harry potter walking tours in london

Posted on 14th April 2023 Categories Things to do

By: Author Julianna Barnaby

The Ultimate Self-Guided Harry Potter Walking Tour of London

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Put your comfy shoes on folks – we’re going to head on a Harry Potter walking tour of London that will, I 100% guarantee, make you feel like you’ve just stepped into one of the films. 

OK, maybe not 100% but at least like 56%. 

London just so happens to be a rather magical place for Harry Potter fans. 

In fact, I’ll go as far as saying that there are few destinations that boast so many cool Potter related locations (believe me, I’ve looked). 

As someone who burrows down on the sofa to watch the films every year and has reread the books a *rather obsessive* number of times, I can’t tell you how exciting it was to create this Harry Potter tour of London. 

The first time I did it for “research” but by the fifth, well there’s no point in pretending it was for anything other than the JOY of it.  

This tour will take you through London, visiting the very locations used in the film series and even a few spots that provided JK Rowling with inspiration for her books. 

See the Muggle entrance to the Ministry of Magic, the bridge destroyed by the Death Eaters, the real life Diagon Alley and the hidden base for The Order of the Phoenix. 

Fun as it would be to hop on your Nimbus 2000 and speed around the city checking out all of the Harry Potter London locations, chances are you don’t have a magical flying broomstick hanging around. 

Not to worry, here’s a magical self-guided Harry Potter walking tour of London. 

It’s a biggie, and I’d suggest taking all day to do the tour, but you can split it over two days if that suits you better. 

Now it’s your turn. Let’s go!

Practical Information about the Harry Potter Walking Tour of London

Kings Cross Railway Station 

Lambeth Bridge, Westminster

Distance 

13km + short underground trip between Angel and Bank. 

Walking Time: 3 hrs 15 mins 

Suggested time to allow for the tour: 5- 6 hours

Difficulty of Tour

Medium: Flat terrain but it covers a reasonable distance. 

Admission Fees

TfL fees for underground between Angel and Bank. 

Places Visited on the Tour

• King’s Cross – Home of Platform 9 ¾ 
• St Pancras Station – The Setting for the Flying Car 
• Claremont Square – The Order of the Phoenix HQ 
• Leadenhall Market – Diagon Alley and The Leaky Cauldron 
• Tower Bridge – The Backdrop to the Order’s Flight Through London 
• Stoney Street – The Entrance to the Leaky Cauldron 
• The Millenium Bridge – The Site of the Attack by the Death Eaters 
• St Paul’s Cathedral – Part of Hogwarts 
• Australia House – AKA Gringotts 
• Goodwin’s Court and Cecil Court – Diagon Alley 
• The House of Minalima 
• Piccadilly Circus – Part of the escape to London in the Deathly Hallows 
• Great Scotland Yard – The Ministry of Magic 
• Westminster Station – Closest tube to the Ministry 
• Lambeth Bridge – Where we witness some of the Knight Bus’s frantic journey

Accessibility

• There are a number of cobbled streets on this walk that may be difficult to navigate by wheelchair or with a pushchair. 
• There’s no lift access at Angel Station to access the Northern Line. Instead, you can miss stop three (Claremont Square) and get the Circle or District Line to Liverpool Street Station for Leadenhall Market. 
• If you don’t want to miss Stop Three, you could consider starting the tour at Claremont Square, then doing Stop Two (St Pancras) followed by Stop One (King’s Cross) and then getting the underground to Liverpool Street for Leadenhall Market. 
• There are stairs between Leadenhall Market and Tower Bridge and again between Tower Bridge and Stoney Street but you can take a less direct route to avoid these.
• There are stairs to descend from the Millennium Bridge but there is also a wheelchair accessible lift as an alternative. 

Stops on the Harry Potter Tour of London 

Stop one – king’s cross station.

Address: Euston Rd, Kings Cross, London N1 9AL

All aboard the Hogwarts Express! 

We’ll start our tour at King’s Cross Station. 

King’s Cross train station is the very place that the Hogwarts Express departs from in the books and the films. 

Apart from dreams of what it would be like to actually whizz away on the train to Hogwarts, there are three things that you won’t want to miss within the station. 

The first is the actual spot between Platforms 4 and 5 where Platform 9 ¾ is supposed to reside. There’s not actually that much to see here though. 

Much more exciting is the trolley half-buried into the wall poised for you to take that classic shot. It’s next to the Harry Potter Shop in which you can pick up your very own wand…. cos #wizard life. 

Back to that photo of you running through the wall at Platform 9 ¾. 

We won’t lie – unless you get there first thing in the morning, chances are that you are going to have to queue for it. Like, for hours.

I’m not saying that it isn’t worth it but forewarned is forearmed. 

What I will say that if you are planning on going to the Harry Potter Studios in Leavesden – DON’T BOTHER QUEUING at King’s Cross. 

There are several spots in the studio’s reconstruction of Kings Cross where you can get the same shot and (oh blessed day), there are zero queues. You’re welcome. 

Watch The Scene: Harry Finds Platform 9 ¾ in The Philosopher’s Stone 

→→ →→ 6 minute walk. From The Harry Potter Shop at Platform 9 ¾ to St Pancras Renaissance Hotel. 

Walk south-west towards Pancras Rd (the nearest exit from King’s Cross), turn left onto Pancras Rd, turn right, take the stairs and the St Pancras Renaissance is on the right.

Stop Two – St Pancras Renaissance Hotel

Address: Euston Rd, Kings Cross, London N1C 4QP

After Kings Cross, it’s a simple matter of strolling across the road to St Pancras International (flying cars unfortunately not included). 

St Pancras doubles up as the exterior of the station from which the Hogwarts Express departs. 

It’s really the front of the station – now the St Pancras Renaissance Hotel, then the Midland Grand Hotel (and designed by Sir Gilbert Scott) that we’re really interested in. 

I totally understand why the filmmakers used the exterior of St Pancras in the films rather than King’s Cross… who doesn’t want an eyeful of that beautiful Gothic architecture? 

Plus, it makes it even more dramatic when Harry and Ron purloin the Ford Anglia to fly to Hogwarts when they miss the Express in The Chamber of Secrets right? 

Watch the Scene: Harry, Ron and the Flying Car in The Chamber of Secrets

→→ →→ 17 minute walk. 

From the St Pancras Renaissance Hotel, walk north-east and take the stairs, turn right onto Pancras Rd and shortly after turn left onto Euston Rd/A501. Walk along Euston Road for 130 metres, then take the left hand fork onto Pentonville Road. Carry on along Pentonville Road for 800 metres before turning right onto Claremont Square. Follow the square to turn left and numbers 23-29 are across the road. 

Stop Three – Claremont Square

Address: 23 Claremont Square, Islington, London N1 9LX

Claremont Square is one of the more tucked away locations on our Harry Potter London walk. It’s about a 15 minute walk from St Pancras. 

A quiet terrace of Georgian houses in Islington might not look like much but Claremont Square is the film location for 12 Grimmauld Place. 

Still not ringing any bells? Make your way to numbers 23 to 29 and all will become clear. 

It’s the home of the Order of the Phoenix – a.k.a the Black residence that Sirius kindly donates to be used by the order in Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix and is used again by the trio The Deathly Hallows Part I. 

Claremont Square was the perfect location for Grimmauld Place, which is described in the books as being close to King’s Cross Station and a small square with terraced houses (check and check). 

Luckily for all of us, the Fidelius Charm that stops muggles from seeing 12 Grimmauld Place in the Order of the Phoenix doesn’t actually stop us from seeing the properties at numbers 23 to 29 Claremont Square in real life. 

Watch The Scene: Harry Arrives at Grimmauld Place with The Order of The Phoenix  

→→ →→ 5 minute walk to Angel Station from Claremont Square, 5 minute underground ride to Bank Station, 6 minute walk from Bank Station to Leadenhall Market.

Walk east on Claremont Square, turn left to stay on Claremont Square. At the end of the road, turn right onto Pentonville Road. After 250 metres, turn right onto St John Street – Angel Underground Station is on your left. 

Take the Northern Line to Bank. 

Exit Bank Station and turn onto Cornhill, walk along Cornhill for 300 metres, turn right onto Gracechurch Street where you will find the entrance to Leadenhall Market on your left. 

Stop Four – Leadenhall Market

Address: Gracechurch St, Langbourn, London EC3V 1LT

The next stop is pretty far, (around 45 mins walk), so we’re going to hop on the tube from Angel Underground Station to Bank and cut the transit time to around 15 minutes.

But where are we going next on our Harry Potter walk of London? 

We are heading to Leadenhall Market . 

Leadenhall Market is one of London’s most beautiful markets. It was originally built in the 15th century as a wool, leather, meat and fish market but the current architecture dates back to the Victorian times (1881 to be precise). 

Does it look familiar? It was, of course, used as a Harry Potter filming location – specifically as the area of muggle London used to access Diagon Alley in Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone . 

Cast your mind back to the first film.  

There’s lots of excitement (Harry has just found out he’s a WIZARD after all) and it’s relatively upbeat and fun – so the gorgeous gold and red tones of Leadenhall Market fit in perfectly. 

The Philosopher’s Stone was directed by Chris Columbus (who also directed Home Alone, Mrs Doubtfire and The Chamber of Secrets). Chris imagined the world of Harry Potter as one of wonder and discovery. 

Like Harry, Hermoine and Ron, we’re all excited to be thrust into the hubble and bubble of the wizarding world with its immense promise. 

Exit the market onto Lime Street, but before you set off and away, walk down Bull’s Head Passage (the entrance is on the right). 

Walk down until you see a white door at number 42 (pictured above). 

What was then an empty optician’s was used as the entrance for the wizarding pub The Leaky Cauldron in the Philosopher’s Stone.  

The Leaky Cauldron serves as the entrance to Diagon Alley where Potter gets all excited and spends his galleons on the things he will need to start at Hogwarts.  

Watch the Scene: Walking to The Leaky Cauldron and into Diagon Alley  

→→ →→ 16 minute walk from Bull’s Head Passage to Tower Bridge. 

Walk south-east from Bull’s Head Passage onto Lime Street Passage. Turn right onto Lime St, then left onto Fenchurch St. Walk for 50 metres, before turning right onto Rood Ln. Continue for another hundred metres to turn left onto Eastcheap, which turns into Great Tower Street. Near the end of the road, take a slight right to cross  onto Byward Street and turn left onto Tower Hill Terrace, follow the terrace then turn right onto Tower Bridge Approach. Take the stairs up to Tower Bridge. 

Stop Five – Tower Bridge

Address: Tower Bridge Rd, London SE1 2UP

From Leadenhall Market, it’s a relatively short zip to Tower Bridge .

I’ll be honest, Tower Bridge only makes a fleeting appearance in Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix and another in Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince but it’s always worth taking a peek at, particularly when it’s on our way to our next stop anyway. 

Remember the scene in The Order of the Phoenix when Harry flies past Tower Bridge on his journey along the Thames along with the rest of the order? 

Of course you do. 

They make their way from Tower Bridge, following the path of the Thames under London Bridge and past the Houses of Parliament. 

Away from Harry Potter, Tower Bridge has had a long and eventful history. Want an example? The two walkways that now form the Tower Bridge experience used to be one of London’s informal red light districts.

 Not only that, in the fifties a bus had to jump between the opening sections when the bridge started to open with it on it. 

Turns out that Tower Bridge is pretty magical even without wizards zipping around it in the air. Who knew? 

From here, you can also glance over to City Hall on the left – the glass asymmetrical globe that looks like it’s leaning away from the river. 

City Hall also pops up at the beginning of Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince when the Death Eaters cause havoc, wreaking destruction on the area. The office workers (filmed inside City Hall) stand up and look at the tumultuous events taking place outside. 

How different it is from the cheery tones of the first films right? 

By now, things have taken a much gloomier tone in the films. Voldemort is definitely back and the films have evolved to be much darker – both in events and aesthetic. 

Watch the Scene: Death Eaters Attack London in The Half-Blood Prince 

→→ →→ 15 minute walk from Tower Bridge to Stoney Street. 

Walk over the bridge to cross onto the South Bank of the Thames. Take the stairs on the right, then turn left to walk next to the water. Carry on for 400 metres, then turn left onto St Olaf Stairs to emerge onto Tooley Street. Continue onto Montague Close for 200 metres, then turn right onto Winchester Walk and left onto Stoney Street.

Stop Six – Stoney Street

Location: 7A Stoney Street, London SE1 9AA (entrance to Tacos El Pastor)

Cross Tower Bridge and head to Borough Market, which is about a 15 minute walk once you get to the other side. 

Borough Market is London’s best-known food market – with a bounty of fresh produce and delicious street food that attracts people from far and wide. The market is mentioned as early as the 13th century, but historians believe it’s even older than that. It’s the perfect place to stop and refuel. 

That’s not what we’re here for though. 

Stoney Street, next to Borough Market is the second place that features as the entrance to the Leaky Cauldron (the first was in Bull’s Head Passage next to Leadenhall Market, which we’ve already seen). 

Head underneath the railway bridge on Stoney Street and look at what is now the entrance to Tacos El Pastor and you’ve found it! The entrance to the Leaky Cauldron in Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban and the next stop on our Harry Potter free walking tour of London. 

The Prisoner of Azkaban is the third film in the Harry Potter series and the first film to be directed by Alfonso Cuaron who created a much darker and dirtier world to reflect the growing malignancy present in the books. 

Gone are the bright colours of Leadenhall Market, the entrance to The Leaky Cauldron in Stoney Street is formed of the grimy brickwork of the Victorian Railway arches. 

It looks a bit nicer these days, thanks to the colourful artwork added by El Pastor – but imagine standing here without any of the art or colour and you’ll see why it was the perfect place for The Leaky Cauldron. 

The Knight Bus drops Harry off here after that memorable bus ride that involved squeezing through the narrow gap between two other buses and almost hitting an old lady crossing the road. 

His journey ends by coming to a sharp stop in this very spot… and the Knight Bus setting off a car alarm in the process.

Speaking of the Knight Bus – did you know that it was not a special effect, but a real life bus created from slicing two Routemaster buses, splicing them together and rejigging the structure so it had three decks. 

The filmmakers weren’t able to drive it across London as it was too tall for the city’s low bridges so they had to transport it in pieces and put it together on location to film each scene. They also had to add 8 tonnes of weight to the bottom to stop it from falling over. These days you’ll find the Knight Bus hanging out at the Warner Brothers Studios in Leavesden. 

When Harry wakes up the next morning in The Leaky Cauldron, he looks out the window and takes in some of the most important features of the London Bridge neighbourhood: Borough market, Southwark Cathedral and the river beyond – as well as the mish-mash of buildings that make up this historic area of London. 

Next door at number 8 Stoney Street, you’ll find the Market Porter pub (IRL one of the few pubs in London licenced to serve in the early morning to cater to the early morning workers at Borough Market). 

Can you guess where you’ve seen it before? 

OK, I’ll tell you. As the Third Hand Emporium in The Chamber of Secrets and the very place where Harry meets the vain charmer Gilderoy Lockheart. 

Watch the Scenes: The Knight Bus and the Entrance to the Leaky Cauldron

→→ →→ 9 minute walk from Stoney Street to Millennium Bridge. 

Walk north on Stoney St back towards (but past) Winchester Walk. 

At the end of Stoney Street, turn left onto Clink St. At the end of Clink Street, turn right onto Bank End, which becomes Bankside. 

Continue alongside the river for 400 metres before turning to walk onto the Millennium Bridge. 

Stop Seven – Millennium Bridge 

Address: Thames Embankment, London SE1 9JE

Now we’re on to the Millennium Bridge – which you should walk over (beware, it wobbles a bit). 

I think that we can all agree that those Death Eaters are a right nasty lot. 

It’s a pretty bad sign of things to come for poor muggle London when they destroy the Millennium Bridge in Harry Potter & The Half Blood Prince plunging all the people walking along it into the Thames. 

Perhaps don’t think about that too much while you’re walking over the bridge though. 

The name might be a bit of a giveaway, but the Millenium Bridge was built to commemorate the millennium in London. 

Things didn’t quite go to plan though – when the bridge opened in the year 2000, it became the object of ridicule because it wobbled so much that it was deemed structurally unsound – and it knocked over a fair few pedestrians as they tried to cross it in the process). 

To cut a long story short, it had to close for another two years while they tweaked it to make it safe for public use. 

Like Tower Bridge and London Bridge, the Millennium Bridge first makes its appearance in in Harry Potter & The Order of the Phoenix when Harry flies through London to Grimmauld Place. 

But it’s really the scene of the Death Eaters striking the Millennium Bridge and causing it to fall and rip apart, toppling pedestrians into the river that really sticks with you. 

In the story, Voldemort has told Cornelius Fudge to step down as Minister of Magic, and when he refuses, The Dark Lord attacks London, spreading the Dark Mark in the sky and having the Death Eaters cause mayhem as they run riot. 

It’s a chilling start to the film and a sure sign that things are getting out of hand. 

It’s interesting that the filmmakers chose to use the Millennium Bridge as a stand-in for the fictional Brockdale Bridge the Death Eaters attack in the books. 

The sight of the iconic Millennium bridge twisting and writhing in the air not only strikes terror into the viewer as it’s such a well-known sight, but is also a cheeky nod to the bridge’s early problems in real life. 

Remember how the bridge wobbled and caused people to fall over… well, what if that wasn’t structural issues at all but because of the Death Eater attack? 

It can’t be true (don’t worry – it isn’t)!

→→ →→ 5 minute walk from the Millennium Bridge to St Paul’s Cathedral. 

Walk north on Millennium Bridge and continue onto Peter’s Hill, which turns into Sermon Lane. At the end of the lane, turn left onto Carter Lane and turn left onto St Paul’s Churchyard. 

Stop Eight – St Paul’s Cathedral

Address: St. Paul’s Churchyard, London EC4M 8AD

We’re not going to go into St Paul’s Cathedral because the part of the cathedral used in the films is only accessible as part of a special guided tour run by the Cathedral itself. 

Still, you can read this as you walk past one of London’s most recognisable buildings. 

St Paul’s Cathedral was designed by Sir Christopher Wren, built as part of the reconstruction of the city after it had been ravaged by the Great Fire of London.

