Are you a Potterhead ready to step into the wizarding world in London? We highlight a magical mix of film locations, immersive attractions and enchanting experiences that bring the Harry Potter franchise to life.
From famous landmarks to inspiration spots, London offers plenty for fans of all ages to discover, and it’s easy to plan your visit, whether you consider yourself as a Pure-Blood or a Muggle!
Drawing on local knowledge and experience from across the Visit London team, we’ve curated this guide to highlight the Harry Potter experiences that visitors and we enjoy the most. Step inside Warner Bros. Studio Tour London to explore original sets and props, snap a photo at Platform 9¾ at King’s Cross, wander through Leadenhall Market or join a guided walking tour to uncover real filming locations among London’s streets.
🧙 Harry Potter walking tours – Best for discovering real filming locations
🚉 Platform 9¾ at King’s Cross Station – Best for a classic photo opportunity and official Harry Potter souvenirs
🏛️ Leadenhall Market – Best for exploring the real-life inspiration for Diagon Alley
🎬 Millennium Bridge – Best for spotting famous scenes from the films and scenic views
How we chose the best Harry Potter things to do in London
If you’re wondering which Harry Potter experiences are worth your time in London then this list should help. Our guide has been shaped by tips from the Visit London editorial team, alongside insights shared by London attractions and our network of London insiders.
We draw on our own experiences and we keep a close eye on new openings, seasonal changes and updates to existing attractions providing a mix of bucket-list experiences and lesser-known spots that appeal to a range of ages and interests.
In our selection below, we also consider visitor numbers, feedback and engagement to understand which experiences resonate best with Harry Potter fans.
Harry Potter things to do in London
Harry Potter walking tour – Best for exploring real filming locations
Nearest Tube: Monument (District and Circle), Bank (Central, Northern, Waterloo & City, District, and Circle)
When: Daily: 11am
Duration: Approx. 2 hours
Discover London’s famous Harry Potter film locations on a Harry Potter walking tour. Beginning near Leadenhall Market, you’ll visit real filming locations and places that inspired key scenes, from the Leaky Cauldron entrance to architectural details linked to Gringotts. Along the way, your guide shares behind‑the‑scenes stories, film trivia and links to the books.
The route passes landmarks such as St Paul’s Cathedral and Millennium Bridge, combining cinematic storytelling with London’s history. Because of its easy pace we suggest taking loads of pictures at each of the stops on the tour. After a journey through some of the city’s most atmospheric streets, the two‑hour walk ends near Borough Market, which is one of our favourite food markets in London.
Best for: Film location spotters, urban walks and an active family day out.
Good to know: The tour is mostly outdoors and runs in all weather, so we recommend wearing comfortable shows and weather-appropriate clothing.
Harry Potter and the Cursed Child – Best for live theatre magic
Nearest Tube: Leicester Square (Piccadilly and Northern), Covent Garden (Piccadilly), Tottenham Court Road (Norther, Central and Elizabeth)
When: Part one: Wed-Fri and Sat: 2pm, Sun: 1pm. Part two: Wed-Fri and Sat at 7pm, Sun at 6pm
Duration: Part one: 2 hours and 40 minutes. Part two: 2 hours and 35 minutes
Enjoy new tales in the wizarding world with Harry Potter and the Cursed Child at the Palace Theatre. Set 19 years after the final book, the production follows Harry as an adult while his son Albus struggles with the weight of the Potter name, setting off a storyline where past and present collide.
Celebrated for its inventive stagecraft, the show brings spells, transformations and time travel to life using illusion and choreography. The story unfolds across two parts, creating an epic theatrical experience filled with emotion, spectacle and nostalgia. It never stops amazing us how this theatre production creates stage illusions that look real - just like magic.
Best for: Theatre fans and stage magic that feels fully immersive.
Good to know: The production is currently performed in two parts, but it will soon be transformed into one.
London Harry Potter Private Film Locations Black Cab Tour – Best for an exclusive and relaxed experience
When: Daily: 8am-8pm
Duration: 3 hours
Explore London at your own pace with a private Harry Potter black cab tour with an expert driver. Travel between filming locations, including Leadenhall Market, Borough Market and King’s Cross, with commentary that blends film history, trivia and real‑world context.
The flexible format allows time for photos, short walks and tailored stops, making it ideal for families or fans who prefer a relaxed experience. We would recommend visiting Australia House, as its interior was used to for a film location of Gringotts Wizarding bank and uncover further stories behind iconic scenes.
Best for: Harry Potter fans looking for a private, flexible and comfortable way to explore London’s filming locations
Good to know: Since the itinerary can be tailored, if you want to skip any of the locations on the itinerary we suggest asking the driver to swap them for other sights.
