It’s been fantastic to be involved. I’m falling in love with Inverness, it’s got so much to offer."

Harry Potter fans may be excited to learn the Workhaus Projects have also been involved in the construction.

The company is recognised for working on the Harry Potter Wizarding World attraction in New York and the V&A in Dundee.

Director Jim Ibbetson said: “This is massive for us. We’ve been going for nearly 25 years and this is up there with other projects.

“It’s such an incredibly exciting job to be involved in.”

10 UK attractions this summer

WE'VE compiled a list of the top ten must-try staycation activities for all ages, perfect for your bucket list.

Boom Battle Bar

• They’ve got a variety of activities that’ll keep everyone entertained, from Axe Throwing and Augmented Reality Darts to classic American Pool and the chaos of Crazier Golf.
• With 29 locations across the UK, including spots in Scotland, Wales, London, and all over the North and South West, a great night out is never far away.

The Ice Cream Farm

• Located in Cheshire, it’s home to the world's largest ice cream shop.
• With over 50 flavours of Cheshire Farm Ice Cream on offer, entry is a bargain at just £2.50 per person (£1.50 with a Late Afternoon Pass).

Hippodrome Circus

• Great Yarmouth is one of the UK’s top seaside destinations and boasts the Hippodrome Circus, Britain’s last surviving circus venue.
• Housed in a historic 1903 venue, its summer show, Champions, brings together an array of world-class performers, from fearless acrobats and stunt cyclists to tennis jugglers, and slam-dunking basketball teams.

Household Cavalry Museum

• If you're in the capital and looking for a blend of history and excitement, the Household Cavalry Museum at Horse Guards is a must-see.
• Both you and the kids can catch a glimpse of the troopers and their horses in the original 18th-century stables, and have the chance to see them in their finery at the Changing of the Guard ceremony on Horse Guards Parade.

Tipsy Parties

• You don’t have to venture far for an amazing staycation, plenty of experiences can come right to your door, like the cocktail magicians at Tipsy Parties.
• Their expert mixologists make delicious drinks and there are options for non-alcoholic cocktails, so everyone can have fun.

Stockeld Park

• If you’re after a fun-filled family day out, Stockeld Park in Yorkshire, nestled between Wetherby and Harrogate, has you covered, no matter the weather.
• This summer, Stockeld Park is stepping up the fun with its Summer Adventure festival, including a lineup of live entertainment.

Trentham Monkey Forest

• Trentham Monkey Forest in Staffordshire offers a unique day out that's ideal for the summer bucket list.
• The forest is a sanctuary to 140 Barbary macaque monkeys that roam freely across 60 acres, providing visitors a rare opportunity to observe them living naturally in this incredible setting.

Woburn Safari Park

• You can experience the thrill of the African Savannah right here in the British Isles at Woburn Safari Park this holiday season.
• The park offers a Road Safari, where you can get a windscreen’s width away from lions, tigers, monkeys, rhinos, bears, and giraffes, in stunning parkland reserves.

Evesham Vale Light Railway

• You can hop aboard the 15-inch gauge Valley Railway for a scenic ride to Evesham Vale Station, with departures every 30 minutes.
• There you can test your skills at the new 18-hole Aztec-themed Adventure Golf Course, featuring an Aztec temple, wooden bridge, and water features.

The castle experience will see visitors guided by a storyteller, or seanchaidh, and learn about the Highlands' rich history.

Inspiration has been taken from the culture and legends, with around 600 tales sent in by local communities.

Matthew Zajac, Dogstar’s artistic director, and an Inverness-born actor is crafting script material.

“We’ve never done anything quite like the castle experience before”, he said.

RICH HISTORY

The original castle on site dated back to the 11th century and saw the likes of Robert the Bruce, Mary Queen of Scots and Bonnie Prince Charlie.

However, this was lost over time and the building visitors will see today was actually a 19th century courthouse and jail.

It transformed again when it became a hub for Inverness-shire County Council and Inverness-shire Constabulary but court hearings still took place there until 2020.