Inside the cathedral, the Geometric Staircase (or the Dean’s Stair as it is officially named) was used as the spiral stairs to Professor Trelawney’s Divination classroom in Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban. They also pop up again in The Goblet of Fire as the stairs to the Defence against the Dark Arts classes. 

Walking from St Paul’s to Australia House takes you along Fleet Street – historically the heartland of the British Media. 

Today there may be fewer journalists around, but much of the area’s history continues to shine through – from the peek at St Bride’s Church you’ll get as you pass St Bride’s Lane, to Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese – a Sam Smith’s pub that dates back to 1667 and used to be frequented by Charles Dickens and Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, among others. 

As you continue along Fleet Street, you’ll see a statue in the middle of the road – a monument flanked by Queen Victoria on one side and Edward VII on the other. 

This spot marks the boundary between The City of London and The City of Westminster, where we will spend the remainder of this tour. 

Continue on, past the Royal Courts of Justice to Australia House. 

→→ →→ 15 minute walk from St Paul’s Cathedral to Australia House. 

Continue along St Paul’s Churchyard, which turns into Ludgate Hill and stay on here for 200 metres. Cross the road and continue straight onto Fleet Street. Walk for 500m to the beginning of The Strand. The High Commission of Australia sits within the roundabout.

Stop Nine – Australia House 

Address: Strand, London WC2B 4LA

Time to withdraw your galleons – for which you’ll need to head to Australia House, which doubles up as Gringotts in the film series. 

It might have been the inside of Australia House that was used as an actual filming location but take a close look at the outside of the building as it clearly influenced the design of the bank used in the film (which was part of the set in the Warner Bros Studios in Leavesden). 

The triangular shape and imposing architecture of both is no coincidence. 

It is indeed the wizarding bank, just missing a few bells and whistles. 

Australia House is the longest continually-occupied diplomatic mission in the United Kingdom – the exterior was built with marble shipped from Australia. 

Inside, it’s no less striking – no wonder the makers wanted to use it as a filming location for the series. 

Unfortunately, you’re not allowed to enter the building. 

If you’re doing this tour on a weekday, you may be able to poke your head inside to see a snippet of the stately interior that serves as Gringotts in both Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone and as the backdrop to the trio’s antics in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part II . 

Still, it’s not quite the same as it was the Exhibition Hall rather than the lobby that was used in the films anyway. 

Imagine row after row of goblins tapping, calculating and keeping themselves busy around the large Exhibition Hall (jazzed up with a few props) – and voila, you have Gringotts. 

Watch the Scene: Harry Visits Gringotts Bank in The Philosopher’s Stone

The Trio Break into Gringotts in The Deathly Hallows Part II 

→→ →→ 12 minute walk from Australia House to Goodwin’s Court. 

Walk west on Aldwych towards Melbourne Place. Take a slight right onto Kingsway and cross the road. Turn right onto Drury Lane, carry on for 160m then turn left onto Russell Street. Walk straight for 140m, through Covent Garden Market and turn right towards King Street. Turn left onto King Street, continue straight ahead as it turns into New Row and turn left onto Bedfordbury before turning right into Goodwin’s Court. 

Stop Ten – Goodwin’s Court 

Address: Goodwin’s Ct, Covent Garden, London WC2N 4LL

Strolling along the narrow passageways around Charing Cross Road I wouldn’t blame you if you got the distinct feeling that the next stops on our Harry Potter walk in London was a part of the city Harry himself would be familiar with. 

Crooked ye olde buildings overhang the narrow walkway of Goodwin’s Court , one of the two spots in the area that are said to have inspired Diagon Alley. 

Delightfully quaint bow-fronted buildings transport you to another age – their iron-barred windows and dingy brickwork are thought to date back to 1690. 

Some people are convinced that Goodwin’s Court was the basis for the set of Diagon Alley in the Warner Brothers Studios – and I have to say, the two do look convincingly alike. 

Rumour has it that the only reason that Goodwin’s wasn’t used as Diagon Alley in the films was because it was too narrow for the filming equipment needed. 

What do you think? 

Before you get too carried away though- I will say that others champion our next stop, Cecil Court as the inspiration for Diagon Alley. Let’s go and take a look. 

Watch The Scene: Harry and Hagrid go to Diagon Alley in the Philosopher’s Stone

→→ →→ 1 minute walk from Goodwin’s Court to Cecil Court. 

Walk to the other end of Goodwin’s Court. Turn left onto St Martin’s Lane, cross the road and turn right onto Cecil Court. 

Stop Eleven – Cecil Court 

Address: 2 Cecil Ct, Covent Garden, London WC2N 4HE

Just around the corner, you’ll find the other contender for the inspiration for Diagon Alley – Cecil Court . 

Slightly bigger and much better-known than Goodwin’s Court, Cecil Court is just off Charing Cross Road – the place that JK Rowling chose as the entrance for the Leaky Cauldron in the books.

 Charing Cross Road pops up a few times in the books, both when Harry and Hagrid walk down it in the Philosopher’s Stone, not to mention when the Knight Bus takes a jaunt down here in The Prisoner of Azkaban. 

Rowling herself has said “Charing Cross Road is famous for its bookshops… This is why I wanted it to be the place where those in the know go to enter a different world”. Nifty. 

Anyway, back to Cecil Court – the court is lined with all kinds of antiquarian and occult booksellers, all housed behind quaint Victorian shop fronts promising a passage into another world. 

In other words, it’s totally on point for Diagon Alley. I always half-expect to find Ollivander’s tucked amongst the shops – sure you can see why. 

Watch the Scene: Diagonelly to Diagon Alley in The Chamber of Secrets

→→ →→ 6 minute walk from Cecil Court to the House of Minalima. 

Walk to the other end of Cecil Court. Turn right onto Charing Cross Rd and walk along for 300 metres. Turn left onto Moor Street, then after 70 metres, left onto Old Compton Street and left onto Greek Street. The House of Minalima is on your left. 

Stop Twelve – The House of Minalima

Address: 26 Greek St, Soho, London W1D 5DE

Our next stop isn’t a filming location but it is one of the coolest Harry Potter shops in town. 

The House of Minalima is the shop where all of your Harry Potter-related dreams come true. 

Part Harry Potter exhibition, part shop, this multi-floored space in Soho was started by two of the graphic designers responsible for bringing the books to life in the films. 

Eduardo Lima and Miraphora Mina met when working on the Harry Potter films. 

Together they designed so many of those iconic graphics that you’ll remember – the striking covers of the Daily Prophet, the wanted posters from which death eaters’ faces stare malevolently (even thinking about Bellatrix’s twisted features gives me the creeps). 

As you can imagine, visiting The House of Minalima is a pretty big deal. 

You can also pick up limited edition posters, cool badges – even your very own potion books to bring home. 

Now if that doesn’t make you go all heart eyed emoji, I don’t know what will. 

Watch the Scene: The Daily Prophet Exonerates Harry in The Order of the Phoenix

→→ →→ 7 minute walk from the House of Minalima to Piccadilly Circus. 

Walk south-east on Greek St towards Romilly St.  Turn right onto Shaftesbury Ave and continue for 450 m. Turn right onto Piccadilly Circus. 

Stop Thirteen – Piccadilly Circus 

Address: West End, London W1J 9HP

Piccadilly Circus is terrifying enough at the best of times. The thronging crowds and neon lights are a recipe of things guaranteed to set your teeth on edge. 

Well, imagine how stressful it would be if you apparated there only to be nearly hit by a bus and then chased by Death Eaters trying to kill you. 

Sound familiar? That’s exactly what happens to Harry, Hermoine and Ron in the Deathly Hallows Part I. 

They apparate into the bright lights and buzzy atmosphere of Piccadilly Circus and go into a cafe where they have a wizarding fight with two death eaters. 

Swing by Piccadilly Circus, but keep your eyes open – you never know who’s on your tail. 

Watch the Scene: The Ministry has Fallen and the Escape to London  

→→ →→ 12 minute walk from Piccadilly Circus to Great Scotland Yard. 

Turn from Piccadilly Circus and walk east onto Coventry Street. Turn right onto Haymarket and walk straight for 300 metres. Cross Pall Mall and bear left onto Cockspur Street and continue for 200 metres. At the roundabout, walk across to Whitehall, continue along Whitehall for 150 metres and cross the road to enter Great Scotland Yard. The filming location is on the right. 

Stop Fourteen – Great Scotland Yard 

Address: Great Scotland Yard, Westminster, London SW1A

Meander to Great Scotland Yard to hunt for the two entrances to the Ministry of Magic (the muggle and the wizard versions).

Great Scotland Yard looks innocuous enough. 

There are some rather beautiful buildings and it’s located just off of Whitehall, the heart of British government – as in 10 Downing Street is just off Whitehall and the Houses of Parliament sit at the other end. 

Nothing incredible to see here… right? 

Wrong. 

Great Scotland Yard was used to represent the heart of the wizarding world – the Ministry of Magic – neatly reflecting the area’s importance in the real world.

Cast your mind back to Harry Potter & The Order of the Phoenix when Arthur Weasley takes Harry to the Ministry for his hearing on performing underage magic. They enter the Ministry through a red telephone box underneath a stone archway.

Well, you’ll have to picture the telephone box and the archway near the junction of Scotland Place – do so and voila – you have the entrance to the Ministry of Magic. 

The fake bridge is a duplicate of one just around the corner on Scotland Place, CGIed here to cover up some of the ugly doorways of the buildings in the scene. 

The exterior of the Ministry on Great Scotland Yard pops up again in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part I when Harry, Ron and Hermoine lie in wait for Mafalda Hopkirk and the other wizards they impersonate using polyjuice potion. We see it again when they’ve transformed and are making their way to break into the Ministry. 

Watch the Scenes Harry & Mr Weasley go to the Ministry Breaking into the Ministry of Magic in Deathly Hallows I

→→ →→ 8 minute walk from Great Scotland Yard to Westminster Station. 

Retrace your footsteps along Great Scotland Yard back to Whitehall. Turn left onto Whitehall and follow it along. There is an entrance to Westminster Station is on Whitehall. 

Stop Fifteen – Westminster Underground Station

Address: Westminster, London SW1A 2JR

Make your way from Great Scotland Yard along Whitehall to Westminster Station. Westminster Underground Station might look like any other tube station from the street but I  know the beady-eyed amongst you will spot that there’s much more to it than this. 

It is the very same station that Harry used in the Order of the Phoenix when he’s travelling to his disciplinary hearing at the Ministry. You know, the station where Mr Weasley struggled to get through the barriers – an experience with which we can all relate. 

They had to close Westminster Station for a whole day in October 2006 to film these scenes – they chose a Sunday as it’s relatively quiet at the weekends.

 Even so, it’s something that has never been done before as thousands and thousands of people use the station even on a quiet day. If you ever needed proof of how important the Harry Potter films became, this is it. 

Watch the Scene: Harry & Mr Weasley go to the Ministry

→→ →→ 9 minute walk from Westminster Station to Lambeth Bridge. 

From Westminster Station, cross the road to walk towards the Houses of Parliament on Parliament Square. Continue along Abingdon Street and Millbank to reach your final destination, Lambeth Bridge. 

Stop Sixteen – Lambeth Bridge

Address: Lambeth Bridge, London SE1 7SG

I’m guessing that by this point, you are going to be pretty tired. 

It’s been a lot of walking (and of magic) for one day but there’s one last stop for you to take a look at before we hop on our broomsticks and fly home. 

It’s only a ten minute walk from Westminster Station to Lambeth Bridge where you can relive the antics of the Knight Bus. 

Cast your minds back to Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, when Harry storms out from the Dursleys only to be rescued by the totally fabulous Knight Bus. 

Careering through the streets of central London at what is, quite frankly, a rather irresponsible speed, the Knight Bus hurtles around, narrowly avoiding mowing down old ladies and causing destruction. 

With me now? 

Then you’ll certainly remember the excitement when the bus has to squeeze between two muggle London buses on a bridge. Lambeth Bridge is that bridge. 

While you won’t see any optical illusions here, it’s a cool little spot to add to your tour of Harry Potter filming locations in London, if only for the beaut views of the river Thames, Parliament and beyond.

Watch the Scene: The Knight Bus Ride to the Leaky Cauldron 

And with that, it’s a simple matter of saying Mischief Managed, putting away your Marauder’s  Map (OK, the Google Map on your phone if we’re being realistic) and giving yourself a huge pat on the back. 

Thank you for joining this London x London Harry Potter Audio Tour and I hope you have an absolutely brilliant time discovering all the places featured on this tour. 

Keep exploring! 

Eat, Drink & Visit on the Harry Potter Walking Tour 

• Borough Market makes the perfect lunch stop as it’s right next to Stoney Street. As one of London’s best-known food markets, you’ll have plenty of choice. 
• Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese – A cute old-school Sam Smiths pub on Fleet Street. 
• This tour takes you to Tower Bridge and past St Paul’s (which contains another filming location but you have to pay for a tour to access it) – if you have the time, they’re worth visiting in themselves. 

Love Harry Potter? These Should Also Be On Your Radar

I didn’t cover these spots as part of the tour, but you should have them on your radar if you want to discover even more Harry Potter locations in London. 

Warner Brothers Studio Tour 

The Harry Potter Studio Tour at the Warner Bros Studios in Leavesden was where a lot of the magic behind making the films happened. 

Seeing the sets and props IRL, walking along Diagon Alley, popping into all the rooms in Hogwarts – it’s brilliant. 

I know that tickets are quite expensive and you have to book ages ahead but it’s absolutely worth it. 

London Zoo’s Reptile House

Have you ever had the sneaking suspicion that maybe, just maybe, you could speak Parseltongue? 

Well, there’s no better place to test out that theory than in the Reptile House at ZSL London Zoo… otherwise known as the location where Harry first speaks parseltongue and sets a snake free. 

As you do. 

The Cauldron – The Harry Potter Cocktail Bar in London 

Sorry kids but if you’re under 18, time to skip ahead because The Cauldron is strictly one for the adults. 

What if I told you that there was a Harry Potter-inspired cocktail bar in London where you can make your own (drinkable and boozy) potions. You would think that was pretty awesome wouldn’t you? 

Good. Because that’s exactly what I am telling you. 

The Cauldron is a cool pop up in Stoke Newington where you can don your robes, pick up your wand and spend a few hours cooking up a few real-life brews. 

Harry Potter and the Cursed Child – The Harry Potter Theatre in London 

I have to be honest here. I haven’t actually been to see Harry Potter and the Cursed Child yet. 

It makes me endlessly sad inside and believe me, seeing the play (which is actually split into two parts) is high up on the list of awesome things I need to do like, yesterday. 

Everyone I’ve spoken to says it’s awesome. 

In the meantime, you can book your Harry Potter and the Cursed Child tickets here . 

Cutter and Sqidge – The Harry Potter Afternoon Tea in London 

It should be clear by now that there are a lot of Harry Potter-inspired experiences in London. But few are going to appeal to your stomach as much as the rather delicious Harry Potter afternoon tea at Cutter and Squidge . London does a jolly good afternoon tea at the best of times but when you add in a few drinkable and edible potions, it gets so much better. 

School of Witchcraft and Wizardry – The Harry Potter Escape Room in London

Escape Rooms can be totally brilliant or pretty naff. We can all guess which category a Harry Potter escape room falls into right? 

So what does it involve? You and your team of fellow witch and wizard wannabes are locked in a room, your task? To solve a series of Harry Potter-themed enigmas to defeat the dark side and win your freedom. Simples.

Harry Potter Walking Tour Practical Tips and Map

We hope it’s clear by now that there’s so much magic in London – it’s just a matter of finding it. Here are a couple of practical tips to help you along the way. 

• Wear comfortable shoes to go and do the London Harry Potter walking tour and allow yourself all day to do it, it’s a biggie! 
• If you don’t live in London, Georgian House has created a series of Harry Potter themed rooms where you can stay. Check prices and availability.

Looking for More Harry Potter London Guides?

• Visiting the Harry Potter Studio Tour
• Harry Potter in London: Magical Filming Locations + Attractions You Have to See
• Leadenhall Market: 700 Years of History and A Touch of Harry Potter Magic
• 3 Wizardingly Wonderful Harry Potter Hotels in London

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We delve into the cool, interesting and quirky spots that make London such a dynamic city, telling you the best things to do, eat and drink along the way. 

Tired of the same old dull suggestions? Want to know where to find London’s secret bars, tastiest eats and weirdest finds? We provide practical guides that help you do just that.

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• Harry Potter Film Locations Walking Tour (Standard)

Harry Potter Film Locations Walking Tour

Explore the magical world of Harry Potter with our immersive half-day walking tour through the charming streets of London. Immerse yourself in the Harry Potter film series as you visit up to 18 real-life locations that served as the backdrop for iconic scenes in the Harry Potter books and films.

Follow in the footsteps of the world’s most famous wizard on this enchanting half-day, Harry Potter-themed walking tour of London. Visit filming locations locations and discover the inspiration behind the sites, as our expert guide brings the magic to life.

Led by our knowledgeable guide, uncover the secrets behind the filming locations and gain insight into the inspiration that brought the wizarding world to life. This spellbinding experience is a must for avid Potter fans seeking to follow in the footsteps of the world's most famous wizard.

Join us on a journey where fiction becomes reality, and the magic of Harry Potter comes alive in the heart of London.

Sir Winston Churchill Statue, Parliament Square, London SW1P 3JX, UK

Meet your guide at the Sir Winston Churchill statue, Parliament Square, London, SW1P 3JX. The nearest underground station is Westminster, serviced by the Jubilee, Circle, and District Lines.

Please arrive 15 minutes prior to your tour start time.

Uncover many of the real-life locations that inspired some of the most iconic locations in the Harry Potter film series . With an itinerary that will see you visiting up to 18 of the real-life film locations, this promises to be a spellbinding experience for intrepid Potter fans. You'll pass Westminster Tube Station , as seen in The Order of the Phoenix , used by Harry and Mr Weasley on their way to the Ministry of Magic. On the corner of Great Scotland Yard , you'll discover the exteriors used for the Ministry of Magic during filming for the Polyjuice potion scenes in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows , as well as the location of the red telephone box used to enter the ministry. You'll also have the chance to stand on the very spot where the Death Eaters and Fenrir Greyback destroyed the famous Millennium Bridge , and also visit Trafalgar Square , where the Death Eaters again wreaked further havoc on London in the opening scenes of The Half-Blood Prince.