The Wizard Experiences at the Georgian House Hotel – Best for a unique themed stay in London with storybook-style rooms
Nearest Tube: Victoria (Victoria, District and Circle) and Pimlico (Victoria)
When: Daily
Stay in the Wizard Chamber at the Georgian House Hotel for an atmospheric overnight experience inspired by fantasy and Victorian charm. Reached through a secret bookcase and candlelit passage, the rooms feature four‑poster beds, stained glass and richly detailed decor.
We recommend including the themed afternoon teas and sipping on magical cocktails, adding to the playful immersion. It’s a memorable option for fans seeking something a little different from a traditional London hotel.
Best for: Potter fans seeking an immersive stay and enchanting food and drink experiences.
Good to know: The Wizard Chamber rooms are designed for novelty and atmosphere rather than luxury hotel space, so they can be compact.
Platform 9¾ at King’s Cross Station – Best for a classic photo opportunity and official Harry Potter souvenirs
Nearest Tube: King’s Cross (Circle, Hammersmith & City, Metropolitan, Northern, Piccadilly, and Victoria)
When: Mon-Sat: 8am-10pm, Sun: 9am-8pm
Duration: 1 hour
Step into one of the most famous moments from the series at Platform 9¾ inside King’s Cross Station and enter the wizarding world at the Harry Potter Shop at Platform 9¾. The adjacent Harry Potter Shop is styled like a magical emporium, packed with wands, house scarves, sweets and exclusive collectibles inspired by the books and films.
Just outside, you’ll find the iconic luggage trolley disappearing into the wall. We recommend getting an official photo with the scarf and the wands or any of the other souvenirs in the shop. It’s an easy stop to combine with sights around King’s Cross and Granary Square.
Best for: Harry Potter fans on a budget and those seeking unique gifts.
Good to know: The shop is located inside King’s Cross Station, making it easy to visit as part of a wider day in central London.
Leadenhall Market – Best for exploring the real-life inspiration for Diagon Alley
Nearest Tube: Monument (District and Circle), Bank (Central, Northern, and Waterloo & City)
When: Daily: 24/7 (opening times of shops, restaurants and bars vary)
Duration: 1-2 hours
Leadenhall Market blends medieval origins with Victorian grandeur, creating one of London’s most striking covered markets. Its ornate roof and cobblestone lanes appeared as Diagon Alley in Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone.
Today, the market is home to shops, cafes and historic pubs, offering plenty of places to pause and soak up the atmosphere. We suggest walking through Bull's Head Passage which was used for scenes from the first film showcasing the entrance of the Leaky Cauldron. Whether you’re visiting for its film links or architecture, it’s a rewarding stop at any time of day.
Find out more in our Leadenhall Market guide.
Best for: Evening sightseers and film-location fans, as well as those seeking dining and boutique shopping.
Good to know: House of Wonders, filled with Harry Potter souvenirs, will open soon in Leadenhall Market.
Millennium Bridge – Best for spotting famous scenes from the films and scenic views
Where: EC4V 3TT
Nearest Tube: Mansion House (District and Circle)
When: Open all day
Duration: 10-15 minutes
Millennium Bridge is one of London’s most recognisable modern river crossings, linking St Paul’s Cathedral with the South Bank. Opened in 2000, the pedestrian-only bridge gained cinematic fame in Harry Potter and the Half‑Blood Prince, where it is destroyed during a dramatic Death Eater attack. Today, it offers wide views across the Thames and remains a popular route for visitors and locals alike.
We recommend paying close attention to the floor of Millennium Bridge as artist Ben Wilson paints tiny artworks onto the dried chewing gum on the bridge as well as in other places across London.
Best for: Modern architecture fans and for an unobstructed view onto iconic London sights.Good to know: The bridge appears in the sixth Harry Potter film, however in the book it was Brockdale Bridge that was attacked by the Death Eaters.
Piccadilly Circus – Best for film locations paired with classic London sightseeing
Where: Piccadilly Circus, W1D 7ET
Nearest Tube: Piccadilly Circus (Bakerloo and Piccadilly)
When: Open daily 24/7
Duration: 30 minutes-1 hour
Piccadilly Circus is one of London’s most famous filming locations, appearing in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 1 as Harry, Ron and Hermione move through central London. Known for its illuminated screens, busy junction and surrounding theatres, it remains one of the West End’s most energetic landmarks and an easy photo stop when exploring nearby Soho and Leicester Square.
The area is a great place for British luxury brands, our top tip is to visit famous department store Fortnum & Mason for its high-quality products, or Hamleys toy store if you are visiting with family. Should you want to avoid the crowds, we suggest enjoying the area and other parts of central London on a hop-on hop-off bus tour.
Best for: High-end shopping with plenty of department stores and boutiques.
