If you’re anything like us, the world of Harry Potter isn’t just a series of books and films; it’s a magical escape that’s captured our hearts and imaginations.
Now, what if we told you that you could step into this enchanting world when visiting London? That’s right, the capital city isn’t just famous for its historical landmarks and royal palaces; it’s also a treasure trove of magical Harry Potter locations waiting to be discovered.
Whether you’re looking to follow your favorite characters’ footsteps, see where the movies were brought to life, or simply soak in the magical atmosphere, we’ve got you covered. Our guide to the top things to do in London for Harry Potter fans will take you on a spellbinding journey through the city, from the iconic Warner Bros. Studio Tour London to the hidden alleys and majestic bridges that played a backdrop to the adventures of Harry, Hermione, and Ron.
Here’s a quick overview:
Visit Warner Bros. Studio London – The Making of Harry Potter
If there’s one place that every Harry Potter fan must visit, it’s the Warner Bros. Studio Tour London—The Making of Harry Potter. This tour is a golden ticket to the heart of the magic that brought J.K. Rowling’s phenomenal series to life on the big screen.
Imagine stepping into the actual Great Hall of Hogwarts, wandering down the cobblestoned paths of Diagon Alley, and sneaking through the shadows of the Forbidden Forest. The Warner Bros. Studio Tour offers an unparalleled immersive experience that takes you behind the scenes of the Harry Potter films.
Honestly, visiting the Warner Bros. Studio Tour London has to be one of the most unforgettable experiences for any Harry Potter fan. There’s something incredibly special about seeing the magic of the films come to life right before your eyes.
What to See:
- The Great Hall: Feel the awe of walking into the majestic Great Hall, complete with the house tables and the Sorting Hat. It’s as magical as you’ve always imagined.
- Diagon Alley: Stroll through the bustling Diagon Alley, taking in the sights of Ollivanders, Flourish and Blotts, and Weasleys’ Wizard Wheezes.
- The Forbidden Forest: Brave the Forbidden Forest, home to Aragog the Acromantula and Buckbeak the Hippogriff. It’s a spine-tingling adventure.
- Special effects and animatronics: Discover the secrets behind the series’ most spellbinding special effects and the animatronics that brought creatures like Dobby and the Basilisk to life.
Trust us, it’s every bit as magical as you hope it will be, and then some.
Tips for Visiting
- Advance booking is essential: The magic of Harry Potter continues to enchant fans from around the globe, making tickets to the Studio Tour highly sought after. To ensure your spot, book your tickets well in advance.
- Transportation options: The Warner Bros. Studio is located in Leavesden, just outside London. Consider how you’ll get there: whether it’s by train, bus, or a special shuttle service, planning your journey is part of the adventure. Some visitors prefer to book a package with transportation from central London for a hassle-free experience.
- Plan your visit: There’s so much to see and do at the Studio Tour, from marveling at the intricate models of Hogwarts Castle to enjoying a frothy Butterbeer. Give yourself plenty of time to soak it all in, and remember to check the opening times and any special events happening during your visit.
Harry Potter Locations and Attractions in London
London isn’t just the capital of England; it’s also the unofficial capital of the Harry Potter world in the muggle world. Walking its streets, you can’t help but feel the magic in the air, especially when you visit these iconic locations.
Leicester Square
Just a short walk from Leicester Square tube station, there’s a special treat for Harry Potter fans—a bronze statue of the iconic Harry Potter mounted on his broomstick. Located among a collection of movie-related statues in this lively area of London, this statue offers the perfect selfie opportunity.
But why Harry Potter in Leicester Square? The Odeon Leicester Square hosted the premiere of Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone on November 4th, 2001, kick-starting a decade-spanning film phenomenon. This premiere marked the beginning of one of the most successful film franchises in history, making the statue a fitting homage to where the cinematic journey of the world’s most famous wizard began.
Piccadilly Circus
Who could forget the heart-stopping scene in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows where Harry, Hermione, and Ron narrowly escape in a whirlwind of action?
Being here, you can almost see the trio dashing through the streets. Walking through Piccadilly Circus, I half-expected to bump into them at any moment, racing to escape Death Eaters.
Shaftesbury Avenue
Hermione mentions visiting this avenue in the films, and it’s easy to see why it would be a spot for a night out, even for a witch or wizard.
The first time I walked down Shaftesbury Avenue, I couldn’t help but keep an eye out for any magical disturbances. It felt like a place where the boundary between our worlds blurred just a bit.
Trafalgar Square
The final film’s world premiere took place here, making it hallowed ground for Harry Potter fans. There’s a sense of culmination and celebration in the air, knowing that this is where the film series wrapped up its incredible journey.
Great Scotland Yard
Known in the wizarding world as the entrance to the Ministry of Magic, this location gives you a glimpse into the bureaucratic heart of British wizardry. Walking past, I always give a nod to the secret life bustling just beneath the surface, hidden from muggle eyes.
