23 Must-See Harry Potter Locations in London

London is not only known for its iconic landmarks and rich history, but also for being home to some of the most magical locations from the beloved Harry Potter series. From Platform 9¾ at King’s Cross Station to the enchanting Leadenhall Market, where Diagon Alley was brought to life, fans of J.K. Rowling’s wizarding world can immerse themselves in real-life Harry Potter locations in London.

When I started visiting London, one of my favorite things to do was see iconic Harry Potter sights in London. I wanted to share the hidden gems that I found through all of my research so I can help you also find the best Harry Potter spots in London without the hassle. If you’re looking for some Harry Potter action elsewhere, see my guide on Harry Potter Locations in England.

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Must-visit London Harry Potter Locations include:

Platform 9 3/4 at King’s Cross Station

Platform 9 3/4 is an iconic location in J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter series, serving as the magical gateway for students to embark on their journey to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. This enchanted platform holds a special place in the hearts of fans worldwide, offering a glimpse into the enchanting world of wizards and witches.

While Platform 9 ¾ doesn’t exist in real life, and, in fact, Platforms 9 and 10 don’t exist the way they were filmed for the movie (those are Platforms 4 and 5), you can still visit the iconic photo spot with a sign of Platform 9 ¾ along with a trolley just like Harry’s about halfway through the barrier. 

To get to the photo spot, simply find the Harry Potter Shop near Platforms 9 and 10. The easiest way is to enter from the Kings Boulevard entrance between Kings Cross and St. Pancras or enter from Euston Road and head around Platforms 1-8 and toward the back, following signs for Platforms 9-11. If you’re coming via the Tube, take the Circle line to King’s Cross St. Pancras and follow the signs for King’s Cross Rail Station when exiting.

The photo spot can get very crowded with long lines, so unless you want to wait, it’s best to get there early. Taking a photo with your own phone or camera is free, but there are also photographers there to take professional photos that can be purchased as souvenirs as prints on a keyring, magnet, etc. Store staff cannot take photos on your phone or camera, so if you want a group shop or you’re solo, you may need to ask the person near you in line.

Shop Hours are:

• Monday to Saturday: 8am-8pm
• Sunday: 9am-8pm
• Bank Holidays: 9am-8pm

You don’t need a train ticket to enter the shop or get a photo, but if you want to visit the filming location between Platforms 4 and 5, you will need a train ticket. 

If you find yourself in London on September 1st, you can also attend the very popular event when the Hogwarts Express and Platform 9 ¾ show up on the Departures board. And if you need just a bit more wizarding magic, you can ride the real life Hogwarts Express: Jacobite Steam Train in Scotland.

Address: Euston Rd., London N1 9AL

Millenium Bridge

Shown in the opening sequence of Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince when the Death Eaters cause it to collapse, The Millenium Bridge has long been a symbol of London for Harry Potter movie fans. The bridge crossing the Thames can be found in the City of London, connecting the Tate Modern and St. Paul’s Cathedral. 

As seen in the film, the Millenium Bridge is a walking bridge so you can stroll across, take photos on it, or of the Shard, St. Paul’s, the Tower Bridge in the distance, or The Globe Theatre.

To get there, you can take the Circle Line to Blackfriars or Mansion House, or the Central Line to St. Paul’s.

You can also take the Jubilee or Northern lines to London Bridge and walk along the river to the Millenium Bridge. This route also takes you by Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre and Borough Market.  

Address: Thames Embankment, London EC4V 3QH

The Reptile House at The London Zoo

The Reptile House at the London Zoo is a popular spot for Harry Potter fans as it’s featured in both the movies and the books. In the first book, before Harry knows he’s a wizard, he accidentally sets a python loose in the reptile house, resulting in him being punished by his aunt and uncle. 

The Reptile House can be found just right of the entrance past the Reptile Kiosk shop. The scene from the movie was filmed inside the reptile house at the enclosure that actually holds a black mamba, though in the movie, Harry speaks to a Burmese python. 

The London Zoo is easy to access from anywhere in London and actually, close to Baker Street, so if you’re also a Sherlock Holme’s fan, you can see the museum at 221b Baker Street.

Read Also: Literary Travel Guide to London

The easiest way to get to the London Zoo is to take the Northern Line from Trafalgar Square and get off at Camden Town station. Camden Town station is the nearest Underground station to the Zoo. It is then a 15-16 minute walk to ZSL London Zoo. You can also get there by the Baker Street or Regent’s Park stations or by bus. 

The zoo is also home to one of the best Easter activities in London: the annual Easter Egg hunt that runs in the spring.

Standard pricing is £31 for adults and £21.70 for ages 3-15.

