
Are you a fan of Harry Potter? Or maybe you know someone who loves the series?
London is a special place for fans like us. It has many Harry Potter spots to explore. Don’t miss out on seeing them when you’re in the city!
The old streets, ancient buildings, and secret alleys of the city have been key in making the magical world of Harry Potter come alive in the movies.
As a fan myself, the first time I visited London, I went on a guided walking tour. It was a thrill to recognize some locations from the films and books, places where Harry, Hermione, and Ron had their adventures.

However, I quickly realized there were many more places that I couldn’t identify on my own. This realization inspired me to write this guide to help fellow fans find these spots easily and explore them independently.
I’m excited to share these discoveries with you, ready for you to explore on your own with ease!
Where to Find the Magic: Harry Potter Filming Locations in London
It’s been over 25 years since the release of “Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone,” and the fascination with the series remains strong.
This guide is your passport to discovering the magic of Harry Potter in London featuring 15 must-visit locations that every Potterhead should know.
For easy navigation, this guide is organized by sections (locations near Embankment, West End, City of London, North London) so that locations near each other are grouped together.
1. Warner Bros Studio – The Making Of Harry Potter
Our first stop is to where the magic of the books came to life—The Warner Bros Studio – The Making of Harry Potter in Leavesden. Though not located within London itself, Leavesden is just a short journey from the city. It can easily be accessed by public transport and well worth the journey for Harry Potter fans.

You’ll walk through the Great Hall, its tables set for a grand feast, or wander down Diagon Alley and looking into the shop windows. It is making it a must-visit destination for any Harry Potter fan.
During my first trip to London, I didn’t get the chance to visit the Warner Bros Harry Potter studio since I got there a week earlier than my cousin. I held off on making plans, hoping that our schedules would match. Unfortunately, by the time we attempted to book our tickets there were no availability.
So, a piece of advice from me? Make sure to book your tickets early!
🧹 No broomstick? No problem! Book your Harry Potter tickets with round-trip transport from London here today!
Harry Potter Locations near Embankment
2. Great Scotland Yard as Ministry of Magic
📍Great Scotland Yard was magically transformed into the Ministry of Magic entrance in the Harry Potter series. This where the wizarding world blends with everyday Muggle life. It was featured in Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince and Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1.
🎬 Movie: Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince; Deathly Hallows Part 1
🎥 Scene: In Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, Harry and Mr. Weasley uses a phone box located at the junction of Scotland Place and Great Scotland Yard to descend into the Ministry of Magic.

In a scene from Deathly Hallows Part 1, concealed by Harry’s invisibility cloak, the trio stuns Ministry workers to infiltrate the Ministry of Magic. They cleverly use Polyjuice Potion to assume the workers’ identities as part of their disguise.
🏢 Scotland Place, Great Scotland Yard, London
🚇 Embankment, 4 min walk

☎️ Despite its significance in the films, visitors should note that the phone box used by Harry and Mr. Weasley was a prop and is not present at the location. The prop was removed after filming.
3. Westminster Tube
📍Westminster Tube Station makes an appearance in Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix. Mr. Weasley and Harry navigate the complexities of the Muggle world on their way to the Ministry of Magic. This scene charmingly highlights Mr. Weasley’s fascination with Muggle innovations.

🎬 Movie: Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix
🎥 Scene: During a scene in Harry Potter and The Order of the Phoenix, Mr. Weasley (Ron’s dad) and Harry use the Westminster Tube Station to reach the Ministry of Magic. Mr. Weasley’s wonder at the Muggle transportation system is evident when he remarks, ‘Train’s underground, genius, these muggles’.

🏢 Westminster, London
🚇 Westminster Station
🎥✨ Ready to explore the magic of Harry Potter on your own? Download the Harry Potter Movie Location Tour App here to start your wizaring journey!📱🧙♂️
4. Lambeth Bridge
📍Lambeth Bridge was shown in Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban movie. The magical triple-decker bus that Harry boards was filmed crossing this very bridge over the River Thames.
🎬 Movie: Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban
🎥 Scene: The scene with the Knight Bus in The Prisoner of Azkaban features it expertly navigating between two double decker buses on Lambeth Bridge, showing the bus’s magical ability to dodge Muggle traffic and safely deliver Harry to the Leaky Cauldron.

