harry potter tour london 2024

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The 10 Best Harry Potter Tours in London

Grab your wands and prepare for a magical trip through London.

Courtesy of Warner Bros. Studio Tour London - The Making of Harry Potter

Though you won't find Eeylops Owl Emporium, Flourish and Blotts, Weasleys' Wizard Wheezes or Madam Malkin's Robes for All Occasions in London 's streets, that doesn't mean you can't indulge in the world of "Harry Potter." Knowledgeable witches and wizards lead themed tours that discuss not only filming locations for the beloved Potter films, but also the wizarding world's most famous individuals like Harry, Ron, Hermione, Dumbledore and He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named.

Consulting Muggle traveler opinion as well as expert input from the top witches and wizards, U.S. News & World Report found the best Harry Potter London tours on offer.

Note: These tours take place on foot, by bus or on trains, so it's best to leave your brooms and Floo powder at home.

Warner Bros. Studio Tour London – The Making of Harry Potter

Price: From 53.50 pounds (around $67) per person Duration: 3.5 hours

For Potterheads, no trip to London is complete without a stop to the Warner Bros. Studio Tour London – The Making of Harry Potter , which explores how the "Harry Potter" films were made. During the self-guided visit, travelers will wander the Diagon Alley set, board the Hogwarts Express, view props and costumes and much, much more. Visit around Halloween for the Dark Arts or the winter holidays for Hogwarts in the Snow; the tour is decked out in seasonal décor for both events.

"As both a filmmaker and 'Harry Potter' fan, I was absolutely blown away by this tour," says Leilani Osmundson , senior digital producer at U.S. News Travel. "The sets, props and costumes were incredible and very well-maintained, and there were written explanations for almost everything." Osmundson suggests staying at the back of the group when entering the Great Hall for a chance to snag photos with fewer people in the shot when the group moves on. Keep in mind, this great experience comes with equivalent fees: Travelers warn of high ticket prices and expensive souvenirs. To avoid crowds, get to the studio early.

The tour is self-paced and you can explore as long as you wish. The tour is located in Leavesden, Watford, which is about 20 miles northwest of central London. Take the train to Watford Junction then board the complimentary shuttle to the studio.

Check prices & availability on:

Evan Evans Tours – Harry Potter Film Locations Walking Tour

Price: Adults from 30 pounds (about $38); kids from 25 pounds (around $31) Duration: 3 hours

Along this walking tour, you'll see the telephone booth that takes you to the Ministry of Magic, the Millennium Bridge and King's Cross Station, among other top filming locations. Tour-takers say the guides share fun Potter facts along with information about London.

Tours depart at both 9 a.m. and 2 p.m. every day. You will need a valid travel card for the Underground, as part of the tour is on the Tube. The outing is not wheelchair accessible. Evan Evans tours also runs an outing that buses trip-takers to the Warner Bros. Studio Tour London.

Courtesy of Tour for Muggles

Tour for Muggles

Price: Adults from 17 pounds (about $21); kids from 15 pounds (around $19) Duration: 2 hours

"Harry Potter" fans praise the witches and wizards who lead this tour, saying they are full of fun information and are passionate storytellers. A few note that if you're traveling solo, this is a great tour to take. The walking tour takes travelers throughout London – including across the Thames – and tells stories about Harry, Ron and Hermione along the way.

No more than 20 people will be on the tour. You'll meet your guide near the Monument Tube station. Tours generally depart at 11 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. daily, though additional times may be available. You can also book this as a private tour.

See Your City – Original Harry Potter Locations Tour

Price: Adults from $20; kids from $15 Duration: 2 hours

During See Your City's jaunt, you'll not only learn about the filming of "Harry Potter" (including the bridge destroyed in "Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince"), but guides will also quiz you along the way so you can earn points for your house. Travelers praise the guides for their fun and informative delivery, saying that there are several spots on the tour that they wouldn't have seen by themselves.

Tours run mornings at 10:30 a.m., and afternoons at 2 and 7 p.m. In addition to English, See Your City conducts tours in Italian, German, French, Spanish and British Sign Language. The company runs other "Harry Potter"-themed tours, including one that explores London by boat and one that runs at night.

International Friends – Small Group Warner Bros. Studio Tour London: The Making of Harry Potter & Oxford

Price: Adults from 194 pounds (roughly $243); kids from 189 pounds (about $237) Duration: 11.5 hours

This daylong tour begins with a visit to the Warner Bros. Studio Tour London to see the sets (including the Forbidden Forest, Hagrid's Hut and the Great Hall), costumes and props from the films. After spending about four hours at the studio, the coach will whisk you away to nearby Oxford where guides will take you on a walking tour of the university buildings and city streets. Tourgoers call this an excellent way to spend the day and appreciated the stop in Oxford.

Trips depart from central London around 8 a.m. and return around 7:30 p.m. In addition to "Harry Potter" outings, International Friends runs "Downton Abbey" tours.

Courtesy of London With a Local

London With a Local – Free Harry Potter Wizarding Tour

Price: Free Duration: 2 hours

Tourgoers routinely encourage "Harry Potter" fans to take this tour, saying the guides and stories shared are both fantastic. The walking tour meets at Palace Theatre, where the play "Harry Potter and the Cursed Child" performs. (While seeing the play isn't part of the tour, you may want to grab tickets to the show while you're in London.) From there, guides will lead you down Diagon and Knockturn alleys (aka Charing Cross Road) and past buildings that inspired the Gringotts Wizarding Bank and the Ministry of Magic. Be sure to refresh your trivia knowledge, too, as guides quiz travelers for the Hogwarts Trivia House Cup.

