I don’t know about you, but when I think of London, one of the first things that comes to mind are the Harry Potter films. If you too are a fan of the wizarding world, this pop-culture guide is for you. Here’s some of my favorite Potter-themed destinations to add to your London itinerary.
Warner Brothers Studio Tour
The Warner Brothers Studio Tour simply has to be number one on the list. To step inside the sets of the films, including the great hall, the burrow, Diagon Alley, and more, look no further.
But first, how do you get there? Included with your ticket is a shuttle from Waterford Junction to the Warner Brothers Studio … and yes, the shuttle is of course magical in itself, decorated with stills from the films. Once you’re there, there is so much to explore to immerse yourself in the wizarding world.
One of my favorite activities was the studio’s interactive quidditch experience, where you don a robe for your house of choice, and mount a Broomstick to fly through London. The experience is quite like a ride you would see at Universal, with an animated broom vehicle for you to sit on, and a green screen behind you. As you are soaring through London, you face a TV that shows you your journey through a scene from the films.
But even if you choose not to partake in the interactive experiences, there is still much to see. Perhaps the most grand of all the sets is that of Diagon Alley. With Weasley’s Wizard Wheezes, Ollivanders and more lining the cobblestone street, you truly feel as if you’ve stepped into the film.
The tour also includes a variety of props, costumes, and artifacts from the art department to guide you along a full film experience.
And don’t forget the Potter themed treats! With Butterbeer themed treats, chocolate frogs, and more, the studio’s many dining facilities offer savory bites and sweet treats suited to any adventurer.
Harry Potter and the Cursed Child – London’s West End
Time to jump to the West End for a production of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child. Currently playing at the Palace Theatre, Harry Potter and the Cursed Child continues Potter’s story nineteen years after the events of the Deathly Hallows.
The experience is unique in that the performance comes in two parts with options to see either both acts consecutively, to see acts one and two on separate days, or options to buy tickets to one act only. With a run time of about five and a half hours for the two acts combined, the production is quite an undertaking to witness but is worth it nonetheless.
King’s Cross Station
This one you probably assumed, but King’s Cross is automatically going to make it to the Harry Potter itinerary. Whether a minor fan of the films or a Potter fanatic, you’ve probably heard of the famous platform 9 and ¾ found in King’s Cross station. To experience a part of the magic, make your way to King’s Cross Station to recreate the iconic moments of catching a train to Hogwarts from the films.
During your time at the station, there are a couple of opportunities for you to channel the magic, most notably the mock platform 9 ¾. A photo op for Potter fans exists in the station right outside of the Harry Potter shop, where you can recreate the moment with the trolley and a scarf of the house of your choice. For the Instagram photo and magical memory, make sure to stop by.
While you’re there you might as well grab some Potter merch. Next to the photo op is the Harry Potter shop home to house apparel, collectibles, and décor to bring the magic of the films with you wherever you go.
Millennium Bridge
Seen in the film Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, Millennium Bridge is one of the many filming locations found in London. Located between St. Paul’s Cathedral and the Tate Modern Museum, Millennium Bridge is a beautiful stop to experience a piece of the films.
Leicester Square – Quidditch Statue
Located in London’s West End, Leicester Square is a great addition to your day in London (and maybe a great addition to your day seeing Harry Potter and the Cursed Child as well).
Leicester Square is a movie lover’s paradise, home to many a statue depicting some of the most iconic characters in film, including Paddington bear, Marry Poppins, and Daniel Radcliffe as Harry Potter.
Depicting a moment from Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone in which Harry races towards the golden snitch in his match against Slytherin, the statue was installed in 2020 to celebrate the upcoming 20th anniversary of the film.
The statue is part of a series in the square called the “Scenes in the Square” trail and is free to explore for visitors.
I hope these recommendations are helpful in navigating the magic of the wizarding world in London! If you have any questions about any of the destinations mentioned today, let me know in the travel questions form. Have any recommendations on where I should travel to next? Let me know in the recommend an adventure form.
