A Spellbinding Guide to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter in London

London is more than just a bustling metropolis - it’s a gateway to a magical world. From the cobbled charm of Leadenhall Market to the spellbinding halls of the Warner Bros. Studio Tour, Harry Potter film locations in London are every bit as enchanting as you might imagine. Whether you’re a lifelong Gryffindor, a proud Slytherin or a curious Muggle, the city is bursting with experiences that bring J.K. Rowling’s wizarding world to life. So, grab your broomstick and ready your wands as we explore the best Harry Potter adventures in London.

No Harry Potter visit to London is complete without a trip to the Warner Bros. Studio – the ultimate behind-the-scenes journey into the making of the wizarding world. Located about 30 km northwest of London, in the quiet village of Leavesden near Watford, this is the very place where all eight Harry Potter films were brought to life. Once full of film crews, actors, prop makers and set designers, the studios now welcome fans from all over the world to step directly into the magic.
 

And don’t worry – being a Muggle is no barrier to entry. Whether or not you’ve read the books or seen the films, there’s plenty to marvel at. From clever cinematic tricks to breathtaking set designs, this tour is a spectacle that everyone will enjoy, whether you're travelling solo, with friends or the whole family.

Your adventure begins beneath a mighty Ukrainian Ironbelly dragon, suspended mid-roar as if ready to swoop. After a cinematic introduction, the grand doors of the Great Hall swing open, revealing the set where countless unforgettable scenes were filmed – long wooden tables, towering fireplaces and floating candles just like on screen.
 

From here, wander into Dumbledore’s book-filled office, peek into the Potions classroom, sink into the cosy Gryffindor common room or stroll the cobblestoned length of Diagon Alley. The shop windows are packed with spell books, bubbling cauldrons, jars of mysterious ingredients and the colourful chaos of Weasleys’ Wizard Wheezes.
 

For a perfect photo op, head to Platform 9¾ beside the gleaming red Hogwarts Express, or step inside to explore its carriages. In Gringotts Bank, you'll glimpse the infamous Bellatrix Lestrange’s vault, guarded by goblins and filled with glittering treasures. If you’re wary of spiders, you might want to speak to a member of staff before entering the Forbidden Forest.
 

Outside, you’ll encounter some of the Wizarding World’s most iconic locations: 4 Privet Drive, the Dursleys’ tidy home; the crooked, magical Weasleys’ Burrow; Professor Sprout’s Greenhouse, alive with oversized plants; and the bouncing, triple-decker Knight Bus, ready for a magical spin.
 

The grand finale is a meticulously crafted 15-m model of Hogwarts Castle, complete with twinkling lights, detailed turrets and towers and the surrounding grounds, bringing the magical school to life.

Throughout your visit, you’ll encounter interactive stations that reveal the secrets behind the films’ stunning visual effects, along with countless other magical surprises waiting to be discovered.

• Green screen broomstick flight – Ever dreamed of flying like Harry Potter? Upgrade your ticket to soar over the rooftops of London on a Firebolt and bring home a video souvenir of your adventure.
• Butterbeer at the Backlot Café – The café bears no resemblance to Hogsmead but its floor-to-ceiling windows offer panoramic views of the Hogwarts Bridge while you enjoy frothy butterbeer and light snacks.
• Activity passport - Would you pass your OWLs, the general level exams for wizards? Can you find the Golden Snitch? Pick up an activity pass to complete the tasks as you go.
• Souvenirs and studio shop - Take home a piece of the magic. Here, you'll find all kinds of merchandise including wands, house robes and other enchanting collectibles to remember your visit.

Rotating themed specials add an extra layer of magic to your visit, combining unexpected live-action moments, dazzling special effects and iconic props. In autumn’s Dark Arts Special, for instance, the studio tour may suddenly be overrun by Death Eaters – but with hands-on sessions like wand training led by Paul Harris (Warner Bros.’ wand choreographer), you’ll be well prepared. Expelliarmus!
 

During the winter festive season, Hogwarts in the Snow sees the magic sparkles even brighter. Imagine a glittering silver Christmas ball, mistletoe everywhere, and film snow stretching as far as the eye can see – plus a sumptuous banquet in the Great Hall to complete the enchantment.

• Book ahead – Tickets often sell out weeks, even months, in advance. Tickets are only valid for your reserved time and late arrivals might not be admitted, so plan carefully.
• Take your time – The self-guided tour is extensive, with hidden details everywhere. Allow at least four hours to explore, or more if you want to soak up every bit of magic.
• Upgrade to deluxe – Deluxe tickets cost £250 and include a 2.5-hour guided tour full of insider stories, a souvenir photo package and even same-day re-entry, so you can revisit your favourite spots.
• Ticket packages - From afternoon tea (think butterbeer scones and loose leaf teas), to breakfast and dinner at the Hogwarts Table, enjoy magical menus inspired by the Harry Potter films.

• Warner Bros. Studio Tour London, Studio Tour Drive, Leavesden WD25 7LR
• Open 8:30am/9:30am to 8pm/10pm (varies by date)
• From London Euston, hop on a train to Watford Junction, then board the official shuttle bus straight to the studio entrance. The shuttle bus is included as part of your ticket.
• For easy access, stay at Pullman London St Pancras hotel, just 200 m from King’s Cross and 500 m from Euston.