Westminster Bridge
Westminster Bridge is iconic for the Knight Bus scene, zipping and squeezing its way through London traffic.
Lambeth Bridge
This bridge is famous for the flying Ford Anglia scene in Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets. The first time I crossed it, I remember jokingly watching the sky for any errant cars. It’s one spot that makes you smile, thinking about how seamlessly the magical world integrates into our own.
Palace Theatre
The magic of Harry Potter continues on stage with Harry Potter and the Cursed Child. Watching the play here feels like coming full circle, from reading the books to seeing the films, and now experiencing the story live.
Kings Cross Station
Last but not least, no Harry Potter tour of London would be complete without a visit to Platform 9 ¾. Trying to run through the barrier (just a gentle nudge, of course) and visiting the Harry Potter shop feels like a rite of passage.
Each visit brings back that wide-eyed wonder of reading the first book, where every possibility lay ahead.
These locations, woven into the fabric of London, are not just stops on a map but portals to the memories and moments that define the Harry Potter series for many of us. Walking these streets, you’re tracing the footsteps of magic.
The Harry Potter tour with Take Walks visits all of these spots. Keep reading for more details, or go book directly with the operator now.
More Things To Do in London for Harry Potter Fans
While the iconic spots like Kings Cross Station and Leicester Square are must-visits for any Harry Potter fan touring London, the city is dotted with several other locations that have either made their way into the films or inspired the magical world that J.K. Rowling created.
Here are a couple more magical stops to add to your itinerary:
- Millennium Bridge: Remember the dramatic scene in Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince where Death Eaters wreak havoc on the Muggle world by destroying this very bridge? Today, the Millennium Bridge stands strong and unharmed, offering splendid views of the Thames and a direct path between St. Paul’s Cathedral and the Tate Modern. Walking across, it’s easy to imagine the chaos of that scene and the bridge’s role in bridging the wizarding and Muggle worlds.
- The Reptile House at London Zoo: This is where the magic began for many of us, witnessing Harry’s first unconscious display of parseltongue. When visiting the Reptile House, you can stand in the very spot where Harry communicated with a Burmese python, setting him on his path to discovering his true identity as a wizard. It’s a thrilling moment for fans to relive, standing where Harry’s journey into the wizarding world inadvertently began.
While in the city, check out these: Unusual Places to Visit in London
Join a Harry Potter Tour in London
For fans of the Wizarding World looking to dive deep into the magic of Harry Potter while exploring the heart of London, joining a guided Harry Potter tour with Take Walks offers an unforgettable blend of cinematic enchantment and real-world discovery.
This tour is designed to bring the magic off the screen and into the streets, giving you a firsthand look at the locations that inspired the series or appeared in the films.
Itinerary Highlights:
- Meet at Leicester Square: Your magical journey begins in Leicester Square, where you’ll meet your guide and fellow Potterheads.
- Walking tour of central London: From Leicester Square, you’ll embark on a guided walking tour that weaves through the bustling streets of central London. Each stop is carefully chosen for its significance to the Harry Potter series, offering insights and stories that connect the magical and muggle worlds. You’ll see London through a magical lens, whether it’s catching a glimpse of the Leaky Cauldron’s possible inspirations or standing on the bridge attacked by Death Eaters.
- Lunch break with recommendations: Halfway through the adventure, you’ll take a lunch break. While not included in the tour price, your guide will offer fantastic recommendations to suit all tastes and budgets, ensuring you’re well-fueled for the magical exploration ahead.
- Transfer to Warner Bros. Studio Tour London: After lunch, the tour shifts from the streets of London to the spellbinding Warner Bros. Studio Tour London. You’ll travel via private coach, offering a comfortable and convenient journey to the home of Harry Potter film magic.
- Four hours at the Studio Tour: Upon arrival at the Studio, you’re given four hours to explore everything at your own pace. This part of the tour is a dream come true for fans, as you wander through iconic sets like the Great Hall and Diagon Alley and discover the secrets behind the series’ spellbinding special effects. It’s an immersive experience that lets you appreciate the incredible craftsmanship and artistry that brought the Wizarding World to life.
- Return to London: The day concludes with a return trip to London, dropping you off at King’s Cross Station. This location, synonymous with Harry Potter’s journey to Hogwarts, is the perfect end to a day filled with magic, allowing you to reflect on the adventure and perhaps even catch a glimpse of Platform 9 ¾.
Tour Includes:
- Ticket to Warner Bros. Studio Tour London – The Making of Harry Potter
- Private round-trip coach transfer
- Small group of 18 guests maximum
- Expertly guided walking tour of central London
Price: from €210
Meeting Point: 1 Leicester Square, London WC2H 7NA. Meet your guide at the Harry Potter statue, located just outside the park across from the IMAX movie theater. Your guide will be holding a Walks sign.