Our next stop sees us visit the real-life locations that inspired Diagon Alley, including Godwin's Court , a narrow alley featuring rows of 17th-century terraced houses, and Cecil's Court , which inspired the famous shops of Diagon Alley. In Borough Market , London's oldest food market, you'll see one of the two locations used as the entrance to The Leaky Cauldron and also where, in The Prisoner of Azkaban , Harry disembarked from his frantic journey on the Knight Bus. Our tour concludes at Platform 9 ¾ at King's Cross Station , where you can try and make your way to Hogwarts and visit the Harry Potter Shop next door.

London King’s Cross Train Station

Your Tour concludes at London King’s Cross Train Station, where you can conveniently access the London Underground, National Rail, London Bus Services, or local taxis.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

• Tour Starts: 9:00 am, Sir Winston Churchill Statue, Parliament Square, SW1P 3JX (meeting time 8:45 am)
• Tour Ends: 12:00 pm, Platform 9 3/4, King's Cross Train Station
• Tour Starts: 2:00 pm, Sir Winston Churchill Statue, Parliament Square, SW1P 3JX (meeting time 1:45 pm)
• Tour Ends: 5:00 pm, Platform 9 3/4, King's Cross Train Station
• Days of operation: Apr-Mar: Mon, Wed, Thurs, Sat except 24-26 December
• This tour is not suitable for guests with reduced mobility
• Parts of this tour require guests to have a valid travel card /Oyster card (not included) for travel in Zone 1 on the London Underground
• Please note that face coverings are required when travelling on the London Underground (unless exempt)
• Guests are encouraged to bring their own face coverings. Spare disposable masks are available at check-in
• Guests will be provided with personal audio headsets so social distancing can be maintained when listing to the live commentary
• We encourage guests with e-tickets to bring these on their smart devices
• Please visit our Travel Health page for full details of our enhanced hygiene standards and protocols
• Half-day Harry Potter-themed walking tour of London
• Discover up to 18 real-life film locations featured in the famous Harry Potter films
• Take a photo at Platform 9 ¾ at King's Cross Station

What's Included

Expert guide, personal audio headset, walking tour, what's excluded, hotel pick-up & drop-off, travel card.

• No Cancellation Fees
• No Change Fees
• No Booking Fees
• Your Money is Protected - Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the day of departure
• Our team, including our guides and drivers, have been trained in our enhanced hygiene procedures; please refer to our Travel Health page for more information

For full terms, see Our Flexible Promise to You

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Wizards London: Harry Potter Locations Walking Tour

Harry Potter Walk London

Discover Londons Harry Potter Filming Locations on foot

What started out as an idea on a train back to London, gradually grew, flourished and became a global sensation, creating 7 books, 11 films, 1 theatrical show, and an iconic name that sparks excitement whenever you hear it – Harry Potter.

A tour fit for magic and non-magic folk alike, you are invited to join us on the Harry Potter Locations Walking Tour of London. Your professional English-speaking guide – who has read all the books and seen all the films – will blend in with the other “non-magical” folks, and guide you around Londons most iconic and historic locations, as well as some hidden gems, featured in the globally successful “Harry Potter” films, as well as the more recent “Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them” trilogy.

A perfect way to spend a couple of hours in the British capital, whether you’re a fan or know someone who is, everyone is welcome.

Discover the secrets and history of the boy wizard

Your tour will last two and a half hours, and start at Westminster Tube Station, right by the Houses of Parliament. You will retrace the journey taken by Harry and Mr. Weasley on their visit to The Ministry of Magic. From here, your guide will lead you through Westminster, then on to the “Visitors Entrance” to the Ministry of Magic as seen in ‘Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix’. Just round the corner, you will discover the spot where Harry, Ron, and Hermione transformed using polyjuice potion in a scene from ‘the Deathly Hallows Part 1’.

As the locations are spread across the capital, you will need to take a short tube journey – sorry, no broomsticks or flying cars are allowed. You will need either: an Oyster card, a contactless credit/debit card, or a Travelcard valid in Zone 1, per person in your group. Children aged 11 and under travel for free.

After the tube journey, you will arrive in the City of London, and be taken to the magnificent St Paul’s Cathedral, hiding its spiral staircase that leads to Professor Sybil Trelawney’s Divination class. Then make sure you hold on as you cross the Millennium Bridge, as destroyed at the beginning of ‘Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince’ – don’t worry, it’s still there.

You will also get to walk in Harry and Hagrid’s footsteps from ‘the Philosophers Stone’ (or ‘Sorcerer’s Stone’ for any visitors from the USA) as you visit the two of London’s oldest markets that housed the Leaky Cauldron pub.

See the iconic London landmarks as part of the tour

Along the route of the tour, you’ll have plenty of chances to take lots of pictures and see the filming locations up close, so feel free to come dressed up in your house robes, or bring your favourite characters wand too. As with all of our walking tours, group sizes are limited to 30 persons.

Our tours go ahead come rain or shine, so please be prepared with comfortable shoes, a bottle of water and perhaps an umbrella. There are no scheduled bathroom breaks during the tour, but there are public toilets available before and after – just ask your guide.

The tour will finish at Leadenhall Market, just round the corner from Monument and Bank tube stations. The tour doesn’t visit Platform 9 ¾ at King’s Cross Station, due to time and distance. However, your guide can give you details on how to get there safely from the finishing point, as well as suggest further hidden gems, toilet breaks and shopping opportunities to continue your Harry Potter London adventure.

Please also note:

• This guided tour is not accessible for wheelchair users or parents with prams or buggies
• BSL is not provided for this tour  
• Adults who are 18 years and older must accompany anyone who is 17 years or younger on all tours

DISCLAIMER: The Harry Potter Walking Tour is not an official ‘Harry Potter Walk’ and is not endorsed, sanctioned, or in any other way supported, directly or indirectly by Warner Bros Entertainment Inc, the Potter book publishers, or J.K.Rowling and her representatives. All rights to the series of “Potter” books are the property of J.K. Rowling and her publishers including Scholastic Press, et al. Film rights and image trademarks are the property of Warner Bros Entertainment Inc.

• Visit the site where Ron, Hermione and Harry infiltrate the ministry of magic from the seventh movie
• See the tube station ticket barriers featured when Harry visits the ministry of magic
• Pass by the visitors’ entrance to the ministry as seen in the fifth movie
• Go under the bridge destroyed in the sixth movie
• See locations used for the Leaky Cauldron pub where magic folk hang out
• Free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and lowest price guarantee
• Gift vouchers available with 12 months validity and free exchanges

About this tour

Cancellation policy.

Free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance

Wednesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday at 2pm (Jan – Dec) Daily at 2pm (1 Apr – 31 Aug) Saturday at 10am (Apr – Oct) We also offer the Harry Potter Filming Locations Bus Tour. Private Tours available – see bottom of page.

2 – 2.5 hours

Adult (16 years+): £17    Child (5 – 15 years): £12 Toddler (0 – 4 years): No ticket required

Meet where?

Westminster tube station Getting to London by train   and  Where to stay

Ends where?

Bank Station

Inclusions?

Professional guide

Exclusions?

A Contactless card OR Zone 1 Travelcard OR Oyster Card (single journey), Gratuities (optional)

Private / Group Tours

1-10 people : £170  Additional persons  £15pp Available daily at 10:30am and 1:30pm. CLICK HERE TO BOOK A PRIVATE TOUR

Other Tour Options To Consider

Wizards London: Harry Potter Locations Bus Tour

Bus Tour of Harry Potter film locations in London including the Ministry of Magic entrance, Gringotts Bank and Platform 9 ¾ at Kings Cross Station.

Warner Bros Studio Tour Bus - The Making of Harry Potter with Return Transfers

Take the Warner Bros Studio Tour Bus and discover the magic of the Harry Potter movies with return transportation from central London.

DISCLAIMER: The Harry Potter Locations Walking Tour of London is not an official ‘Harry Potter’ event and is not endorsed, sanctioned or in any other way supported, directly or indirectly by Warner Bros Entertainment Inc, the Harry Potter book publishers or J.K.Rowling and her representatives. All rights to the series of “Harry Potter” books are the property of J.K. Rowling and her publishers including Scholastic Press, et al. Film rights and image trademarks are the property of Warner Bros Entertainment Inc.

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17 Best Harry Potter Tours in London for a Magical Trip (2024)

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The Harry Potter stories have captivated imaginations for over 20 years, and it’s easy to see why.

They’re magical tales of bravery, friendship, and Quidditch.

The world-famous books and movies welcome us into another world filled with epic battles, likable characters, and magic spells.

London is the beating heart of the Potterverse – and it shows.

⏳ Don’t have time to read the whole list?

The best London Harry Potter tour is this original Harry Potter locations London tour.

Click here to check prices and availability.

There are so many different tours to choose from, each offering tourists a slice of the Wizarding World.

Expect to see filming locations and hear stories about how the books and movies were made.

If you or someone you love is the world’s biggest Harry Potter fan, they’ll love joining one of the following tours of London, including London Harry Potter walking tours, London Harry Potter locations tours, and more.

Wands at the ready! Let’s dive in.

Hey! Want more honest UK tips and planning advice? Click here to join my London and UK Travel Tips Facebook group , where I can answer more of your questions!

Easy Guide: Best Harry Potter Tours in London

1. original harry potter locations tour – london.

⭐️  RATING:  5 out of 5 Stars, 880+ reviews | ⏳  TOUR LENGTH:  2 hours | ✔️  BOOK NOW

WHAT’S INCLUDED IN THIS TOUR

• Professional guide who loves Harry Potter
• Reenactments of the best scenes from the movies
• Take part in a quiz on this London Harry Potter tour
• Listen to movie trivia on the route

Muggles, witches, and wizards are all welcome on the Original Harry Potter Locations Tour – London.

You’ll explore the remarkable London locations that appeared in the movie franchise, as well as see other iconic landmarks such as London Bridge and St. Paul’s Cathedral. 

Visit The Leaky Cauldron in London’s Borough Market and walk along Millennium Bridge which was destroyed by the Deatheaters in the movie.

At Covent Garden, you’ll learn about J.K. Rowling – the author of the Harry Potter book series.

Your professional guide is a hardcore Harry Potter nerd – and it shows.

They’re on hand throughout the 2-hour activity to provide movie trivia and answer any questions you may have.

Find your inner Hermione and swat up before you join the tour because there will be a fun quiz to test your movie knowledge.

2. The Best Harry Potter Walking Tour & Cursed Child Theatre Tickets : Harry Potter London walk

⏳  TOUR LENGTH:  8 hours | ✔️  BOOK NOW

• Guided tour
• See famous London spots including Big Ben
• Local guide
• Tickets to see Harry Potter & The Cursed Child

Die-hard fans of Harry Potter will love this once-in-a-lifetime tour. It’s a guaranteed eight hours of pure Harry Potter fangirling.

You’ll stroll the streets once walked by Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint, and Emma Watson during filming before heading to watch the latest addition to the Harry Potter universe – Harry Potter and the Cursed Child.

During the locations part of the day, you’ll be shown around the city by a passionate and funny tour guide.

You’ll walk through Leicester Square and across London Bridge before arriving at Palace Theatre for part two of this amazing day. 

At Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, you’ll be able to sit back and relax as you watch the smash-hit West End show that’s energized a whole new generation of Potter fans.

The story takes place 19 years after the events of the Deathly Hallows and features Harry’s son, Albus Severus Potter.

3. Harry Potter – Private London Taxi Tour

⭐️  RATING:  5 out of 5 Stars, 20+ reviews | ⏳  TOUR LENGTH:  4 hours | ✔️  BOOK NOW

• Taxi tour of Harry Potter locations
• Finish your tour at a location of your choice
• Ride in a classic London cab
• The opportunity to dress up as your favorite Harry Potter character

What’s the problem with walking tours you ask?

The walking.

Walking quickly isn’t possible for everyone and maybe you simply can’t be bothered.

While broomsticks are a great way for witches and wizards to travel, we muggles travel by cab. 

On Harry Potter – Private London Taxi Tour , you’ll be driven around locations from the movies.

You’ll spot the Ministry of Magic, Diagon Alley, The Leaky Cauldron and so many more iconic locations every Harry Potter fan will instantly recognize.

You can pull up at certain spots for photo opportunities and you’re strongly encouraged to wear your Hogwarts robes.

The best thing about this tour is that you’ll get to visit more locations than on foot.

Plus, at the end of the event, you can get dropped off at a London location of your choosing.

Your taxi tour is intimate with up to five seats for you and your family or friends.

4. London Outdoor Escape Game: Harry Potter Movie Locations

⭐️  RATING:  4 out of 5 Stars, 15+ reviews | ⏳  TOUR LENGTH:  3 hours | ✔️  BOOK NOW

• Flexible tour
• Available 24/7
• No internet connection required
• Available in English and French

Are you a Harry Potter fan who’d prefer to look around famous Potterverse landmarks without the pressure of a large group?

Then London Outdoor Escape Game: Harry Potter Movie Locations is the ideal choice for you if you want a Harry Potter guided walking tour.

A chance to get your steps in and indulge your love of all things Harry Potter, this tour is self-guided and so you can enjoy sightseeing at your own pace.

There’s no tour guide to rush you along, meaning you’ll have plenty of chances to take photos and pause for food and drink.

You’ll be provided with an app that includes locations, behind-the-scenes stories, and facts about the much-loved movies and books.

No internet connection?

No worries, with offline gameplay available.

What are you waiting for? Use the spell accio to summon your mobile, download the app, and start exploring.

5. Harry Potter in London – Private Tour

⭐️  RATING:  5 out of 5 Stars, 20+ reviews | ⏳  TOUR LENGTH:  3 hours | ✔️  BOOK NOW

• Private walking tour
• Kids go free of charge
• A guide who knows lots about the Potterverse
• More than 10 London locations

Harry Potter in London – Private Tour is a great choice for muggles who want to explore locations from the Wizarding World at their own pace.

Everybody’s relationship with the Harry Potter universe is unique and intimate, and on this tour you’ll journey between locations with your own guide dedicated to looking after you.

You can expect to visit more than ten locations from the movies and stop for photos at Platform 9 ¾.

Your local guide has insider knowledge about how the films were made and why specific locations were selected. 

At three hours, you’ll definitely get your money’s worth on this tour. And we haven’t even mentioned the best part yet.

The advantage of picking this tour is that kids join for free, making this a great event for families.

6. Harry Potter Magical London Virtual Tour

⭐️  RATING:  5 out of 5 Stars, 7+ reviews | ⏳  TOUR LENGTH:  1 hour 15 minutes | ✔️  BOOK NOW

• Zoom meeting invite
• Virtual tour of London landmarks from the movies
• Wizarding World quiz
• Ask burning questions about the movie and book series

If you can’t make it to London in person, you should consider the Harry Potter Magical London Virtual Tour.

It’s the most unique Harry Potter London tour available.

Perfect for those on the other side of the world, or those with family and friends stationed around the globe, you’ll tour Harry Potter filming locations from the comfort of your home. 

Don’t be fooled into thinking that because this is online it won’t be any good.

It’s been organized by professional filmographers – and it shows.

As you take a virtual stroll around England’s capital city, you’ll hear behind-the-scenes stories from the film set. 

If you’re celebrating a child’s birthday, this tour would be an extra special gift for them.

The whole family can join in from all over the world and discover the Wizarding World in glorious quality and depth.

Pour yourself a pint of Butter Beer, fill a bowl of Bertie Bott’s Every Flavor Beans, dust off your robes, and settle back on your sofa for a magical online experience.

7. The Best Harry Potter Tour & Wand Making Experience

⏳  TOUR LENGTH:  4 hours | ✔️  BOOK NOW

• A magic wand-making class
• 3-hour walking tour of filming locations
• Suitable for families

Looking for The Best Harry Potter Tour & Wand Making Experience in London ? We’ve found it for you. Being 4-hours in total, you’ll spend an entire afternoon fulfilling your Harry Potter dreams.

This magical tour caters to everyone, whether you’re traveling on your own, as a couple, or with a larger party. 

You’ll start the event at King’s Cross Station where you’ll discover Platform 9 ¾ and have your photo taken.

Then, you’ll hop over to Leicester Square to do some sightseeing.

There are two shops on this tour to explore – one selling Harry Potter merchandise and the other a secret until the day of your tour.

If you’ve done a Potter tour before and are looking for one with a unique edge, the wand-making class at this event is perfect.

You’ll make a wand that you can keep. 

8. Harry Potter London Walking Tour

⭐️  RATING:  4.5 out of 5 Stars, 230+ reviews | ⏳  TOUR LENGTH:  2 hours | ✔️  BOOK NOW

• Knowledgeable tour guide
• Pass London landmarks
• Learn insider facts and trivia
• Walking tour

Remember witches and wizards – when you’re in London you have to behave as muggles do.

This means leaving your Nimbus 2000 behind and traveling at a slower pace on foot.

The Harry Potter London Walking Tour promises 120 minutes of trivia and facts from the Potterverse.

You’ll pass by famous landmarks from the movies, including but not limited to the Ministry of Magic and Leaky Cauldron. 

Your passionate tour guide has cards with them that display the movie scenes.

This is a great touch because it allows real-time comparisons and lets you feel the Holywood magic of where you’re standing.

The Harry Potter Walking Tour is the perfect choice for solo travelers due to the large nature of the walking groups.

You’re sure to meet fellow fans here. Let’s just hope you don’t meet any Slytherins!

9. Harry Potter London Independent Full Day Tour

• Bottled water
• Air-conditioned transport vehicle
• Visit the building that was used as the interior of Gringott’s Bank
• Visit to London Zoo

Clocking in at a remarkable eight hours, the Harry Potter London Independent Full Day Tour is simply charming.

You’ll be provided with bottled water as you set off on a full-day adventure like no other.

Traveling onboard an air-conditioned vehicle, you’ll journey from location to location – seeing more than you ever could on foot.

Given the length of this tour, you’ll visit lots of famous places.

You’ll visit the real-life florist that marks the entrance to the Leaky Cauldron and the market that inspired Diagon Alley.

Also expect to drive over the bridge the Knight Bus uses and the route that Harry flies in The Order of the Phoenix movie. 

This superb tour ends at London Zoo, which is a lesser-visited location by Potter-heads.

