If you’re visiting London, you must see all the iconic sights: Big Ben, the Tower of London, and those classic red phone booths. 

 

But as any Harry Potter fan knows, this city can also take you on a magical journey through the wizarding world! For fans of the beloved series and films, London is more than just a city – it’s a portal to the enchanting world of Hogwarts. 

Here’s your ultimate guide to finding Harry Potter in London, including filming locations, great photo ops, behind-the-scenes secrets, and immersive experiences. 

 

Filming Locations Used in the Harry Potter Films in London

Though lots of Harry Potter was filmed in studios, some of the most iconic scenes were filmed right here in the streets of London. 

 

Here are all the places used in the Potter films you can visit today! 

Leadenhall Market: Where it All Began

Ornate Victorian Leadenhall Market is where Harry first walks the streets of London with Hagrid. It’s where his journey into magic began! 

 

The black door to The Leaky Cauldron is still there today on Bull’s Head Passage, but you’ll also recognize the charming Victorian interior of the market from the films. 

 

Even if you’re not a Potter fan, this lovely market is worth a visit to get a little London ambiance. It’s a classic London tourist location. 

 

Platform 9¾ at King’s Cross Station: A Portal to Hogwarts

As any wizard knows, you can’t journey to Hogwarts without Platform 9¾ at King’s Cross Station! 

 

Enter King’s Cross Station (not St Pancras – these two are often confused), and you’ll find an area against the wall blocked by barriers. Make your way through the crowds, and you’ll see Harry’s iconic luggage trolley stuck halfway into the wall. Join the queue to pose for a photo op! 

 

If you need your house colors on, don’t forget to visit the nearby Harry Potter shop in the station. 

 

The movies were filmed at platforms 4 & 5 at King’s Cross Station, which you can only see if you go through the barriers with a ticket. 

 

St. Pancras Station: Iconic Exteriors 

Do you see that ornate, massive brick building next to King’s Cross? That’s St. Pancras Station at the bottom and the St. Pancras Renaissance Hotel at the top. When Harry flies to Hogwarts in the Weasley’s car, you’ll see them flying up and over the station. 

 

Insider secret: The hotel is where Taylor Swift and Zayn filmed the I Don’t Wanna Live Forever music video, but you’ll have to book a room to see inside! 

 

London Zoo: Reptile Ruckus 

The reptile house at London Zoo is where Harry notoriously talked to a snake and helped him escape his enclosure. It was actually filmed on location right here inside the London Zoo. 

 

Tickets are pricey for this (honestly mediocre) zoo, so unless you make it a day out with the kids, it’s not worth it just to see the reptile house. 

 

Lambeth Bridge: The Night Bus 

In The Prisoner of Azkaban film, Harry catches the night bus on Lambeth Bridge and takes a magical ride. 

 

It still looks the same today, and it’s fun to take an iconic red bus across the bridge to see the sights. Though your bus (hopefully) won’t magically squeeze between traffic! 

 

Westminster Station: Magic and Muggles

Harry uses magic in front of muggles when he travels through a crowded tube station with the Weasleys. Though he doesn’t get caught by Scotland Yard, he does get caught by the Ministry of Magic and has to face a tribunal for using magic in front of muggles. 

 

You’ll recognize the whole of the interior of this station from the Order of the Phoenix, and you can cross through the exact barrier Harry and the Weasleys passed through.  

 

Scotland Yard: Ministry of Magic 

Between Great Scotland Yard and Scotland Place in Westminster, you’ll spy the entrance to the Ministry of Magic.  

 

The iconic red phone booth they used to enter was sadly only for the film and it doesn’t exist there today, but you can still pose for a photo outside the ‘Ministry of Magic’.

 

Canada House: Gringotts Bank 

Head to Trafalgar Square, and you’ll see the grand columns of Canada House. The interiors were used for filming scenes inside Gringotts Bank, and the marble and magnificent tiled floors are memorable from the film. 

 

Tours are only available occasionally; dedicated Potter fans will want to book well in advance.  

 

Brydges Place: Inspiration for Diagon Alley? 

Rumor has it that the second narrowest street in London – Brydges Place – served as part of JK Rowling’s inspiration for Diagon Alley. 

 

The pub on the corner of the alley – today called The Marquis – looks suspiciously like The Leaky Cauldron, with a back entrance on the alley, just like in the film. 

 

Was it the inspiration? Or just a coincidence? Either way, it’s a lovely little street and a lovely little pub. 

 

Death Eaters in Piccadilly Circus

 

In The Deathly Hallows, Harry, Ron, and Hermoine are attacked by death eaters during Fleur Delacour’s wedding. You’ll recognize the bright signage and crowds of tourists of Piccadilly Circus depicted in the film. 

 

This Central London area is also where Hermoine walks and recounts memories of her parents; many shots were filmed right here. 

