Explore the mesmerizing universe that J.K. Rowling invented. Discover the magic behind Harry Potter at the Warner Bros. Studio Tour.
After that, walk through iconic real-world shooting locations like Leadenhall Market and King’s Cross Station’s Platform 9¾ for a truly magical experience! Fans can enjoy themed walking tours that highlight iconic spots or shop for exclusive merchandise at Harry Potter stores around the city.
Treat yourself and your friends to something special with a wizarding world inspired afternoon tea! Don’t miss the House of MinaLima, home to all the graphic art that has appeared in the movies.
This guide collects all the great things for fans to see and do in London.
1. Visit the Harry Potter Studio Tour
The HP Studio Tour plunges you into the very heart of the wizarding world. Step foot into the Hogwarts Great Hall, Dumbledore’s office, Diagon Alley and more! Over 80% of the props and sets from the films are on display, making it an unmissable experience for fans. You’re greeted with this breathtaking spectacle right when you walk in.
From the second you enter, the detail is incredible. Wander down the cobblestone streets of Diagon Alley. Take a look into Ollivanders or marvel at the stunning detail of the Hogwarts castle model! It wouldn’t be an incredible exhibit without immersive elements that invite you to explore, such as pushing a trolley through Platform 9¾ or sitting in Hagrid’s motorbike.
Planning your visit around Halloween or Christmas adds a special magic. The studio has cheesy Halloween-themed decorations such as pumpkins and colored lights, deepening the magical experience. The Great Hall is even more magical around Christmas, with seasonal props and a holiday feast setup. It can be well worth it to time your visit to coincide with these seasonal happenings, if your itinerary permits.
There’s even more behind-the-scenes magic to explore. See how the filmmakers created Hogwarts, from incredible CGI to mechanical creatures and incredible costumes. Explore the artistry of wand-creation and learn how they brought to life impressive creatures such as Buckbeak and the Basilisk. These learnings ensure that the tour is more than a simple sightseeing excursion—it’s a deep, hands-on immersion in the creative process itself.
To get the best experience, prepare a list of things you want to see. People love Forbidden Forest and Gryffindor Common Room. Note that queues can be lengthy, particularly at busy periods, so coming ready makes a difference. The tour’s sweeping photo opps and family-friendly experiences will make for some truly magical memories you’ll remember forever.
2. Explore Platform 9¾ at King’s Cross
From there, make your way to Platform 9¾ at King’s Cross for one of the most quintessentially Harry Potter experiences out there. It’s a rite of passage to snap a photo with the luggage trolley embedded in the wall. The trolley is filled to the brim with retro luggage and an owl cage.
It’s an awesome location to pick up a unique and interactive souvenir! A staff member is on hand to help ensure you’ll get the perfect shot. It’s no wonder that 90% of visitors end up posing for a photo here and you’ll find yourself in good company!
Every year on September 1, fans come together to mark the day the Hogwarts Express departs. It’s a colorful, engaging, magical environment that offers something for every Potterhead of all ages. Even if you’re not a Potterhead, if you find yourself visiting around this time it’s worth joining in to soak up the excitement.
You’ll get to visit the real platform for free! It’s found in the northwest corner of the main atrium at King’s Cross Station and is free to visit every day from roughly 5 a.m. To 1 a.m. Give yourself at least an hour to really make the most of your visit.
Then, visit the adjacent Harry Potter Shop at platform 9¾ for limited-edition gifts and collectibles. It’s full of memorabilia, from wands and house scarves to collectibles. The shop is located directly next door to Platform 9¾, so you can’t miss it.
Whether you’re shopping for your favorite Hogwarts student or acquiring a few magical treats for yourself, we’ve got you covered. For convenient access, King’s Cross St. Pancras is the closest tube station.
A good number of bus routes serve the stop with routes 10, 17, 30, and 73 stopping nearby. With straightforward route planning, this makes for an easy extension to your London short break.
3. Discover Leadenhall Market’s Diagon Alley
Leadenhall Market, a historic gem dating back to the 14th century, served as the iconic filming location for Diagon Alley within the Harry Potter movies. The market, rebuilt in 1881, features beautiful Victorian architecture with cobblestone streets, arched windows, and colorful façades. Perhaps that’s why walking through its narrow passageways feels like stepping into the wizarding world itself, especially for dedicated Harry Potter fans.
During your visit, you’ll see why this bustling market’s enchanting vibe set the scene for the Harry Potter films’ Diagon Alley. The market is not only a scenic walk through London’s mercantile history but also home to quirky boutiques and old-school pubs that seem to leap from the pages of Harry Potter books.
After exploring the beautiful Victorian architecture, enjoy a coffee break or a meal in one of the market’s many cafés. Besides wandering the market itself, stores packed with wondrous Harry Potter merchandise await, deepening your immersive experience. This is where they filmed scenes for the Leaky Cauldron, making this spot all the more thrilling for Potter fans.