Tours depart at 11 a.m. and 3 p.m., but daily availability can vary. The tour is free, though tips for the guide are appreciated. London With a Local runs other movie- and book-based free tours, including James Bond and Sherlock Holmes tours.

Check availability on:

Brit Movie Tours – Wizards London Bus Tour

Price: Adults from 32.50 pounds (about $40); kids from 21 pounds (roughly $26) Duration: 3.5 hours

Hop on an air-conditioned bus to see spots in London that served as a backdrop for the eight "Harry Potter" films. Sights tourgoers will see include the spot used for the Leaky Cauldron, the spot where the Knight Bus squished itself through traffic and more. Along the way, guides will quiz you about the books. Plus you'll see a few spots from the "Fantastic Beasts" franchise. Many travelers say the bus tour is a bargain and praise the guides. A few others note they could have found the stops by themselves.

Tours run year-round on Sundays (usually at 9:30 a.m.) as well as Wednesdays in the warmer months. Availability can vary, however. Brit Movie Tours also runs a walking version of this tour.

London Top Sight Tours – J. K. Rowling & Wizard Walking Tour

Price: Adults from 20 pounds (about $25); kids tour free Duration: 3 hours

This tour focuses not only on the books and movies but also the woman who created them: J.K. Rowling. Along the tour, you'll see locations that inspired Rowling and visit the graphic design firm that created design for all the movies. Additionally, this walking tour stops a "Harry Potter"-themed shop. London tourists say the guides do an excellent job.

Tours depart from King's Cross. Tours run at 10 a.m. and 1:30 and 4 p.m. daily. The company runs a variety of other London tours, as well as private tours.

City Wonders – Fully Guided Warner Bros. Studio Tour London – The Making of Harry Potter

Price: Adults from $312; kids from $299 Duration: 6 hours

As the name implies, City Wonders conducts fully guided excursions to the Warner Bros. Studio Tour. Guides meet the tour group – of no more than eight individuals – at the Euston War Memorial before boarding a train to get to the studio. Upon arrival, a trained guide will lead your group through the Studio Tour. You'll view props, costumes and sets like Ollivander's, the Gryffindor common room and more. Along the way, guides will share interesting tidbits about the movies. Travelers say the tours are excellent and the guided portion through The Making of Harry Potter is extra special. They also say that sampling Butterbeer or other magic foods is a must, but warn of long lines for concessions.

The tour departs at 11:05 a.m. and 12:05 p.m. daily. City Wonders runs a variety of tours, including outings to the British Museum and the Tower of London .

Free Tours by Foot – Harry Potter Walking Tour London

Price: Free Duration: 2.5 hours

If you're hoping to save some knuts, sickles and galleons on a London trip, this could be a great tour option. As the name implies, Free Tours by Foot runs pay-what-you-wish walking tours. The "Harry Potter" tour will go by Westminster Tube station (as seen in "The Order of the Phoenix"), Godwin's Court (Knockturn Alley), St. Paul's and Trafalgar Square, among other top sites. Travelers say it is a wonderful tour, as guides share information about both the boy wizard and London history.

Tours run daily at 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. Though tours are free, reservations are required and there is a $3 booking fee. Additionally, part of the tour takes place on the Tube, so make sure you have plenty of money on a travel card.

Harry Potter Tours in Scotland

London isn't the only place in the United Kingdom to get your Potter fix. Scotland – where you'll find the real-life Hogwarts Express and Hogwarts castle – is another must-visit destination for fans. Here are some tours to consider:

• Free Harry Potter Tour: Explore Edinburgh on foot to hear about the influence the city had on the books. Book on Free Harry Potter Tour .
• The Magical Highlands Tour (Includes Steam Train Journey): See the Scottish Highlands and take a ride on the Jacobite steam train (aka the Hogwarts Express). Book on GetYourGuide .
• Harry Potter & the Hogwarts Express: Visit filming locations in the Highlands including the Glenfinnan Viaduct. Book on HAGGiS Adventures .
• J.K. Rowling's Edinburgh: Traverse city streets to learn about the Potter stories and their creator. Book on The Potter Tour .
• The Potter Trail: Grab a wand and explore Potterific sites around Edinburgh on this free tour. Book on The Potter Trail .
• J.K. Rowling's Harry Potter Walking Tour in Edinburgh: Find out where He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named is buried and the namesakes for some of the characters. Book on Viator .
• Jacobite Steam Train Experience. Take a ride on the Hogwarts Express and snap photos of Cairngorms National Park. Book on Scottish Tours .
• Immersive Harry Potter Tour. Get quizzed on your magical knowledge while walking through Edinburgh. Book on: Viator | Get Your Guide .

You may also be interested in:

• The Best London Tours
• The Best Sightseeing Tours of Buckingham Palace
• Take a Photo Tour of London
• The Best Day Trips from London
• The Best Scotland Tours

Tags: Tours , Travel , London

World's Best Places To Visit

• # 1 South Island, New Zealand
• # 4 Bora Bora

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A Complete Guide to the Harry Potter Studio Tour in London

For fans of the Harry Potter film series a trip to the place where the films were made is the ultimate bucket-list destination. The films were filmed in various locations around the UK, with many Harry Potter filming destinations in London accessible for fans to visit. However, the Warner Brothers Studios were where the real magic took place. Located a short ride from London, fans of the Harry Potter films can enjoy taking a closer look at the beautiful sets that were used in the actual films, see behind-the-scenes props, and jump into an immersive world of Harry Potter.

Related articles:

18 most magical harry potter locations in london.

