In the previous article, we explored the historic Harry Potter film locations from Oxford to Edinburgh. Now, it’s time to head to the heart of Harry Potter’s world in the UK: London.
We turn south and travel to London in true Harry Potter style—not on broomsticks, but by train. Our journey ends at King’s Cross station, where the story famously begins. Here, you can find Platform 9 ¾ and even see a luggage trolley halfway through the wall. Try your luck at getting onto the hidden platform, though you might end up with just a fun photo. If the exterior doesn’t look familiar, head over to the nearby St. Pancras Station, whose Victorian façade was used for the film’s railway station shots.
Next, we’ll visit Leadenhall Market, the real-life inspiration for Diagon Alley. Although the shops here might not sell magical items like robes or potion bottles, you will find an exotic assortment of shops offering pens, gems, leather goods, and cheese.
London’s iconic bridges also featured prominently in the films. The Millennium Bridge was shown being destroyed by Death Eaters in “The Order of the Phoenix.” Tower Bridge appears as Harry flies along the Thames on his broomstick, and Lambeth Bridge is the location where the Knight Bus squeezes between two double-decker buses in “The Prisoner of Azkaban.” On our way back, we take a peek inside Australia House, which served as Gringotts Bank with its stunning marble interior.
Another key location is Westminster Tube Station, used in “The Order of the Phoenix” when Harry and Arthur Weasley travel to a disciplinary hearing at the Ministry of Magic. The station was closed for an entire day during filming.
Our tour concludes at the Reptile House in London Zoo, where Harry discovered his ability to speak Parseltongue. Here, you might see kids pressing their faces against the glass, reminiscent of Dudley, while the snakes lay lazily in their enclosures.
These Harry Potter sites in London are free to visit. However, if you’re willing to spend £35 for an adult ticket or £27 for a child, you can experience the Warner Bros Studio Harry Potter Tour. This tour allows you to walk through iconic sets, ride a broomstick, and enjoy a butterbeer.
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