Can you believe it’s been more than 20 years since the first Harry Potter film was released? Over two whole decades since our first outing with the boy wizard on the big screen. Pass us that time turner, Hermione, because we’re getting old. In the meantime, we’ll let nostalgia transport us back, by visiting these magical London spots with connections to Harry Potter. From official Harry Potter tours and attractions, to film locations and unofficial ‘wizard-themed’ experiences, our Potterheads’ guide to London will help you get your fix.
The best Harry Potter places in London
1. See ‘Harry Potter & The Cursed Child’ at the Palace Theatre
This two-part play, set nineteen years after the events of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, cast a spell over the West End when it opened almost eight years ago. Since then, Harry Potter and the Cursed Child has picked up a record-breaking amount of Olivier awards, survived a closure that affected all West End theatres during the pandemic, and welcomed a whole new cast to the stage. Expect powerful performances and brilliant on-stage illusions as you re-encounter your favourite characters all grown up. Get your tickets here.
📍 You’ll find the Palace Theatre at 113 Shaftesbury Avenue, London, W1D 5AY. The nearest tube station is Leicester Square.
2. Go for a Harry Potter-inspired afternoon tea
Conveniently located within walking distance from the Palace Theatre, the basement of Soho bakery Cutter & Squidge has turned into an unofficial ‘Potion Room’ with a pretty epic afternoon tea. Expect magical refreshments, robes, wands and more. Find out more here.
📍 You’ll find Cutter & Squidge at 20 Brewer Street, London, W1F 0SJ. The nearest tube station is Piccadilly Circus.
3. Visit the official Harry Potter studio tour
Located on the very edge of London, you can visit the real film studios where the Harry Potter series was filmed, and explore the original sets; from Diagon Alley and the Forbidden Forest, to Hogwarts itself. The level of detail at the Warner Bros. Studio Tour is incredible. If you can, the best times to visit are Halloween and Christmas, when sets are decorated for the season (you can even enjoy an actual feast in the Great Hall). Purchase tickets with a handy coach transfer here.
📍 You’ll find the Warner Bros. Studio Tour on Studio Tour Drive, Leavesden, Watford, WD25 7LR. It’s about an hour from London Victoria via coach.
4. Have a sleepover in the Wizarding Chambers
Pair any of these activities with this unofficial but distinctly Hogwartsian hotel room in Pimlico. A far cry from the cupboard under the stairs, you can expect stained glass windows, stone walls, archways, cauldrons, and four-poster beds hung with velvet curtains, all hidden behind a secret bookcase door. They also offer a themed afternoon tea, as well as a potion-making experience. Read all about our night at Georgian House Hotel.
📍 You’ll find Georgian House Hotel at 35-39 St George’s Drive, Pimlico, London, SW1V 4DG. The nearest tube station is Pimlico.
5. Get that photo at Platform 9¾
A cute freebie for passing Potter fans, a luggage trolly embedded in the wall at London’s King’s Cross station offers the chance to take that first step on your journey to Hogwarts. Beware though, you might have to queue. A nearby Harry Potter gift shop has wands and chocolate frogs for sale, too. Potterheads gather here on September 1 each year, which is the traditional day for new students to catch the Hogwarts Express.
📍 You’ll find Platform 9¾ at King’s Cross Station, Euston Road, London, N1 9AL. The nearest station is King’s Cross St Pancras.
6. Practise your parseltongue at London Zoo
Reenact Harry’s eye-opening trip to the zoo for his cousin Dudley’s birthday. If you head to the Reptile House where Harry spoke to a snake for the first time, you’ll spot a black mamba in the very same enclosure where the iconic scene was filmed. Get your tickets for ZSL London Zoo here.
📍 You’ll find ZSL London Zoo on Outer Circle, London, NW1 4RY. The nearest tube station is Camden Town.
7. Experience a Harry Potter-inspired outdoor escape game
This unique city game will take you on a magical walking tour of Harry Potter movie locations. Follow clues to find yourself at the likes of Trafalgar Square, Cecil Court, the Horse Guards Parade, and many other spots that either feature in the films or inspired them. It’s the perfect activity for Potter buffs who fancy exploring London! Get your tickets here.
8. Discover the magical London market with a wonderful history of wizards and muggles
London is steeped in Potter history, with several iconic locations from the films to visit. But a trip to Leadenhall Market is marvellous in more ways than one. Not only has this stunning 14th century market been used to represent Diagon Alley in Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, but it was also one of the first places in London that women were allowed to work. Read all about that, and more fun facts about Leadenhall Market here (including the fact that The Leaky Cauldron is actually an opticians).
📍 You’ll find Leadenhall Market at Gracechurch Street, London, EC3V 1LT. The nearest tube station is Bank.
9. Marvel at some of the graphic art from the Harry Potter movies
This mesmerising gallery in Soho allows you to admire all the amazing graphic art from the Harry Potter movies. Make your way through four floors of designs at House of MinaLima, from the Harry Potter film series and Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them, to a number of illustrated fairytale books. There is also a shop where guests can purchase graphic prints, as well as various accessories and stationery.
📍 You’ll find House of MinaLima at 157 Wardour Street, London, W1F 8WQ. The nearest tube station is Tottenham Court Road.
10. Drive to a nearby village and stay in the birthplace of Harry Potter
De Vere House, known by fans as Harry Potter’s birthplace, is available on Airbnb. Just over two hours from London, you’ll find at Godric’s Hollow– wait, I mean the chocolate box village of Lavenham in Suffolk. Stay in the lavish former hunting lodge, complete with an open fire and four poster beds. Read all about it here.
📍 You’ll find De Vere House at 72 Water Street, Lavenham, Sudbury, CO10 9RW.
Also published on Medium.
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