🏢 Lambeth Bridge, London
🚇 Westminster, Lambeth North
5. Australia House as Gringotts Bank
📍The entrance hall of the Australian High Commission on the Strand famously served as Gringotts Bank in Harry Potter and The Philosopher’s Stone. The building’s imposing façade and ornate interior provided the ideal setting for the wizarding bank.
🎬 Movie: Harry Potter and The Philosopher’s Stone
🎥 Scene: In the first movie, Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, Harry enters Gringotts Wizarding Bank for the first time with Hagrid and is amazed to see Goblin bankers.

🏢 Australia House, Strand, London
🚇 Temple, 5 min walk
The building is not open to the public, but its exterior can be admired from the street.
In reality, Australia House serves as a gateway for those looking to explore Australia, operating within typical Muggle office hours, Monday to Friday, until 5pm.

6. Horse Guards Avenue Underground Toilets
📍In Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1, the underground toilets at Horse Guards Avenue provided an entrance to the Ministry of Magic. The attention to detail is evident, though the “Gentlemen” sign was added for the film.
🎬 Movie: Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1
🎥 Scene: Harry, Hermione, and Ron infiltrate the Ministry of Magic in their quest to find and destroy Voldemort’s horcruxes. The trio uses the magical entrance located in the underground toilets at Horse Guards Avenue to gain access to the Ministry.
🏢 Horse Guards Avenue, Whitehall, London
🚇 Westminster, 4 minutes walk
Harry Potter filming locations in West End
7. Piccadilly Circus and Shaftesbury Avenue
📍Piccadilly Circus and Shaftesbury Avenue was featured in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1, where the trio’s flight from Death Eaters leads them through one of London’s busiest streets.
🎬 Movie: Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1
🎥 Scene: Harry, Ron, and Hermione escaped from the Death Eaters by apparating directly into the heart of London at Piccadilly Circus.
The exterior shots capture the trio rushing through London’s West End walking around Piccadilly Circus and up Shaftesbury Avenue. As they pass a row of stone pillars, Hermione explains their location and guides them to a nearby cafe.

🏢 Piccadilly Circus, London
🚇 Piccadilly Circus, 2 min walk
City of London Harry Potter sites
8. Leadenhall Market as Diagon Alley
📍Leadenhall Market transforms into Diagon Alley and the entrance to the Leaky Cauldron in Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone (also known as “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone” in some countries). Although you’re more likely to find cheese and wine than cloaks and wands today, this 14th-century covered market still echoes its cinematic portrayal.

🎬 Movie: Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone
🎥 Scene: Hagrid and Harry Potter enter the Leaky Cauldron for the first time together.
Although the exterior of the Leaky Cauldron in this particular scene was inspired by the magical and historic feel of Leadenhall Market in London, the movie blended real locations with studio sets to create the wizarding world we see on screen.

🏢 42 Bulls Head Passage, Leadenhall Market, London
🚇 Monument, a short walk to the market
9. Borough Market as Leaky Cauldron
📍Borough Market, with its rich history spanning over a thousand years, is a culinary haven and a must-see destination. For Harry Potter fan this location serves as the backdrop for the Leaky Cauldron’s entrance.

🎬 Movie: Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban
🎥 Scene: In Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, the scene shows Harry being dropped off by the Knight Bus in an urban area, where he enters the pub through what appears to be an ordinary shop front.
🏢 7 Stoney Lane, Borough Market, London
🚇 London Bridge, just a short walk away
🍽 Hungry from exploring London? 🍤 Feast like Ron at Borough Market! Book your Borough Market Food Tour spot now!
10. Millennium Bridge in Harry Potter
📍The Millennium Bridge in Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, dramatically collapsed under the assault of the Death Eaters. This modern bridge symbolizes the dark forces of the wizarding world entering London. Its spectacular destruction at the film’s start is both shocking and visually striking.
🎬 Movie: Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince
🎥 Scene: The film opens with an terrifying scene where Death Eaters, emerging from a storm shaped like a skull, wreak havoc across London. After flying over iconic sites like Trafalgar Square and Charing Cross Road, they cause the Millennium Bridge to collapse into the River Thames. A spectacle that leaves onlookers from City Hall in disbelief.
🏢 Millennium Bridge, London
🚇 Blackfriars, Mansion House

11. St. Paul’s Cathedral featured in Divination Class
📍St. Paul’s Cathedral is an architectural wonder that’s been standing for 324 years. For Harry Potter fans, the most magical part of the cathedral is the geometric staircase in the South West Tower. This staircase became the entrance to Professor Trelawney’s Divination.
The staircase is unique because it looks like it’s floating without any support. It’s not just in, The Prisoner of Azkaban” but also adds to the magic in, Harry Potter and The Goblet of Fire. The way this staircase spirals up, with no central support visible, seem like it defies gravity.