Good to know: Despite its name, the famous Shaftesbury Memorial Fountain at Piccadilly Circus actually depicts Anteros, the god of reciprocated love, rather than Eros
Westminster Tube station – Best for views of famous London landmarks
Where: Bridge Street, SW1A 2JR
Nearest Tube: Westminster (Jubilee, District and Circle)
When: Approximately 5.30am-00.30am
Duration: 10-15 minutes
Westminster Underground Station features in Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, when Harry and Mr Weasley travel through on their way to the Ministry of Magic. Set beneath some of London’s most iconic attractions, the station highlights the contrast between everyday commuter life and the hidden wizarding world.
Don't miss nearby landmarks - we always love a selfie in front of Big Ben, visiting Westminster Abbey for its history and learning about the cradle of British politics on a tour of the Houses of Parliament.
Best for: First-time visitors and sightseers who want to tick off some of London's famous landmarks.
Good to know: There is a dedicated entrance to the Houses of Parliament that is only accessible to holders of parliamentary passes.
Scenes in the Square – Best for a quick photo stop and quidditch fans
Nearest Tube: Leicester Square (Piccadilly and Northern)
When: Daily: 24/7
Duration: 30 minutes-1 hour
See Scenes in the Square at Leicester Square and spot a bronze statue of Harry Potter, capturing the moment he soars through the air on his Nimbus 2000 during his first Quidditch match. The installation brings one of the most memorable moments from the films into the heart of London’s West End and is also one of the top Harry Potter sights in London and of other film locations. Check out other statues from cherished films – our favourites include Paddington Bear and Mary Poppins.
Best for: A selfie with the family.
Good to know: It's a great stop-off before seeing Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, as it's only a six-minute walk.
House of MinaLima – Best for a free design-focused Harry Potter experience
Nearest Tube: Tottenham Court Road (Central, Elizabeth and Northern) and Oxford Circus (Bakerloo, Central and Victoria)
When: Mon-Sun: 12pm-7pm
Duration: 1-2 hours
House of MinaLima celebrates the graphic design that shaped the wizarding world on screen. Created by the designers behind Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts, the free gallery showcases posters, props and illustrations from across the films.
We love the interactive displays that reveal how iconic film props were designed, offering an inspiring look at how the wizarding world took shape long before filming began. Among our favourite items are Daily Prophet pages, the original Hogwarts acceptance letters and spell packaging.
Best for: Best for design enthusiasts and fans of the Wizarding World franchise.
Good to know: The beloved comic shop Forbidden Planet London Megastore, with an extensive collection merchandise, is just a short walkaway.
Warner Bros. Studio Tour London – Best for behind-the-scenes film magic
Nearest Tube: Victoria Station (Victoria, Circle, District)
When: Daily, select from allotted time slots
Duration: 3 hours and 30 minutes (you can explore at your leisure)
Step behind the scenes at Warner Bros. Studio Tour London - The Making of Harry Potter and discover how the Harry Potter films were made. Walk through the Great Hall, explore Diagon Alley, see authentic costumes and props, and uncover the secrets behind special effects and creature design.
The self‑guided format lets you explore at your own pace, with plenty of time for photos and close‑up detail. We always love to see the studio given a makeover during seasonal events, which adds new layers to the immersive experience – such as Magical Mischief, showcasing the trickery and film magic or Dark Arts at Halloween when we can't get enough of the pumpkins in the Great Hall, and Hogwarts in the Snow – where we keep an eye out of flaming Christmas puddings and grab a selfie in front of the Hogwarts Castle with a dusting of snow. We find it too difficult to pick a favourite.
Find out how to visit the Warner Bros. Studio Tour to make the most of your experience.
Best for: Potterheads who want a fully immersive experience among original film props, costumes and filmsets.
Good to know: Book tickets well in advance as they often sell out. The Butterbeer is a must-try.
Oxford and Lacock Harry Potter filming locations tour – Best for Hogwarts corridor locations
Nearest Tube: Victoria (Circle, District and Victoria)
When: Mon-Fri: 7.30am-6.30pm
Duration: 11 hours
Discover the wizarding world beyond London on an Oxford and Lacock Harry Potter filming locations tour and explore historic locations used for Hogwarts scenes. In Oxford, admire college halls and cloisters that inspired the castle interiors, before continuing to Lacock Abbey, where early Hogwarts corridors and classrooms were filmed.
With expert commentary and time to explore each stop, the tour combines film history with centuries-old architecture. We especially love visiting the Bodleian Library, not only for its remarkable history and the unmistakable scent of old books, but also for its role as the Hogwarts library in the films. It’s a richly rewarding day out for both fans and history lovers alike.
Best for: History buffs and fans of medieval villages.
Good to know: This is a full-day coach tour that includes walking on uneven historic streets and within university grounds, so it may not be suitable for those with limited mobility.