It’s in this zoo’s reptile house that Harry finds out he can speak to snakes.

10. London Harry Potter Walking Tour : Harry Potter walking tour London

⏳  TOUR LENGTH:  2 hours | ✔️  BOOK NOW

• Professional guide
• Pose for a photo at Platform 9 ¾
• See filming locations from the movie franchise
• Listen to Harry Potter trivia

Fall under the spell of the London Harry Potter Walking Tour .

As you explore London – the home to over 9 million muggles – you’ll spot some of the incredible buildings and streets that were the setting for the movie franchise.

You’ll relive happy memories by strolling along the street where Harry buys his books but also visit more daunting spaces, including the sites of Lord Voldemort’s attacks.

The tour includes a boat ride along the River Thames, which allows you to identify other famous landmarks along the river’s edge.

You’ll also travel by London Underground for part of your trip and experience how Londeners get around the city.

Non-Potter fans (if any such people exist) will enjoy seeing the London cityscape and traveling along the water. Tate Modern, London Bridge, Piccadilly Circus, and Leadenhall Market are all part of this enjoyable event.

11. Night Time Harry Potter Tour

⭐️  RATING:  4.5 out of 5 Stars, 170+ reviews | ⏳  TOUR LENGTH:  2 hours 15 minutes | ✔️  BOOK NOW

• Get sorted into Hogwarts houses
• Test your Harry Potter trivia
• Visit the sites that inspired the movies
• Also visit locations from the Bond and Marvel movies

Unlike the other tours on this list, the Night Time Harry Potter Tour offers fans of the Wizarding World the chance to see filming locations at night.

The city of London really comes alive during the hours of darkness and that buzz will be felt by all in your walking group.

As you fly on your broomstick from Soho to Covent Garden and from Millennium Bridge to Borough Market, you can expect to feel like a real Hogwarts student. 

Outside of the Harry Potter trivia and spots on this tour, you’ll also identify locations from the James Bond and Marvel movies, as well as the sets from world-famous romantic comedy movies.

If you’re looking to meet other Harry Potter obsessives, this is the tour for you. You’ll be put into teams and tested on your movie knowledge.

It’s a great chance to make friends with your very own Rons and Hermiones.

12. Harry Potter Azkaban Tour (Film Locations & Prison)

⏳  TOUR LENGTH:  6 hours | ✔️  BOOK NOW

• Admission to the Clink Prison Museum
• Small-group tour
• See the spots that inspired the books
• Shop in Harry Potter-themed stores

Fans of the 2004 blockbuster hit Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, rejoice!

The Harry Potter Azkaban Tour (Film Locations & Prison) is the perfect day out for you and your loved ones.

This experience is dedicated to the fan-favorite third movie in the series and will see you explore iconic movie locations.

Step into the shoes of the directors, writers, and producers as you see how Hollywood’s brightest minds transformed London into part of the Harry Potter universe. 

Your local tour guide is brimming with Harry Potter facts that they’re excited to share with their touring group. 

What differentiates this from other Potter tours is that you’ll visit the Clink Prison Museum, where you’ll imagine what life was like for prisoners like Sirius Black who spent years trapped inside the cells of Azkaban.

13. The Best London Harry Potter Tour

⭐️  RATING:  5 out of 5 Stars, 170+ reviews | ⏳  TOUR LENGTH:  3 hours | ✔️  BOOK NOW

• Walking tour of Harry Potter filming locations on one of the best Harry Potter tours in London
• Fun and knowledgeable local guide
• Visit Harry Potter shops to buy merchandise
• Kids go free on this tour

We can see where The Best London Harry Potter Tour gets its name.

It guarantees 3-hours of pure delight for everyone, regardless of whether you’re in Gryffindor, Hufflepuff, Ravenclaw, or Slytherin. Despite the Harry Potter theme, it’s a great tour for anyone visiting London as you’ll see lots of amazing buildings and streets.

This tour is catered toward Potter-loving families and even lets children join free of charge.

You’ll learn all about filming locations and learn behind-the-scenes secrets from the movie sets.

Explore London through Harry Potter’s glasses today by booking onto this tour.

Attendees can expect to visit King’s Cross Station, Leicester Square, Westminster, and London Bridge, as well as the theatre where they show Harry Potter and the Cursed Child.

14. London – A Magic Harry Potter City Game

⏳  TOUR LENGTH:  3 hours | ✔️  BOOK NOW

• Self-guided tour
• Questions to test your Potter knowledge
• Unlock fascinating facts about the books and movies
• Start your walk at Kings Cross Station

Looking for a Harry Potter tour without the crowds?

Then look no further than London – A Magic Harry Potter City Game .

This self-guided tour lets you visit the London filming locations at your own pace.

It’s great for individuals or small groups of close friends. It makes for a great day out, whether you’re a local Londoner or a tourist.

As you wander the famous streets of England’s most populated city, you’ll be asked questions by your digital tour to test your Wizarding World knowledge.

Every time you answer a question correctly, you’ll unlock a fascinating fact about the books or movies.

During your exploration of the muggle capital, you’ll see some amazing eateries and bars.

The joy of a self-guided tour is that you can stop off wherever you want and resume your walk whenever you’re ready.

15. A Magical Harry Potter Adventure + Afternoon Tea (Private)

• Afternoon tea
• See where the Knight Bus stopped
• Take pictures of iconic filming locations

If you’re looking for a tour all about the famous wizard Merlin, this isn’t the tour for you.

Likewise, if you’re keen for a magic tour centered around magicians Penn and Teller, this isn’t it.

If, however, you want to learn more about the world’s most famous magic man then A Magical Harry Potter Adventure + Afternoon Tea (Private) is the tour you need.

Delight in the places frequented by Harry Potter in the movies, including Platform 9 ¾ where he and his friends caught the Hogwarts Express.

You’ll also visit the real-life Diagon Alley where Harry bought everything he needed for his first school year at Hogwarts.

This tour also includes an afternoon tea experience, where you can take a moment to live like British royalty – eating scones and sipping the famous British drink.

16. Harry Potter Styled Photoshoot in London

⏳  TOUR LENGTH:  1 hour 30 minutes | ✔️  BOOK NOW

• Pose in front of Harry Potter locations
• Your own private photoshoot
• Edited photo collection provided after the tour
• Learn behind-the-scenes stories

The Harry Potter Styled Photoshoot in London is a tour like no other.

It’s your own private photoshoot that’s guaranteed to awaken the model inside you so you can do it in addition to a walking tour in London about Harry Potter.

You’ll have your photo taken at iconic Harry Potter locations and we recommend bringing your cape and wand.

It’s a completely private tour so you can take the time you need to strike a pose. 

Facts you learned in herbology class aren’t needed here, just a great costume, lots of poses, and a love of all things Harry Potter.

Your guide isn’t only a Wizarding World fanatic, but they’re also a professional photographer who will advise you on how to get the very best from this experience.

After the event, you’ll be sent up to 40 high-quality photos so you’ll always remember these memorable moments.

17. London Witches and History Walking Tour

⭐️  RATING:  5 out of 5 Stars, 16+ reviews | ⏳  TOUR LENGTH:  1 hour 15 minutes | ✔️  BOOK NOW

• Costumed tour guide
• A free gift
• Harry Potter locations
• A history of London’s most famous witches

You may know everything there is to know about the Harry Potter movies and books, but how much do you know about the real-life history of witches in Britain?

On the London Witches and History Walking Tour you’ll discover hidden gems often missed by tourists and learn stories about the witches from years gone by.

Your tour guide will weave a colorful tale of different witches and the great injustices that befell them.

You’ll learn about London’s most famous witches such as Joan Peterson and Jinny Bingham. 

Expect to visit Southwark Cathedral, Borough Market, Winchester Palace, Globe Theatre, and St. Paul’s Cathedral.

Harry Potter fans will be pleased to know that this tour also includes some filming locations including Millennium Bridge.

Hey! Want to use our trusty guides to the best tours in other places across the UK? Check these out!

• 11 Best Tours of the Cotswolds from London in 2023
• 11 Best Tours of the Scottish Highlands from Edinburgh in 2023
• 5 Best London Open Top Bus Tours
• 9 Best Scottish Outlander Tours
• 9 Best Ghost Tours in Oxford
• 5 Best Bath Ghost Tours
• 9 Best Bus Tours in Edinburgh
• 19 Most Unique London Tours
• 9 Best Day Trips to Oxford from London
• 7 Best Stonehenge Day Trips from London
• 7 Best Changing of the Guard Tours in London
• 11 Best Oxford Walking Tours
• 11 Best London Rock ‘n’ Roll Tours
• 11 Best London Museum Tours
• 3 Best Morse Tours in Oxford
• 11 Best London Beatles Tours
• 11 Best Walking Tours in Bath
• 13 Best Harry Potter Tours in Oxford
• 11 Best Jack the Ripper Tours in London
• 9 Best London Literary Tours
• 9 Best Street Art Tours in London
• 13 Best Evening & Night Tours of Edinburgh
• 15 Best London Pub Crawl Tours
• 11 Best London Bus Tours for Families
• 11 Best London Bike Tours
• 17 Best London Foodie Tours
• 13 Best Ghost & Haunted Tours in Edinburgh
• 11 Best Edinburgh Walking Tours
• 11 Best Private Tours in London
• 11 Fun Tours of Royal London
• 13 Isle of Skye Tours for a Magical Time
• 13 Mysterious Tours of Loch Ness
• 7 Best James Bond Tours in London
• 7 Best Paris Tours from London
• 7 Best Stratford-upon Avon Tours from London
• 7 Best Tours of Bath from London
• 7 Best Black Cab Tours from London
• 11 Best Downton Abbey Tours in the UK
• 11 Best Ghost Tours in London
• 5 Best Graffiti Tours in London
• 9 Best London East End Tours

UK Travel Planning Guide: the FAQs

🏥 Should I buy UK travel insurance?

Absolutely yes. Basic coverage is not expensive, and as a visitor you are NOT covered under the NHS. Compare policies and prices with Travel Insurance Master here , a big name in the travel insurance business, and cross that off your list.

🔌 Do I need travel adapters for the UK?

Yes, you do, otherwise you won’t be able to plug in your electronics/phone/lifelines. I recommend this one , which is all-in-one so you can use it in other countries.

🚗 What do I need to drive in the UK?

The first thing you need to check out if you’re planning on renting a car in the UK is this guide to driving in the UK for visitors – the roads, signs, and driving experience will likely not be what you’re used to and it’s essential to prepare yourself to stay safe and aware.

🛌 What’s the best way to book hotels in the UK?

For UK hotels, Booking is the best site as it offers free cancellation on many properties. If you want an apartment, I always recommend VRBO over AirBnb.

📳 Will my phone work in the UK?

Yes – if you set it up right. Check out my guide on making your foreign phone work in the UK to ensure that you get the type of service you need.

🚿 Can I drink the water in the UK?

Yes, UK water is great and perfectly safe. But drink out of taps in any kitchen or use water fountains. Double check before drinking out of the taps in hotel bathrooms, though, as they may be on a different system. London water is safe to drink .

Heading to London? Want the best tips?

Check out my Ultimate Guide to London for Visitors. Using text, images and video, this guide is packed full of tips, tricks, safety advice, knowledge on how to get around and what to do, and more!

Moving to the UK or already an Expat?

Grab my book which covers moving to the UK, struggles I faced and that you might face too, and uplifting advice to help you along the way! Available in hard copy and on Kindle.

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The Ultimate Harry Potter Tours In London: Exploring the Magic of London

Last Updated on 30 November, 2023

London, a city steeped in history and brimming with enchanting secrets, serves as a magical backdrop for one of the most beloved wizarding tales of all time – Harry Potter.

Yes, so whether you’re a Gryffindor, Slytherin, Hufflepuff, or Ravenclaw, embarking on a Harry Potter tour in London promises an enchanting journey through the mystical world created by J.K. Rowling.

From iconic film locations to hidden gems that inspired the series, these tours offer an immersive experience for Potterheads of all ages. You can do everything from a Harry Potter-style photoshoot to doing a day trip out of London to do Warner Bros Studio Harry Potter Tour .

Below, let’s delve into the enchanting realm of Harry Potter with our guide to the best Harry Potter tours in London, where every street corner holds a touch of magic.

The Best Harry Potter Tours In London

Note that if you are travelling with families kids go for free on some tours. Also, many of these tours are walking tours so be sure you have the best shoes for London . For additional tips see our guide on how to pack for London whether summer or winter .

Original Harry Potter Locations Tour

Duration: 2 Hours

Embark on the Original Harry Potter Locations tour of London, guided through Soho to iconic spots like Covent Garden and Trafalgar Square . Get your dose of movie trivia and put your knowledge to the test with a fun quiz at the end of the tour.

This tour is a must-do for all ages, featuring famous London landmarks on screen, including St. Paul’s Cathedral and London Bridge. Join your guide at Southwark Viewpoint near Southwark Cathedral, get sorted into your Hogwarts house, and dive into an interactive experience.

Explore Diagon Alley’s entrance, the Leaky Cauldron, and more while competing with other houses. The tour concludes at the Palace Theatre, home to the Cursed Child. Dress comfortably and prepare for a magical adventure.

London Harry Potter Tour

Duration: 3 Hours

Join this family-friendly Harry Potter tour , where you’ll uncover London’s hidden gems used as filming locations in Harry Potter. With an expert guide by your side, you’ll gain access to insider information and movie trivia not found in guidebooks.

Plus, it’s a great choice for families as kids go free . Say goodbye to getting lost in central London crowds while discovering the enchanting world of Harry Potter. The adventure begins at Platform 9¾ King’s Cross and concludes just a short walk from London Bridge Station.

Harry Potter In London Private Tour

Price: £69.87

Step into the enchanting world of Harry Potter with this private London tour tailor-made for wizarding fans. Perfect for families with complimentary tickets for kids, this magical tour unveils over 10 London locations used in the filming of Harry Potter movies.

Let your guide lead you through the City of London, ensuring you won’t lose your way. Don’t forget to strike a pose at Platform 9¾ for memorable photos. Experience London through the eyes of Harry Potter, visiting more than 10 film locations, all with the expert insights of your guide.

It’s a fantastic choice for families, as kids go free! We begin at The Harry Potter Shop at Platform 9¾ and conclude just a short 5-minute stroll from London Bridge Station.

Harry Potter London Film Locations Bus Tour 

Price: £32.50

Embark on a magical journey through the enchanting world of Harry Potter with our London filming locations tour . Travel in style aboard a luxury coach as you explore iconic sites like Number 12, Grimmauld Place, Diagon Alley, and Platform 9¾.

Listen to captivating tales from the expert Harry Potter guide, providing insider insights into the film’s creation and visits to significant locations that inspired J.K. Rowling’s epic series. This Harry Potter tour by luxury coach offers a unique experience to immerse yourself in the wizarding world while discovering London landmarks that influenced the beloved novels.

Begin your cinematic adventure in central London , where you’ll meet your knowledgeable guide and board the luxurious coach. Throughout your journey, enjoy entertaining commentary with a Potter twist, allowing you to see J.K. Rowling’s world in a new light. Pass by Muggle London sites that inspired the author’s creation of the wizarding universe.

As you traverse the city, gain behind-the-scenes knowledge about the film’s production, engage with fellow Muggles, and reminisce about your favourite scenes. Catch a glimpse of Number 12, Grimmauld Place, Sirius Black’s family home in “Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix,” which became a sanctuary for Harry and his allies.

Drive through Diagon Alley, where Harry purchased his magical school supplies, and spot the Leaky Cauldron, a beloved wizarding pub. Your final destination is King’s Cross Station, where you’ll visit the mysterious Platform 9¾. Relive the moment when Harry Potter launched himself through the platform portal to board the Hogwarts Express. Your tour concludes here, allowing you to capture the perfect picture to cherish.

Harry Potter Location By Boat Tour

Duration: 2 Hours 30 minutes

Step into the enchanting world of Harry Potter on this captivating tour of London , where you’ll explore iconic landmarks and hidden gems while indulging in magical quizzes and spells guided by an expert. With a Harry Potter-themed twist, you’ll discover some of London’s most renowned sights, all while enjoying an immersive experience. Your adventure culminates with a delightful glide down the River Thames for a fresh perspective of the city.

Along the way, engage in quizzes, games, and trivia, ensuring that every Harry Potter enthusiast is entertained. Each tour concludes at King’s Cross , the very place where Harry embarked on his journey into the wizarding world.

Immerse yourself in the magic of this small-group tour, offering a personalized and intimate exploration of the city’s enchanting corners.

London Harry Potter Walking Tour

Duration: 2 Hours 

Embark on a magical 2-hour Harry Potter walking tour in London and immerse yourself in the enchanting world of wizardry and witchcraft. Relive your favorite moments at filming locations featured in the Harry Potter movies, including the iconic Leaky Cauldron and the Ministry of Magic.

Along the way, you’ll pass by renowned London landmarks such as St Paul’s Cathedral, the Millennium Bridge, and the Leadenhall Market , while your knowledgeable guide shares insider facts and trivia about the beloved books and films.

London Outdoor Escape Game: Harry Potter Movie Locations(Self-guided)

Duration: 3 Hours 

Price: £10.50

Calling all Potterheads! Embark on a magical quest through London with this interactive game that combines your love for Harry Potter with exploration. Gather your party of up to four fellow enthusiasts and set off on a captivating adventure that guides you to iconic Harry Potter locations across the city.

You can take your time, exploring at your own pace, while the app provides you with fascinating facts and behind-the-scenes narratives. Available in both English and French, this is the perfect activity for Potterheads visiting London. Access the game from your smartphone and enjoy a private and interactive experience.

This quest is a thrilling challenge where you’ll follow clues and solve puzzles to uncover hidden places and untold stories. Simply head to the starting point, open the app, and receive your first clue. As you progress, each clue leads you seamlessly from one location to the next, eliminating the need for maps, GPS, or a guide.

When you successfully solve a clue, you unlock the secret story of that place, adding an extra layer of enchantment to your journey. There’s no rush, as the tour typically takes 1.5 to 2 hours to complete, but you have the flexibility to finish it at your own pace. Upon purchasing the quest, you’ll receive an email with instructions on how to begin. Head to the starting point, and let the adventure unfold.

