Planning a magical getaway to London? đź”®
As one of the most iconic and successful film series of all time, the Wizarding World of Harry Potter is beloved by both adults and kids alike. Whether you grew up reading the books and unlocked your love for magic through the films
So, fellow Potterheads, why not check out our ultimate Harry Potter fan guide to the UK’s capital? From wizarding landmarks throughout the films to hidden gems that acted as inspiration for the series’ spectacular set designers, what are you waiting for? Get on your broomstick and explore!
Warner Bros. Studio Tour: The Making of Harry Potter, Watford
A true Harry Potter fan guide wouldn’t be complete without a visit to the Warner Bros. Studio Tour: The Making of Harry Potter. Perhaps the best place to start is by experiencing, the Warner Bros. Studio Tour is the perfect way to experience all the magic behind the film series. This incredible tour is a site of pilgrimage for many Harry Potter fans all over the UK, packed with props, costumes and rebuilt sets from all seven films.
Walk through the original sets, meet the animatronic creatures and explore the breathtaking special effects and artistry that went into building the world of Harry Potter. The Warner Bros. Studio Tour is a great day trip from central London and has even earned a 5/5 on TripAdvisor by visitors.
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Harry Potter and the Cursed Child at the Palace Theatre
Based on an original story by J.K. Rowling, Jack Thorne and John Tiffany, Harry Potter and the Cursed Child is the eighth part of the Harry Potter story and the first official Harry Potter stage show.
Composed of two parts, this extraordinary play has received a record-breaking 11 nominations and won 9 awards since its 2016 opening – including Best New Play at the 2017 Laurence Olivier Awards. Don’t forget to book your tickets ahead of time to secure your spot!
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Platform 9Âľ, Kings Cross Station
In the Harry Potter film series, Kings Cross station is where Hogwarts students board the Hogwarts Express on Platform 9Âľ. Harry Potter and his friends access the platform by walking through a brick wall between platforms 9 and 10. Tracks separate the platforms in the real world, but magical discoveries still occur at this train station…
Look out for the sign that says ‘Platform 9Âľ’ and strike a pose with the embedded trolley in the wall. And don’t forget to check out the Harry Potter Shop! Uncover exciting wizardry merch and awesome gifts for your Potterhead pals.
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Discover the magic of Scotland’s capital with the ultimate Harry Potter fan guide to Edinburgh here.
Claremont Square, Islington
In the books and film series, No. 12 Grimmauld Place in Islington is the HQ for the Order of the Phoenix and the home of Sirius Black. Today, you can visit Claremont Square in Islington which was used for exterior shots throughout the series. Located a short walk from Kings Cross Station, like its book counterpart, Claremont Square appears in the Order of the Phoenix and Deathly Hallows Part 1.
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Millennium Bridge
The Millennium Bridge is a 330-metre steel bridge linking the City of London with Bankside. The Millennium Bridge (also known as the Wobbly Bridge) was a key set piece destroyed by Death Eaters in the opening scene of the sixth film. However, many fans consider its feature in the ‘movie mistake’! Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince is set in 1996 and the real-life landmark was completed in 2000.
But don’t fear, a walk across the bridge is completely safe in the Muggle World and is one of the top free things to do in London with stunning views of the Thames, Tate Modern and St. Paul’s Cathedral.
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Leadenhall Market
This beautiful Victorian market can be spotted in Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone and is just as magical outside the film as it was in the film. In reality, this market in the City of London, boasts a diverse array of boutique shops and fine dining experiences.
The cosy wizard’s pub, the Leaky Cauldron, hides the entrance to Diagon Alley in the film series. However today, this entrance is actually an optician situated in Bull’s Head Passage.
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Australia House, Holborn
Did you know the Gringotts Wizarding Bank’s interior scenes were filmed in the centre of London at Australia House? Home to the Australian High Commission, filming took place inside the Grade II listed building, which is not normally open to the public.
To glimpse the grand interior, take a quick peep through the doors to catch the magnificent crystal chandelier featured prominently in the films.
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