Whether you’re searching for the perfect memento or just reveling in the energetic ambiance, Leadenhall Market offers an experience like no other. Photography enthusiasts will find jaw-dropping details at Leadenhall Market. The Victorian design, combined with its colorful facades and hanging signs, creates an ideal backdrop for recreating your favorite Harry Potter moments.
Take a picture beneath the ornate arches! You can get a shot along the corner where they recreated the Leaky Cauldron scenes, which is indispensable for any Potterhead’s photoset. Once you’ve shopped the market, London’s Theatre District is nearby and can add even more excitement to your trip.
Only a 5-minute walk from Liverpool Street Station, it’s simple to enjoy a whole day’s worth of attractions. London served as the setting for 80% of the Harry Potter films, and you’ll find dozens of other filming locations that are just a quick subway ride or very doable walk away!
4. Stroll through the Millennium Bridge
Plus, walking across the Millennium Bridge gives you a taste of film magic mixed with everyday life. The famous pedestrian bridge is wonderfully captured in Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, making it a must-see for any Harry Potter fan. It creates a visually striking moment in the wizarding world, making you feel as though you’re stepping right onto a movie set. Its minimalist design and distinctive steel suspension contribute to a truly stunning cinematic reveal.
Views from the bridge help make this stroll unbeatable. You can’t miss the stunning view of London’s skyline, where iconic buildings—most notably Sir Christopher Wren’s St. Paul’s Cathedral—dominate the view at one end. Adding to the ambiance is the wide-open, unobstructed view of the Thames River below, making it a great way to enjoy the convergence of modern and historic London.
As you take in the views, envision the dynamic shots from the Harry Potter films. The charm of magic and sometimes surreal elements blend seamlessly with reality, playing out all around you. If you’re hoping for a day’s outing away from the city, there’s plenty to discover nearby. After crossing the bridge, enjoy a leisurely walk along the Thames Path.
Head over to Tate Modern Gallery to immerse yourself in world-class art. The pedestrian bridge, commissioned to commemorate the new millennium, is not only a fantastic filming location but also an incredibly important part of London’s history. Look out for Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre along your walk, which adds even more historical context to your journey.
Be sure to take plenty of photos during your visit! With the bridge’s distinctive design, it provides fabulous photo opportunities, particularly with the skyline of the city behind it. You’ll be able to get amazing close-ups of the bridge’s delicate ornamentation. Or, use a wide angle to capture the gorgeous buildings around you.
5. Experience the Wizarding World at Universal Studios
Welcome to the Wizarding World, where magic happens. Enjoy all-new rides, interactive experiences, and meticulously crafted environments that bring the beloved Wizarding World and Harry’s adventures to life! Arrive bright and early; the park opens at 9 am, and be prepared to spend a whole day discovering the many Harry Potter attractions.
You won’t just see the life-sized Hogwarts Castle—you’ll step inside! It’s especially mesmerizing when you’re soaring through it on Forbidden Journey, an exhilarating combination of high definition, lean-forward technology, and just plain fun. Board the Hogwarts Express from Platform 9 3/4! This ride takes you away with the incredibly immersive experience of running through the wall, easily making it the best ride for Harry Potter fans young and old.
Interactive experiences are abundant, creating an immersive environment that will have you believing you’re a genuine wizard. At Ollivanders Wand Shop, you can take part in a magical wand ceremony to discover which wand chooses you. Interact with magic. Tap your wand to activate snazzy magical effects scattered throughout Diagon Alley and Hogsmeade Village, making your experience that much more immersive and enjoyable.
Remember to check out the Owl Post in Hogsmeade, where you can send postcards with a special postmark for a unique souvenir. When it comes to dining, the themed restaurants and lounges serve up authentic wizarding flavors. The Three Broomsticks serves hearty fare including shepherd’s pie and roasted chicken.
On the other hand, the Leaky Cauldron is known for great fish and chips. Naturally, no visit would be complete without getting your Butterbeer fix, served frozen, cold, and even as soft-serve! To have the best experience possible, putting together a short list of can’t miss rides and experiences is the best way to visit.
Throw in the Forbidden Journey, the Hogwarts Express, and a pit stop at the shops for exclusive Harry Potter merchandise, and you’re in fabulous heaven. Tickets for a single day run about $120. Book your visit far in advance, as the park has a tendency to sell out during the busy season.
Conclusion
London is home to a fantastic amount of opportunities to experience the magic of Harry Potter first-hand. From the detailed sets of the Studio Tour to the charm of Leadenhall Market, every spot brings the wizarding world to life. Whether it’s walking across the Millennium Bridge or taking a picture at Platform 9¾, doing it yourself makes the experience special. Every visit is truly like walking into the printed page of the books or the shot from the movies.
Whether you’re a lifelong fan or simply looking to explore, these locations will immerse you in the tale. Both of them provide unique and delightful experiences that you won’t soon forget. Get started on your visit and get ready to discover these unforgettable settings! Whatever your age, London is prepared to add a touch of magic to your itinerary.