Muggle’s Guide To Harry Potter Walking Tour

Experience the enchanting side of London that often goes unnoticed by muggles on this captivating walking tour of Harry Potter filming locations . Venture beyond the usual tourist hotspots and delve into the real-life settings brought to life in the cinematic adaptations of J.K. Rowling’s beloved Harry Potter novels.

Your journey will take you to iconic spots like King’s Cross’s Platform 9 3/4, the elusive Leaky Cauldron entrance, and locations believed to have inspired the magical realms of Diagon Alley and Knockturn Alley, among other beloved wizarding destinations.

This walking tour offers an extraordinary perspective of London, as seen through the eyes of “The Boy Who Lived.” Immerse yourself in the wizarding world as you explore the city’s Harry Potter filming sites, gaining insights into the movies and the inspirations that shaped J.K. Rowling’s literary masterpieces.

Harry Potter Night Tour

Join the original Harry Potter locations walking tour in London for an enchanting experience. Begin your journey by getting sorted into your Hogwarts house and putting your Potter knowledge to the test with trivia questions. Explore iconic London neighborhoods like Soho , Covent Garden, and Trafalgar Square, each with its own fascinating showbiz history.

Follow in the magical footsteps (or broom steps) of beloved Hogwarts students, actors, and screenwriters as you immerse yourself in the cinematic world of London. Your guide, a true movie enthusiast, will regale you with intriguing film trivia. Be ready to join teams and participate in the Silverscreen Quiz to showcase your movie expertise and win fabulous prizes in various games along the way.

Discover the sites that inspired a wide range of movies, from classics and silent films to Bond, Marvel, and romantic comedies. See London through the eyes of Harry Potter on this 2-hour adventure through the city’s cinematic history.

Black Taxi Private Harry Potter Tour

Price: £341.50

Embark on a private London cab tour that traces the magical footsteps of Harry Potter and other beloved characters from the film series. Enjoy the comfort of your own private black taxi with a knowledgeable Harry Potter expert serving as your guide and driver.

Explore a plethora of locations that were featured in various Harry Potter films, including “Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix.” Witness the enchanting Diagon Alley, the iconic Knight Bus bridge, Platform 9¾, and numerous other bewitching sites while your driver shares captivating Potter trivia.

Each black taxi can accommodate up to five passengers at a flat rate, making it an exclusive and convenient choice for your magical adventure. This private tour offers morning and afternoon options and includes pick-up and drop-off at central London hotels, ensuring a seamless and enchanting experience.

There you have it, London’s best Harry Potter tours to complement your London itinerary, whether in the city for one day , 2 days , or even 4 days .

For additional tips check read more:

• Best Time To Visit London
• Tips For Planning A Trip To London
• How To Get From London Airports Into Cental London

My name is Bianca and welcome to my local guide of London's Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea. Everything you need to know about exploring London in addition to the coolest hangouts and Instagrammable spots.

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The Harry Potter Tour of London Locations is not an official ‘Harry Potter’ event and is not endorsed, sanctioned or in any other way supported, directly or indirectly by Warner Bros Entertainment Inc, the Harry Potter book publishers or J.K.Rowling and her representatives. All rights to the series of “Harry Potter” books are the property of J.K. Rowling and her publishers including Scholastic Press, et al. Film rights and image trademarks are the property of Warner Bros Entertainment Inc.

The Best Harry Potter Walking Tour in the World

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Tour for Muggles takes you on a walking tour of London, discovering some of the magical locations from the Harry Potter films and books.

London's Specialists

We only do Harry Potter tours and have been for over 10 years

Intimate Groups

We limit tours to 20 people for a more personal experience

See the places come life

And dive into the magic with engaging quizzes

Wizarding Experts

Our tour guides are all trained actors and obsessed with all things Harry Potter

London locations where our two worlds meet

The real stories of Harry, Ron and Hermione

Kids up to 11

LIMITED TO 20 MUGGLES PER TOUR

Private Tours

For a more intimate experience and more time to geek out with the guides!

Gift Vouchers

For a magical and wand-erful present please get in touch!

Join us to hear confidential stories from the Official Magical Secrets Act and see the magical locations throughout London.

In the meantime, check out our muggle ‘podcast’ WAND-erlust where we take you on an audio broomstick ride full of fun and fantastical stories.

got any questions?

Monday: Closed

Tuesday: 9am-6:30pm GMT

Wed - Sun: 9am-5pm GMT

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A Lady in London

And Traveling the World

Lady’s Magical Harry Potter Walking Tour in London

Today I want to share my free self-guided Harry Potter walking tour in London with you. The UK capital is famous for both its appearance in the novels and its use as a filming location for the movies. My walking route will take you to the best places in the city to see Harry Potter sites, including famous markets, iconic train stations, and hidden lanes. I’ve included a map as well.

Harry Potter Walking Tour

From the awe-inspiring expanse of Leadenhall Market to the secret Hogwarts Express platform in King’s Cross station, London has no shortage of places to discover on a self-guided Harry Potter walking tour.

This route will take you to many of the highlights and let you experience the magic of the books and movies firsthand.

My Harry Potter walk is an ideal way to get into the wizarding spirit, discover the side streets and secret spaces from J.K. Rowling’s fantasy world, and see some London landmarks and attractions at the same time.

If you want a guided tour, GetYourGuide offers a number of great Harry Potter walking tours as well. I’ve done excursions with them in the past, and I’ve always had a good experience. You can book a tour here .

You can also book a trip to the Warner Bros Studio Tour – The Making of Harry Potter to see where the movies were filmed. I’ve done it, and I highly recommend it. The sets are amazing to see up close. You can book a tour here .

Harry Potter Walking Tour in London

My self-guided Harry Potter walking tour starts at Westminster station. It has lots of public transport links, so you can arrive on the Jubilee, Circle, or District lines of the Underground, or by local bus, bike, scooter, or on foot from other central London areas .

Westminster station featured in the movie Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix . When Harry is called to a hearing at the Ministry of Magic, he and Arthur Weasley navigate the tube barriers here before heading to his appointment.

After taking in the station, start this Harry Potter walk by heading up Parliament Street towards Trafalgar Square. Don’t miss the views of Big Ben, the Houses of Parliament, Westminster Abbey, and Parliament Square as you set off.

Walk up the west side of the street and continue as it becomes Whitehall. Soon you’ll reach Downing Street, where you can peer through the gates to see Number 10. This has been the Prime Minister’s residence since 1735.

In Harry Potter’s world, the muggle Prime Minister meets with his wizarding counterparts in his office here to discuss matters of national importance.

After checking out Downing Street, cross over Whitehall and continue your Harry Potter walking tour by going up the road until you reach Horse Guards Avenue. Turn right at the Old War Office Building and walk down the street.

Horse Guards Avenue was used as the filming location for the staff entrance of the Ministry of Magic in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 1 .

At the end of Horse Guards Avenue, turn left into Whitehall Gardens and take in the pretty green space as you walk to the other end.

When you reach Whitehall Place, exit the gardens, turn left, and walk down to Scotland Place. Turn right and walk under the overpass to get to Great Scotland Yard.

Great Scotland Yard was used as the filming location for the visitors’ entrance to the Ministry of Magic in Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix and Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 1 .

Once you’ve explored the street, make your way back to Whitehall, turn right, and continue towards Trafalgar Square. Home of the National Gallery and Nelson’s Column, this is one of the most famous landmarks in London.

When you reach the square, you’ll be in the location of the world premiere of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 2 . Stars like Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, and Rupert Grint walked down the red carpet here.

After you’ve taken in the square, continue your Harry Potter walking tour by making your way to the east side of it and turning left to walk up Charing Cross Road. You’ll pass the National Portrait Gallery as you go.

Charing Cross Road will take you past West End theaters near Leicester Square as you head up towards Cecil Court. Once there, turn right and walk down the beautiful pedestrianized street.

With its colorful antiquarian bookshops and other treasure troves, rumor has it this lane in Covent Garden was used as a model for Diagon Alley.

When you reach St Martin’s Lane, turn left, cross the street, and take a quick right to duck into Goodwin’s Court. This narrow Georgian alleyway is another place that’s thought to have been a model for Diagon Alley.

It’s also been said that it inspired Knockturn Alley, the shopping area off Diagon Alley that was filled with stores devoted to the Dark Arts.

When you get to the end of Goodwin’s Court, turn left onto Bedfordbury, then left onto New Row. Walk by the small cafes along the street (you can stop for a snack if you want to), then turn right and walk up St Martin’s Lane past the restaurants and theaters.

Continue as the street becomes Upper St Martin’s Lane, then turn left on West Street and follow it as it curves up to Cambridge Circus.

Once at Cambridge Circus, you’ll spot the Palace Theatre in Soho opposite you. This is the home of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child , a popular stage production in London. It’s a must for any Potterhead.

The play is set 19 years after the events of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows , and it centers around Harry’s relationship with his son, Albus Severus.

Whatever you decide, continue your Harry Potter walking tour by heading north up Charing Cross Road.

On your left you’ll pass Foyles, one of the biggest and most famous bookshops in London. You can pop in to buy your favorite Harry Potter book, or continue your self-guided walking tour by going up to St Giles Circus.

When you reach it, cross over and continue straight as Charing Cross Road becomes Tottenham Court Road.

This is where Harry, Ron, and Hermione sit at a cafe in the novel Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows . Ron says the word “Voldemort” and inadvertently reveals their location to the Death Eaters.

From here you have two choices. If you want a shorter walk, you can hop on the tube at Goodge Street and take the Northern line a few stops north to King’s Cross St Pancras station.

Alternatively, if you’re happy continuing on foot, you can walk through Bloomsbury to get there.

My favorite route is to turn right from Tottenham Court Road onto Bayley Street, walk past the eye-catching buildings in Bedford Square, continue straight on Montague Place alongside the British Museum, and go around Russell Square.

From the northeast corner of the square, walk down Bernard Street, turn left on Marchmont Street, and follow it all the way up to Euston Road. You’ll pass by lots of cafes and shops as you go. If you want to, you can stop for a snack or meal.

When you get to Euston Road, turn right and take in the British Library and the stunning facade of St Pancras International as you make your way to King’s Cross station.

St Pancras featured as a filming location in Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets . When Harry and Ron get locked out of Platform 9 3/4, they fly a Ford Anglia to school instead. As they take off, the facade of St Pancras can be seen in the background.

When you reach King’s Cross station, enter the building and head over to the barrier between platforms 9 and 10.

There’s a disappearing luggage trolley and a sign for Platform 9 3/4. It marks the spot where Harry and his classmates entered the magical world to take the Hogwarts Express to school.

There’s also a famous Harry Potter shop right next to Platform 9 3/4, so after taking a photo you can pick up some souvenirs if you want to.

Afterwards, continue your self-guided Harry Potter walking tour by exiting the station and turning left to walk east down Pentonville Road until you reach Claremont Square.

This pretty place on the border of Clerkenwell and Islington was used as the filming location for 12 Grimmauld Place in two of the movies.

12 Grimmauld Place was the home of Harry’s godfather, Sirius Black. It served as the headquarters of the Order of Phoenix as well.

Claremont Square stood in for Grimmauld Place in the film adaptation of Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix and the movie Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 1 .

After you’ve taken in the houses around the green space, continue down Pentonville Road, take a left on Islington High Street, and catch the Northern line of the tube from Angel station to Bank station.

When you get off the tube, exit the station and walk east down Cornhill. Turn right on Gracechurch Street, then left into Leadenhall Market.

This Victorian covered market was used as a filming location for Diagon Alley in Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone . The entrance to The Leaky Cauldron pub was an optician’s shop in the market’s Bull’s Head Passage.

Once you’ve explored Leadenhall Market, continue your self-guided Harry Potter walking tour by exiting the same way you entered and turning left on Gracechurch Street.

Follow it down to Lombard Street, turn right, and walk past the historic buildings in the City of London .

Stay on Lombard Street as it curves around to take you back to Bank Station, then turn left on Poultry and continue down it as it becomes Cheapside.

Eventually it will lead you to St Paul’s Cathedral. This famous church stood in for Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry in Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban .

The spiral staircase the students took up to Professor Trelawney’s Divination classroom was actually the Dean’s Staircase in the church (it’s also called the Geometric Staircase). If you want to go in, you can book tickets to St Paul’s Cathedral here .

Whether you go inside or not, continue your Harry Potter walking tour by exiting via the front of the church and turning left to walk east down the street called St Paul’s Churchyard.

When you reach Center Lane Gardens, turn right and walk along the pedestrianized Peter’s Hill to get to the Thames.

When you arrive at the river, you’ll be in front of Millennium Bridge. It replaced Brockdale Bridge in the opening scenes of the film Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince . A pack of Death Eaters targets the bridge as they wreak destruction on London.

Walk across the bridge, then turn left along the river when you get to the South Bank and Tate Modern.

Follow the Thames Path along Bankside, passing icons like Shakespeare’s Globe as you go. When you reach Bank End, turn right, then make a quick left on Clink Street.

Walk under the railway bridge and past The Clink Prison Museum, then turn right on Stoney Street. This narrow road will take you down to Borough Market , London’s most famous food market.

Borough Market was used as a filming location for the entrance to The Leaky Cauldron pub in Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban . The facade featured in the movie is the site of a (now closed) flower shop called Chez Michele.

From Borough Market, make your way past Southwark Cathedral on Green Dragon Court, then walk up the stairs to Borough High Street.

Cross the street where it’s safe, then take a right on Duke Street Hill. Follow it as it becomes Tooley Street. You’ll pass by London Bridge station as you make your way to Hay’s Galleria.

When you get there, turn left to go into the galleria. You can admire the eye-catching ceiling and sculpture in the middle as you walk out to the Thames. When you get to the river, turn right on The Queens Walk and head towards the HMS Belfast ship.

The HMS Belfast featured in Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix . As Harry and members of the order fly on broomsticks from 4 Privet Drive to 12 Grimmauld Place, they go over the Thames in London. On the way they pass the famous navy warship.

As your Harry Potter walking tour continues along the river, you’ll find yourself in More London, the area around City Hall. This place has great views of Tower Bridge and the Tower of London.

Like the HMS Belfast, Tower Bridge featured in the scene from Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix where Harry and his friends fly over the Thames.

Your self-guided Harry Potter walking tour ends here, but you can continue exploring the area or head across Tower Bridge to pick up the tube at Tower Hill station.

Walk Details and Map

Below you’ll find the details and map for my Harry Potter walk, as well as other filming locations you can explore in London.

Time: 3 – 5 hours (depending on time in the squares, stations, shops, and attractions)

Map of the walk from Westminster station to Tottenham Court Road: https://goo.gl/maps/cWdxLxY12bv5oKYz6

Map of the optional walk from Tottenham Court Road to King’s Cross: https://goo.gl/maps/VLYxRA5A2gcxAK3i6

Map of the walk from King’s Cross to Angel: https://goo.gl/maps/FYchUUW6JNy1UHCE7

Map of the walk from Bank Station to Tower Bridge: https://goo.gl/maps/njYf7h5VL34C9MhJA

I hope my Harry Potter walk has made you look forward to seeing locations from the books and movies as you discover London on foot. It’s the perfect way to explore the UK capital and experience the magic firsthand.

If you want more ideas, you can see additional self-guided walks and maps on my London walking tours blog post. And if you’d like to be enchanted, take a look at my list of magical places to visit in the UK . Happy wizarding!

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2 Comments on Lady’s Magical Harry Potter Walking Tour in London

Absolutely fabulous! Can’t wait to do it all. Thanks so much.

You’re welcome! I hope you enjoy it!

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🪄 The 7 Best Harry Potter Tours In London [2024 Reviews]

No matter if Harry Potter is somewhat new to you or you’re an absolute fanatic, going on a tour is one of the most magical experiences you can have.

While the story’s popularity has taken over the world, if you’re in London, you’re in for a real treat. As the movies were filmed in the city, you’ll get firsthand insight into the wizarding world and see things that aren’t available anywhere else on the planet.

There are tons of HP tours out there, but we’re here to bring you those that are a head above the rest. We’ve put on our cloaks and set out to find the top Harry Potter tours in London that you’ll never forget – not even with a Memory Charm.

Best London Harry Potter Tours

Quick answer: the 7 best harry potter tours in london for 2024.

• London Fully-Guided Making of Harry Potter Tour
• Harry Potter Black Taxi Private Tour
• Harry Potter Tour of Warner Bros. Studio with Transport from London
• London: Harry Potter Studio and Locations Tour
• Harry Potter in London – Private Tour
• Harry Potter London Bus Tour of Film Locations in London
• The Magic of Harry Potter Private Guided Tour for Kids and Families in London

Harry Potter Tours in London Reviews

1. london fully-guided making of harry potter tour.

• Duration: 6 hours
• Departure: Euston War Memorial, outside Euston station
• Departure Time: 11:05 AM
• Includes:   Fully guided tour of Warner Bros. Studios with a dedicated, English-speaking Studio Tour Guide, a dmission with timed entry to Warner Bros Studios, t ransportation

It’s no secret that Warner Bros. Studios London is a blast, no matter the age or background of the attendee. However, did you also know that the studios include original sets, props, and costumes for each of the amazing Harry Potter films?

While the general admission experience is certainly memorable, if you want to learn and see the most you’ll need a personalized tour like the London: Fully-Guided Making of Harry Potter Tour !

This 6-hour tour is the perfect amount of time for a full-fledged experience while still staying brief enough to catch children’s interest.

Limited to a maximum group size of 8 people, this tour offers a personalized experience where your guide will cater only to you.  Meet your guide at the central London meetup spot, hop on a train and you’re off!

Upon arriving to the studios, you’ll enjoy a short film before entering the magnificent Great Hall set where your guided tour kicks off.

Your guide will share with you secrets and behind-the-scenes facts and stories not heard anywhere else on a regular tour.

The production secrets and inside info is captivating and will make you want to watch the movies again as soon as you get home!

While there’s certainly more to experience than we can fit in here, some of the highlights are seeing the Original Hogwarts Express, Diagon Alley, and Gringotts Bank.

If you belong to Gryffindor house, you’ll enjoy seeing their common room, boys’ dormitory, and more. Once the tour is finished, you can choose to browse shops, enjoy a coffee in the café, explore the studio further, or hop back on a train to London.