• The Ultimate Harry Potter London Guide

This informative guide takes you through The Making of Harry Potter Studio Tour, with tips on what to see and advice on how to get there so you won’t miss a thing.

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The Making of Harry Potter Studio Tour

The Making of Harry Potter Studio Tour is located northwest of London in Leavesden just outside Watford town. Based on the world-famous Harry Potter book series written by JK Rowling, the Harry Potter Studio Tour is the ultimate place to visit where the filming for all eight films took place.

The expansive studio attraction has been open since March 2012 and includes the authentic sets, props and costumes used in the Harry Potter film series. The team responsible for the Studio Tour has excellently preserved the iconic props and sets from the films so fans can experience the magic and nostalgia the films created.

Tickets for the Harry Potter Studio Tour

• Buy your tickets to the Harry Potter Studio Tickets as soon as possible to ensure you secure the date you want.
• As the Harry Potter Studio Tour is located just outside of London, booking a ticket that includes transportation to and from London is advised .
• Tickets including transport and offers that combine the Harry Potter Studio Tour with other UK tourist spots such as Oxford can be bought easily online.
• Some tours may still have spots available even if tickets on the official website are sold out. I suggest consulting various tour operators to find available tickets.

Best tours to Harry Potter Warner Bros. Studios in London

How to arrive at the harry potter studios.

You can reach the Warner Brothers Studio by car, coach, or public transport.

• If you are driving you can find directions on the Studio website and there is plenty of parking available.
• If you are using public transport, you can take a train to Watford Junction from London Euston station, and then take the complimentary shuttle bus to the Studios Tour.
• Alternatively, you can book tickets that include a coach transfer to and from London.

Highlights of the Making of Harry Potter Studio Tour

What can you see in the Studios? There is plenty to see at The Making of Harry Potter Studio Tour making it the perfect place to take a Harry Potter fan.

The magic begins as you enter the building with a giant dragon model greeting guests as they arrive. You then are given a short safety briefing and introduction to the Studio Tour. The doors then open to reveal the entrance to the Great Hall , one of the Harry Potter films’ most famous and important sets.

Entering the Great Hall is spectacular with the tables set and the hall dressed just like in the films. Around the tables, the school uniform costumes for each house are displayed (Gryffindor, Hufflepuff, Ravenclaw and Slytherin). As you walk around you begin to feel like you are actually at Hogwarts . The teacher’s costumes including Professor Dumbledore stand proudly at the front of the hall and the tables are set for a great dinner banquet.

As you follow the tour you pass Harry’s ‘cupboard under the stairs’ bedroom , although you can only peer inside and can not enter due to the small size. You also get to peek at the sets and props used throughout the films such as the Gryffindor common room , Dumbledore’s office , and a display including the wands for all the wizards and witches that appear in the films.

Highlights include Professor Snape’s Potion Classroom filled with over 950 prop potion jars and the colourful Great Yule Ball drinks fountain. As you continue through the tour there are many opportunities to immerse yourself in the magic of the Making of Harry Potter with green screen photo opportunities .

Further along the tour, you can enter the Forbidden Forest , an immersive section where you can walk past giant tree props into the deep forest. The iconic Hogwarts Express and the 9 ¾ Platform are also a great place to take photos with luggage trolley props available to pose with.

Other great sets to see on the tour include 4 Privet Drive where you can go inside and see the living room full of Hogwarts Letters to Harry suspended mid-air. You can also see the three-decker London Knight Bus , where you can jump on the back for a picture and walk along the Hogwarts Bridge as if you were a student at the school.

A great part of the tour is the grand banking hall of Gringotts Bank , adorned with three crystal chandeliers, and decorated with quills, inkwells and piles of Galleons. Here you can see life-like models of the Gringotts Goblins and look through the treasures held in the vaults. Professor Sprout’s Greenhouse is a new addition to the tour and is a great place to check how magically green-fingered you are.

The tour is filled with many behind-the-scenes exhibits that include prosthetic masks, lifelike models and technical drawings of the sets before they were made into life-size versions. It is a treasure trove of fantastic details ideal for any Harry Potter fan who wants to know how they brought the magic to life.

As the tour nears the end, visitors can wander down the famous Diagon Alley , where Harry first learned about the fantastic Wizarding World. Here you can peer into Ollivander’s wand shop , and Flourish and Blotts book shop. The tour ends with a spectacular miniature model of Hogwarts Castle before visitors proceed to the gift shop to pick up souvenirs from their visit to the Studio Tour.

The Best Things to Do at the Harry Potter Studio Tour

• Grab a Butterbeer at the Studio Tour Backlot Cafe
• Take a photo inside the Weasley’s Ford Anglia flying car or jump on Hagrid’s motorbike.
• Fly a broomstick over London at the Studio Tour Green Screen Experience.
• Visit Buckbeak, the animatronic Hippogriff in the Forbidden Forest.
• Jump on the Hogwarts Express for a photo in the train carriage.
• Come face to face with a special effects dragon in the vaults of Gringotts Bank.

Tips for the Harry Potter Studio Tour

• Arrive as early as possible to ensure you have enough time to see everything.
• Pick up a free Activity Passport when you enter and collect souvenir stamps as you walk through the tour.
• Be prepared to queue to be able to take photos with the props or in green screen areas.
• The Studio Tour caters to Additional Needs with plenty of areas for wheelchair users to enjoy and additional support available for Autistic people and their carers.
• During summer (July to September) visitors are welcomed by a Frog Choir and they can experience pulling out a Mandrake at Professor Sprout’s Greenhouse.
• For a special experience visit during Halloween: To mark Halloween, if you visit between late September and early November the Studio Tour will be decorated with pumpkins and have a spooky vibe. Death Eaters also make an appearance including interactive wand combat displays. During Halloween, adults can attend Hogwarts After Dark which includes Halloween festivities and a two-course dinner.
• From November to January each year the Studio Tour is adorned with Christmas decorations and faux snow covers some of the sets. During Christmas visitors can also book onto special Christmas experiences and enjoy a full-course Christmas dinner in The Great Hall.
• The tour can take up to three hours and even though children are welcome to attend, smaller children may struggle with the long queues to take photos.

