London was the setting for many unforgettable scenes in the Harry Potter films and inspired key locations in the books.
Seeing the cobbled streets of Leadenhall Market (which became Diagon Alley) or standing at King’s Cross Station near Platform 9¾ felt like stepping into the pages of the books.
London is filled with hidden gems and iconic sites tied to the wizarding world, and I couldn’t help but imagine myself wandering alongside Harry and his friends.
This guide will take you through the best locations and experiences that truly bring the magic to life. It’s like being part of the story.
1. Explore iconic film sets at Warner Bros. Studio
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Address: Studio Tour Drive, Leavesden, Hertfordshire
Contact: +44 (0)20 3427 7770
Operating Hours: Daily, but timings vary; check online.
Pricing: £££
Much of the Harry Potter film series was created at the Warner Bros. Studio. It features iconic sets like the Great Hall, Diagon Alley, and the Forbidden Forest.
Visitors can explore original props and costumes and even step onto Platform 9¾ to board the Hogwarts Express.
The tour also shows how special effects brought magical creatures like Buckbeak and Dobby to life. It additionally highlights the incredible craftsmanship behind the films.
With seasonal features such as Hogwarts in the Snow or Dark Arts, this experience is perfect for anyone who wants to step behind the scenes and discover the magic of film-making.
Pro tip:
Book tickets well in advance as slots fill up quickly, especially during holidays.
2. Experience Harry Potter and the Cursed Child live at the Palace Theatre
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Address: Palace Theatre, Shaftesbury Avenue
Contact: +44 330 333 4814
Operating Hours: Tuesday-Sunday; check timings online
Pricing: £££
Harry Potter and the Cursed Child is an award-winning, two-part play performed at London’s Palace Theatre.
The play is set 19 years after the final book. It continues the magical story of Harry, Ron, Hermione, and the next generation as they embark on a new adventure filled with surprises and dark twists.
The stage effects are jaw-dropping—spells come to life, transformations feel real, and the storytelling keeps you hooked. The live magic feels real, with characters casting spells that light up the stage and seemingly impossible transformations.
The production has won multiple Olivier Awards, making it one of the most celebrated plays in history.
Pro tip:
For the best experience, see both parts in one day.
3. Shop for exclusive Harry Potter merchandise at Platform 9¾
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Address: King’s Cross Station
Operating Hours:
- Mon-Sat: 8:00 am – 10:00 pm
- Sun: 9:00 am – 8:00 pm
Pricing: £
Platform 9¾ is packed with surprises and exclusive keepsakes for fans. You can find everything from unique collectables to everyday items, like themed notebooks and mugs.
It’s designed to immerse you in the wizarding world. It offers wands, Hogwarts house scarves, robes, and even personalised Hogwarts Acceptance Letters.
The highlight is the photo spot where you can push a trolley “through” the wall at the iconic platform.
Arrive early for a quieter experience and take your time exploring the shop—it’s filled with surprises and one-of-a-kind keepsakes.
Pro tip:
Create a memory by customising your own Hogwarts school trunk filled with your favourite magical items.
4. Wander through the Enchanting Leadenhall Market
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Address: Gracechurch Street
Operating Hours: 24/7
Pricing: £
Leadenhall Market is a real-life magical spot in London. It was used as the filming location for Diagon Alley and the entrance to The Leaky Cauldron in the Harry Potter films.
The vibrant market stalls and historic charm make it easy to imagine Harry and Hagrid wandering through to pick up school supplies.
The market is also beautiful, with colourful ceilings and grand Victorian arches. It’s full of little shops, cafés, and places to grab a snack, making it a great spot to explore.
If you visit early in the morning, it’s quieter, and you can really take in the magic without the crowds.
Pro tip:
Visit Bull’s Head Passage to find the blue door that served as the entrance to The Leaky Cauldron.
5. See original artworks and props of Harry Potter at the House of MinaLima
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Address: 157 Wardour Street
Contact: 0203 214 0000
Operating Hours: Daily; 11:00 am – 6:45 pm
Pricing: £
The House of MinaLima in London is an immersive four-level exhibition created by Miraphora Mina and Eduardo Lima, the graphic designers behind the Harry Potter films.
Each floor is packed with things to see, like Hogwarts acceptance letters, The Daily Prophet newspapers, and posters straight out of Diagon Alley. Seeing these up close makes you appreciate how much detail went into the films—it’s amazing.
You can explore each level and spot tiny details in the artwork that you might have missed in the films.