More Information & Tour Booking

100% refund for cancellations within 24 hours of tour experience, other experiences you may enjoy:, 2. harry potter black taxi private tour.

• Duration: 3 hours
• Departure: Hotel pickup and drop-off
• Departure Time:  9:00 AM. 1:00 PM, 5:00 PM
• Includes:  A personalized private tour, transport by private London Black Taxi, local guide

Do you want to have a VIP Potterhead experience with secret access to different sites and exclusive insider secrets? Then do yourself a favor and check out the Private Tour: Harry Potter Black Taxi Tour of London !

This 3-hour tour will have you following in the footsteps of Mr. Potter and other key characters from the films as you’re driven around in a London cab!

The private black taxi includes an incredibly professional, knowledgeable guide who will take you through all kinds of thrilling locations used in the films.

You won’t have to worry about a meetup point, as they’ll pick you up right at your hotel. Each cab accommodates 5 passengers under a fixed price, which makes it one of the most affordable personalized tour experiences out there.

Once everyone is nice and comfortable in the cab, you’ll set out onto the city streets, making your first stop at Diagon Alley – a quirky, spooky, and silly place where everyone stocks up on wizard supplies before the start of each school year.

Check out Platform 9 3/4  at King’s Cross station, the Knight Bus Bridge, and even the Leaky Cauldron pub!

You’ll also get to see the red telephone box used as a portal to the Ministry of Magic, the spot where Harry and Voldemort first meet after the harrowing Triwizard Tournament, and the headquarters of the Order of the Phoenix.

Throughout each visit, your guide will fill you in on interesting HP trivia, and facts that you don’t hear about anywhere else.

3. Harry Potter Tour of Warner Bros. Studio with Transport from London

• Duration: 7 hours
• Departure:  Victoria Coach Station, 164 Buckingham Palace Rd, London SW1W 9TP
• Departure Time: 8:15 AM – 1:45 PM
• Includes:  Entry ticket to Harry Potter Warner Bros Studio Tour London, return transfers in air-conditioned coach

Are you ready to step into the magical wizarding world of Harry Potter up close and personal? If you want to see the books brought to life, look no further than the Harry Potter Tour of Warner Bros. Studio with Transport from London .

The seamless organization and leadership of the guides make the experience that much more easygoing, so all you have to focus on is having fun!

This 7-hour tour starts off at Victoria Coach Station, which is centrally-located and easy to access from any part of London. There are many different departure times available, making it easy to fit into your schedule. Just select the departure time of your choosing when booking.

Hop on your air-conditioned coach and enjoy comfortable seats and large windows for unobstructed views.

Upon arrival, you’ll get to follow in the footsteps of countless Hogwarts students. Now it’s time to see and learn all about the incredible sets from the movies!

After cramming so many facts and stories into your head, you can cruise around at your leisure. There’s a café with delicious coffee and pastries, shops, or you can go back to your favorite parts of the studios.

Hagrid’s Hut and the Gryffindor common room are always fun to see, or ride a broomstick with the green-screen technology the actors worked with on the set!

Thanks to the professionalism and knowledge of the tour staff, everything goes off without a hitch. You don’t have to be stressed out or worried about the coach leaving without you as they will make sure everyone is on board and has a wonderful time.

4. London: Harry Potter Studio and Locations Tour

• Duration: 11 hours
• Departure: Outside the Empire Casino on Leicester Square
• Departure Time: Morning
• Includes:  Walking tour of London’s Harry Potter movie locations, e ntrance to Warner Bros. Studio for “The Making of Harry Potter” tour, t ransportation by luxury bus, p rofessional tour guide

Do the other tours we’ve covered sound interesting but you’re looking for something even more comprehensive?

If you really want to dive in deep and experience just about everything possible regarding HP, then you’re in luck! The London: Harry Potter Studio and Locations Tour offers exactly that!

Lasting 11 hours, this tour does include roundtrip transportation from central London, making it very easy to access.

You’ll start out by meeting your tour guide early in the morning right outside Empire Casino on Leicester Square. Then, hop on a climate-controlled, luxury bus that is very comfortable with large windows and plenty of seats.

Once you arrive to the studios, you’ll start off by taking the “The Making of Harry Potter” tour, which include tons of authentic props, breathtaking sets, costumes, and much more directly from the films.

Step into the Great Hall, the Forbidden Forest, Diagon Alley, Professor Sprout’s Greenhouse, and even check out Hogwarts Express locomotive!

What really takes this experience to the next level is your guide, who are always so knowledgeable and helpful throughout the entire time. They’ll be able to tell you stories about the films and interesting facts that aren’t readily available for others outside of your group.

What’s great about this tour is that you’ll have plenty of time after the tour to cruise around as well. You can grab a meal or just a coffee in their café, check out the cool gifts at the shops, or go back through the studios at your leisure.

5. Harry Potter in London – Private Tour

• Departure:  The Harry Potter Shop at Platform 9¾, London N1 9AP, UK
• Departure Time: Varies
• Includes:  3 hour private walking tour of the best Harry Potter film locations in London, local guide

On the other side of the spectrum, if you’re looking for a shorter tour that’s easier to fit into a busy schedule we have just the ticket for you.

The Harry Potter in London – Private Tour lasts 3 hours, making it perfect for seeing the entire experience but keeping it brief enough for kids. Not to mention, kids go free of charge on this one, making it incredibly budget-friendly!

Start by meeting up with your tour guide at the steps of the Parcel Yard, located right in front of the Platform 9 ¾ shop. It’s super easy to access from London, and you can pretty much choose when you’d like to return, as well.

When you’re with your guide, they’ll ask you about what you’re specifically interested in and design your tour to accommodate those interests.

This customized tour is highly interactive, making sure all ground is covered and nothing is left out. They offer tons of great information that you wouldn’t otherwise learn, even though the studio tour is so comprehensive.

Aside from King’s Cross Station, you’ll head to Leicester Square which has many film locations and inspiration spots for Diagon Alley and Knockturn Alley.

After, you’ll see the Ministry of Magic filming location which feels like you’re stepping straight into the movie. The Brockdale Bridge entrance to the Leaky Cauldron pub is also quite cool!

Of course, those are just a few of the 10+ London film locations you’ll get to explore. The walking tour is perfect if you’re worried about getting lost in the bustling metropolis, and hear insider knowledge while perusing the area!

6. Harry Potter London Bus Tour of Film Locations in London

• Departure:  St Pancras Station, Euston Rd, London N1C 4QL, UK
• Includes:  Professional guide

London isn’t exactly known for their warm, sunny weather. If you happen to be visiting at any time other than the peak summer months, it can be quite windy and wet. However, with the Harry Potter London Bus Tour of Film Locations that shouldn’t impede you at all!

Not only that, but if you’d like to learn about the films while staying on a tight budget, we can’t recommend this one enough. Lasting 3 hours, you can choose to take it in the morning, afternoon, or evening.

Meet your guide at the Saint Pancras Station, located in central London, and hop on the climate-controlled luxury coach.

Get comfortable in your seat, sit back, and relax as your guide offers HP-themed commentary filled with thrilling insight and information hard to find anywhere else.

You’ll not only learn about the films and sets, but about where JK Rowling gained inspiration for so many concepts featured in the legendary books. If you’re looking to meet fellow Potterheads, it’s a great way to do so and chat about the experience with other “muggles”.

Pass Number 12, Grimmauld Place, known as the beloved, Sirius Black, in the Order of the Phoenix. You’ll get to see Diagon Alley – one of the first “magic” places that you see in the books and films.

It’s where Hogwarts students get their school supplies, including their wands. Don’t forget to grab a pint at the Leaky Cauldron wizarding pub!

No Harry Potter London tour is complete without a visit to perhaps the most popular HP photo op: Platform 9 ¾. The trolley placed halfway through muggle and magic worlds is located publicly at the station for everyone to take some fun snaps with.

7. The Magic of Harry Potter Private Guided Tour for Kids and Families in London

• Departure:  Piccadilly Circus, London W1B, UK
• Includes:  Local guide, professional art historian guide, professional kid-friendly guide

Last but certainly not least, we bring you The Magic of Harry Potter Private Guided Tour for Kids and Families in London .

This is yet another 3-hour tour perfect for people of all ages. However, this is a private and personalized experience so it’s tailored exactly to you and your group’s interests.

Your tour will start out by meeting your guide at Piccadilly Circus, located in central London. The station is also very easy to access by the tube, and you’ll meet your guide right outside the Criterion Theatre.

You can choose either the morning or afternoon tour, depending on which works better with your schedule. If you are bringing kids along, this is absolutely one of the best options. The guides are excellent with younger participants, keeping them entertained the entire time.

As it is a walking tour, you definitely don’t want kids to get bored – but these 3 hours will fly by for all of you!

Start out in the infamous Leicester Square known for its clubs, pubs, and shops. It’s also home to the legendary Odeon cinema, which has been the location for each one of the Harry Potter movies!

Next is Trafalgar Square: one of the most important in London which was made in 1830 to commemorate the British victory against the French and Spanish.

Relating it back to Harry Potter, the square is also seen with a bunch of Death Eaters appearing on their way to Diagon Alley, where they end up taking Garrick Ollivander. You and your group will then head to Leadenhall Market which was the actual location used for Diagon Alley in the Philosopher’s Stone.

Aside from these iconic spots, your guide will take you to various others and teach you all about how they were used in the films.

Tour Guides

The Fully-Guided Making of Harry Potter Tour is our Editors Choice for the best Harry Potter tour in London

Robert Baker

Related articles, the 5 best stonehenge tours from london [2024 reviews], 🍷 the 5 best florence wine tours [2024 reviews], the 7 best vatican tours ⛪ [2024 reviews], the 5 best seine river dinner cruises [2024 reviews].

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Harry Potter Locations in London

When it comes to pop culture associated with London, Harry Potter is at the top of the list because not only does Harry journey to and through London throughout the 7 best-selling books, but numerous scenes from all 8 movies were also filmed right here in the capital of the U.K.

As a London tour guide, I am always getting questions about filming locations and places mentioned in the books so I sat down with my fellow guide (and Potter fanatic), Alan, to interview him about his favourite Harry Potter locations in the city.

If you are headed our way, come and join us! We lead a Harry Potter walking tour of Harry Potter sights in London.

If you're not coming to London any time soon, just let Alan take you on a virtual tour of Diagon Alley film locations.

Or, you could visit all of those sites (and more) with my GPS-led audio tour .

Searching Availability...

Must-See Harry Potter Locations in London

I asked Alan for his list of the top 10 Harry Potter locations in London. He told me there are far more than 10 but we've tried to rank them for you below!

Oh, and there's even a Harry Potter-themed afternoon tea .

1.  Platform 9 ¾ and the Hogwarts Express

Alan says, "Platform 9 3/4 has to be on the top of my list." I would agree!

By now the most famous station in the world, Kings Cross Station is the station that holds the magical Platform 9 ¾.

This is where Hogwarts students catch their train up to Scotland at the beginning of the term and travel back down when the school year is over.

It was actually on platforms 4 and 5 that scenes for the films were recorded but if you try hard enough, you can find the entrance to Platform 9 ¾...if you know where to go! 

These days, the real-life entrance to the platform is located near the Harry Potter Shop.

And, you can get a photo of yourself pushing a luggage trolley through the barrier (but be ready to queue, the lines to do so can be quite long!). Alan and I always recommend going later in the evening, when possible, as the queues will be shorter - or even non existent.

Also here you will find the grand Victorian St Pancras Station just next door.

The outer facade of St. Pancras was used for filming Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets when Harry and Ron decide to travel to school in a flying Ford Anglia when Harry cannot get through the barriers to the Hogwarts Express.

I also wrote a comprehensive guide to visiting Platform 9 3/4 that you might find useful.

2. Harry Potter Bridge (Millennium Bridge)

Watch out for Death Eaters as you make your way from the north to the south bank of the Thames over the Millennium Bridge . Alan told me, "This is the stop on the tour I get asked about the most."

Originally intended to be opened in the year 2000, the bridge was not structurally sound and it had to be closed for a further 2 more years.

From 2002 it remained in place, spanning the river until a gang of Death Eaters battled on top of it and completely destroyed the entire structure!

Well...in the Harry Potter universe that is.

This bridge served as one of the scenes of the dramatic air-borne broomstick battle in Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince.

Thankfully it was all movie magic, as we are able to take our guests across the bridge as part of our Walking Tour !

3. Diagon Alley

When I asked Alan about Goodwin's Court, he says that this is the location where his guests tend to get their favourite photographs. I believe him, as I have taken quite a few myself!

And what is Goodwin's Court, exactly? Alan tells us, "This street is considered to be the Inspiration for Diagon Alley ."

The Court here is lined with original Victorian shop fronts and last time I was there I also spotted a white owl and a very recognisable face in a wanted poster hung up in a shop window..!

Alan elaborates, "It is safe to say that Goodwin's Court has a touch of magic to it, easily believable as the entrance into Harry’s world on Diagon Alley."

He also adds that he likes to take guests to nearby Cecil Court as it's filled with occult shops that sell all sorts of fascinating magical books - as well as bank notes featuring the cast of Harry Potter. Cecil Court is just off of Charing Cross Road, where Harry and Hagrid walk in Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone .

Whilst Harry is on the Knight Bus in Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban he travels down Charing Cross, and Ministry cars drive down the road in Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince.

4. The Ministry of Magic

Home to Muggle politicians, Whitehall, Scotland Place, and Old Scotland Yard were all used to represent the magical counterpart to our muggle organisations. Personally, this is one of my favourite parts of the crossover between the world of Harry Potter and ours. I love the idea that our politicians are quietly (and obliviously) working alongside their Wizard counterparts.

Here you will find the exteriors used for the Ministry of Magic during filming for the Polyjuice potion scenes in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows.

Shots taken here are also used for the trip that Mr. Weasley and Harry Take in Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix .

(Let Alan walk you to the Ministry of Magic in London in this clip of our virtual tour).

In the books – and the movies – there is a red telephone box outside the Ministry of Magic that wizards use to access the Ministry.

From the phone box, one must dial ‘62442’ and the phone booth acts as a lift, taking visitors down underneath the ground to the Ministry.

If you notice that the streets look a little differently than they did on film, Alan tells us why, "The red phone box used in the film was actually a prop brought in specifically for shooting so sadly, no journeys to the Ministry can be made any longer!"

5. The Leaky Cauldron

History lovers (like me) - this one is for you!

Leadenhall Market has sat in this location since the 14 th century!

However, most of what you can see today dates from the late 1800s and served as another filming location for Diagon Alley and the Leaky Cauldron.

In Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone , this is the location that was used for the filming of Diagon Alley.

In fact, at 42 Bull’s Head Passage, you will spot a storefront for an optician.

However, this shop front – painted blue – was used to serve as the entrance to the Leaky Cauldron in the first Harry Potter film. Alan tells me that this location is a bit out of the way for our regularly scheduled Harry Potter Tours but he'd be happy to take you there on a private tour.

6. Leaky Cauldron #2

In the muggle world, this is an incredible Mexican restaurant (one of my favourites, actually) with a prime location in the historic and popular Borough Market .

But as for the wizarding world...the exterior shots of the entrance to the Leaky Cauldron, as seen in Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban , were filmed here.

It is just outside of this restaurant that the Knight Bus slams to a halt and drops Harry off (via Palmers Green and Lambeth) outside the pub on Diagon Alley, setting off a car alarm in the process!

For those of you hoping to go inside the Leaky Cauldron, we have bad news. Alan elaborates, "The interior shots of the Leaky Cauldron were filmed on a soundstage, however, so it’s just the facade that was used during filming."

This is a stop on both our guided tour of  Harry Potter film locations  and our  GPS-enabled audio tour , which you could take any time, although I recommend trying to go when Borough Market is open so you can treat yourself to some incredible food. Just read my post on my favourite places to eat in Borough Market for more information.

7. Westminster Underground Station

This is probably the location I see/use the most on this list and, if I am being honest, I always think about the film when I am going through the barriers!

It is to Westminster Tube Station that Mr. Weasley and Harry go to when visiting the Ministry of Magic in Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix .

At the station, Mr. Weasley struggles at the barriers, not sure how to work the exits properly – much like many of us during our first visit to London...

Alan reflected on the fact that, "This scene was actually filmed inside Westminster Underground Station - the first time Transport for London shut down a tube station specifically for filming a movie scene." I guess when Harry Potter comes knocking, you can't say no!

8. St. Paul's Cathedral

When I asked Alan what surprises his guests the most on his Harry Potter tours, he mentioned the stop at St. Paul's Cathedral (I would tend to agree, although there's another location coming that I think is even more unusual). Few people know that the Divination Staircase featured in the Harry Potter films actually lies in the iconic St. Paul's Cathedral. 

Known as the Geometric Squares, it is located in one of the front towers of the church.

If you'd like to see the staircase, Alan tells me, "It's normally not visible to the public but if you join one of the regularly scheduled guided tours, you'll get a chance to have a look for yourself."

So take his advice, and learn more about visiting St Paul's Cathedral .

9. 12 Grimmauld Place

This is another location that we don't normally visit on our tours, although you can go on your own if you take my Harry Potter Audio Guide .

Tucked away on an unassuming street in Islington lies Claremont Square , the location of Sirius Black’s familial residence,  Number 12 Grimmauld Place .

The house eventually is inherited by Harry and used as the headquarters for the Order of the Phoenix.

This square was used for filming on Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix and Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows .

The muggles that live in the square have long come to accept the mistake in numbering the buildings here, with 11 and 13 being right next to each other. I actually don't live too far from Claremont Square and I walk through it constantly. Although, sadly, I'm unable to see number 12...perhaps that's because it’s kept under wraps by the Fidelius Charm, meaning only Secret-Keepers can access the building.

(Or because the scenes were filmed at Nos. 23 - 29.)

10. Number 10 Downing Street

This is a stop on my Royal Westminster Walking Tour but also has significance in the Wizarding World.

You likely know that Number 10 is traditional the home of our Prime Minister, but Alan loves letting people know that, "There is a portal from the wizarding world to that of the muggle world so that the Prime Minister of the U.K. and the Minister for Magic can occasionally speak."

In fact, it is inside the Prime Minister’s office that the first chapter of Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince takes place.

It is also here that Kingsley Shacklebolt works during his time as a bodyguard to the Muggle Prime Minister.

