Calling all Harry Potter fans who are travelling to London! You don’t want to miss these majorly magical hotspots on your visit to the capital city.
There are so many amazing Harry Potter locations to visit around the United Kingdom. I’ve visited quite a few already in Scotland. And even stayed at a real-life Hagrid’s Hut too!
But there are so many to continue exploring and visiting, especially in London!
I’ve rounded up my favourite spots that you absolutely need to visit, from actual filming locations through to places that are set to have inspired the series and films themselves…
Six magical Harry Potter locations in London ⤵️
The Reptile House, London Zoo
“Brazil, here I come…” 🐍
The first time Harry speaks to a snake is when he runs into the Brazilian Boa Constrictor at the London Zoo.
In addition to the shots of Harry speaking Parseltongue, they also show a quick shot outside the building right here with school children running by. Pretty wicked!
I’ve been wanting to visit the London Zoo for ages and you know when you keep meaning to do something and then all of a sudden, you find the time to go and it’s like…
Well I should have just done that so long ago? That feeling.
Not only is seeing the Reptile House super cool, the London Zoo is actually incredible. Have a great time!
You can find tickets to the London Zoo here.
Leaden Hall Market, Diagon Alley
Did you know that within Leadenhall Market there’s actually the entrance to Diagon Alley featured in Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone?
In the first film of the series, we see Harry and Hagrid walking through the market and the Leaky Cauldron entrance is just off one of these alleyways.
It’s actually a Migraine Clinic now… or at least, that’s what it looks like to muggles anyways.
WB Studio Tour
The Warner Bros Studios are an absolute must for major Harry Potter fans.
As the film set for over 10 years that the series was filmed and produced, the lot is now home to visitors all over the world who want a peek at the magic within.
I promise you, it’s worth the ticket price. I’ve been three times already and will of course return again someday too.
Favourite major parts include Diagon Alley, The Great Hall and honestly, everything in between! Seeing Dumbledore’s Office is also cool… OK fine, it’s all incredible, you’ll love it.
You can get your tickets here.
Platform 9 ¾, King’s Cross
Of course you have to visit the iconic entryway of the student’s entrance to the Wizarding World, Platform 9 ¾!
Located at King’s Cross station there is actually a Harry Potter shop and a trolley in the wall that you can take photos with.
If you go during peak hours there is definitely a queue so I’ve never been able to get the iconic shot.
And on September 1st each year, they have celebrations in the station to count down to 11am when The Hogwarts Express is scheduled to set off on its journey.
There is no actual train leaving the station then, but it’s fun to see Hogwarts on the platform boards anyways. Though if you ARE looking for the real-life magical train journey, I know exactly where you need to go!
PS. this photo is actually from the WB Studio Tour as I have yet to get to King’s Cross when it’s not crowded!
Hotels to stay at in London
Goodwin’s Court, Covent Garden
“People are easiest to read when they’re hurting.” – Queen Goldstein 🔮💘💁♀️
Yes this is 100% my take on a Queenie Goldstein vibe. However, Goodwin’s Court in Covent Garden actually screams Knockturn Alley to me.
While this wasn’t used for any filming location, I certainly feel like it holds some inspiration for the series here. What do you think?
More cool things to do in London:
Harry Potter Photographic Exhibition, Covent Garden
Swish and flick! ✨💫🍷
I’d love to say “if only it was this easy” but we all know Joe went up to the bar and got me this so I mean, it *kind of* works just like magic. We finally got to explore the Harry Potter Photographic Exhibition.
It includes exclusive images that were never seen before and props from the films like the Ford Anglia car.
There were sixteen of the cars total during the course of filming, isn’t that wild?! I truly feel like their vault of Harry Potter gems that they keep coming out with is as endless as Harry’s Gringott’s Bank account and I LOVE IT.
You can also visit the Butterbeer Bar at the end of the tour. I’d recommend you know, actually getting the Butterbeer but what can I say, my wand knows to find me wine.
Have you been to any of these Harry Potter locations before? Make sure to add them to your travel plans!
Kelly xoxo