READ MORE SUN STORIES

I'm mum-shamed for missing my kids' first day back at school to get my hair done

Millions of iPhones blocked from Apple's big AI iOS 18 upgrade

Matthew added: “In a way, this project could be a way for the people of Inverness to reclaim the castle.”

This comes as a huge new theme park opening in 2025 has revealed a fifth land based on Harry Potter – with wizard battle rides and magic shows.

• Harry Potter
• Staycation tips and ideas

Avoid These Tourist Traps In London And Visit These Destinations Instead

O ne of the world's greatest cities, London is packed with tourist attractions so impressive that you'll want to add them all to your itinerary. From the Tower of London to Buckingham Palace to the Churchill War Rooms, the list of unmissable landmarks seems endless. Don't worry, though -- it's possible to visit most of them in just a two-day trip . When you're on a tight schedule, it's important to avoid time- and money-wasting tourist traps in favor of visiting sites that are worthy of your attention. 

Whether it's an overrated and overpriced wax museum, a kitschy dungeon experience, or a super crowded viewpoint, there are many places to avoid visiting in the U.K.'s heady capital. The confusing part? Some of them top multiple lists of must-see attractions. That's where we come in. 

As someone who lived in this captivating English city for six years, I have first-hand knowledge of the biggest tourist traps to avoid when traveling to London. Plus, I can offer more impressive (and often less costly) destinations to visit instead. Don't want to take my word for it? No problem. I combined my first-hand knowledge with reviews and suggestions from other locals to create this list.

Read more: 50 Underrated Tourist Destinations Around The World

Skip Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tours And Ride A London Bus

While hop-on hop-off bus tours can be a convenient way to explore a big city, they often come with a hefty price tag. If the tour is based in London, you can expect to pay over $50 per adult for a one-day pass. Instead, board a London bus, which will cost less than $7 for a day of travel. Bus fare for one ride is about $2 and the daily cap is under $7. To pay for their ride, visitors must use a contactless card or an Oyster Card, the visitor's version of which can be purchased online and mailed to your home before you leave.

Double-decker London buses offer spectacular city views, with many routes passing right by London's landmark attractions. One of our faves is the historic Routemaster Bus 15, which we suggest boarding at the Tower of London. Hop on at Great Tower Street (Stop TT) and ride west to Charing Cross Station. Be sure to sit up top for the best views along this heritage route -– you can't miss St. Paul's Cathedral and Trafalgar Square. 

Bus 24 is another great option for sightseers. Hop on at Victoria Station and ride it to Camden High Street. Along the way, you'll pass Westminster Abbey, the Horse Guard's Parade, Trafalgar Square, and Downing Street. Grab a bite at Camden Market when you disembark or stay on until you reach Hampstead Heath where you can catch unbeatable views of the city.

Skip Madame Tussauds And Visit Buckingham Palace

It may tout itself as a top London attraction, but Madame Tussauds would be more honest if they said they were the top rip-off site. Booking in advance will save some money -- the standard online rate for an adult begins at just over $47 versus the walk-up price, which begins at almost $60. But that's still a lot of quid to dish out for wandering around an overcrowded and noisy space filled with okay-ish wax replicas of A- and B-list celebs. Yes, it's fun to take photos with the royal family and fool friends into thinking you met them IRL, but is it worth it? We don't think so.

Instead, we suggest visiting Buckingham Palace for a potential King Charles III sighting. Realistically, you probably won't spy a royal outside the palace, but at least you'll see a historic monument up close. Celebrities more your thing? Book a reservation at one of the city's most popular restaurants. Chiltern Firehouse has hosted acting greats Jennifer Lawrence and Bradley Cooper as well as soccer superstar David Beckham. 34 Mayfair is another good bet for great food and celeb spotting. Imelda Staunton and royal family members have all eaten here.