Take a virtual tour of 10 Downing St .

ADDITIONAL HARRY POTTER SITES

Gringotts Wizarding Bank

This location gets my vote for the most surprising stop on my Harry Potter Tour!

The longest continuously occupied diplomatic mission in the U.K. (and built entirely with marble shipped all the way from Australia), Australia House served as the setting for Gringotts Wizarding Bank.

Unlike others on our list, it is the interior of this building that served as the filming set.

Long rows of wooden benches and dozens of goblins working away under heavy, sparkling, and cob-webbed chandeliers are the site that greets Harry as Hagrid takes him to the wizarding bank for the very first time in Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone .

The actual room used for filming is The Exhibition Room which is, unfortunately, not open to the public.

Alan also told me (quite confidentially) that, "A polite word with the security officers at the door may reward you with a peek through the windows..." But he hastens to add it is not always guaranteed!

I've never actually taken a look through those doors but I was delighted to find out that an exact replica has since be rebuilt on the The WB Studios Tour !

Lincoln’s Inn Fields

A charming square with buildings now occupied by lawyers and surgeons, Alan says that he, and many other Harry Potter guides believe that Lincoln’s Inn Fields "holds the real inspiration for the outside of Number 12 Grimmauld Place ." If you take a walk through the square, you may well feel convinced.

Of course, Muggles may have trouble viewing the house, as there are a number of charms placed on it to protect its’ exact location.

However, if you take a look near number 13 you may just see a glimmer out of the corner of your eye that will clue you into the houses’ precise location...

Trafalgar Square

Trafalgar Square is probably one of the best known locations on this list, but not everybody knows about its' connecting to Harry Potter.

It was here in Trafalgar Square on the 7 th of July 2011 that the final Harry Potter film began its’ premiere celebrations .

On a huge stage erected near Nelson’s Column stood Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint, Emma Watson, J. K. Rowling, and dozens of others who spoke to the crowd of thousands. I had gone down to see it myself - but I wasn't early enough! I could hear the cast and just about see the edge of a huge screen that had been erected where clips and trailers could be shown to members of the public.

From the Square, the cast and Rowling herself then walked the world’s longest red carpet to Leicester Square where the film debuted simultaneously at three different cinemas!

Trafalgar Square is also glimpsed during the opening flight battle of Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince as the Death Eaters fly over central London.

Piccadilly Circus

On the run from Death Eaters at Bill and Fleur’s wedding in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows , Harry Ron and Hermione apparate straight to central London.

In the books, they arrive at Tottenham Court Road and go to a nearby restaurant.

For the Deathly Hallows Part, I film, however, the trio turns up right in front of a passing No. 19 bus in the middle of Piccadilly Circus (Hermione tells us “I used to come here with Mum and Dad.”).

They arrive at night with Piccadilly’s world-famous electric lights on display which lend a little magic of their own to this popular London destination!

Alan is able to tell me exactly where the filming took place, "Just off Piccadilly Circus up Shaftesbury Avenue, you can spot a row of stone pillars that the trio walk past as Hermione explains to the boys where they are.

Somewhere along this road is the cafe where the trio stopped to have a rest and ended up in a violent duel with Death Eaters...so mind your step!"

In addition to these major locations, there are a couple of smaller London locations in the Central and southwestern parts of London that are mentioned in the Harry Potter series.

In the book Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone , it is a local zoo that Harry is taken to for his cousin Dudley’s 11 th birthday. At the zoo, Harry comes face-to-face with a snake when the glass separating him from a boa constrictor disappears and the snake spills out onto the floor.

Harry accidentally causes the removal of the glass as well as speaking to the snake in the rare language known as parseltongue (although Harry has no idea about this until much later on in the series).

It is the reptile house at the London Zoo that was used during the filming of this scene. 

I absolutely love that London Zoo has embraced their connection with the world of Harry Potter. If you do visit (and I recommend you do - just read my post to find out more) you will see a small plaque placed inside the Reptile enclosure that commemorates the spot where the actual filming took place.

The Palace Theatre

Premiering on the 30th of July 2016 (Harry's birthday, naturally), the Cursed Child is the next chapter in the Harry Potter saga - although Alan and I actually have yet to see it!

This two-part play has been seen by countless sold-out crowds over the last few years here at the Palace Theatre in the West End and it shows no signs of stopping any time soon.

The producers have been very keen on keeping the special effects a secret so there will be no spoilers here but if you've ever wanted to see real-life wizarding magic - this is the way to do it. (I am quite impressed by the lengths that true fans of the series have gone to in keeping the special effects secret...even my sister-in-law wouldn't tell me a thing!)

However, with a total run time of over 6 hours, this is one for the dedicated fans only.

This one is located in a more residential district, so you may find it a bit out of your way while you're here.

At No. 2 Laburnum Gardens in Clapham, south London, lives Sturgis Podmore, a member of the Order of the Phoenix and part of the Advance Guard that helps Harry escape from Privet Drive in Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix.

For some extra info, Alan tells me, "Clapham is also where J. K. Rowling lived after she graduated from the University of Exeter and moved to London!"

Elephant & Castle

A location investigated by Mr. Weasley in Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix as the site of exploding toilets; a prank pulled on muggles by a man named Willy Widdershins.

This is another spot that likely isn't on your itinerary and I'm not sure I would say it's worth the effort to get there, but I wanted to keep the list comprehensive so it's here.

Lambeth Bridge

In Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban , the Knight Bus squeezes between two oncoming double-decker buses as it travels along the wrong side of the Bridge, with Harry being jostled around inside.

Vauxhall Road

It is from a shop on Vauxhall Road that Tom Riddle buys his diary – which would eventually become a Horcrux - as detailed in Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets .

I love a bit of trivia that Alan shared with me, "Actually, nearby Vauxhall Road there used to be an orphanage that was built in the 1800s - perhaps the location of the orphanage that Riddle grew up in."

An area in eastern London, West Ham is home to West Ham United F.C., a popular muggle football club. I'm not a huge football fan and Alan is from Liverpool originally so this only has a spot on our list because Dean Thomas, in Harry’s year at Hogwarts, is a big fan of West Ham United and hangs football posters of the team in their dormitory.

Ron was seen poking at some of the pictures of West Ham players on the walls in an effort to try to get them to move which I think is delightfully charming!

Bethnal Green

In the East End of London, Bethnal Green is mentioned in Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix as a location where Mr. Weasley is sent to work.

There he investigates a series of exploding toilets, charmed by Willy Widdershins to prank unsuspecting muggles!

Although we don't visit Bethnal Green on our East End Street Art or East End Food Tours , both are excellent experiences that will give you a taste of the area!

The BT Tower (Seen from the flying Ford Anglia)

581 feet (177 meters) tall, the BT Tower is a communications tower that has stood here since 1964.

The tower features prominently in a scene from Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets when Ron and Harry fly past the tower in their Ford Anglia.

In the books, it is reported in the Evening Profit that the boys were seen as they flew through London.

Paddington Station

Alan says, "I think Paddington Station is primarily associated with Paddington Bear, but there is a Harry Potter connection here."

In Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone Harry is dropped off at Paddington Station by Hagrid so that he can catch a train back to the Dursley’s house in Little Whinging where he will stay before his term at Hogwarts begins.

While Hagrid and Harry are waiting for the train to arrive, Hagrid hands Harry his ticket for the Hogwarts Express and kindly buys Harry a hamburger from a nondescript restaurant within the station.

This scene was completely omitted from the films, however.

Harrow School (Professor Flitwick’s Classroom)

Potentially only for the most potty of Potter-heads (simply for its' distant location) is Harrow School, the filming location for Professor Flitwick’s Classroom in Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone .

Located in northwest London and founded by Queen Elizabeth I in 1572, Harrow still operates as a well-respected school for boys.

It is in the oldest classroom here, the Forth Form Room (dating back to 1615) that the wingardium leviosa feather-levitating scene was shot (one of my favourite scenes from the first film!).

Although a bit of a trek outside the northern parts of London, it is possible to book a visit with the school by writing ahead of time to request to join one of their tours - which is honestly fascinating in its' own right, even if you aren't a Harry Potter fan.

The Harry Potter Shop

Located at King's Cross Station, the Harry Potter Shop at Platform 9 3/4 has any and everything wizarding-related you want to get your hands on!

Here you can buy wands and uniforms, chocolate frogs, school supplies...the list is endless! My favourite thing about this shop is that they have everything in all four colours for all four Hogwarts Houses. (Those of you in Ravenclaw and Hufflepuff in particular may want to make your way here.)

I go into detail about the shop in my post on visiting Platform 9 3/4 .

Find out more on their website .

The Warner Brothers Studios: Harry Potter Studio Tour

This is the ultimate destination for any Harry Potter fan: The Warner Bros Studio Tour!

Here you can walk through the sets where the Harry Potter movies were filmed.

You'll get to walk through the Great Hall, visit the Gryffindor Common Room, see the Forbidden Forest as well as the Hogwarts Express and you'll even get to explore Diagon Alley!

Finish it all up with a glass of butterbeer (too sweet for me but my niece loves it) and a trip to their incredible gift shop. For any Harry Potter lover, this one is a do-not-miss!

Alan and I have each been here multiple times. They are constantly adding exhibits, releasing new props, and building additional museum space so if you think you've seen it all - think again.

POTTER LOCATIONS OUTSIDE OF LONDON

If you’re prepared to travel to capture the magic of the world of Harry Potter, I’ve got what you need.

What follows is an overview of Harry Potter locations easily accessible from our capital city!

We also offer Harry Potter Tours in Edinburgh .

1. Privet Drive, Little Whinging

[Picket Post Close in Berkshire (Martin’s Heron Station) and the Warner Bros.’ Studios in Watford]

Little Whinging is actually named after a small village in Gloucestershire that J. K. Rowling visited as a child, however,  Little Whinging in the Potter books is located in Surrey.

Filming for Little Whinging in the first movie, Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone actually took place in an area called Martins Heron in Berkshire.

To be specific, external scenes were shot at a house in Picket Post Close (Number 12 standing in for 4 Privet Drive).

Potter film crews found shooting on location was impractical, so Little Whinging and Privet Drive were partially re-created at the Warner Bros Studios in Watford, where all subsequent Little Whinging shots were filmed.

Walking down Privet Drive at the WB Studios was probably one of the most surreal moments of my life!

2. The Forbidden Forest

[Black Park in Iver (Langley Station), Ashridge in Hertfordshire (Berkhamstead Station) and Swinley Forest, Bracknell (Martin’s Heron)]

Ashridge, a 1581-acre country estate served as the filming location for many outdoor scenes in Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire .

Black Park, a 560-acre reserve used for filming scenes set in the Forbidden Forest during the filming of the first three Potter films.

All scenes taking part in Hagrid’s Hut were filmed here as well as the scene where Harry finally tames Buckbeak in Prisoner of Azkaban , and the scene where Hagrid shows Harry the dragons before the next task of the Tri-Wizard Tournament in Goblet of Fire.

A large portion of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Parts I and II takes place in the countryside of the U.K.

Most of these scenes were filmed in Swinley Forest in Surrey.

Notable scenes are the one in which Ron leaves the trio, then Scabior and the gang of Snatchers turn up, and the scene where Neville faces a large crowd of Snatchers and Death Eaters at the covered bridge.

I love a nice nature walk so I'd recommend Swinley forest even if you're not a Potter fan.

3. Hogwarts [Numerous]

Film scenes set in Hogwarts have been filmed literally all over the country.

From courtyard shots to exteriors, classrooms to cloisters, the halls and walls of Hogwarts are made up of dozens of different locations throughout the U.K.

Here is a list of the ones you can visit.

And I will mention again that most of these locations are beautiful and worth visiting even outside of the Harry Potter connections - Oxford specifically .

3a. Hogwarts Great Hall

[ Christ Church College, Oxford (Oxford Station) http://www.chch.ox.ac.uk/visiting]

Established in 1546, Christ Church College in Oxford served as the set for many parts of Hogwarts – interiors, stairways, and halls.

But the primary location recognized by fans of the series will be the Great Hall. Christ Church’s Great Hall was entirely recreated on set at Warner Bros. Studios to create Hogwarts Great Hall.

If you can remember the first time Harry enters Hogwarts in Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone , the scene of the first years climbing the steps to come face-to-face with McGonagall outside the Hall was filmed here at the College.

For those who can’t make it out to Oxford, there is an additional Potter-related location in London: Westminster Hall in the Houses of Parliament.

Westminster Hall was built in 1097 and its’ famous hammer-beam roof (the largest one in northern Europe!) was completed in 1399.

This magnificent hall and its’ roof were used as inspiration when it came to designing sets for Hogwarts’ Great Hall.

In fact, there is a model of the roof at the Warner Bros Studio in Leavesden that was used during the production of the Hall set. I used to guide tours at the Houses of Parliament so seeing the model was a highlight for me. The intricate detailing and the perfect reconstruction were absolutely mind-blowing!

(Note that you can visit Westminster Hall and see that hammer-beam roof for free while you are here in London!)

3b. Hogwarts Library

[Bodleian Library, Oxford (Oxford Station) http://www.bodleian.ox.ac.uk/bodley ]

Both Hogwarts Library and the Hogwarts Hospital Wing scenes were filmed here at the Bodleian Library, which is the primary research library for the University of Oxford.

The actual parts of the Library used are the Duke Humfrey’s Library (Hogwarts Library) and the Divinity School (Hogwarts Hospital Wing). Any shot showing Hogwarts students in the library was filmed in this location.

3c. Hogwarts Corridors

[New College, Oxford (Oxford Station) and Gloucester Cathedral (Gloucester Railway Station) http://www.gloucestercathedral.org.uk/]

The cloisters at New College served as the backdrop for a number of Hogwarts scenes.

The most notable of which is the scene in Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire when Mad-Eye Moody turns Draco Malfoy into a ferret!

Gloucester Cathedral served as a set depicting Hogwarts corridors and passages leading to the Gryffindor Common Room in both Harry Potter and the Philosopher s Stone and Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets as well as Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince .

Filming here caused much controversy as many people felt the theme of the Potter films was unsuitable for a church!

Notable scenes here include the Fat Lady portrait from Philosopher’s Stone and the writing on the wall from Chamber of Secrets .

Ghost-hunters among you should keep a keen eye out as well since it was also here at Gloucester Cathedral that the scenes containing Moaning Myrtle were filmed...

3d. Hogwarts Cloisters and Professor Quirrel/Lockhart’s Rooms

[Lacock Abbey, Lacock, Wiltshire (Melksham Station) http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/lacock/ ]

The scene in Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets , when Harry leaves Professor Lockhart’s room and heads the basilisk in the wall was filmed here in the early 2000s.

In 2007, for four days, Lacock was also used to film footage for Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince .

In addition to this, Warner Bros’ says that any scenes set during ‘spooky nights’ in Hogwarts were all recorded here as well.

The remarkable scenes in Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone where Harry, and later Dumbledore and Ron, gaze into the Mirror of Erised were filmed here as well.

(Note that some outdoor Hogwarts scenes, such as when Harry flies a broom for the first time, were filmed at Alnwick Castle in Northumberland. It's a fair distance to go but is a beautiful building with some amazing architecture. I also love the landscape in Northumberland, and it's on the way from London to Scotland so I sometimes make a stop off on my way north. I would suggest you look at doing the same.)

4. Godric’s Hollow

[Lavenham, Suffolk (Sudbury Station)]

Lavenham, a small village in Suffolk dating back to the 11 th century served as the setting for Godric’s Hollow in the Harry Potter films.

The entirety of the Godric’s Hollow scenes from Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part I were shot here as well as the scenes from Severus Snapes’ memories in Deathly Hallows Part II . The village itself is small but it has a lovely old-world feel and visiting the incredible Kentwell Hall (followed by a drink at the Lord Melford Swan) is one of my favourite things to do.

5. The Potter’s House and Budleigh Babberton

[Lacock Village, Wiltshire (Melksham Station)]

This tiny but beautiful village has served as the backdrop for a number of films and it was here that the Potter’s house and a nearby church were filmed for Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone .

The village also served as Professor Slughorn’s temporary Budleigh Babberton home in Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince . Whenever I am taking friends or family to Stonehenge , I like to combine our journey with another stop or two along the way. Lacock Village isn't too far from Stonehenge so if you are planning a trip out there consider a stop off in Lacock. When I'm there I like to treat myself to a lovely light lunch at the Lacock Abbey Tea Room.

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Harry Potter in London: The Best Walking & Bus Tours plus FAQs, Tips & Facts

By: Author Tracy Collins

Posted on Last updated: July 7, 2024

Discover the best tours for fans of Harry Potter in London in our complete guide. We have researched 7 of the best Harry Potter tours for you to choose from. A must-have experience for every Harry Potter lover!

There’s no denying that for many people, experiencing Harry Potter while in London is an absolute must. Even if you’ve been to the Harry Potter studios in Hertfordshire or ridden the ‘Hogwarts Express’ in Scotland , seeing some of the London locations used in the books and movies is an unmissable experience. 

Which is exactly why we’ve written this guide!

In it you’ll find seven (the most magical number) of the best Harry Potter walking tours of London – as well as some options by bus. We also cover a few facts about the locations, some frequently asked questions and our top tips for making the most of the experience. 

Let’s begin! If you want to get the best out of your time, we recommend taking a Harry Potter walking tour in London. These are very affordable, as they’re led by entertaining and informative guides, you can make sure you don’t miss any key sights or interesting snippets of information along the way.

Harry Potter in London – Tour Quick Picks

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• Harry Potter bus tour of London locations 

Private Harry Potter walking tour of London

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• Duration: 2.5 hours
• Destinations: The Leaky Cauldron, Knockturn & Daigon Alleys, Gringotts 
• Departure point: Southwark View Point, Minerva Square, London
• What’s included: Boat trip (if option chosen), tour guide
• What’s not included: Underground ticket
• Means of transport: Boat or tube + walking

This fully interactive walking tour of Harry Potter places in London immerses you in the wizarding world for a morning or afternoon. You can pick between taking a boat trip on the Thames or a ride on the London Underground, and the tour includes fun activities to take part in as well as seeing the sights.

Whether you take the tube or boat, the itinerary takes in other key locations in addition to the likes of the Leaky Cauldron in London, including Southwark Cathedral, Borough Market, the Golden Hinde, Shakespeare’s Globe, the Millennium Bridge and the London Eye .