Is the visit worth it?

If you are a fan of the Harry Potter books and specifically the Harry Potter movies you will enjoy the Studio Tour. The sets used in the movies have been carefully preserved by the crew and adapted to allow as much intersection for fans as possible. Mega-fans will enjoy seeing the behind-the-scenes props and exhibits which include costumes, models and graphics that can not be seen anywhere else.

Some people may be disappointed to find out that the Studio Tour is not fully interactive and many of the sets are for display only. For example, you can not enter any of the shops on Diagon Alley and you can only view the sets from behind protective glass. With that being said the tour will be enjoyed by people who love the Harry Potter films and want to see the authentic sets. The Harry Potter Studio Tour is worth a visit at least once to be able to witness a piece of Harry Potter history for yourself.

FAQ about The Making of Harry Potter in London

Is there gift shop on the harry potter studio tour.

At the end of the tour, you can buy some souvenirs at the Harry Potter Gift Shop. Here you can pick up some unique Harry Potter memorabilia that changes seasonally. There is something for everyone in the gift shop with items ranging from Harry Potter house uniforms to Lego sets.

Gift shop highlights include choosing your very own magic wand, presented in attractive wand boxes, exclusive Forbidden Forest gifts and special Harry Potter sweets such as Peppermint Toads, Bertie Bott’s Jelly Beans and Chocolate Frogs. The gift shop is a wonderful way to end your day at the Studio Tour.

How much does it cost to visit the Harry Potter Studios in London?

The prices vary slightly. The most popular tours cost between 100 EUR and 160 EUR and include transportation from London to the studios. Even though it’s a lot of money, it’s 100% worth it!

Where were the Harry Potter films shot in London?

Most of the Harry Potter films were shot at Warner Bros. Studios, located just north of London. You can also explore various filming locations throughout London itself, including iconic scenes filmed at Piccadilly Circus and the Millennium Bridge.

Does the Harry Potter tour in London include transportation?

PARTLY. There are options for tours both with and without transportation. We find the tours that include transportation to be very convenient and recommend choosing one of these.

Can I explore the Harry Potter Studio Tour in London independently?

Yes, you absolutely can. Once you’ve arrived at the Warner Bros. Studios, you have the freedom to navigate through the enchanting sets at your own pace. This allows you to immerse yourself fully in the magical world of Harry Potter, taking the time to appreciate the intricate details of the sets, costumes, and props used in the films.

The Ultimate Harry Potter London guide

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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].

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
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• 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
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• 13 Isle of Skye Tours for a Magical Time
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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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A Magical Harry Potter London Bucket List: 14+ Experiences You Can’t Miss

Last Updated: November 18, 2023

*FYI - this post may contain affiliate links, which means we earn a commission at no extra cost to you if you purchase from them. Also, as an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Check out our Privacy Policy and Disclosure. for more info.

It has been a few years in the making my friends, but today I unveil to you one of my nerdiest pieces of magic yet: a Harry Potter London bucket list that (I hope) will make every superfan pee their pants a little.

You see, 5 years ago when I visited London for the first time, crossing off ALL the Harry Potter things to do was priority #1. With that in mind, I galloped to Platform 9 3/4, drank real life butterbeer, and essentially sobbed my way through the Warner Bros Studio Tour.

And since that humble visit five years ago, the grand city of London has only cranked up its HP-fandom madness, churning out a variety of attractions and activities catering to even the most rabid of Harry Potter fans. You guys, it is a MADHOUSE of magic in that city and I am here for it……

So, after a dutiful few years of running around Harry Potter places in London, I’ve finally compiled this list of enchanting experiences for you. In this post, you’ll find THE ultimate guide to London for Harry Potter fans, filled with amazingly magical attractions, locations and more! Cloaks and wands are optional, but of course, strongly encouraged.

Save this list of Harry Potter Things to Do in London for Later!

You’ll be very glad you did.

First: Here Are All the Harry Potter Filming Locations in London

The main focus of this article is on the most magical Harry Potter attractions and activities in London, not just filming locations.

That’s because to be honest, I don’t think the HP filming locations in London are anything special – they’re mostly normal parts of the city that happened to be featured in the movies, whereas all the really pretty spots that represented Hogwarts and other “magical” destinations are in Oxford and scattered around the UK.

But, if you ARE looking for a full list of Harry Potter filming locations in London, feel free to disregard what I just said, and click here for a fittingly thorough list.

Otherwise, let’s get to it – here are some of the most magical Harry Potter activities in London you need to add to your itinerary. Accio tissues.

The Most Magical Harry Potter Things to do in London

London is seriously a paradise for Harry Potter fans. Here are some of the best HP-themed attractions and experiences that you can find in the city!

1. Happy-cry through the actual Harry Potter film set at the Warner Bros Studio

No Harry Potter trip to London would be complete without visiting the Warner Bros Studio just outside of London, which houses a treasure trove of Harry Potter film sets, props, costumes and more at the actual location where they filmed the movies for over 10 years.