House of MinaLima: Iconic Posters

Graphic design shop House of MinaLima was the team that designed all of the iconic signage and posters used in the film, and you’ll recognize their work straight away. 

 

See iconic props from the film and pick up one of your own prints. This is a great, unique souvenir from your London travels that can stay on your walls forever. 

 

Spiral Staircase and Crystal Balls at St. Paul’s Cathedral 

Hermoine’s divination class takes a turn in the Prisoner of Azkaban when her crystal ball rolls down a grand spiral staircase. You can see that massive staircase today inside St. Paul’s Cathedral. 

 

The Cathedral is open daily, but there is a hefty entrance fee. If it’s your first visit to London, St. Paul’s is a must-see, and it is one of the city’s most iconic and stunning sights. 

 

Millennium Bridge: Still Standing!  

Us Londoners call it ‘wobbles,’ and crossing this bridge is not for you if you’re scared of any type of height. It truly does wobble in high winds. 

 

Harry Potter fans will recognize it as the bridge the death eaters destroyed in the Half-Blood Prince film. Luckily, that was just CGI, and you can cross this epic footbridge today. It offers lovely views of the city.  

 

Borough Market: The Leaky Cauldron 

Some scenes in the Leaky Cauldron were shot right here at gourmet food hall Borough Market, as well as some exterior shots of Diagon Alley. 

 

When Harry rooms upstairs at the pub before the start of term, you can see the exterior of his flat above, near the rail tracks. 

 

Sirius Black’s House: Claremont Square

You’ll see lovely Claremont Square in the leafy borough of Islington in North London. It’s here that Sirius Black lived, and Harry inherited the property later on in the series. In the movie, it’s called Grimmauld Place. 

 

This is a private garden square for the surrounding homes, so no trespassing! You can see the exterior of Sirius Black’s home and pose in front; just be respectful of people’s homes. 

 

Harry Potter Experiences in London

Want a more immersive Potter experience? Book one of these incredible experiences during your trip to London.  
You can also choose to do the tour yourself or book a walking tour and quickly get to the right spots.

The Warner Bros. Studio Tour: A Behind-the-Scenes Experience

For those seeking a more immersive magic experience, the Warner Bros. Studio Tour is a must-visit destination. This is the best spot to visit for kids especially.

 

Located an hour outside London, this tour takes you behind the scenes of the Harry Potter film series, offering a glimpse into the intricate details that brought J.K. Rowling’s world to life on screen.  Plus it makes the perfect day trip from London.

 

Explore the Great Hall, Diagon Alley, and the Forbidden Forest, among other iconic locations. Get up close to the original costumes, props, and sets that made the magic come alive. It’s a journey that allows you to step into the shoes of the filmmakers and discover the secrets of the wizarding world.

 

Book early to avoid disappointment; this tour regularly sells out months in advance. Tickets are available directly and with tour companies that also provide transport. 

 

The Harry Potter and the Cursed Child Play: A Theatrical Spectacle

For fans seeking a different kind of magic, the West End production of “Harry Potter and the Cursed Child” is a theatrical masterpiece. 

 

The play continues the beloved characters’ story as they navigate new and familiar challenges. Witness stunning visual effects, intricate storytelling, and captivating performances that will transport you back to the wizarding world.

 

Be warned, the play is LONG: over 5 hours in total. It’s broken down into Part 1 and Part 2. 

 

You can book both parts on the same day, with a 2-hour break in between to get food and stretch your legs. Or alternatively, you can book Part 1 on one day and Part 2 on a different day. 

 

If you have children who can’t sit still for 5 hours, I’d book on different days. I would not recommend this play for children under 8 (though every child is different) as some of the effects (death eaters, especially) can be quite scary. 

Have Afternoon Tea (Harry Potter Style)

Several locations around London host Harry Potter teas that feature many of the delicious treats from the book. Some of these tea rooms are decorated to look just like Hogwarts while others are more simply decorated.

It’s a great way to fill up in the afternoon on your quest to find Harry Potter in London.

 

Finding Harry Potter in London: Final Tips 

Harry Potter is everywhere in London: you don’t have to look very hard to find the experiences and locations used in the film. You can also find Potter merch everywhere you go, as London is absolutely chock full of Potter paraphernalia even after all these years. 

 

Use this guide while you’re out and about, and you’ll be sure to find places you recognize from these iconic stories. Find your own London magic and happy Pottering! 

 

Want to find out more to do in London? Check out these posts.

Day trips from London

Christmas in London

Beautiful small towns in the UK

 

Author Bio

Jen Miller, London in Real Life

Jen is an American writer and blogger living in London. When she’s not wrangling her 3 children, she loves helping visitors to London make the most of their trips. From planning to budgeting to sightseeing, London in Real Life is your practical guide to London.