Before you leave, the shop has many cool items, from limited-edition prints to beautiful collectable books.
Pro tip:
Take your time on each floor to uncover hidden details in the artwork, and don’t leave without picking up an exclusive souvenir—it’s the perfect keepsake for fans.
6. The Wizard Walk of London
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Starting Point: Leadenhall Market
End Point: Borough Market
Contact: +44 (0)20 7332 3456
Pricing: £
The Wizard Walk of London takes you on a magical two-hour walking tour through some of the city’s most iconic Harry Potter filming locations. Starting at Leadenhall Market, you’ll see the cobbled streets that became Diagon Alley and spot the entrance to The Leaky Cauldron.
The tour continues past landmarks like Threadneedle Street and the exterior of the Bank of England, which inspired Gringotts Bank.
You’ll visit St Paul’s Cathedral to see the iconic staircase featured in The Prisoner of Azkaban and walk across the Millennium Bridge, famously destroyed by Death Eaters. The tour will end at Borough Market, where the Knight Bus scene was filmed.
Along the way, your guide will share fascinating facts and stories from the films, bringing the magic to life.
Pro tip:
Arrive 15 minutes early to soak in the atmosphere at Leadenhall Market and snap photos before the tour begins. Wear comfortable shoes—it’s a lot of walking!
7. Relive the iconic moment of Harry Potter in the Reptile House at London Zoo
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Address: Regent’s Park
Operating Hours: Daily; times vary by season
Pricing: ££
The Reptile House at London Zoo is where Harry first discovers he can talk to snakes in The Philosopher’s Stone.
Standing in front of the Burmese python enclosure, you can almost hear the snake whispering, “Thanks!” like in the movie. Seeing this spot in person brought the scene to life for me in such a cool way.
The Reptile House is fascinating, filled with incredible creatures like giant pythons, vibrant lizards, and sleek crocodiles. Each exhibit has detailed information about the animals and their natural habitats, making it both fun and educational.
What’s special is how close you can get—watching a snake slither just inches away feels surreal.
Pro tip:
Combine your visit with other zoo exhibits for a full day out.
8. Stay in the Wizard Chambers of Georgian House Hotel
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Address: 35-39 St. George’s Drive
Contact: +44 (0)20 7834 1438
Pricing: £££
The Wizard Chambers at Georgian House Hotel were everything I wished to live as a fan.
The room was filled with incredible details—stone walls, stained glass windows, and even a four-poster bed that felt straight out of Hogwarts. Little touches like cauldrons, potion bottles, and old books made it feel like a cosy wizard’s hideaway.
One of my favourite parts was the Wizard Afternoon Tea, with themed treats that looked and tasted amazing.
Pro tip:
Add their potion-making class to your hotel booking. It was fun and felt like a real spell-casting experience.
9. Brew magical potions at The Cauldron
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Address: 5D Stoke Newington Road, Dalston
Contact: [email protected]
Operating Hours: Times vary; contact their website for availability
Pricing: ££
The Cauldron in London offers one-of-a-kind cocktail-making classes where guests can brew their molecular “potions” using a wand. This interactive bar combines science, mixology, and magic to create an amazing experience.
Upon arrival, you’ll receive a wand and a robe before stepping into a whimsical environment filled with bubbling cauldrons and enchanting decor.
The potion-making session allows you to mix, pour, and stir your ingredients while following spell-like instructions.
Pro tip:
Opt for the “Potion Making” package, which includes all equipment and ingredients, and dress up for an even more magical experience.
10. Craft your own wand at the Wands & Wizard Exploratorium
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Address: 26 Greek Street
Contact: [email protected]
Operating Hours:
- Mon-Tue: 11:00am-6:00pm (Shop Only)
- Wed-Thur: 11:45am – 11:00pm
- Fri-Sat: 11:45am – Midnight
- Sunday: 11:45am – 11:00pm
Pricing: ££
The Wands & Wizard Exploratorium’s wand-making workshop is a dream come true for fans.
You craft your own wand in a 4D wandmaker, choosing its design and adding your magical touches. Once it’s ready, you’ll learn basic spell-casting techniques straight out of a wizarding lesson.
There is also a Wizard Afternoon Tea. Using an interactive wand, you’ll brew teas that bubble and steam while enjoying themed treats like colourful cakes and enchanting pastries.
Pro tip:
Book the wand-making workshop early—it’s a fan favourite. Spend time in the shop afterwards; it’s filled with exclusive magical items that make perfect keepsakes.