Address: Outer Cir, London NW1 4RY

The Cursed Child Play at the Palace Theatre

Set 19 years after the final Harry Potter book/movie, the Cursed Child play is like the 8th Harry Potter story that true Harry Potter fans have been waiting for and is one of the top Harry Potter things to do in London After its initial release at the Palace Theatre in the summer of 2016, the Cursed Child has been shown around the world in places like New York, Hamburg, and Tokyo.

But true Potterheads will want to see the play at its original theatre in London. From the impressive display of the play’s title outside the entrance to knowing it’s the original location for the play, and all of the special effects that have been catered to the venue.

Tickets range from £40 to £160 depending on show date and time and seat selection. 

And it’s also worth mentioning that the play is in 2 parts so you’ll have to buy 2 tickets to see the whole thing but the prices listed above are for both tickets for consecutive showings, i.e. the 2PM and 7PM shows. There’s also options to book each part on separate days or to book one or the other.

Address: 113 Shaftesbury Ave, London W1D 5AY

Read Also: Harry Potter Locations Scotland

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The House of MinaLima

Located in the heart of London, the House of MinaLima stands as a mecca for all Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts fans. This enchanting exhibition showcases the incredible design work of Miraphora Mina and Eduardo Lima, two talented graphic artists responsible for bringing J.K. Rowling’s wizarding world to life on the big screen.

Many of the designs featured in the films were created by MinaLima, such as the Daily Prophet newspapers, the products at Weasley’s Wizard Wheezes, the Marauder’s Map, the candy wrappers, school books, or Quidditch World Cup posters, and more.

The cozy four-story townhouse showcases an extensive collection of vibrant prints, original artworks, and intricate designs from both Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts films. Each room highlights different aspects such as Weasley’s Wizard Wheezes, Daily Prophet newspapers, Marauder’s Map, and much more, with so many props and designs that were barely shown on screen and simply used to give depth to the Wizarding World.

This free museum is a must for any Harry Potter fan in London. It’s open every day from 11AM to 6PM with the last entry at 5:30. It takes about 30-45 minutes to get through the gallery and you can purchase prints of many of the art or other Harry Potter souvenirs. 

To get to the House in Soho, you can take the Elizabeth Line, the Central line, or Northern line to Tottenham Court Road or the Bakerloo or Central lines to Oxford Circus, or the Northern line to Leicester Square.

If you find yourself in Seoul, Osaka, or New York, you can also visit one of their stores there. 

Or, buy their illustrated books. The first three books are out as of 2023, and more should be published in the years to come.     

Address: 157 Wardour St, London W1F 8WQ

For more Harry Potter stores in London, see our complete guide. 

Warner Bros Studio Tour London

The Warner Brothers Studio Tour: The Making of Harry Potter is an immersive experience at Leavesdon Studios for Harry Potter lovers. It involves sets, props, and costumes from the making of the Harry Potter movies in the location where the movies were primarily shot. If you’re a fan of the Harry Potter movies, this is a no-brainer that you need to visit one of the most popular Harry Potter attractions in London.

Despite finishing filming over ten years ago, this tour evolves and expands regularly. Sets, props, and costumes are being expanded, swapped with other collections around the world (like the Studio Tour in Hollywood or Tokyo), or brought out of storage. 

A few must-visit items are the sets for The Great Hall, Diagon Alley, Platform 9 ¾ (with the Hogwarts Express), Gringotts Wizarding Bank, Dumbledor’s Office, and The Forbidden Forest. You can also countless props and costumes up close. Some of my favorites include Dobby, The Knight Bus, and the miniature replica of Hogwarts Castle. 

Another great thing the tour does is have seasonal themes to create even more magic and display their collection in a slightly different light. Some themes return each year to give you a dose of your favorite Harry Potter moments, while others are brand new to experience.

Regularly occurring themes are:

• Mischief Managed– Which will show filmmaking trickery, magical pranks and wizarding mishaps.

• Discovering Hogwarts– Where you will be invited to explore Harry’s early years at Hogwarts with some of your favorite scenes brought to life.

• Dart Arts- You can step into the iconic sets from the Harry Potter film series in a spookier setting in dim the lights and set the stage especially for Hallowe’en.

• Hogwarts in the Snow– Tour all of your favorite sets, including the Forbidden Forest, Diagon Alley, and the Hogwarts model decked out in snow and Christmas decorations. Plus, learn the secrets behind ice that never melts and fire that doesn’t burn.

Find out what’s on right now.

And don’t forget to stop in any of their three gift shops to purchase wands, robes, books, collectibles, and more. Plus, get some treats like Butterbeer and Chocolate Frogs to sample. 

You can get to the Studio Tours in a number of ways, including trains, by car, or a shuttle service.

The easiest way for most travelers to get to the Studio Tour is by train. Watford Junction is the stop for the studio tour and can be accessed from London Euston or Birmingham New Street. 

From London, it will be about 20 minutes. From Birmingham, it’s about an hour. Oyster Cards can be used between London Euston and Watford.