🎬 Movie: Harry Potter and The Prisoner of Azkaban; Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire
🎥 Scene: The cathedral’s geometric staircase doubles as the Divination Staircase seen in Hogwarts, particularly in The Prisoner of Azkaban and The Goblet of Fire.
🏢 St. Paul’s Cathedral, London
🚇 St. Paul’s Station
🏰 Discover the secrets behind the iconic geometric staircase, famously featured in Harry Potter movies. 🔮✨ Book your magical journey here now! 🪄📚
North London Harry Potter Spots
12. London Zoo – The Reptile House Encounter
📍The London Zoo’s Reptile House is where Harry discovers his ability to speak with snakes.

🎬 Movie: Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone
🎥 Scene: During a visit to the London Zoo, Harry communicates with a Burmese python. Everyone was stunned when the snake escaped because the glass enclosure vanished.
🏢 London Zoo, Regent’s Park, London
🚇 Camden Town, a short walk to the zoo.
🐍✨ Visit the very place where Harry first discovered his ability to speak Parseltongue at the Reptile House. 🌟 Book your adventure now and walk in the footsteps of your favourite wizard! 🎟️
13. 🚂 King’s Cross Station – The Portal to Hogwarts
📍King’s Cross Station is a must-visit for any Harry Potter fan. It’s home to the legendary Platform 9 ¾, where Hogwarts students begin their magical journey. You can’t get to the real platform without a train ticket, but there’s a special spot by the Harry Potter 9 ¾ Shop where you can snap a photo pretending to push a trolley through the wall.

🎬 Movie: All Harry Potter movies
🎥 Scene: King’s Cross is immortalized in the Harry Potter series as where students catch the Hogwarts Express from Platform 9 ¾, beginning their journey to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.
In the first Harry Potter movie, Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, Harry stands with the Weasleys in front of the barriers between Platforms 9 and 10 at King’s Cross Station. He watches in awe as the Weasley kids vanish one by one through the magical barrier that leads to Platform 9 ¾, where the Hogwarts Express is waiting.
Encouraged by Mrs. Weasley, Harry takes a deep breath, pushes his trolley forward, and runs at the barrier successfully and passes through.

In Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2, the plays a special role in the epilogue, set 19 years later. We see an older Harry, Ginny, Ron, and Hermione sending their own kids off to Hogwarts.
This scene brings the series full circle, showing King’s Cross as a place of beginnings and endings, as well as a bridge between generations of wizards.
🏢 King’s Cross St. Pancras, London
🚇 King’s Cross St. Pancras, 1 min walk
🚂 For the films, platforms 4 and 5 were cleverly renumbered as 9 and 10 to bring the magical platform to life. Today, a special installation at the station allows fans to find the “hidden” entrance to Platform 9 ¾, complete with a luggage cart vanishing into the wall, ready for your photo op.
My sister’s place is just a walking distance from King’s Cross Station. Despite this, on my visits to London, I always missed the chance to take a photo at Platform 9 3/4.
Since we head out early to explore the city and return late at night, the shop is already closed, and the trolley is removed.

However, you can still snap a photo with the wall, just not with the trolley.
🧙🏻Join the Harry Potter Walking Tour now! 🧹 ➡️ Book your tickets here!⬅️
14. 🚙 St Pancras Station – The Flying Ford Anglia Departure
📍St Pancras Station captures a memorable moment in Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets where Harry and Ron fly off in the enchanted Ford Anglia. Chosen for its stunning architecture, St Pancras stands in for King’s Cross in this scene as visually striking backdrop.
🎬 Movie: Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets
🎥 Scene: In Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, the iconic scene at St. Pancras Station shows the Ford Anglia flying. The car magically lifts off from the forecourt of the station, soaring into the London sky as the boys head to Hogwarts.
🏢 St Pancras Station, London
🚇 King’s Cross St. Pancras, 5 min walk
15. Claremont Square as Order of the Phoenix Headquarters
📍Claremont Square, a quiet and charming street in Islington, becomes the mysterious 12 Grimmauld Place in Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix and Deathly Hallows Part 1. The row of houses inspired the exterior of Sirius Black’s family home. While the actual scenes were filmed on a set, the unique look of Claremont Square’s façades made it the perfect reference for Grimmauld Place.