• Duration: 3 hours
• Destinations: Ministry of Magic, The Leaky Cauldron, Platform 9 & ¾
• Departure point: Opposite Platform 9 & ¾ Potter shop, London
• What’s included: Tour guide
• What’s not included: Extras
• Means of transport: Walking

This three hour tour is conducted on foot so you can see the sights up close and personal. Setting out from the Harry Potter shop in London, you’ll visit the real locations used when writing the books and filming the movies – including the famous Kings Cross Harry Potter sign marking the fictional platform 9 & ¾. 

As well as key Harry Potter sites in London you’ll get to see other London landmarks like Borough Market, St Paul’s Cathedral, the Millennium Bridge, Leadenhall Market and the Tate Modern art gallery as you walk from north to south. Your knowledgeable guide will also share some intriguing facts with you along the way.  

• Destinations: Harry Potter locations & ‘World of Wizards’ game
• Departure point: Westminster tube station (self-guided game start point)
• What’s included: Smartphone game

This one’s a little different to other walking tour Harry Potter tickets available in London, as it comprises a self-guided game that you play via your smartphone. (So make sure your battery is fully charged before setting out!)

Starting out at Westminster Station, you’ll receive clues via the app to solve alone, as a group or in teams. Locations visited include places like Downing Street, Trafalgar Square, and other places featured in the Harry Potter series, as well as author Charles Dickens’ favourite London pub. 

• Duration: 2 hours
• Destinations: Kings Cross station, Ministry of Magic
• Departure point: Outside Platform 9 & ¾ Potter shop, London
• What’s not included : Underground ticket
• Means of transport: Tube + walking

This private tour has been designed with families and groups in mind. For up to five people, it will take you from the iconic platform 9 & ¾ at King’s Cross station to experience other Harry Potter things to do in London, including seeing major London landmarks as well as locations that were used during filming. 

Setting off from the famous platform 9 & ¾ at King’s Cross, your guide will entertain guests young and old with fascinating facts about Harry Potter and the wider wizarding world. In addition to places like the Ministry of Magic, you can see St. Paul’s Cathedral, Big Ben and the London Eye en route.

Harry Potter bus tour of London locations  

• Destinations: Kings Cross station, Grimmauld Place, Gringotts, Ministry of Magic
• Departure point: St Pancras station, London
• What’s included: Luxury mini coach transport, tour guide
• What’s not included : Extras
• Means of transport: Minibus + walking

This three hour tour is taken aboard a luxury mini coach, so it gives you more time to see extra filming locations than when walking. As well as the usual sites such as King’s Cross, the Leaky Cauldron and Gringotts, you can also see the real-life site that inspired the fictional Grimmauld Place and the spot where the Knight Bus famously passed between two red double-deckers. 

You won’t spend all 3 hours on board the coach, however; there are various opportunities during the morning or afternoon to take a walk to explore the locations more closely while taking advantage of the superb photo opportunities offered. Iconic sights like the London Eye and St Paul’s Cathedral can also be seen during the trip.  

• Destinations: Ministry of Magic, The Leaky Cauldron, Death Eater bridge
• Departure point: Westminster tube station, London

If you’d like to take a private Harry Potter tour tailor-made for just the two of you, this is a great option as you can avoid the crowds. During the three hours, you’ll visit places that inspired J K Rowling, plus locations that were featured in the movie franchise.

Your expert guide is full of interesting facts about the Harry Potter series, and as you won’t be part of a larger group there’s no chance of missing out on anything that’s being said. 

Again you’ll see other notable spots like Leadenhall and Borough Markets, the Millenium Bridge, St Paul’s Cathedral and the Tate Modern gallery in addition to the sights relating to the Wizarding World in London.

• Destinations: King’s Cross, The Leaky Cauldron, Diagon Alley
• Departure point : Temple tube station, London

Including the King’s Cross Harry Potter themed experience of seeing Platform 9 & ¾ and looking for the real-life versions of Diagon Alley and the Leaky Cauldron, this guide to London for muggles (non-magical folk) even includes a specially devised Harry Potter test.

Guests will see a whole new side to London as they explore the city under expert guidance, learning all about the locations that inspired J K Rowling. You can also find out which of the magical houses at Hogwarts you belong to, or indulge in some retail therapy at the Harry Potter shop in Kings Cross. 

Seeing Harry Potter in London: Top Tips

If you want to explore the Harry Potter wizarding world in London in-depth, it’s best to come prepared. Here are some of our top tips to keep in mind when booking your Harry Potter tour in London. 

Before you go looking for that Harry Potter street in London as seen in the movies , read all about it – or at least watch the movies once before ahead of your visit. That way exactly what to look for will be fresh in your mind.

If you want to take one of these tours, don’t forget where the Hogwarts Express goes from in London and all the other locations are immensely popular sights. So do book as early as you can.

If you opt for one of the Get Your Guide tours suggested above, you can even cancel up to 24 hours before to receive a full refund if necessary. 

Gryffindor, Hufflepuff, Slytherin or Ravenclaw t-shirts or backpacks are of course optional but do make sure you’re suitably dressed. All of the above options bar one are Harry Potter walking tours, and as such involve a lot of time on your feet.

Even when taking the bus trip you’ll spend a lot of time getting on and off the mini-coach, so dress for comfort as well as style. 

Shoes you can walk for hours in plus an umbrella or rain jacket are musts. Also avoid carrying too much around with you, unless you want to feel weighed down. There are shops everywhere in London for picking up any essential supplies during the day. 

Your guide will surely love meeting people, chatting and showing them around their native or adopted city, so if you do have any questions make sure you take the opportunity to ask.

The chances are they’re just as much of a Potterhead as you are!

If you visit the shop at King’s Cross or even Borough Market during your Harry Potter tour, it may be wise to set yourself a spending limit.

Those tasty treats and themed merchandise are all very attractive, but you don’t want to get a nasty shock later on when the credit card bill lands on your doormat or in the mailbox!

Harry Potter places to visit in London – FAQs

Which tour is best for you really depends on your timings, what you want to see – and how much walking you want to do.

Six of the seven tours detailed in this article are led by entertaining guides, helping you make the most of whatever time you have and leading you to the sights you want to see most, while one is a self-guided option taking the form of a fun treasure-hunt style game.

The one to go for is entirely down to your personal preferences. 

The tours begin at various points in London, including Westminster, King’s Cross, St Pancras and Temple stations and more. Check out the details given above, where the starting point for each tour is clearly stated. 

If the idea of a self-guided tour appeals, take a look at the exploration game and walking tour listed. You can take this at your own pace, and as it’s offered at a very affordable price this is also a great option for those on a budget.

The scenes featuring Diagon Alley were shot at Leadenhall Market on Gracechurch Street in the City of London area.

A real-life optician’s store in Leadenhall Market was used as the entrance to The Leaky Cauldron. The shop can be found on Bull’s Head Passage in the market. 

Touring the Harry Potter ‘set’ in London itself is an experience that no Potterhead will want to forego. A major bonus of booking one of these Harry Potter bus, walking or self-guided tours is that you’ll also get to see some iconic sights as you go – such as the London Eye, St Paul’s Cathedral and the Millenium Bridge. 

You can also follow in the footsteps of Harry Potter creator J K Rowling, understanding how the city inspired various now-familiar locations from the books and movies.

Discovering the Harry Potter attractions in London is like walking around a real-life film set, seeing sights that are quite rightly famous all over the world. 

More to read about visiting London

• London Travel Guide – links to everything you need to know to plan your trip
• Looking for accommodation? Read our guide to where to stay in London
• First time visitors? Read our top tips for visiting London for the first time
• How to get around London? Read our guide to using public transport in London and our guide to London’s manin trains stations.
• What to see and do – Complete London bucket list with guide to all the top sights and attractions & Guide to the Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace
• How to purchase tickets for London attractions – Guide to purchasing tickets for the lost popular London attractions & Best London bus tours reviewed
• Boat trips and cruises – Comparison guide to the best boat trips and cruises on the Thames
• Visiting on a budget? Read out budget guide to London with tips to save money when visiting
• Free things to do in London – Discover 32 free things to see and do in London
• Best day trips? Read our guide to the best day trips by train and ou r guide to the best tours from London
• Love castles? Our guide to the most popular castles to visit from London

Protect Your Trip »

The 7 best tower of london tours.

Hear all about the tower's history and secrets on a guided tour.

The Best Tower of London Tours

© Historic Royal Palaces

Built as a fortress by William the Conqueror beginning in the 1070s, the UNESCO-listed Tower of London is one of the city's most iconic landmarks. Once a palace for monarchs, a formidable state prison and a place of execution – where three of Henry VIII's wives, including Anne Boleyn, met their end – this imposing castle conceals more than 1,000 years of history across its different towers. Visit to learn more about its gruesome tales, and to admire the Crown Jewels, where glittering state crowns and other precious treasures sit beside the world-famous Koh-i-Noor diamond.

If you're looking to explore this impressive site with the insider knowledge of a local, consider booking a tour. We've rounded up some of the top tours, all of which have at least 100 reviews and a minimum rating of 4 out of 5 stars across multiple websites.

Editor's Pick: City Wonders – Best of London: Tower of London, Thames River Ride & Changing of the Guards

U.S. News independently paid to send Laura French , an award-winning British travel writer currently based in London, on this tour to provide readers with an unbiased, first-hand perspective of what to expect. City Wonders – Best of London: Tower of London, Thames River Ride & Changing of the Guards was selected by our team as an Editor's Pick thanks to its popularity and favorable user reviews.

Price: Adults from $98; kids from $92 Duration: 4 hours

This half-day, early-morning walking tour is ideal if you want to combine the Tower of London with other key London attractions ; as a bonus, you get early access to the tower, meaning you'll enter before it officially opens to the public.

We met our guide by the tower at 8:15 a.m. and got plenty of interesting information on its history before being led through to watch the opening ceremony (available as an upgrade). A resident, red-and-navy-clad beefeater (the tower's ceremonial guards) welcomed us with entertaining anecdotes, before the chief yeoman warder and others marched through the grounds to officially open the tower. We then had around an hour to explore; it was enough time to admire the Crown Jewels and its diamond-topped crowns, royal robes and gold chalices – as well as some of the other towers, several of which were still (happily) empty pre-10 a.m.

After exploring the tower, we boarded a Thames Clipper boat from the pier around the corner, passing several London landmarks – from London Bridge to The Shard, St. Paul's Cathedral to the "walkie-talkie" skyscraper (the Fenchurch Building). From Embankment Pier, we wandered through Whitehall to Horse Guards Parade, witnessing the Changing of The King's Life Guard; crowds gathered as mounted soldiers in red and gold lined the square. After a stroll along The Mall, the tour ended at Buckingham Palace . We took in the lavish grounds from the outside and found the perfect photo spot as our guide continued to regale us with more insightful tales.

Laura French

Good to know:

• On Sundays and Mondays, a Royal Westminster Walk is offered instead of the changing of the guard.
• Prices vary by date, so play around with different options if you're flexible on when you can go.

Why we love it:

• Getting early access to the Tower of London makes a difference – I've been to the tower twice before, but this was the best experience yet. There was no line for the Crown Jewels (waiting times can get long later in the day), and the whole area felt relatively calm and uncrowded.
• It's a flexible tour, with the option to add on the opening ceremony when you book. Though it does cost extra, I recommend it if you want to experience one of London's many traditions. We learned about the history of the beefeaters and the daily Ceremony of the Keys, and were kept thoroughly entertained by the yeoman warder who greeted us.
• Our guide was humorous, entertaining and brought the tour to life, sharing facts and stories about London's past and present that I (even as a local) didn't always know about – from historic facts at the Tower of London to a garage in Whitehall that was used as the Ministry of Magic in the "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1" movie.
• The tour was a good length and the group wasn't too big (we had 19 in our group), so it felt like we saw and learned a lot without being overwhelmed.

Check prices & availability on:

Let Me Show You London – Tower of London Private Tour

Price: Varies depending on group size (maximum of 10) Duration: 3 hours

If you'd prefer a private Tower of London tour for just you and your family or friends, this is an excellent choice. An experienced Blue Badge Guide (Britain’s highest professional tourist-guiding qualification) will take you around the tower, sharing in-depth tales of its past. Explore all the key highlights, from the Bloody Tower to the Crown Jewels, as you learn more about its different uses throughout the centuries from an entertaining, knowledgeable expert.

Travelers highly recommended the tour, and are impressed with the knowledge of the guides. Many say it's a great option for families, with plenty of stories to keep younger ones entertained, and appreciate that it can be customized to suit the group's interests.

Tours are available Tuesday to Saturday at 9 a.m. and 2 p.m., and at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. on Sundays and Mondays. Tours depart from the Welcome Centre at the Tower of London (you can also arrange for your guide to meet you at your hotel). The cost of the tour varies by the number of people in the group. For instance, a pair of two adults can expect to pay about 252 pounds (about $330) per person, while a group of 10 adults will pay about 89 pounds (around $117) per person. The company also runs private tours of other London landmarks, such as the British Museum and Westminster Abbey .

Walks – Complete Tower of London Tour: Opening Ceremony, Early Access Crown Jewels & River Cruise

Price: Adults from $135; kids from $123 Duration: 3 hours   Escape the crowds with early access to the Tower and its Crown Jewels on this standout tour. You'll enter before it opens to the public, and watch as a beefeater performs the opening ceremony. Then, you'll enter the Jewel House to admire its treasures with few others around, before meeting your guide for a tour of the rest of the site. Afterward, you'll be given a City Cruises ticket for a one-way sightseeing cruise on the Thames to enjoy at your leisure.

Travelers love this tour and feel it's well worth the price, praising the early access and the included headsets, which make it easy to hear the guides' commentary. Many enjoy watching the opening ceremony and are impressed by the guides, who keep the whole group entertained.

Tours depart from the Tower of London. They take place from 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. four days per week in summer (on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays), and two to three days per week in winter. The City Cruises pass is valid on the day and time of your choice, and from a selection of piers (including the Tower Millennium pier, just outside the gates, so you can easily do it straight after your visit). The company also offers an "after hours" evening tour of the tower that includes the legendary Ceremony of the Keys, when the chief yeoman warder officially locks the tower for the day.

LetzGo City Tours – Tower of London – Complete Tour with Crown Jewels & Opening Ceremony

Price: Adults from 132 pounds (about $174); kids from 127 pounds (about $167) Duration: 3 hours

If you want to combine early access perks with a visit to Tower Bridge , this is the tour for you. You'll be among the first to enter the Tower of London, witnessing the military pomp of the opening ceremony before the crowds descend. Learn more about the history of the ceremony from your guide, then see the Crown Jewels with few others around.

Afterward, you'll have time to explore the surrounding highlights of the complex, before heading to Tower Bridge. Visit the Tower Bridge Exhibition and wander over the glass walkway to see the Thames from above, with sweeping city views all around. Head down into the engine rooms to learn more about the history of this Victorian-built feat, before a photo stop to round off your tour.

Tourgoers appreciate the early access and say it's well worth the money, praising the expertise and humor of the guides. Many also enjoy visiting Tower Bridge.

Tours are available every day apart from Tuesdays and leave from Tower Hill tube station, close to the Tower of London. The company also offers afternoon tours, though these do not feature the opening ceremony.

Historic Royal Palaces – Tower of London and Crown Jewels Exhibition Ticket

Price: Adults from 35 pounds (about $46); kids from 17 pounds (about $22) Duration: Varies

If you'd rather explore the tower on your own, book this option to enjoy guaranteed entry. It's the same price as buying a ticket on site, but it's worth it if you'd rather have your booking sorted in advance. You'll explore all the key highlights, from the White Tower and Traitors' Gate to Tower Green and the Crown Jewels. You can also join an optional, complimentary yeoman warder (beefeater) tour for extra insight – a highlight for many reviewers, who describe the warders as friendly and humorous. The first yeoman warder tour starts at 10 a.m. from Tuesday through Saturday, and 10:30 a.m. on Sundays and Mondays.

Travelers thoroughly enjoy the perspective offered by the beefeaters, and find the site fascinating; they recommend setting aside a few hours to explore it fully.

James Hart – Tower of London

Price: Adults from 132 pounds (about $173); kids from 117 pounds (about $154) Duration: 3 hours

On this in-depth tour, you'll see the beefeaters, glimpse the famous ravens, admire the Crown Jewels and tour the rest of the tower with your guide, James Hart. An expert local who's been leading tours for more than two decades, he'll tell you everything there is to know about the tower's past – from its beginnings to the gruesome details.

Travelers find the tour fascinating; they give rave reviews of Hart's historical knowledge and sense of humor. Participants also say the ticket price is a good value for the experience.

You can choose a small-group tour or opt for a private one, with departures on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays throughout most of the year. Tours leave from the sundial outside Tower Hill tube station, a short stroll from the Tower of London. If you're hoping to explore outside of London, Hart also leads tours of Stonehenge and the Cotswolds, among other locations.

Pinocchio Tours for Kids and Families – Tower of London Tour for Kids and Families

Price: Varies depending on group size Duration: 3 hours

If you're traveling with kids and are worried they'll get restless, this family-focused private tour is ideal. You'll be led by a Blue Badge Guide who's specially trained in keeping younger ones entertained. Highlights include a glimpse of the beefeaters, the Crown Jewels and a visit to all the other key highlights. Expect plenty of child-friendly tales, as your guide shares the history of the tower.

Participants love the tour, and many are impressed with how well the guides kept the kids' attention, tailoring the tour to different ages. A few say it might be a little long for younger ones, but most give rave reviews.

Tours leave from the Tower of London Welcome Centre at 9 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. every day, apart from Sundays and Mondays, when the morning tour starts at 10 a.m. Children of any age are welcome, although it's recommended for those 6 and older. The company also organizes kid-friendly tours of the British Museum, as well as a "Harry Potter" tour, among others.

Why Trust U.S. News Travel

Laura French is an award-winning British travel writer currently based in London. She grew up near the city and spent her childhood visiting sights like the Tower of London. She loves exploring local attractions, and used her own experience alongside online research to compile the roundup.

You might also be interested in:

• The Best London Hotels
• The Best London Tours
• The Best Travel Insurance for Europe

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