Once in Watford, you can board a free shuttle (included in the price of your ticket) to the Studio Tour. It takes about 15 minutes to get to the Tour from Watford. Buses typically start running at 8:15 AM and leave every 30 minutes. Check the schedule here for the opening times and bus schedule for your visit. 

See tickets on Viator or GetYourGuide. 

Prices start at £51.50 (adult), Kids 5-15 are £40, and Kids 4 and under are free. There are also family packages available at a slight discount.

Address: Studio Tour Dr, Leavesden, Watford WD25 7LR

Cutter & Squidge, The Common Room: Harry Potter Cafe

There is no shortage of Harry Potter themed places in London. From cafes and stores, to photography spots and tours, you can spend weeks in the city and not hit them all. But if heading to a cafe is your preference, here is one of the best Harry Potter cafes to check out.

Cutter & Squidge, located in Soho does an amazing Harry Potter themed afternoon tea. You can sit in the decorated rooms to feel like you’ve been transported to a Hogwarts Common Room. You can choose from a variety of sweet and savory treats from their buffet service to go with your tea. 

The afternoon tea is for 1.5 hours and cost £45 for adults and £35 for children. 

Address: 20 Brewer St, Soho, London W1F 0SJ.

For a more in-depth guide to Harry Potter Cafes in London, check out my guide Here.

The Georgian House Hotel: Harry Potter Hotel

If you’ve done any research, you’ve probably heard about the Harry Potter London Hotel, or the Georgian House Hotel. It’s by far the best place to stay in London for Harry Potter fans.

The Georgian House Hotel is a gorgeous hotel made of two adjoining houses near Victoria Station. While you’d have an amazing time staying at The Georgian House, the real reason I recommend this hotel is for the Wizard Experiences they offer. 

If you’re a fan of Harry Potter, The Georgian House Hotel offers an immersive experience that will make you feel like you’ve just stepped into Diagon Alley. The friendly staff, dressed in robes reminiscent of Hogwarts professors, will guide you through the check-in process while sharing fascinating stories about the hotel’s magical history. 

Each room at The Georgian House Hotel is individually designed with different magical themes inspired by J.K. Rowling’s beloved series. From Gryffindor-inspired chambers adorned with scarlet and gold accents to Hufflepuff hideaways featuring cozy nooks and earthy tones, there’s something for every aspiring witch or wizard.

The Georgian House Hotel offers various activities and experiences that truly bring out your inner magic. Join their interactive potion-making classes where expert “professors” teach guests how to create mystical concoctions using real potions ingredients.

Location: 35 – 39 St George’s Dr, Pimlico, London SW1V 4DG

Check Prices

For more info on The Georgian House Hotel see my complete guide and review Here, or check out my list of Harry Potter hotels in London Here.

Harry Potter Filming Locations in London

The enchanting world of J.K. Rowling’s beloved series comes to life in various corners of the city, where many memorable scenes were filmed. From the bustling streets of Diagon Alley to the magical platform 9¾ at King’s Cross Station, London offers an immersive experience for those seeking to delve into the wizarding world. Join us as we explore the captivating filming locations that have become pilgrimage sites for Potterheads and discover the magic that awaits in every corner of this extraordinary city.

Leadenhall Market: Leaky Cauldron Pub

42 Bulls Head Passage in Leadenhall Market was used as the exterior of the Leaky Cauldron pub in Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone. You can also see more of Leadenhall Market when Harry and Hagrid walk together as they approach Diagon Alley. However, 7 Stoney Lane in Borough Market, across the London Bridge, was the exterior for the Leaky Cauldron in Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban. 

Address: Gracechurch St, London EC3V 1LT

St. Paul’s Cathedral: Divination Staircase

St. Paul’s is on every list of must-visit places in London, but it also happens to be a Harry Potter filming location. The South West Tower of St. Paul’s Cathedral is the location of the Divination Staircase in the North Tower of Hogwarts. You can see the scenes in both the Goblet of Fire and Prisoner of Azkaban.

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

The Millenium Bridge

Of course, we’ve mentioned this already because it’s pretty iconic for Harry Potter fans, but the Millenium Bridge shows up in the opening sequence of the Half-Blood Prince when the Death Eaters cause the bridge to collapse. During this scene, you can also glimpse Trafalgar Square, Nelson’s Column, and Charing Cross Road.

Address: Thames Embankment, London EC4V 3QH

Lambeth Bridge: Knight Bus Bridge

Most Harry Potter movie lovers will recognize Lambeth Bridge as the Knight Bus Bridge. This is where the triple-decker Knight Bus squeezes between two oncoming double-decker buses in the Prisoner of Azkaban. “Mind your head.”

Address: Lambeth Rd, London SE1 7SG

Australia House: Gringotts

What many don’t know is that the entrance hall to the Australian Hight Commission served as the entrance to Gringott’s Bank in the Sorcerer’s Stone. Unfortunately, it’s not open to the public to view. 