Skip Changing Of The Guard And Visit The Queen's Gallery

While you should add Buckingham Palace to your list of must-see London tourist attractions, you may want to avoid a visit during the Changing of the Guard. This formal ceremony marks the change between the old guard (on-duty soldiers) and new guard (soldiers taking over duty) for the royal palaces. Marching with a band from Wellington Barracks to the Palace, the new guard will arrive at the palace at about 10:45 a.m. A well-known event, this is a big tourist draw, which means you can expect hefty crowds queuing up an hour or more in advance, as well as pickpockets who arrive to take advantage of the chaotic atmosphere. This tourist trap, which takes place every Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday, is one you'll be happy to miss. Sadly, watching this famed ceremony these days feels more like witnessing an overhyped marching band than it does an esteemed historic ritual.

Instead, ditch the crowds and glimpse art from the Royal Collection in the Queen's Gallery or visit the Royal Mews , where you can see the royal stables and the 260-year-old Gold State Coach used at King Charles III's Coronation. The Mews are open Thursday through Monday from early March to early November. Neighboring St. James Park is another interesting place to visit. One of London's famed Royal Parks, it is bordered by three palaces and boasts a fabulous view of Buckingham Palace in particular.

Skip Platform 9 ¾ At King's Cross Station And Visit Warner Brothers Studio Tour London

If you're traveling with a Harry Potter-obsessed kid, you may want to visit Platform 9 ¾ at King's Cross Station. But if you're alone, or with other adults who couldn't care less, we advise you to skip this overrated tourist trap. If you're already planning to be in King's Cross Station and have time to scope out this attraction, that's one thing; but if you're traveling there with the sole purpose of visiting this site, think twice. 

Set between platforms 9 and 10 (obvs) this point of interest includes nothing but a brick wall denoted with a sign. Stuck into the wall is part of a trolley loaded with fake suitcases and an empty owl cage. Those hoping for a quick photo and to score some Potter swag will be pleased;  the Harry Potter Shop at Platform 9 ¾ is open daily, even on bank holidays, and it sells everything from wands to clothes to makeup. 

For those who'd rather have an unforgettable and truly magical Harry Potter experience, though, head to Warner Brothers Studio Tour London -- The Making of Harry Potter in nearby Leavesden. Instead of merely looking at a wall, visitors can board the Hogwarts Express, "fly" on a broomstick, walk through the Great Hall, and explore the Forbidden Forest. Step foot in Diagon Alley, try a Butterbeer, or check out some of the film's famous props and costumes. You won't be sorry you visited.

Skip London Dungeon And Visit The Tower Of London

No matter how much the kids beg you to visit the London Dungeon, stay strong and just say "no." This kitschy tourist trap is a waste of your hard-earned money (tickets start at over $37 for adults) and it's so hokey you'll roll your eyes more times than you can count on both hands. This pitiful attraction is peppered with costume-clad actors who like to scream and cackle and its two rides (the Drop Dead: Drop Ride and the Tyrant Boat Ride) will make you wish you were at Walt Disney World; even "It's a Small World" would be more enjoyable. An escape room has also been added to increase the venue's income stream –- it costs $153 for a private game for six people.

Want a historic experience with a side of chills? Head to the Tower of London instead. There, you can tour the Torture at the Tower Exhibition, where you can get up close and personal with the stretching machine (a.k.a. the rack) and other ancient torture devices in the Lower Wakefield Tower. The Bloody Tower is another point of interest you won't want to miss. The most infamous prison on the grounds, this is where you'll learn about the alleged murder of two young princes -– Edward V and his little brother Richard –- by their uncle, Richard III.

Skip The London Bridge Experience And Visit Churchill War Rooms

Looking for a good spooking? Do yourself a favor and skip The London Bridge Experience. A tourist trap designed to bring the city's macabre history to life with the help of actors with a penchant for jump scares, you can expect to meet zombie-like versions of ghastly heavyweights Jack the Ripper and William Wallace during your visit. Tickets cost about $37 for the experience, which takes anywhere between 35 and 50 minutes. That means you could be spending more than $1 a minute. Entry fees also include a trip to the London Tombs, deemed the U.K.'s "best scare attraction," according to their site . Zombified dentists, doctors, and creepy clowns await visitors in the lower vaults of this venue, ready to pounce and scream in your face.

