15/09/2021
Are you ready to see London through a wizard’s eyes? Our Harry Potter walking tour takes you behind the scenes of the world’s most famous film franchise. From the inspiration for Diagon Alley to the spot where the Knight Bus squeezed through traffic, these locations bring the magic to life.
Here are the top 9 must-see locations for every Muggle and Wizard alike.
Featured in the dramatic opening of Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, this bridge was destroyed by Death Eaters on screen. In real life, it is a stunning pedestrian suspension bridge offering one of the best views of St. Paul’s Cathedral.
Pro Tip: Look back toward the City of London for the perfect “mesmerizing” photo op.
This beautiful Victorian covered market provided the backdrop for Diagon Alley in The Philosopher’s Stone. Look for the iconic blue door—it served as the entrance to the Leaky Cauldron. Once a 19th-century hub for meat and leather, it is now a stylish destination for shopping and dining.
No tour is complete without a visit to the gateway to Hogwarts. While the actual filming took place between platforms 4 and 5, you can visit the dedicated photo spot in the main concourse. Pose with a luggage trolley disappearing into the brick wall—just don’t forget your scarf!
Right next door to King’s Cross is the more ornate St. Pancras Station. Its grand Neo-Gothic exterior was used as the “face” of King’s Cross in the films. This is also where Harry and Ron took to the skies in the magical Ford Anglia during The Chamber of Secrets.
Located in Westminster, this historic street served as the visitors’ entrance to the Ministry of Magic. While the red telephone box used by Harry and Mr. Weasley was a prop (added via CGI), the architecture remains instantly recognizable from The Order of the Phoenix.
The exterior of the Black family home and the Order of the Phoenix HQ can be found at Claremont Square in Islington. While the interior scenes were filmed in a studio, the row of houses perfectly captures the “hidden” feel of the wizarding world.
Nearest Tube: Angel Station.
The grand interior of Gringotts was filmed inside Australia House on the Strand. While the building isn’t open to the general public, you can view the impressive entrance and peek through the windows to see the glittering chandeliers that illuminated the goblin-run bank.
In The Deathly Hallows Part 1, Harry, Ron, and Hermione narrowly escape a London bus in this bustling neon-lit square. Often called the “Times Square of London,” it connects the West End’s best shopping and entertainment districts.
This is where it all began! In the first film, Harry discovers his ability to speak Parseltongue while talking to a Burmese Python. You can visit the exact enclosure and explore the rest of the Zoo’s incredible nature exhibits.
One of the most thrilling scenes in The Prisoner of Azkaban features the triple-decker Knight Bus flattening itself to fit between two London buses. This was filmed on Lambeth Bridge, which offers spectacular views of the Houses of Parliament and the London Eye.
This is a visualization of the 9 magical locations featured on the tour.
London’s filming locations are beautiful, but they are also working streets and stations! Use these expert tips to ensure your photos are genuinely wizard-worthy.
The Shot: A photo looking back toward St. Paul’s Cathedral.
Tip: Instead of taking the photo from the very center of the bridge, step slightly to the right. This aligns the spire of St. Paul’s perfectly between the bridge supports, creating a balanced and iconic London composition.
The Shot: A landscape view of the intricate Victorian wrought-iron roof.
Tip: Step back to capture the curves of the ceiling and the symmetry of the market stalls below. This market has beautiful light during the day, but also looks magical at dusk when the internal lights come on.
The Shot: You (or a friend) pushing the trolley into the brick wall.
Tip: Have a friend take the photo low to the ground looking slightly up at you. This makes the wall look more imposing and emphasizes the illusion that you are actually going through it. Wear a scarf for maximum effect!
The Shot: The grand Neo-Gothic facade.
Tip: Walk a small distance away from the station entrance and look slightly up. Capture the complexity of the spires against the sky to appreciate why it was chosen as the backdrop for the Ford Anglia taking flight.
The Shot: The entrance archway to the former Scotland Yard.
Tip: This street is rich in architecture. Use a wide-angle lens or pan your smartphone camera across the ornate facades to capture the historic atmosphere. Be mindful of vehicles, as this is a fully functional street!
The Shot: A photo of the identical terraced houses, one of which could be 12 Grimmauld Place.
Tip: Stand on the grassy hill directly opposite the middle of the square. This angle allows you to see the repetitive patterns of the doors and windows, making the location feel just as hidden and anonymous as it appears on screen.
The Shot: The entrance.
Tip: While you cannot enter, the entrance and the ornate doors themselves are very impressive. Capture the symmetry and detail from outside. You might catch a glimpse of the interior chandeliers!
The Shot: The iconic neon screens and busy traffic.
Tip: Piccadilly Circus is about movement! Use a short burst of photos or the “Live” feature on your phone to capture the dynamic action. Try to capture a London red bus or a black cab passing the screens to maximize the iconic “London” feel of this magical moment.
The Shot: The exact snake enclosure.
Tip: Look for the plaque that identifies the filming location inside the Reptile House. When photographing the snakes, turn off your flash and get close to the glass (but don’t touch!) to minimize reflections and capture the incredible textures of the animals within. Be patient; sometimes the snake moves to a better pose!
Don’t just read about the magic – experience it! Our guided tours take you to these iconic spots while passing London landmarks like the Tate Modern and St. Paul’s Cathedral. Book your Harry Potter Walk today for a great day out in London,