This is one of the few attractions in the world where I’ll happily confess that I CRIED! It’s that good, guys. Imagine walking through the Great Hall, stepping on Hogwarts Bridge, flouncing through Diagon Alley, all the while nursing a sugar high from a real-life frosty butterbeer. If it’s only one Harry Potter activity if you have time for while in London, make it this one.

NOTE: Tickets sell out way in advance so I highly, highly, highly recommend you book your tickets as soon as you know you’ll be going. Seeing as how the studios are actually just outside of London, the most convenient way to visit is to book a tour that includes transport. You can browse options here or grab tickets online from the studio itself  here.

2. Have the sleepover of your dreams in a Harry Potter themed hotel room

If you want to have the most magical Harry Potter experience possible in London, then you might want to ensure your sleeping quarters are equally magical.

Well, unsurprisingly, there is an actual Harry Potter themed hotel you can book in London! No, I’m not joking.

You see, concealed behind a bookcase door in the regular muggle hotel known as The Georgian House Hotel , you’ll find a series of enchanted rooms and wizard chambers designed with every detail to feel like you’re sleeping in Hogwarts itself! From stone walls and archways, to actual four-poster beds draped with velvety curtains, it’s like sleeping in the Gryffindor dorm that you see all the boys share, except you know, luxurious.

Complete the experience with a variety of magical knick knacks like tapestries and cauldrons, and you’ve got yourself a magical stay! While this experience does NOT come cheap, it’s a worthy splurge for any die-hard Potterhead .  Click here to check reviews and availability.

3. Nerd out on a Harry Potter walking tour in London

As I’m sure you can guess, there are a lot of Harry Potter places to visit in London, so if you want to take the stress out of visiting them all on your own, you can easily book yourself a Harry Potter themed walking tour.   Most of these tours take you to filming locations and important spots in London at the same time, so think of it as killing two birds with one very magical and nerdy stone.

In terms of Harry Potter tours in London, you’re very much spoiled for choice. A lot of companies offer this experience now, but this one is by far the highest rated (and cheap too!). On my recent trip, I was actually JUST about to book this one thanks to all the excellent five star reviews but cancelled because I got last minute tickets to see Cursed Child.

Funnily enough, I ran into them twice while I was in town: once while walking around Leadenhall Market, where I shamelessly eavesdropped on some fun facts that even I (maniacal Googler) did not know. And again as I went to the theatre to see Cursed Child, when everyone was getting sorted into their houses and I felt some serious FOMO. The next time in town, I’d definitely make time for this tour. Click here for reviews and availability.

4. Stop by the House of MinaLima for THE ultimate London Harry Potter museum

Address: 26 Greek Street

The House of MinaLima is a Potterhead’s dream, and I am (quite frankly) shocked that it isn’t better known.

This free museum can be found in Soho, so close to the Harry Potter and the Cursed Child theatre that you can even see it from the back of the play’s line-up!

Long story short, the House of MinaLima a FREE showcase arranged on four separate floors of amazing graphic art from MinaLima, the design geniuses who created all the graphic art from the Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts films. This means they’re the ones who designed all the Hogwarts textbooks, Daily Prophets, Quibblers, posters, magical advertisements, and more…. and you can explore a museum FILLED with them, artfully displayed, for free!

I am a big fan of stationary, books and design, so this place was basically heaven for me. Sweetening the pot was a little showcase of actual props from the film, and a badass gift shop that had gorgeous limited edition prints, postcards, notebooks, and more. This place is a must for any Harry Potter fan visiting London. Trust me!

5. Watch Harry Potter and the Cursed Child

Of all the Harry Potter things to do in London, seeing Harry Potter and the Cursed Child on the West End always felt the most out of reach. Between sky-high ticket prices and incessant demand, I didn’t think I’d get to see it for a very, very long time.

But with some luck and patience, I was able to score tickets on my last visit! They were literally the worst possible seats in the house (back row, corner, some heads were cut off from time to time), but still, I saw it, I held back tears through it, and it was  incredible.

I mean, what can I say? I don’t want to ruin the magic for you (I went in blind, not even knowing the plot, and it was the best decision I made!), but I’ll tell you this: if you can manage to get tickets to this play, which is split into two 2.5 hour segments, then DO IT. Next to the Studio Tour, I think this is one of the best Harry Potter activities you can enjoy in London, and a must for any superfan. After all, there is real magic involved…….. but again, no spoilers ; )

So how can you secure tickets to Harry Potter and the Cursed Child in London? It’s complicated because tickets sell out really far in advance, and often the only last-minute tickets left are the mega-expensive packages that cost upwards of 300 pounds! Here are a few tips for securing tickets though:

OPTION A: Buy them online in advance. This is the smartest and most sensible way. If you already know the dates you’ll be in London, then head over to the official ticket website here and check to see if they have tickets for your dates! Typically tickets are released in batches about 6 months in advance, so keep checking back. You can also sign up for an email alert for when they release new tickets.

OPTION B: Enter the Friday Forty lottery.  Eager bargain hunters, listen to this secret: Harry Potter and the Cursed Child reserves 40 tickets per performance that are released the week before and sold for only £40 (that’s only £20 per part!) through something called the Friday Forty . It’s basically a randomized lottery that happens the week before a performance, which gives winners a chance to buy tickets for only £40 total. This is by far the cheapest way to get tickets to see Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, but it’s very random and competitive! I’ve tried entering several times with no luck, but it takes two seconds to do so I highly suggest you give it a shot!