Instead, we suggest visiting the Churchill War Rooms. Also located underground, this fascinating historic facility is part of the Imperial War Museums. Located in the basement of Whitehall, this once-secret complex was used by former Prime Minister Winston Churchill, top government ministers, and military planners to conduct meetings and develop plans during the country's war effort during World War II. Known as the Cabinet War Rooms, this clandestine spot was used daily during the war, until August 16, 1945. Or experience that stomach drop feeling by walking the glass floors at Tower Bridge. Set nearly 138 feet above the Thames, the views are both terrifying and impressive. Tickets cost under $16 per adult. 

Skip The Sherlock Holmes Museum And Visit The Sherlock Holmes Pub

We don't recommend visiting the Sherlock Holmes Museum unless you have a detective-obsessed kid who doesn't realize that the famed character is fictional. Set inside a Georgian townhouse at 221B Baker Street in Marylebone, this four-story museum has been open since 1990. Inside lie antique furnishings mentioned in the books and pretty creepy-looking mannequins. Tickets cost over $21 which isn't exorbitant, especially for London, but considering you won't be there long (the museum's quite small), this seems a bit of a waste.

Instead, head to The Sherlock Holmes  in St James. Self-described as a "Victorian-themed public house," this watering hole features a recreated version of the famed fictional detective's apartment upstairs. The entire pub is dotted with references to Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's beloved books, making it easy to feel as if you're within the pages. Plus, there's a beer garden –- the museum certainly doesn't have one of those.

Skip The SEA Life London Aquarium And Visit The London Zoo

You'll find everything you'd expect to see at the SEA Life London Aquarium. From penguins to sharks to turtles, they're all there. And as far as aquariums go, this is a pretty good one. But when you're in one of the world's greatest cities that lies on the banks of a river, not an ocean, there are plenty of better things to see. Standard tickets to the Sea Life London Aquarium cost $24 online or $51 at the door. Again, that's pretty on par for London attractions, however, it's a steep price to pay for a tourist trap. 

Instead, visit London Zoo in Regent's Park. The oldest scientific zoo in the world, this family-friendly attraction was opened in 1828 for fellows of the Zoological Society of London. In 1847, the public was invited to visit. Today, the zoo is home to 14,0000 animals including a giant, 425-pound silverback gorilla, Sumatran tigers, and Linne's two-toed sloths. While tickets aren't cheap (an adult will cost about $40 to visit on a weekday), it's easy to spend a whole day here. Or, if you aren't willing to part with that much cash, visit the smaller, and lesser-known, Battersea Park Children's Zoo . Adult tickets are more reasonably priced, at $16. There are over 100 animals at this little zoo, including wallabies, meerkats, otters, and lemurs, and plenty of opportunities to interact with animals like coatis, donkeys, and goats.

Skip The Shard And Visit Level 10 At The Tate Modern

There's no denying that The Shard is impressive. In fact, it's one of the most spectacular buildings in the world . The viewing platform was opened by the queen on February 1, 2013, with the main restaurants (Aqua, Oblix, and Hutong) following suit that summer. Set across the Thames from another bucket-list-worthy London building, the Gherkin, this engineering masterpiece towers 1,016 feet above the city and boasts 11,000 glass panels. 

Dubbed a "vertical city," there's plenty to do inside, like spend serious coin on a meal with a view, or zip up one of the 44 elevators to the viewing platform. That 360-degree view will cost you, though -- about $36, or more if you add a glass of champagne. And if you visit on a day that's rainy or misty (honestly, London is often both of those things), you're basically paying for a ride in a lift.

Instead, head to Level 10 at Tate Modern, where you can enjoy a drink or snack (including sandwiches and salads) while ogling the impressive view of the Thames, St. Paul's Cathedral, the BT Tower, and Blackfriar's Bridge. You won't have to pay a thing unless you choose to grab a bite or a warm cuppa. The Skygarden at 20 Fenchurch Street is another must-visit for a free skyline vista. The highest public garden in London, this leafy space is as stunning as its views are remarkable.

