Harry Potter Locations in London: The Complete 2026 Guide

The most famous Harry Potter spot in London is the Platform 9 3/4 trolley at King's Cross Station. A luggage trolley appears to vanish into the wall between Platforms 9 and 10, and there is always a queue of fans waiting for a photo. A staff member will hand you a scarf in your chosen Hogwarts house colours and toss it mid-shot for that perfect action photo. Right next door, the Harry Potter Shop at Platform 9 3/4 sells everything from wands to robes.

Visit early in the morning (before 9am) or late in the evening to avoid the longest queues, which can stretch to 45 minutes during peak periods.

This stunning covered Victorian market in the City of London doubled as the entrance to the Leaky Cauldron and Diagon Alley in Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone. The ornate painted ceiling and cobbled floors are unmistakable. The optician's shop at 42 Bull's Head Passage was used as the exterior of the Leaky Cauldron. Even without the Potter connection, Leadenhall Market is one of London's most beautiful buildings, dating back to the 14th century.

The market is free to visit and is busiest on weekday lunchtimes when City workers grab food from the various stalls and restaurants.

The crown jewel of any Potter pilgrimage is the Warner Bros Studio Tour at Leavesden, about 20 miles northwest of central London. This is where the films were made, and the sets, props, and costumes on display are the real thing. Walk through the Great Hall, stroll down Diagon Alley, drink Butterbeer, and see Dumbledore's office in extraordinary detail. The tour takes 3-4 hours and is entirely self-guided.

Tickets must be booked in advance and sell out weeks (sometimes months) ahead, especially during school holidays. Prices start from around £55 for adults. A shuttle bus runs from Watford Junction station (20 minutes from London Euston).

In the first film, Harry discovers he can speak to snakes at the Reptile House in London Zoo. The scene where the glass vanishes was filmed here, and the actual building is still standing and open to visitors. London Zoo is in Regent's Park and makes for a great half-day trip, especially for families combining Potter locations with a wider day out.

London is packed with Potter filming spots if you know where to look:

• Millennium Bridge - destroyed by Death Eaters in The Half-Blood Prince (rebuilt in the film, obviously). The bridge connects St Paul's Cathedral to Tate Modern.
• Australia House (Strand) - the interior was used as Gringotts Wizarding Bank. You can see the grand marble entrance from the street.
• St Pancras Renaissance Hotel - the flying Ford Anglia scene in Chamber of Secrets used the exterior of this stunning Gothic building, right next to King's Cross.
• Borough Market - the area beneath the railway arches was used as the entrance to the Leaky Cauldron in Prisoner of Azkaban.
• Piccadilly Circus - the Death Eaters fly through Piccadilly Circus in the opening of The Half-Blood Prince.

A guided walking tour is the best way to see multiple locations in one go, with a guide who knows every detail of the filming history. Tours typically last 2-3 hours and cover King's Cross, Leadenhall Market, Borough Market, and the Millennium Bridge, with plenty of film trivia along the way. Some tours also include a Butterbeer tasting or a wand lesson.

Walking tours are great for families with older children (8+) and serious Potter fans. They give context and stories you would miss exploring independently.

For a full Potter day in London, start at King's Cross for the Platform 9 3/4 photo and shop. Take the Tube to Bank station and walk to Leadenhall Market. Continue to Borough Market for lunch (and another filming location). Walk across the Millennium Bridge to St Paul's. End the afternoon at Australia House on the Strand. If you have time, add London Zoo in the morning.

For the Studio Tour at Leavesden, dedicate a separate half-day or full day. It is a 45-minute journey from central London each way, and you will want at least 3 hours inside.

Check out our other London guides to plan the rest of your trip, or browse our complete tour listings for more bookable experiences.