London holds a unique place in the hearts of Harry Potter fans all over the world.
From the bustling streets of Diagon Alley to the grandeur of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, the British capital offers a myriad of bewitching sites related to J.K. Rowling’s beloved wizarding world.
Put on your wizarding cape and follow us on a wonderful journey through London, revealing remarkable Harry Potter sites and sharing intriguing facts about each location.
In addition, we’ll check out the popular Harry Potter World attraction tourist and point out the annual fan events that take place in the city.
King’s Cross Station and Platform 93/4
If you read Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, and if you watched any of the movies (of course, you did!) then you will love this site!
King’s Cross Station is where young witches and wizards gather to board the Hogwarts Express. On the concourse, you’ll find discover the famous Platform 93/4, marked by a trolley seemingly disappearing into the wall. Don’t forget to snap a photo and fulfil your wizarding dreams!
In fact, Kings Cross Station as a meeting point for the young wizards was inspired by the real-life love story of J.K. Rowling’s parents who met for the first time on a train to Scotland that departed from Kings Cross Station.
J.K. Rowling chose Platform 93/4 specifically because it was a fraction positioned between platforms 9 and 10, and harder for Muggles to find.
Address: King’s Cross Station, Euston Road Roadway, London N1 9AL.
Leadenhall Market
Do you remember seeing Diagon Alley in the Harry Potter movies, Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone and Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows? N
ow you can see the site where these were filmed: Check out the gorgeous Leadenhall Market in the City.
Step into captivating Leadenhall Market, which served as the entrance to the Leaky Cauldron in the Harry Potter series. Its elaborate Victorian architecture and charming storefronts create an atmosphere reminiscent of Diagon Alley.
Take a stroll through the market and imagine yourself immersed in the wizarding world.
Leadenhall Market is one of London’s earliest markets, dating back to the 14th century although there was a market on the same site in Roman times. Its spectacular design has also attracted other movie productions, such as The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus and Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy.
Address: Gracechurch St, Langbourn, London EC3V 1LT.
Millennium Bridge
The iconic Millennium Bridge, spanning the River Thames, made an appearance in the climactic scene of the sixth 6th Harry Potter instalment, Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince.
In the movie, the Death Eaters unleash chaos upon London, causing the bridge to collapse. Fortunately, the bridge stands strong and offers a stunning view of the city’s skyline. Look North and you will see St Paul’s Cathedral, and on the Southbank, you will see the iconic Tate Modern and Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre.
Apparently, the bridge’s apparent destruction in the film caused an outcry and concern among Harry Potter fans. As a result, the filmmakers had to reassure the public that the bridge was perfectly safe in reality.
Address: Thames Embankment, London SE1 9JE.
St Pancras Station
Next to King’s Cross station, you will see the imposing and magnificent façade of the neo-gothic St Pancras International Station.
You will remember this station from Harry Potter and Chamber of Secrets where the Weasley’s enchanted blue Ford Anglia takes off for Hogwarts with Harry and Ron aboard.
Piccadilly Circus
Wander around Piccadilly Circus, the site of one of the most exciting scenes in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows where we see the anxious Harry, Ron and Hermione racing through a busy London.
In this scene, our three wizards narrowly escape being run down by a London bus.
This scene was filmed in the iconic Piccadilly Circus and was said to be a very difficult section to film as the area was only partially closed, with hundreds of extras and hordes of paparazzi shooting pictures of the filming.
Piccadilly is a vibrant area in the West End and popular with tourist and locals alike.
Gringotts Wizarding Bank
The amazing Gringotts Wizarding Bank is actually in the interior of iconic Australia House on The Strand.
In Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, Hagrid introduces Harry to Gringotts and the banking in the world of wizardry.
Australia House is home to Australia’s diplomatic mission in London. It is the longest continuously held foreign mission in London, the foundation stone being officially laid in 1913. However, Australia House was only opened in 1918 after WW1.
Unless on consular business, one can’t enter Australia House though it is open to the public on an annual Open House Festival in September.
The London Zoo
In Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, it is in the Reptile House at the London Zoo where Harry first realises his gift for talking with snakes.
Set in the northern part of magnificent Regent’s Park, the London Zoo is the world’s oldest scientific zoo. The Zoo is one of the largest in the world with a collection of close to 15,000 individual creatures from invertebrates, reptiles, amphibians, fish, birds and mammals.
Westminster Tube Station
In Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, Harry travels the London Tube and uses the Westminster Tube Station.
In order to film these scenes, this busy tube station was closed to the public for an entire day.
The Westminster Station is close to the must-see London attractions of Westminster Abbey, the Houses of Parliament and the Big Ben Tower, Downing Street and the London Eye.
St Paul’s Cathedral
In Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, Harry Potter takes us into perhaps the most iconic building in London: St Paul’s Cathedral.
Inside, the geometric staircase becomes the magical Divination Stairwell for Hogwarts School. Hermione, overwhelmed by classes, storms down the staircase with Harry and Ron. The staircase also appears in Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, where Neville seeks solace.
While slightly altered for filming, the staircase retains its majestic charm.
Warner Brothers Studios – The Making of Harry Potter
While not located in central London, the Warner Bros. Studio Tour is a must-visit destination for any Harry Potter fan. Just a short a journey outside the city, this immersive experience provides a behind-the-scenes look at the sets, props, and costumes from the Harry Potter film movie series.
Discover the magic behind the movies as you check out the Great Hall, Diagon Alley and many other iconic locations.
Immerse yourself in the enchanting world of Harry Potter and witness the meticulous craftsmanship that brought the books to life on the big screen.
The Warner Bros. Studio Tour London is home to the actual sets used in the Harry Potter films movies, including the intricately designed Hogwarts Castle. It offers an unparalleled opportunity to step into the wizarding world and experience the magic firsthand.
Early booking is highly advised.
Address: Studio Tour Dr, Leavesden, Watford WD25 7LR.
Annual Yearly Harry Potter Fan Events in London
A Celebration of Harry Potter London
This annual event unites Harry Potter fans or Potterheads as they are known – from around the globe in a celebration of their wizarding hero.
With interactive exhibits, panel discussions, and special guest appearances, it’s a magical celebration of the beloved series.
Keep an eye out for dates and details, as this event is certain to transport you back to the wizarding world.
Harry Potter Film Concert Series
Experience the magic of Harry Potter in an entirely new way with the Harry Potter Film Concert Series.
London hosts these amazing live orchestral performances where the films are screened, accompanied by a symphony orchestra playing the renowned score by composer John Williams. This enchanting event is a feast for the senses and a must-attend for any Potterhead. Keep an eye peeled for information on upcoming performances.