OPTION C: Check the website or box office in person on the day before, or day-of. This is how I managed to get my last minute £115 tickets. The day before the performance, I checked the official website and magically, there was a ticket for the next day’s performance for 1/3 of the cost of the other remaining tickets. I sweated the entire time I entered my credit card details, but I got them! The reason you should always check online or the box office is because there are always cancellations, and when this happens, tickets are given back to the box office to sell. So, try your luck – you might just score tickets like I did!

6. Snap a shameless photo at Platform 9 3/4

Address: The New Western Departures Concourse at King’s Cross Station

So, ever since a giant renovation at King’s Cross Station several years back, the ACTUAL area between platforms 9 and 10 are now located behind a fare gate, inaccessible to most tourists….

BUT what has emerged instead is a lovely Platform 9 3/4 photo opp set up for fans to live out their wildest dreams, complete with staff photographers, a little cart stuck in the wall, and free props for you to use, like scarves from every house. The line-up is often long, but trust me when I say it’s worth it: there is literally a staff member there who swishes your scarf for you so it looks like it’s floating in your photo. It’s so extra, I can’t even handle it. If you’re dying to get a photo of yourself heading to Hogwarts, this little Harry Potter attraction is a must-do.

PS: A few metres away from the Platform 9 3/4 photo opp, you’ll find an official Harry Potter shop with merchandise that you can browse through. It’s not the cheapest place to get HP merch (I’ll tell you about another place below) but it’s still fun to take a peek inside!

7. Nibble away at a magical afternoon tea

If it’s a magical HP-themed afternoon tea experience you’re after, look no further than the Potion Room at Soho’s Cutter & Squidge.

This immersive two hour experience takes the conventional afternoon tea experience and sets it in a Potions classroom, with real life Potions professors and of course, wearable cloaks as you brew up magical edible concoctions and of course, sip some flavourful tea as you go. Learn more about the experience here .

8. Hoard Harry Potter merch at rock bottom prices

No Harry Potter London trip is complete without going home with a suitcase full of HP swag.

… Like seriously, leave some empty space in your suitcase because you’ll need it.

And while you’ll find official Harry Potter shops in places like Platform 9 3/4 and the Studio Tour, one of my favourite places to load up on Harry Potter stuff in London is actually Primark, a UK fashion chain with rock-bottom prices, often a fraction of official HP gift shops!

Here, you can stock up on officially licensed Harry Potter socks, pyjama sets, fun notebooks, and way more for ridiculous prices (usually less than £10). No doubt, this Harry Potter activity takes a great deal of self control, but it’s worth it for all the wonderfully magic crap you go home with. Go wild, my friend.

9. Enjoy a wizard-inspired cocktail class

How does mixing Harry Potter and booze sound?

Well, if you’re craving the magic of Hogwarts in London (with a side of adult beverages), then quickly enrol yourself in a magical wizard-inspired cocktail class at the Cauldron.

And before you imagine yourself faceplanting into a cauldron full of mojito, know that this is a slightly classier affair, with an immersive experience that combines magic and liquor in the best possible way.  

The Cauldron Magical Cocktail Experience is a special little mixology class in which you use the magic of mixology (and actual… wands, apparently) to create delicious, edible elixirs that will give you the special kind of buzz that only true magic (and alcohol) can create. Click here for more details.

10. Try your luck at a Harry Potter inspired escape room

If being trapped in a dark room with an uncertain chance of escape sounds like your thing, then I’m happy to report that’s yet another Harry Potter thing you can enjoy in London. I told you they have everything.

While not officially a Harry Potter activity, one quick glance at the plot for this “Magical Witchcraft and Wizardry” escape room and you’ll see it is, in all likeliness, an ode to the magic of the HP universe.

Click here for more info.

11. Look for locations that inspired Harry Potter sets

Beyond just filming locations, there are plenty of Harry Potter sights in London to explore if you consider the spots that inspired different sets later built in-studio! Here are a few places in London that are widely recognized as having inspired Harry Potter sets.

Goodwin’s Court – Tucked away in Central London are countless nostalgic side streets, and Goodwin’s Court is one of them, located steps away from Leicester Square Tube Station. What makes this little street special? One quick look and you’ll see: this quiet street is a doppleganger for Diagon Alley. Speaking of, there’s another street nearby widely recognized as an inspiration for Diagon Alley, and that is…

Cecil Court – Lined with beautiful Victorian shopfronts that have remained unchanged for over a century, Cecil Court is a lovely little street (again) near Leicester Square Tube Station that is well known for its wide selection of bookstores.  A quick jaunt down this street and it’s easy to see why many Harry Potter fans consider “Cecil’s Court” to be the real life Diagon Alley. Fun fact: a young Mozart once lived here!

London Sewers – Okay, I’m definitely not suggesting you go lurking around the sewer system in London, but I wanted to take a quick moment to divulge a Harry Potter nerd fact! According to  Harry Potter: Magical Places from the Films,  HP production designer Stuart Craig and his crew once took a trip down to the sewers of London to examine the architecture so they could use it while creating the Chamber of Secrets. Weird, right?

Kew Gardens Temperate House – Last but not least, we have the largest Victorian glass greenhouse, located at London’s iconic Kew Gardens. It’s well known that this greenhouse was initially used as inspiration for the Herbology classroom. Do you see the similarity?

12. Stock up on Harry Potter sweets in a magical candy shop

Hardy’s Original Sweet Shop is a well-known chain of candy stores that you’ll find all around the UK, but their London locations offer something extra special for Potterheads: they’re well-stocked with assorted Harry Potter candy!

So, if you’ve ever wanted to dive into a magical little sweet shop and get your fill of every flavour beans and chocolate frogs, you can do so here. It may not be Honeyduke’s, but they do have a huge selection of fun Harry Potter sweets and merch, even selling special Wizarding gift bags! You’ll find plenty of Hardy’s around town, but there are some locations in Soho near the Cursed Child Theatre, so be sure to pop in for a treat.