Address: Strand, London WC2B 4LA

Westminster Tube Station

In the Order of the Phoenix, when Mr. Weasley accompanies Harry to his trial at the ministry, they pass through a tube station where Mr. Weasley is fascinated by the tube and all of its inner workings. This was, in fact, Westminster Tube Station. Apparently, it was closed for 24 hours to allow for filming.  

Address: Underground Ltd, Westminster Station, Bridge St, London SW1A 2JR

Scotland Yard: Ministry Visitor Entrance

In the next scene of the Order of the Phoenix, Harry and Mr. Weasley enter the Ministry of Magic’s visitor entrance. The phone box entrance was right by the Met Police headquarters on Scotland Place. The location was used again for the Deathly Hallow’s Part 1 when Harry, Ron, and Hermione sneak in to steal Umbridge’s locket. Unfortunately, the phone box doesn’t actually exist and was just a prop. 

Address:

Horse Guards Avenue: Ministry Toilet Entrance

The underground toilets the trio use to actually sneak into the ministry were located in Whitehall. While the Gentlemen sign for the toilets isn’t real, the statue shown does exist and can be visited on Horse Guards Avenue.

Address: 1 Horse Guards Ave, London SW1A 2ER

Piccadilly Circus and Shaftesbury Avenue

In the Deathly Hallows: Part 1, when Harry, Ron, and Hermione disapperate away from the death eaters during Bill and Fleur’s wedding, they end up on Shaftesbury Avenue right near Piccadilly Circus. After almost being squished by a passing Number 19 bus, movie viewers can view the world-famous displays and landmarks of Piccadilly Circus. 

Address: Piccadilly Circus, London W1J 9HS

London Zoo Reptile House

Of course, already mentioned is the Reptile House at the London Zoo. It features in the Sorcerer’s Stone when Harry and his family go to the zoo for Dudley’s 11th birthday. He then speaks to a Burmese python using parseltongue and sets him free with magic. 

Address: Outer Cir, London NW1 4RY

Palmers Green, Green Lanes: Knight Bus Stop

In the Prisoner of Azkaban when the Knight Bus comes to a jolting stop (sending Harry face first into the windshield) to avoid hitting an old woman crossing the street. This location can be found in Palmers Green, Green Lanes.

Address: 336 Green Lanes, London N13 5TW

King’s Cross Station

Possibly the most famous Harry Potter landmark in London is none other than King’s Cross Station. We’ve already mentioned it above but you can view the movie scenery outside and head to the trolly photography spot at Platform 9 ¾.

Address: Euston Rd., London N1 9AL

St. Pancras Station

Right next to King’s Cross is St. Pancras Station. The station can be seen in the Chamber of Secrets when Harry and Ron steal Mr. Weasley’s car and fly it to Hogwarts.

Address: Euston Rd., London N1C 4QL

23-29 Claremont Square: 12 Grimmauld Place

Claremont Square in Islington is the location of Sirius Black’s family home: 12 Grimmauld Place. 

Address: 23 Claremont Square, London N1 9LX

9 Heathgate, Hampstead Garden Suburb

Located in the northern London Suburb of Hampstead Garden, 9 Heathgate can be recognized as Hermione’s house from the Deathly Hallows Part 1. Interior shots show Hermione casting the Obliviate spell on her parents before leaving the house and walking down the street. While this isn’t one of the more well-known or popular Harry Potter locations in London, it can be fun for super fans to see Hermione’s childhood home. Remember this is a residential home so if you do visit, be respectful of the owners and neighbors. 

Address: 9 Heathgate, London NW11 7AR, UK

Best Harry Potter Tours in London

While I definitely think you can hit all or at least most of these locations on your own, having a guide can really speed up the process and give you additional information on each location. So I would think about taking a tour to make sure you see all the Harry Potter places in London.

The Original Harry Potter Locations Tour- London is the best Harry Potter tour, in my opinion. Not only do you get to see filming locations, you get a knowledgeable guide to give information and facts about the books, movies, and J.K. Rowling. For around $25 (at the time of writing), you really can’t find a better tour for that price. 

If you’re looking for a free Harry Potter walking tour London that you can head out on by yourself, sign up Here to get a PDF to follow to make the most of your time in London.

Harry Potter Locations London Map

Check out the Harry Potter Locations in London Map to prioritize the Harry Potter sites in London and make the most of your time.

And there you have it! My complete guide to Harry Potter locations in London, including all of the Harry Potter filming locations, Harry Potter cafes attractions, and stores. Be sure to browse around my other Harry Potter and United Kingdom posts to see what else I’ve written about. If you have any questions or can’t find the content you’re looking for, drop a comment down below and I’ll answer the best I can!

London Harry Potter Locations FAQ

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