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7 of The best Harry Potter experiences in London

Discover the best places to explore and go on fabulous Harry Potter excursions, in London.  Follow in the magical footsteps of Harry, Ron and Hermione with fabulous tours and adventures.  

The book or the movie? That my dear is no longer the question.

The question is:  Are you going to miss out on the best Harry Potter experience in the world?

Warner Bros. Studio Tour in London - the ultimate harry potter experience

Visiting the Warner Bros. Studio isn’t just an ordinary trip – it’s a journey into the magical world of Harry Potter. Imagine stepping into the very places where the iconic films were brought to life.

The behind-the-scenes tour, aptly named “The Making of Harry Potter,” offers an enchanting glimpse into the intricate process of creating cinematic magic.

Located in Leavesden, just outside central London near Watford, this extraordinary behind-the-scenes attraction takes you into the authentic sets, costumes, and props used throughout the Harry Potter film series.

Prepare to be spellbound as you explore renowned film locations like the majestic Great Hall, the mysterious Forbidden Forest, the bustling Diagon Alley, and the revered Dumbledore’s office. Each stop unveils a piece of the wizarding world, meticulously recreated with astonishing attention to detail.

For fans of the series, this experience is nothing short of extraordinary. It’s a chance to immerse yourself in the same spaces where beloved characters roamed and legendary scenes unfolded. Whether you’re a die-hard Potterhead or simply appreciate the art of filmmaking, this tour is a must-see.

  • Getting there: Take a train from London Euston to Watford Junction (about 20 minutes), then catch the dedicated shuttle bus to the studio (around 15 minutes).
  • Allow at least 4 hours. Many fans spend 5–7 hours exploring.

Travel Tip: Tickets often sell out months ahead, especially during school holidays and Christmas. Book as early as possible. If the official tickets are unavailable, reputable tour companies often offer packages that include studio admission and convenient return coach transport from central London.

What to expect / Good to know

  • Butterbeer: You can try the famous Butterbeer during your visit (it’s non-alcoholic).
  • Interactive experiences: Ride a broomstick, step inside Hagrid’s hut, enter Gringotts Wizarding Bank, and learn how many of the magical effects were created.
  • Seasonal events: The studio transforms throughout the year with events like Dark Arts (Halloween), Hogwarts in the Snow (Christmas), and special anniversary exhibitions.
  • Accessibility: The attraction is fully wheelchair accessible, and most exhibits are suitable for all ages.
  • Photography: Photos are allowed throughout most of the studio, making it one of the best places to capture Harry Potter memories.

The Best Harry Potter Instagram spot

You can’t miss the chance to step onto the legendary Hogwarts Express. Climb aboard the train’s carriage, meticulously recreated to bring to life some of the most iconic scenes from the films. Experience the magic of the railway station with stunning special effects that transport you straight into the wizarding world.

What trip to the station would be complete without a visit to Platform 9 ¾? It’s not just a photo op; it’s an essential part of the Harry Potter pilgrimage. Take your best selfie or snap the perfect Instagram shot as you push the luggage trolley through the wall, half-embedded to signify the entrance to this enchanting platform. It’s a picture-perfect moment you won’t want to miss, capturing the essence of the Harry Potter experience in a single frame.

Hogwarts Platform from the Harry Potter movie
Hogwarts Express Harry Potter

Where to find Platform 9¾ 

Platform 9¾ is one of London’s most popular Harry Potter attractions. You’ll find it inside the main concourse of King’s Cross railway station, close to the Harry Potter Shop.

The famous luggage trolley appears to disappear through the brick wall, giving visitors the perfect photo opportunity. A staff member is usually on hand to help with photos, and you can even borrow a Hogwarts house scarf for your picture.

How to find it:

  • Take the London Underground or a train to King’s Cross St Pancras Station.
  • Follow the clearly marked “Platform 9¾” signs inside King’s Cross Station.
  • The attraction is located beside the official Harry Potter Shop.
  • Allow 20–45 minutes. The wait depends on the season and time of day.
  • Best time to visit: Early morning on weekdays usually has the shortest queues.

Good to know: Platform 9¾ is free to visit. You only pay if you choose to buy the professional photos or souvenirs from the adjacent Harry Potter Shop. Arriving early in the morning usually means a shorter wait for your photo.

Do some Harry Potter shopping...

The Harry Potter Shop (‘Ollivander’s wand shop’) at Platform 9¾ Kings Cross Station, London N1 9AP, United Kingdom – If you want to by a souvenir, this is the place to go. (Although be prepared that the prices might be a bit high – after all it is a Harry Potter shop where you can buy all the Hogwarts, Gryffindor, Slytherin, Ravenclaw and Hufflepuff merchandise ..)  Need I say more?