Skip The London Eye And Visit Hamstead Heath

We are well aware that some of you will disagree with this addition to our list of tourist traps to avoid when traveling to London, but hear us out. Yes, the London Eye is iconic. Yes, it offers fantastic views of the city. And yes, it's deemed a top London attraction you won't want to miss . That said, visiting this popular landmark can cause more headaches than enjoyment. First created as a temporary point of interest, this 443-foot-tall, "cantilevered observation wheel" is the largest of its kind in the world, according to its website . And if you catch a ride on one of its 32 pods on a sunny day, you can see up to 25 miles in all directions. The problem is that thousands of others have the same idea, which means you could stand in line for more than two hours on a particularly busy day. Standard tickets start at over $32 online or more than $57 for a walk-up.

Instead, visit Hampstead Heath for a unique city view you probably never knew existed. Parliament Hill stands over 321 feet tall, making it one of the highest natural points in the city. If the weather is ideal, you can see to the Gherkin, St. Paul's Cathedral, and the Houses of Parliament. Speaking of the Gherkin, it's another great spot to enjoy unparalleled views. Grab a drink and snack at Iris Bar at Searcys at the Gherkin , then relax with a side order of stunning vistas.

Skip Harrods And Visit Peter Jones And Liberty

Harrods is to London as the Colosseum is to Rome -– a historic icon that's become synonymous with the city. The world's most famous luxury department store, this Knightsbridge institution is impossible to miss -– it's eight floors tall and an entire block long, not to mention over one million square feet in size. Inside, you'll find 20 restaurants, a beauty salon, a bank, and 300 separate departments selling over 5,000 brands. You'll also see price tags so high you might suffer sticker shock. Due to its notoriety, Harrods is often packed with tourists, making it difficult to enjoy the plush interior.

If you're hoping to shop during your London holiday, there are plenty of excellent places to visit instead. Sloane Square is home to the Peter Jones & Partners department store. Owned by John Lewis, this vast shop is filled with enough enticing merchandise that you'll find it tough to leave empty-handed. Grab a bite at The Top Floor Restaurant (on the 6 th floor) for captivating views of Chelsea and beyond.

Liberty is another recognizable landmark located on Regent Street. A heritage-listed building; this stunning Tudor-style store is as beautiful outside as it is indoors. Built between 1922 and 1924, it is worth a visit, if only to admire the impressive architectural features (the price tags here are also quite shocking).

Our Ranking Methodology

Having lived in London for six years with two young children, I visited pretty much every tourist attraction the city has. From renowned points of interest like the Tower of London to remarkable museums, I've seen the top sightseeing destinations multiple times, including many kitschy tourist traps I wish I'd skipped. To create this list, I used my experiences at these attractions to determine which locales are tourist traps that should be avoided and I included alternatives that are more than worthy of your time and money. I also consulted reviews from other locals and travelers, as well as their tips, to ensure the list is solid.

Read the original article on Explore .

NEWS... BUT NOT AS YOU KNOW IT

Need entertainment on a budget this summer? These are the best free tourist attractions around the UK

Share this with

The summer holidays are in full swing – but keeping kids entertained until September can be more than a little tricky.

It’s especially hard to keep the boredom at bay when you’re managing a tight budget, and the cost of living crisis can make even the simplest of extra curricular activities feel excessive.

Luckily, there are lots of free tourist attractions around the UK to help you keep costs down and enjoy quality time together as a family.

Here are the best free things to do in the UK for summer 2024.

Natural History Museum, London

Starting off with an all-time classic, we’ve got the Natural History Museum in London.

Since opening its doors in 1881, its housed an infinitely growing collection of natural history specimens – that were originally displayed in the British Museum.

The museum doesn’t just offer ticketed exhibitions – there are plenty of free things to see and do, including the dinosaur exhibition, the Volcanoes and Earthquakes gallery and an array of skeletal friends, including the famous whale, stegosaurus and the blue whale, AKA the largest mammal on earth.

Plan your visit

Roskilly’s Farm, Cornwall

Based at the Tregellast Barton Farm on the Lizard Peninsula, Roskilly’s is a working Cornish Dairy farm.