From the smallest hand-written letter to the sweeping grandeur of entire sets, the Warner Bros. Studio Tour isn’t just a museum of movie-making – it’s a love letter to the artistry, creativity and pure imagination that brought J.K. Rowling’s world to life. For any Harry Potter fan, it’s sure to be a highlight, plus it's one of the best things to do in London with kids.

London itself doubled for numerous scenes in the films – here are three of the most Instagram-worthy and atmospheric spots to visit on your own mini Potter pilgrimage.

With its vibrant Victorian façades and charming cobbled lanes, Leadenhall Market is a true cinematic gem. It famously doubled as the gateway to Diagon Alley in Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, when Hagrid escorts Harry to buy his Hogwarts supplies. Wander through the market, then take a right down Bull’s Head Passage, where you’ll spot The Glass House – a brick building that slightly juts into the street. Its white-painted entrance once served as the iconic black door to The Leaky Cauldron, hiding the magical world beyond.

• The Glass House, 4 Bull's Head Passage, London EC3V 1LU
• Leadenhall Market, Gracechurch St, London EC34 1LT; open 24 hours daily; shop and pub opening hours vary
• Take the tube to Bank

In Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, Harry is escorted by members of the Order to 12 Grimmauld Place, the Black family home. While broomstick flying isn’t on the itinerary, you can relive the magic with a one-hour Thames sightseeing cruise. Depart from Greenwich Pier and glide past some of London’s most iconic sights: the Docklands and Canary Wharf, Tower Bridge, HMS Belfast and the striking Millennium Bridge. As you continue, Lambeth Bridge and the elegant Westminster complex emerge on the right bank, bringing Harry’s aerial journey to life from a very Muggle-friendly perspective.

• Thames River Sightseeing Cruise, Greenwich Pier, King William Walk, London SE10 9HT
• Open daily 10am-5pm
• Direct train connection from London Bridge to Greenwich Station or Maze Hill; one-way fare from £15.80; round trip (return) from £20.80

At London Zoo, Harry has a surprisingly chatty encounter with a Burmese tiger python – completely unaware that he’s a wizard, let alone a Parselmouth. This makes the Dursleys’ zoo outing one of the most charmingly funny scenes in Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone. In the book, Harry converses with a boa constrictor, while the black mamba normally behind the glass was temporarily relocated for filming. Afterward, the scenic Regent’s Park, bordering the zoo, offers the perfect spot for a stroll or a picnic – so don’t forget to pack a bottle of pumpkin juice for the occasion.

• London Zoo, Outer Circle Regent's Park, London NW1 4RY
• Open daily 10am-6pm, from September to March only until 4pm or 5pm
• Take the tube to Camden Town

Step into the heart of Harry Potter's London at the legendary Platform 9¾ in King's Cross Station. Here, the trolley is magically embedded in the wall, ready for you to recreate your 'running through the barrier' moment – scarf included for that perfect photo. Just next door, the shop is packed with wizarding essentials: wands, chocolate frogs, and enough magical merchandise to fill an entire Hogwarts trunk.

• Platform 9¾, King’s Cross Station, Euston Road, London N1 9AP; shop open daily
• Take the tube to King’s Cross St. Pancras

Beyond filming locations, London’s West End is sprinkled with Harry Potter magic – perfect for fans wanting to soak up the Potter vibe in style.

Leicester Square is famed for its cinemas, including the ODEON Luxe, which has hosted the world premieres of every Harry Potter film. Just a short stroll away, you’ll find a bronze statue of Harry Potter as part of London’s Scenes in the Square sculpture trail. Captured mid-flight on his Nimbus 2000 during his first Quidditch match against Slytherin, the statue brings to life an unforgettable moment from Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone.

• ODEON Luxe, 24–26 Leicester Square, London WC2H 7JY
• Harry Potter statue, 1 Leicester Square, London WC2H 7NA
• Take the tube to Leicester Square

From the Marauder’s Map and the Daily Prophet to Harry’s Ministry of Magic wanted posters and the intricate labels on Snape’s potion vials, the spellbinding artistry behind these iconic props comes from Miraphora Mina and Eduardo Lima. In their intimate Soho gallery – one of London’s hidden gems – fans can marvel at these magical creations up close and even take home limited-edition prints, each accompanied by a certificate of authenticity.

• 157 Wardour Street, Soho, London W1F 8WQ
• Open daily 11am-6:45pm
• Take the tube to Tottenham Court Road

Founded in 1893, Watkins Books is a treasure trove for the occult and spiritually curious, offering everything from tarot and oracle decks to esoteric tomes. For the truly adventurous, they even stock dried dragon’s blood powder! You can also glimpse the future on-site with palm readings, rune consultations or card readings. No Grim in sight? Perfect – take your time wandering through the nostalgic charm of Cecil Court, a 17th-century shopping lane that feels like stepping back into a magical era.

• 19–21 Cecil Court, London WC2N 4EZ
• Open daily 11am-6:30pm
• Take the tube to Leicester Square

If you want to keep the magic alive, catch Harry Potter and the Cursed Child at the Palace Theatre. This award-winning stage production continues the story in true theatrical style – another must-see in London for Harry Potter enthusiasts.

Whether you’re hunting down filming spots, diving into the studio tour or sipping butterbeer in a magical-themed café, London is a city where the wizarding world truly comes to life. So grab your cloak, sharpen your wand and prepare for an enchanting Harry Potter adventure.