🎬 Movie: Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, Deathly Hallows Part 1
🎥 Scene: Claremont Square serves as the backdrop for the secret headquarters of the Order of the Phoenix.
With a spell, the buildings magically shift apart. Number 12, Grimmauld Place reveals itself, expanding from the space where it was concealed by a charm to keep it hidden from the outside world.
🏢 Claremont Square, Islington, London
🚇 Angel, 5 min walk
Map of Harry Potter Locations
Other Harry Potter Locations in London to Explore
These locations offer Harry Potter fans a unique way to explore London through the lens of their favourite wizarding world, blending the magic of the series with the rich culture of the city.
Leicester Square – Harry Potter Statue

At Leicester Square, there’s a cool statue of Harry Potter flying on his broom. It’s a fun spot for fans to see Harry and snap a photo with him!
Legoland – Harry Potter Legos

Experience the wizarding world in miniature at Legoland, where Harry Potter-themed Lego sets recreate famous scenes and characters.
West End – Harry Potter and The Cursed Child

Watch Harry Potter and The Cursed Child, set around 19 years after the events of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. The play focuses on Harry Potter’s youngest son, Albus Severus Potter, as he attends Hogwarts and deals with the legacy of his family’s past.
✨ Experience the magic with ‘Harry Potter and The Cursed Child’! 🎭 Book your tickets now! 🌟
Cecil Court – Diagon Alley

Often cited as a real-life Diagon Alley, Cecil Court charms with its array of shops selling theatrical memorabilia, maps, first edition children’s books, and even magical supplies.
Goodwin’s Court – Knockturn Alley

Hidden in the heart of West End, Goodwin’s Court boasts architecture that dates back to the 17th century. It’s often rumoured that this served as the inspiration for Knockturn Alley, the notorious dark wizarding alley in the Harry Potter series.
House of Minalima – Harry Potter Art Prints

Discover the visual world of Harry Potter at the House of Minalima, perfect for Harry Potter fans and art lovers.
Magical Stays: Accommodations in London
Budget Stay: 💤 Generator Hostel
The Generator Hostel offers both dormitory-style and private rooms, perfect for those who want to save their Galleons for more adventures. It’s got a lively bar and a chill-out lounge that’s great for meeting fellow Potterheads and muggles alike.
📍Near King’s Cross Station, you’re just a hop away from Platform 9 ¾ and a short tube ride from other Harry Potter sites around London.
Mid Range : 💤 The Resident Soho
Located in Soho district, The Resident offers stylish and comfortable rooms with kitchenettes, making it a great base for exploring nearby Diagon Alley stand-ins like Cecil Court and Goodwin’s Court. Plus, you’re surrounded by great dining and nightlife.
📍Soho, a quick stroll to the West End where you can catch “Harry Potter and the Cursed Child”.
Luxury Stay: 💤 The Savoy
For those looking to indulge, The Savoy is an iconic luxury hotel offering luxurious rooms and suites, exquisite dining experiences, and impeccable service. It’s like staying at the Hogwarts of the Muggle world, with all the charm and elegance one could wish for.
📍Situated on the Strand, you’re close to the Thames for a magical walk and within a wand’s throw from the Ministry of Magic (Great Scotland Yard) and other central London attractions.
✨ Ready for a magical adventure? Book your stay here!
Other Harry Potter Experience
Harry Potter Escape Room
Challenge yourself and your friends in Harry Potter-themed escape rooms where you’ll solve puzzles and crack magical mysteries to put your wizarding skills to the test.
Harry Potter Afternoon Tea
Experience the charm of the wizarding world with a Harry Potter-themed afternoon tea. Enjoy spellbinding treats and magical brews that would make even Mrs Weasley proud!
🧁 Reserve your Harry Potter Tour with Afternoon Tea now!
Attend a Potions Class
Step into the shoes of a Hogwarts student with a hands-on potions class. Mix your own magical concoctions under the guidance of an expert potion master.
🧙🏻Brew up some magic! Book this Harry Potter Tour with Magical Potion Class here.
Harry Potter Locations Across the UK
Alnwick Castle: The Quidditch Lessons

