Best Things to do in London if You Love Harry Potter

Last updated on July 20th, 2023 at 05:25 pm

It’s no secret that Harry Potter is a massive cultural phenomenon. And, it’s also not a secret that many Potter fans travel to England, Scotland, and Portugal in search of the places and things that inspired JK Rowling as she conceptualized her best-selling book series. All around London, you will find places that have inspired both JK Rowling and the Harry Potter movie producers. So, in honor of Halloween, and all things spooky and magical, I have decided to dedicate this special post to all the places around London where you can experience the enchanted world of Harry Potter.

***Disclaimer: Be sure to check all entry restrictions for England as well as those for any activity you wish to participate in before booking any part of your journey!

Tour the Warner Bros Harry Potter Studio in London

Props From the Warner Bros Harry Potter Studio

This is probably THE most important and exciting Harry Potter attraction in all of London. Located just outside of the city in Watford, it is well worth the extra effort to get there.

We absolutely LOVED our opportunity explore the magical world of Harry Potter. From seeing movie props and costumes, to walking through the Forbidden Forest and Gringot’s Bank, to learning how they accomplished various special effects, to the detailed methods they used to create the fantastical creatures, we were more than impressed at every turn. An incredible amount of thought, detail, and effort, went into creating these cinematic masterpieces.

***Pro Tip: One of the best parts of the experience was getting an Audio Guide. It gave me the opportunity to hear from the cast and crew about their experiences working on the films and I personally appreciated the additional insights.

Information For Visiting Warner Bros Studios Harry Potter Tour London

Overall, I recommend at least 3 hours (not including travel time) for your visit to the Warner Bros. Harry Potter Studios.

***Please note that your Harry Potter Studio London Tickets MUST be purchased online in advance. You can do this on the official website, or you can book your visit through various tour companies.

The easiest way to get to the Warner Bros. Harry Potter Studios is by taking the West Midlands Train from Euston Station to Watford Junction Railway Station. Before purchasing your train tickets, please note that Watford Junction Station is located in Zone 9. Therefore, if you have an Oyster card, please note that it will be valid for the whole journey.

Just outside of the Watford Junction Railway Station is a bus stop dedicated to the Harry Potter London Studios. The 15 minute ride to the studio lot and back is included in the ticket price. All you have to do is present your pre-purchased tickets to the driver.

Get Your Photo Taken at Platform 9 3/4 in London

As any Harry Potter fan knows, Kings Cross Station is a crucial location in the wizarding world. This unsuspecting train station is where the secret portal to the Hogwarts train platform 9 3/4 can be found. 😉

At King’s Cross Station, you have the perfect opportunity for a picture of yourself pushing a trolley through the wall and into the magical world. Please note that there will most likely be a line of people waiting, though it usually moves quite quickly. Additionally, there is a Harry Potter store filled with all kinds of goodies any Potterhead will enjoy perusing (even if they are a bit pricey and you’re not interesting in purchasing anything).

Information For Visiting Kings Cross Station in London

If you are planning to use the underground, the closest tube station is King’s Cross St. Pancras.

If you are planning to arrive by bus, numbers 10, 17, 30, 45, 46, 59, 63, 73, 91, 205, 214, 259, 390 and 476 all make stops at or near Kings Cross.

Visit Leadenhall Market

Located on what once was the center of the original Roman city, Leadenhall Market is a hidden gem. The market itself is one of the oldest in London, dating back to the mid 1400s.

Leadenhall Market has been featured in a number of films, including Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone. In the movie, it was used as the entrance to the Leaky Cauldron and therefore Diagon Alley, where young witches and wizards are able to buy everything they need for school!

Information for Visiting Leadenhall Market in London

If you are planning to use the underground, the closest tube station is Monument.

If you are planning to arrive by bus, numbers 25, 35, 40, 47 and 48 all make stops at or near Leadenhall Market.

Walk Across the London Millennium Footbridge

The Millennium Bridge has an interesting history. It was the first bridge to be built across the River Thames in Central London since the Tower Bridge opened just over a century earlier. Initially, the pedestrian-only bridge was opened in June 2000. However, when visitors noticed it swaying wildly on opening day, Millennium Bridge was bestowed the nickname “Wobbly Bridge”. It was quickly closed down again for approximately two more years while updates and modifications were made.

Not only famous in London, it was also used in the 6th Harry Potter Movie: The Half Blood Prince. In the opening scenes, the bridge (known in the Potter World as Brockdale Bridge) is destroyed by Death Eater attacks after Cornelius Fudge refuses to step down as Minister of Magic.

Information For Visiting the Millennium Footbridge in London

Visiting the Millennium Bridge is 100% FREE! And, it’s conveniently located near a number of other London attractions such as: St. Paul’s Cathedral, The Globe Theater, and Tate Modern.

If you are planning to use the underground, the closest tube stations are Black Friars, Southwark, St. Paul’s, and Cannon Street. If you are planning to arrive by bus, numbers 4, 11, 15, 23, 25, 26, 45, 63, 100, 242, 381 and 344 all make stops near Millennium Bridge.

See The Cursed Child Play in London

After the final book of the Harry Potter series, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, it seemed that an end had come to the beloved stories that a generation had grown up with. But then, in 2016, fans were given the gift of a new story: Harry Potter and the Cursed Child. A play which features the struggles of the youngest son of the wizarding world’s most famous wizard. The play has received immense critical acclaim as well as a number of awards. This includes nominations for 11 and receipt of 9 Laurence Oliver Awards in 2017. Additionally, the Broadway performance received 6 Tony Awards including Best Play in 2018.

Sadly, it is not actually something we had time for on our trip, but have heard great things about it from others who have seen it. We hope to return to London some day to see the full production for ourselves!

Information For Visiting The Cursed Child Play in London

The play is performed in two parts with an approximately 2 hr 30 minute break for food in between. Each part lasts approximately 2 hrs 40 mins and contains a 20 minute intermission.

This is quite a big commitment of time, especially if you’re only in London for a quick visit. If you are short on time or looking to save some money, you can choose tickets for just part 1 or part 2. Alternatively, you have the option to see part 1 on one day and part 2 on another day.

If you would like to purchase tickets to see Harry Potter and the Cursed Child in London, please visit the official Harry Potter Play website.

Potion Class Style Drinks at The Alchemist

Fancy Drinks with Dry Ice at The Alchemist in London

Mat Hatter Tea at The Alchemist Bar in London

Bartender Preparing Drinks at The Alchemist Bar in London

This may not be an official Harry Potter site in London. But, I think Snape, the potion’s master, would approve both of the quality and deliciousness of the potion-like drinks at The Alchemist. To learn more about this and other food/drink options around London, check out my post: Unique Restaurants For Food and Drinks in London

See the Harry Potter Statue in London’s Leicester Square

Harry Potter is not the only familiar face you will find at Leicester’s Scenes in the Square! Stroll along the interactive statue trail and take as many pictures as you want with your favorite movie characters.

Plus, there is plenty to do in the surrounding area. Visit the world’s largest LEGO® store, enjoy food and drink, or check out upcoming events.

In Conclusion

I hope you enjoy exploring all the amazing Harry Potter sites around London! I’d love to hear about your favorite Potter sites in the comments below. Also, don’t forget to check out my other London posts in order to make the most out of your visit to this incredible city!

Happy Travels,
<3 Christine