Naturally, admission is completely free – and four-legged furry friends are welcome.

Latest London news

• UK braced for 'hottest day of the year'
• Rents are still skyrocketing in London — would a cap make a difference?
• Firefighters save ducklings who got stuck down a manhole

To get the latest news from the capital visit Metro.co.uk's London news hub .

The family-run business milks an impressive 125 Jersey cows, used to make Roskilly’s ice cream and fudges without the use of pesticides and artificial fertilisers. Get stuck in!

Check it out

The National Football Museum, Manchester

A visit to the National Football Museum in Manchester is imperative for any sports fan.

The world’s biggest football museum, it’s open daily from 10am-5pm.

Admission is free for residents of the City of Manchester, under 5s and National Art Pass and Museum Association Members, so get your bookings in now.

Explore here

Royal Albert Dock, Liverpool

The most-visited free tourist destination in North West England, Liverpool’s beloved Royal Albert Dock offers museums, galleries, restaurants and more, including Tate Liverpool, The Beatles Story, Merseyside Maritime Museum and the International Slavery Museum.

Opened in 1846, it was the first structure in the UK to be built solely from cast iron, brick and stone, with no wood in sight.

In 2013, it was regenerated, and now more than six million visitors travel to stroll along its paths each year.

Take a look

Parliament Buildings, Belfast

Eager to see where the Northern Ireland Assembly sits? A visit to the Parliament Buildings on Belfast’s Stormont Estate will cost you nothing, nada, zilch.

The buildings are open to the public from 9am-4pm, Monday to Friday (except on public holidays).

Public tours are also available, but you’ll need to book your space.

Shambles, York

One of the most famous landmarks in York, Shambles is one of Europe’s best-preserved medieval shopping streets.

Think cobbled streets, wooden beams and tiny doorways, as some of these buildings date back as far as the 13 th century.

Shambles is believed to have inspired the famous Diagon Alley from the film adaptation of the Harry Potter franchise and, as such, it’s home to an array of Hogwarts-inspired shops.

The streets were originally comprised solely of butchers, with each shop specialising in a different form of meat. Fear not, vegetarians: these days it’s filled with a vibrant mix of independent retailers, ranging from sweet shops to woollen mills.

Devil’s Dyke, Sussex

Wanting to soak up some crisp, autumn fresh air? Pumpkin spiced lattes at the ready, for a trip to Devil’s Dyke in Sussex is completely free.

A V-shaped valley with a depth of 100 metres, it’s managed by the National Trust. Housing some incredible panoramic views, this remarkable piece of landscape offers the opportunity for walking, cycling, and even hang-gliding.

But be warned: bring a hair bobble, because it’s incredibly windy at the top.

The Helix Park, Falkirk

Spanning over 350 hectares of greenery between Falkirk and Grangemouth in Scotland, The Helix is home to the Kelpies – also known as the largest equine sculptures in the world.

An impressive engineering achievement, the Kelpies are 100ft tall and weigh over 300 tonnes each, a tribute to the horses that historically propped up the Scottish economy by pulling wagons and coal ships.

Pitt Rivers Museum, Oxford

And finally, housed inside Oxford’s Museum of Natural History, the Pitt Rivers Museum is inundated with fascinating things.

With over 500,000 items, including an Ethiopian Priest’s crown, Siberian reindeer knickers and a Roman shoe, it’s entirely possible to spend hours in here. Or, get lost entirely.

Your Daily Horoscope

Daily horoscope today: August 16, 2024 astrological predictions for your star sign

Discover more

Do you have a story to share?

Get in touch by emailing [email protected] .

MORE : What do the nine Banksy pieces mean? We look at the clues

MORE : Banksy confirms fish on City of London police sentry box as his seventh mystery artwork

MORE : ‘My weekend staycation turned into a holiday from hell – nearly 20 years on I’m still living with the consequences’

Get need-to-know travel news, inspiration and advice from Metro every week.

Sign up here....

Privacy Policy

Enter your birthday for your free daily horoscope sent straight to your inbox!