Alnwick Castle’s grounds serves as backdrop for Harry’s first Quidditch lessons in “The Philosopher’s Stone.” It brings to life the moment when Harry discovers his natural talent for flying on a broomstick.
Malham Cove: The Camping Site
The breathtaking landscape of Malham Cove in Skipton were the perfect hidden spot for Harry and Hermione’s camping scenes in The Deathly Hallows Part 1.
Durham Cathedral: Hogwarts Exteriors
Imagine stepping into the pages of your favourite Harry Potter book as you wander around Durham Cathedral. It feels like Hogwarts came to life right before our eyes, just like in the movies!
Glenfinnan Viaduct: The Journey to Hogwarts

The Glenfinnan Viaduct is the bridge you see the Hogwarts Express crossing in the Harry Potter films. Its tall arches and the views around it are just stunning. It is where the magic really begins as the train leaves the Muggle world behind and heads off to Hogwarts. It feels like the start of a big adventure every time.
Oxford: Hogwarts Interiors

The historic buildings of Oxford, like New College and Christ Church, were used as Hogwarts interiors in the films. Their old halls and stone corridors were the perfect match for a place where magic and history come together.
🎬✨ If you’re pressed for time, this tour is your golden ticket to explore not one, but two iconic Harry Potter destinations in a single day, Warner Bros Studio Tour + Oxford – book now and let the magic begin!
The Magic continues
The magic never really ends, does it? The world of Harry Potter is full of magical places and fun adventures. It makes you feel like anything is possible as we followed the footsteps of Harry, Hermione and Ron.

Going to these places feels like walking straight into the books we grew up with. It’s like the real world and the wizarding world start to mix. For a moment, the magic feels totally real. It brings back that childhood wonder and reminds us that a little bit of magic can pop up anywhere.

If you love the world of Harry Potter as much as I do, these places will truly amaze you.
And if you want to keep a little bit of that magic with you, why not let it come right to your doorstep?
I have some fun postcards that capture the magic. You can find them on my Ko-fi page. It’s like receiving an owl post from a friend, bringing a sprinkle of Hogwarts magic right to you.
And there we have it, fellow muggles, witches and wizards. A guide to some of the Harry Potter spots you can find around London.
When I first explored the city, I couldn’t recognize some of these places right away. That’s exactly why I put this guide together and help you find them more easily and enjoy the magic at your own pace.
If this helped you feel a little closer to the wizarding world, don’t keep it to yourself. Share the magic with your fellow Potterhead friends. Because every adventure is better when shared.
As we close this chapter and tuck away our Marauder’s Maps, remember: “Happiness can be found, even in the darkest of times, if one only remembers to turn on the light.”
So, until our next magical journey,
Mischief Managed 🪄

Ready for more Harry Potter magic in London?
Check out these posts for your next adventure.
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Harry Potter Travel Planning Guide
| 📸 Want to visit Harry Potter filming locations in London? Book a Harry Potter walking tour through Viator or GetYourGuide to explore iconic spots from the films. 🚂 Planning a trip to the Warner Bros. Studio Tour? Tickets sell out fast! If it’s fully booked on the official website, check Viator for last-minute availability. You might still secure a spot! Also, explore transportation options via Trainline. 🎟️ What about Harry Potter-themed experiences? Catch a performance of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child in London’s West End. Book tickets on Tiqets for great last-minute deals. 🧳 Need travel insurance for your London trip? Yes! Travel insurance is a must. I recommend Travel Master Insurance, they offer a variety of plans that can be tailored to your travel needs. 🏨 Looking for a magical place to stay? Search for Harry Potter-inspired accommodations on Booking.com or on Expedia like Georgian House Hotel’s Wizard Chambers, for an unforgettable experience. ✉️ Want to send Harry Potter-themed postcards? If you’d like to receive Harry Potter-themed postcards from me, visit my Ko-fi page. |