13. Flaunt your knowledge at a Harry Potter London pub quiz

If you’re anything like me and enjoy getting unnecessarily aggressive about things that don’t actually matter, then why not sign up for a Harry Potter themed pub quiz while you’re in London?

Channel your inner Hermione know-it-all attitude and get into shouting matches, debate the hard facts, and triumph over your enemies! If this sounds like your idea of a good time, the folks over at Spectacular Pub Quizzes are the mad geniuses behind this event, which takes place across the UK a few times a year. Click here for upcoming dates and info.

14. Go shopping at a full-on Harry Potter department in a toy store

For the largest selection of Harry Potter goodies in London (apart from the Studio Tour of course), head to the iconic London toy store Hamley’s, who have recently introduced a full-on Harry Potter department in their basement floor.

Complete with massive Harry Potter LEGO sculptures, staff dressed in Hogwarts cloaks, movie prop showcases, and giant photo opps, this is THE place to rummage for Harry Potter merch you never knew you needed… things like actual flying Golden Snitches and an app-powered invisibility cloak! Yes these are real items you can buy here. What a time to be alive.

I can’t lie to you, Hamley’s gets EXTREMELY busy, but the chaos is kind of fun. In fact, the madness of Hamley’s in peak season even made me feel like I had just stepped into Diagon Alley for the first time.

A dancing man with a bubble gun greeted me at the front door, staff members were shouting on platforms above the store doing product demos, and there were hordes of excited children filling every corner of the shop. A bit crazy, but fun nonetheless.

15. Lastly, go hunting for Harry Potter filming locations in London

As I mentioned in the introduction, chasing Harry Potter filming locations in London isn’t really as magical as it sounds.

Of all the Harry Potter things to do in London, I really do think this is the least interesting. That’s because many of the areas used to film Harry Potter in London are either just regular parts of the city (e.g. Tube stations, office buildings, government buildings, etc.) or are otherwise just big tourist attractions you will likely see during your visit (e.g. Picadilly Circus and Leicester Square).

The more magical places in the Harry Potter movies (like the spots used to portray Hogwarts , for instance) are located elsewhere in England. You can click here for a full list of locations.

But hey, there’s no harm in adding a filming location or two to your itinerary! if you’d really like to visit different Harry Potter filming locations in London, you can click here to see my full list!

Harry Potter locations in London I definitely wouldn’t miss are Leadenhall Market (super magical looking place!), Borough Market (it has delicious eats) and Millennium Bridge (one of the most iconic views in London).

A Map of Harry Potter Places in London

I know this was a long list, so I’ve starred all the different locations on this map below, along with all the London HP filming locations . I hope you find it useful!

Any more questions about Harry Potter places in London?

I hope you enjoyed this long list of Harry Potter things to see in London, and that it helped you out with planning your own magical trip! Be sure to let me know in the comments if you have any additional questions!

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✈️ Google Flights : For finding flight deals

🌎 WorldNomads: For travel insurance

🎉 GetYourGuide: For booking activities

8 thoughts on “A Magical Harry Potter London Bucket List: 14+ Experiences You Can’t Miss”

OMG I LOVE this list! Saving it for my next trip to London 🙂 The guy who opened the Magical Cauldron Pub is an old friend of mine, so I’ve been wanting to get there for a while! I had no clue just how many more HP experiences there are! Oh, and I love your picture at Platform 9 3/4!

Been planning a ‘dedicated to Harry Potter’ visit to London for a while. Your post is going to be my guide then! So much fun reading it! #harrypotterrules

Such a great list (I love the Lego Hagrid! Will definitely be referring to this for our next London trip.

What a fantastic list!! I reckon I’d rock a pub quiz!!

What a fun read. I’m going to share this with a friend who is a huge Harry Potter fan and is in London as I write this. Thanks for the detailed post 🙂

I really need to go have a sleepover at the Harry Potter themed Hotel. Why did I not no about this?! 🙁 On a side note, I’m currently writing my master thesis about Harry Potter related journeys. Which is why I wanted to ask, if you or anybody interested would participate in my survey about Harry Potter journeys? It would mean a lot to me. (the levied data will be handled with care of course) >> https://survey.aau.at/index.php/293357?lang=en Thank you and thanks for sharing this great bucket list! 😀 I’m definitely updating my own.

I love this, thank you so much!!

You’re welcome! Hope you have a great trip!

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Make a day out of 'Harry Potter and the Cursed Child' in London

London is teeming with spell-binding Harry Potter sights and adventures to get you in a wizarding mood before seeing the West End show.

If you’re planning a trip to the incredible Harry Potter and the Cursed Child in the West End, why not make your day that bit more magical by planning some other activities? London has plenty of wizard Harry Potter -themed fun on offer.

A trip to the Warner Brothers Studios where they filmed all of the Harry Potter movies is a must for any budding Gryffindor (or other house of the sorting hat’s choice!), as is potion-making at The Cauldron and a visit to the official shop at King’s Cross Station.

Book Harry Potter and the Cursed Child tickets on London Theatre.

Warner Brothers Studio Tour

If you’ve ever dreamt of walking into the Great Hall at Hogwarts, shopping in Diagon Alley, or taking a trip on Hagrid’s motorbike, then you need to make a bee-line for Warner Brothers Studios. There you’ll get to see behind the scenes of the smash-hit Harry Potter film franchise, from the astonishing sets to costumes, props, and more.

