For fans of the beloved "Harry Potter" series, a Harry Potter tour in London is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that brings the magic of J.K. Rowling’s world to life. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or a casual viewer, the Harry Potter tours offer a chance to explore the real-life locations that inspired the films, as well as the iconic sets and props used in the making of the movies. From Platform 9¾ at King's Cross Station to the Harry Potter Studio Tour, this guide will help you navigate your magical journey through London and beyond.
1. Warner Bros. Studio Tour – The Making of Harry Potter
One of the most popular and immersive experiences for any Harry Potter fan is the Warner Bros. Studio Tour in Leavesden, just outside London. This is where much of the magic happened – from the Hogwarts sets to the props, costumes, and special effects used in the films. The studio tour takes you behind the scenes to witness the incredible artistry that brought J.K. Rowling’s world to life.
Highlights of the Studio Tour:
The Great Hall: Step inside the iconic Great Hall of Hogwarts, where students attend their feasts, and see the intricate details of the set design, including the long wooden tables and the floating candles.
Diagon Alley: Walk down Diagon Alley and explore the magical shops, including Ollivanders (where Harry first received his wand), Weasleys’ Wizard Wheezes, and Gringotts Bank.
Hogwarts Express at Platform 9¾: Take a photo on the famous Platform 9¾ and board the iconic Hogwarts Express, which takes students to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.
Forbidden Forest: Step into the eerie Forbidden Forest where you’ll come face-to-face with magical creatures like Buckbeak and Aragog.
Interactive Exhibits: Get hands-on with magic wands, learn how special effects were created, and see how the films used practical effects and CGI to create the stunning visuals.
The Art of Magic: View original concept art, models, and designs used to bring the Harry Potter films to life.
Travel Tip: The studio tour is about a 1-hour drive from central London. It’s best to book tickets in advance, and many tour operators offer packages that include transportation from London.
2. Harry Potter Walking Tour in London
If you want to see the places where the magic happened right in the heart of the city, the Harry Potter Walking Tour of London is the perfect way to explore some of the most iconic filming locations. These tours are guided and allow you to discover real-life locations from the films while learning behind-the-scenes secrets.
Top Harry Potter Filming Locations in London:
King’s Cross Station and Platform 9¾: The famous Platform 9¾ where Harry catches the train to Hogwarts is located at King’s Cross Station. You can snap a photo of the trolley ‘disappearing’ through the wall at the official photo spot, and don’t forget to visit the adjacent shop for Harry Potter-themed merchandise.
Leadenhall Market (Diagon Alley): This historic covered market was used as the filming location for Diagon Alley, where Harry buys his first wand at Ollivanders. The colorful, Victorian architecture perfectly evokes the magical world.
The Millennium Bridge: In “Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince,” the Millennium Bridge is destroyed by Death Eaters. It’s a memorable part of the film, and the bridge itself offers a stunning view of St. Paul’s Cathedral.
The Divinity School at Oxford University (Hogwarts): While not strictly in London, the Divinity School in Oxford was used for scenes at Hogwarts, including the scenes with Professor McGonagall and the Hogwarts infirmary.
The Australian High Commission (The Leaky Cauldron): The entrance to The Leaky Cauldron, where Harry first steps into the magical world in “Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone,” is actually the Australian High Commission in London.
Travel Tip: These walking tours typically last around 2-3 hours and are a fantastic way to see the city while learning about the Harry Potter films and books. Be sure to wear comfortable shoes!
3. Harry Potter Walking Tour in Oxford
Although this tour is a little outside of London, it’s worth the short trip if you want to explore some of the key filming locations used to depict Hogwarts in the Harry Potter films. Many scenes in the series were filmed at Oxford University, particularly at the Bodleian Library and Christ Church College.
Highlights of the Oxford Tour:
Christ Church College: Known for its grand staircase, Christ Church College was the inspiration for the Hogwarts Great Hall. The college’s dining hall also served as the model for the Great Hall’s design.
Bodleian Library: The Bodleian Library’s Divinity School was used as Hogwarts' infirmary in several films.
The Bridge of Sighs: Featured in "Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone," this stunning bridge was used as part of the Hogwarts grounds.
Travel Tip: Oxford is just an hour's train ride from London, and many tour operators run trips from the capital to this magical city.
4. Harry Potter Afternoon Tea at The Georgian Restaurant
For a more relaxing and delightful experience, why not indulge in a Harry Potter-themed afternoon tea? Several locations around London offer this magical dining experience, complete with themed treats and drinks inspired by the wizarding world.
Highlights:
The Georgian Restaurant at Harrods: Harrods, London’s famous department store, offers an afternoon tea featuring treats like "Butterbeer" (a non-alcoholic drink inspired by the series), chocolate frogs, and other magical delicacies.
The Wizard Afternoon Tea at The Magdalen Chapter: Located in Oxford, just outside London, this tea includes a variety Gatwick airport transfer of wizarding-themed delights, from “Pumpkin Pasties” to “Golden Snitch” cakes.
Travel Tip: Booking in advance is highly recommended, as these themed afternoon teas can be very popular, especially around holidays and weekends.
5. Magical Shop Visits
London is home to several magical shops that offer Harry Potter merchandise, perfect for bringing home a piece of the wizarding world. These include:
The Harry Potter Shop at Platform 9¾: Located at King’s Cross Station, this shop offers exclusive merchandise, including wands, scarves, and clothing representing each Hogwarts House.
The Leadenhall Market: As mentioned before, this location doubles as Diagon Alley in the films. It’s also home to a shop where you can find a range of Harry Potter-themed merchandise.
Travel Tip: These stores often offer exclusive limited-edition items that you won’t find anywhere else, so take the time to explore them!
Tips for the Ultimate Harry Potter Tour:
Book in Advance: Popular tours and experiences like the Warner Bros. Studio Tour often sell out, especially during peak seasons, so it’s always best to book tickets ahead of time.
Bring Your Wand: Many Harry Potter fans bring their own wands, especially for photo ops at iconic locations like Platform 9¾ or Diagon Alley.
Wear Comfortable Shoes: Whether you're walking through London or exploring the studio, there’s a lot of ground to cover, so comfortable footwear is a must.
Conclusion
A Harry Potter tour in London is a magical way to experience the world of Hogwarts and the wizarding world. Whether you choose to immerse yourself in the Warner Bros. Studio Tour, walk through the streets of London where the films were shot, or enjoy a themed afternoon tea, there’s no shortage of magical adventures waiting for you. Grab your wand, hop on the Hogwarts Express, and get ready to step into a world of magic and wonder.