If you’ve got a Harry Potter fan in the house, a trip to London is the perfect excuse to follow in the footsteps of Harry, Ron and Hermione. Whether you’re planning a full day at the Warner Bros. Studio Tour or just want to spot a few famous filming locations while you’re in the city, these are the must-see Harry Potter places in London to add to your itinerary.
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#1. Warner Bros. Studio Tour London – The Making of Harry Potter
For the ultimate wizarding experience, head to Warner Bros. Studio Tour London, near Watford in southwest Hertfordshire. This is where the magic really comes to life, and where you can:
- Walk through the studios where all eight Harry Potter films were made
- Stroll down Diagon Alley
- Try a glass of butterbeer
- Step inside the Great Hall at Hogwarts
- Pick out your own wand to take home
Look out for seasonal exhibitions too, as these change throughout the year, so it’s worth checking what’s on before your visit.
Travel tip: from central London, take a train to Watford Junction, where a shuttle bus runs to the Studio Tour. If you’re travelling by car, book your parking in advance.
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#2. Platform 9¾, King’s Cross Station
Probably the most famous Harry Potter spot in London, Platform 9¾ at King’s Cross Station is where Hogwarts students board the train to school each term, running straight through the wall between Platforms 9 and 10.
At the real King’s Cross, you’ll find a Platform 9¾ sign on the station concourse, complete with a luggage trolley disappearing into the wall — perfect for that classic photo. There’s a Harry Potter shop right next door too.
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#3. St. Pancras Station
Right next door to King’s Cross is St. Pancras Station, a striking Victorian neo-gothic building often described as one of the most elegant railway stations in the world. You’ll recognise its exterior from the scene in Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets where the Weasleys’ flying Ford Anglia takes off.
#4. Reptile House, London Zoo
Next, visit the Reptile House at London Zoo, where the famous scene in Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone was filmed — the moment we discover Harry can speak Parseltongue. In the film, it’s a Burmese python that talks to Harry, but the real enclosure used for filming is actually home to the zoo’s black mamba!
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#5. Millennium Bridge
Take a walk across the Millennium Bridge, the pedestrian crossing over the River Thames linking Bankside to the City of London. In the dramatic opening scenes of Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, this bridge is destroyed by Fenrir Greyback and a group of Death Eaters.
#6. Leadenhall Market
Dating back to the 14th century, Leadenhall Market was used for the exterior shots of the Leaky Cauldron in Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, the entrance to the wizarding world’s Diagon Alley. It’s a beautiful spot to wander around even if you’re not on the Harry Potter trail.
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#7. Piccadilly Circus
Follow in the footsteps of Harry, Ron and Hermione at Piccadilly Circus, which appears in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 1 when the trio flee Bill and Fleur’s wedding after learning the Death Eaters are closing in.
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#8. Australia House
Located on the Strand, Australia House was used to film scenes inside Gringotts Wizarding Bank in Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone. It’s home to the Australian High Commission, so it isn’t open to the public, but you can still admire the striking exterior from outside.
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#9. Claremont Square
In Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, the row of townhouses on Claremont Square in Islington stood in as the exterior of Sirius Black’s family home, 12 Grimmauld Place, headquarters of the Order of the Phoenix.
#10. Surbiton Railway Station
Head out to the London suburbs to Surbiton Railway Station, the setting in Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince where Harry reads about the attack on the Millennium Bridge in the station café. It’s also where Dumbledore later collects Harry.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Do you need to book the Warner Bros. Studio Tour in advance?
Yes, the Studio Tour is a hugely popular attraction and tickets need to be booked ahead of your visit rather than bought on the day.
Can you visit Platform 9¾ for free?
Yes, the Platform 9¾ photo spot at King’s Cross Station is free to visit and open to the public during station hours.
Are all these Harry Potter locations suitable for younger children?
Most of these spots are simply landmarks and photo opportunities, making them easy to enjoy with children of any age. The Studio Tour involves a fair amount of walking, so it’s worth pacing the visit for younger children.
How long does it take to see all 10 locations?
Because the locations are spread across London and out to Hertfordshire, most families pick a handful to combine in a day rather than trying to see all 10 in one trip.
More Family Days Out Ideas
- 30+ Mysterious and Magical Harry Potter Places to Visit
- It’s a Hogwarts Feast! 30+ Amazing Harry Potter Food Ideas
- 150 Unforgettable Things to Do in London With Kids
- 40 Thrilling Things to Do in London with Teens and Older Kids
Fancy more days-out inspiration like this? Browse our full collection of family adventure ideas for plenty more places to explore together.
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