Begin your adventure just like Harry, Ron, and Hermione did by heading to Platform 9¾, where you’ll find the iconic Hogwarts Express steam engine. You can pose with your own luggage trolley and vanish right into the wall.

Plus there’s everything from Dumbledore’s office to Gringotts Wizarding Bank, a Nimbus 2000, Voldemort’s snake Nagini, the Ministry of Magic – and you can even buy a cup of butterbeer.

Address: Studio Tour Drive, Leavesden, Hertfordshire

Book Warner Brothers Studio Tour tickets on London Theatre.

It was at the Reptile House at the zoo that Harry Potter began to realise he might have magical powers. In the first book, Harry talks to a caged boa constrictor and, after his horrible cousin Dudley elbows him to the ground, he accidentally makes the glass front of the tank disappear – allowing the snake to escape.

If you go to London Zoo, you can head to the Reptile House where they filmed this scene in the film with Daniel Radcliffe playing Harry – although you’ll find the enclosure is actually home to a black mamba. Still, it’s a sssss-super trip.

Address: Regent’s Park, London NW1

The Wizard Walk of London

This is a fantastic way to explore this great city – but with a Harry Potter twist! Join an expert guide to potter around London while exploring various sites that were either filming locations or which inspired JK Rowling in her magical creation.

For example, visit the building that became wizarding pub The Leaky Cauldron in the first film, as well as Clink Prison Museum, the model for the terrifying Azkaban. St Paul’s Cathedral made an appearance in the third movie, while the Millennium Bridge came to a sticky end in the sixth film, and Borough Market had a cameo when Harry was catching the Knight Bus.

Address: Meeting point outside Pizza Express, 20-22 Leadenhall Market, London EC3

The Cauldron

Ever thought that if you got into potions class at Hogwarts, you would definitely rock it? Here’s your chance to find out at specialist Dalston bar The Cauldron. Sign up for The Cauldron London Potion Making Experience and you’ll receive a wizard’s robe, a wand, and a spell-binding masterclass.

Using your magical powers, plus some top tips in mixology by the expert Potion Masters, you’ll enter an enchanted forest and learn to concoct otherworldly elixirs in your cauldron – otherwise known as delicious molecular cocktails. Cheers!

Address: 5D Stoke Newington Road, London N16

House of MinaLima

This charming gallery in Soho is dedicated to the visual art of the Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts movies. Run by the designers who actually worked on both, Miraphora Mina and Eduardo Lima, it’s a real passion project – and a thrilling glimpse at how the world of the films was dreamed up.

The gallery’s free exhibition has four levels showcasing prints and graphics that were created for the movies, as well as beautiful books and art prints that you can purchase. You’ll also see familiar props on display, such as the Hogwarts letters with their red seal and pages from The Daily Prophet .

Address: 157 Wardour Street, London W1

The Harry Potter Shop at Platform 9¾

Stock up on all the essential Harry Potter merchandise, treats, and presents for fellow superfans at the official store, which is located – of course – at King’s Cross Station. Start by getting your photograph taken as you whisk your trolley through the magical wall, then head inside for a wizard shopping experience.

Here you’ll find everything from bespoke Harry Potter bags to T-shirts, caps, homeware, jewellery, and more. You can even select a hand-crafted wand, order a personalised Hogwarts robe, or raid the sweet trolley. Chocolate frog, anyone?

Address: King’s Cross Station, London N1

Harry Potter and the Cursed Child

Now you’re ready for the ultimate Harry Potter experience: the phenomenal play in the West End, which continues Rowling’s wizarding saga following the book series. Harry is now grown up and it’s his son Albus who is heading off to Hogwarts, where he befriends Scorpius Malfoy and inevitably gets into trouble as he battles dark forces.

As brilliant as the books and movies are, there’s nothing quite like the jaw-dropping wonder of seeing magic happening right in front of you, whether it’s someone transforming after drinking Polyjuice Potion or the Time-Turner at work. You get the chance to revisit all your favourite characters, and meet new friends.

Photo credit: Manuel Harlan

Originally published on Aug 19, 2024 14:27

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Best times to visit Harry Potter Studio Tour to beat the queues

The Harry Potter Studio Tour in Watford has been a popular attracting for visitors all across the globe. Once filming wrapped on Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 2 in 2010, the production crew were left with thousands of intricate artefacts, many of which wouldn’t have been saved on a typical production. The team behind Warner Bros. Studio Tour London – The Making of Harry Potter wanted to preserve and showcase these iconic props, costumes and sets. Many of the original cast and crew returned to reassemble the sets and record their memories from filming, and on 31st March 2012, the Studio Tour opened its doors. Since then, millions of fans all over the world have flocked to visit the attraction. To go, fans have to pre-book tickets and much like any other popular location, it can get very busy. As it's still the school Summer holidays attractions including the Harry Potter Studio Tour will be very busy. The studios also host multiple events throughout the year including over Halloween and Christmas. If you are planning on visiting then make sure you book ahead. At the time of writing, there were no more tickets available for the rest of August. But don't worry, if you're wanting to avoid too many crowds then it's best to visit during term time. To make the most of your trip and to avoid queues, book a slot as early as possible to avoid long waiting times. The tour will take you approximately three and a half hours so make sure you give yourself enough time. Though visits can last a lot longer depending on the day. If you are going during the holidays and maybe at a later time then don't worry too much. Tickets are limited so crowds are controlled to some extent. Tickets start from £54 depending on whether you get any additional features. We did ask Warner Bros for comment on the best times to visit the attraction in their own opinion but they declined to comment.

• 06:52, 20 Aug 2024

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