Leadenhall Market London Harry Potter

Leadenhall Market features Harry Potter’s Diagon Alley and the opticians in Bull’s Head Passage was the entrance to The Leaky Cauldron.

Leadenhall Market the covered market located on Gracechurch Street in London, is something you will enjoy.  It is beautiful and simply spectacular all at once.

It is also the perfect place to have lunch after a busy day of sight-seeing.

Books and Souvenirs

The House of MinaLima – Located in the heart of Soho:

A magical gallery and shop featuring the graphic design created for the Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts films. Free to browse and packed with props, prints, and books.

Location – 157 Wardour Street, London

 

It’s within easy walking distance of some of London’s busiest areas:

  • 5 minutes from Piccadilly Circus
  • 5 minutes from Leicester Square
  • 10 minutes from Covent Garden
  • 15–20 minutes from Trafalgar Square

Why Harry Potter fans love it

House of MinaLima is owned by graphic designers Miraphora Mina and Eduardo Lima, the creative duo behind the graphic artwork seen throughout the Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts films.

Inside, you’ll discover:

  • Original Harry Potter graphic artwork
  • Hogwarts acceptance letters
  • The Marauder’s Map designs
  • Daily Prophet newspapers
  • Wizarding textbooks
  • Posters, postcards, and magical prints
  • Beautiful books and exclusive souvenirs

The building itself is part gallery, part shop, spread over several floors, making it easy to spend 30–60 minutes browsing.

Good to know: Entry is free, so it’s an excellent stop for Harry Potter fans who want another magical experience in central London without buying a ticket. It’s also much quieter than Platform 9¾, giving you plenty of time to admire the incredible artwork.

For “Harry Potter Things to Do in London,” I’d rank the must-do experiences like this:

  1. Warner Bros. Studio Tour ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
  2. Platform 9¾ at King’s Cross ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
  3. House of MinaLima ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
  4. Leadenhall Market ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
  5. Harry Potter filming locations walking tour ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆

stay in a Harry Potter-themed hotel

Overnight in Harry Potter Style

If you’ve ever wondered what it would be like to spend a night at Hogwarts, the Georgian House Hotel comes surprisingly close. Hidden behind a secret bookcase, the Wizard Chambers feature stone-effect walls, stained-glass windows, velvet-draped four-poster beds, trunks, cauldrons, and flickering candlelight. Complete the experience with a Wizard Afternoon Tea or a fun potion-making session. While it’s not an official Harry Potter attraction, it captures the magical atmosphere beautifully and is a memorable place to stay in London.

The Georgian House

Rooms with stained glass windows, stone walls, castle-like archways and cauldrons.  A wizard experience awaits you:  Enjoy an afternoon tea filled with mystery and magic.

Book a Wizard Chamber or a romantic Enchanted Chamber for a unique accommodation option.  (And for those family members “not so in love with wizard-stuff”, the hotel also offer beautiful light and airy rooms.)

WHY WE RECOMMEND:  If you’ve ever wondered what it would be like to spend a night at Hogwarts, the Georgian House Hotel comes surprisingly close. Hidden behind a secret bookcase, the Wizard Chambers feature stone-effect walls, stained-glass windows, velvet-draped four-poster beds, trunks, cauldrons, and flickering candlelight.

Complete the experience with a Wizard Afternoon Tea or a fun potion-making session.

While it’s not an official Harry Potter attraction, it captures the magical atmosphere beautifully and is a memorable place to stay in London.

Enjoy an afternoon Wizard Tea

To book your wizard afternoon tea:

Contact pimlicopantry@georgianhousehotel.co.uk to reserve your magical experience.

The exterior of King’s Cross Station in the movie

DID YOU KNOW:  St Pancras Renaissance Hotel appears in Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets as the exterior of King’s Cross Station.

In the film, Harry and Ron steal Mr. Weasley’s flying Ford Anglia after they are unable to pass through the barrier at Platform 9¾. The dramatic Gothic façade you see behind them is actually the St Pancras Renaissance Hotel, which stands directly next to the real King’s Cross railway station.

Although the famous Platform 9¾ photo spot is inside King’s Cross Station today, the spectacular red-brick Victorian building seen in the movie is St Pancras Renaissance Hotel, not King’s Cross itself. Many visitors photograph the hotel because it’s one of the most recognisable Harry Potter filming locations in London.

If you’re already visiting Platform 9¾, simply walk outside and look across the road—you’ll have a perfect view of the hotel that featured in the film. It’s an easy addition that takes just a few minutes.

Visiting London on your own?  Read more:   Best Things To Do When You Are Alone in London