Get us in your feed

• Life & Culture
• Entertainment
• Theme Parks

Harry Potter land at new Universal theme park will be Ministry of Magic

• Sharon Kennedy Wynne Times staff

Universal Orlando is conjuring another wizard-themed land for its new theme park Epic Universe, now under construction. The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic will span both the magical London offices and the streets of Paris in the 1920s from the more recent “Fantastic Beasts” movies, Universal revealed on Wednesday.

The theme park, estimated to cost more than $1 billion before its opening in 2025, is designed like a hub with spokes that lead to five new immersive lands. Fans enter through a tunnel (or “portals,” as the park calls them) that allows for a wow factor as it opens into a highly themed world.

Universal has already released details on lands at Epic Universe that will be themed for the “How To Train Your Dragon” movies, Super Nintendo World , a horror-themed Dark Universe and its entryway, Celestial Park, designed as an imaginative space full of lush gardens and dancing fountains.

On Wednesday, Universal finally uncloaked information on what is coming to the new Harry Potter land with whimsical retail, dining “and the most ambitious, groundbreaking ride Universal has ever created,” the park announcement said.

Visitors will find Paris in the 1920s and Place Cachée, a hidden, bustling shopping district similar to Diagon Alley.

Like Universal’s other Potter-themed parks, visitors can use interactive wands to create special effects, and they will also encounter a traveling circus like the one in the 2018 film “Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald.”

Unique to this park, guests will leave Paris and “travel across countries and time to 1990s London using the Métro-Floo for a thrilling adventure set inside the iconic British Ministry of Magic,” Universal announced.

The Floo Network in J.K. Rowling’s blockbuster books is a mode of transportation where wizards travel using Floo Powder and a fireplace.

The premiere ride, called Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry, will bring visitors into the bureau’s grand atrium for the long-awaited trial of the infamous Dolores Umbridge. They will board the Ministry’s magical elevators that go sideways, backward or stop violently.

Explore Tampa Bay’s sights and bites

Subscribe to our free Do & Dine newsletter

You’re all signed up!

Want more of our free, weekly newsletters in your inbox? Let’s get started.

When Umbridge attempts to escape, guests will join Harry Potter, Ron Weasley, Hermione Granger and a house-elf named Higgledy “in a thrilling chase that will propel them up, down, forward, backward, sideways and more throughout the Ministry as they try to capture Umbridge — all while dodging attacks from Death Eaters, rampaging creatures and more along the way.”

Other attractions in this land will be:

Le Cirque Arcanus: Based on the circus depicted in the “Crimes of Grindelwald,” the park will have a show with performers, aerialists, puppetry and special effects “where they’ll encounter fantastic beasts like never before.”

Cosme Acajor Baguettes Magique: Similar to Ollivander’s in Diagon Alley, French wizards buy their wands here.

Strolling entertainment: Guests will encounter other visitors, including exchange students from Hogwarts, an Auror from the French Ministry of Magic “who roams inquiring of suspicious characters,” and find talking portraits of wizards who will engage with locals.

For a limited time, Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic merchandise, including apparel, accessories and drinkware, can be purchased at the Universal Epic Universe Preview Center in Universal CityWalk or online at shop.universalorlando.com .

The boy wizard has been delivering big rewards for Universal since 2010, when the Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Hogsmeade opened at Islands of Adventure. It continued with the 2014 launch of Diagon Alley at Universal Studios.

The park has not yet unveiled how tickets for Epic Universe will be available to its passholders.

Universal is currently planning to offer “a range of ticket products to help manage the expected demand for Epic Universe,” said Alyson Sologaistoa, vice president of public relations for Universal Orlando.

Sharon Kennedy Wynne is a reporter covering events, things to do and family experiences through the region. Reach her at [email protected].

MORE FOR YOU

• Advertisement

ONLY AVAILABLE FOR SUBSCRIBERS

The Tampa Bay Times e-Newspaper is a digital replica of the printed paper seven days a week that is available to read on desktop, mobile, and our app for subscribers only. To enjoy the e-Newspaper every day, please subscribe.