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10 Magical Harry Potter Things to Do in London for True Fans
If you’re a Harry Potter fan visiting London, you’re in the right city. From walking past real filming locations to watching Harry Potter and the Cursed Child in the West End, there are countless magical experiences waiting for you.
I’ve visited London multiple times specifically to explore Harry Potter attractions, I’ve toured the Warner Bros Studio three times, watched the theatre production twice, tried themed afternoon tea, browsed the best wizarding shops, and tracked down filming locations across the city.
In this guide, I’ll show you the very best Harry Potter things to do in London, from must-see experiences to unique hidden gems, so you can plan the ultimate wizarding itinerary.
1. Visit the Warner Bros. Studio Tour
Even though the Warner Bros. Studio Tour is technically in Watford (about 20 miles north of London), it’s the ultimate Harry Potter experience and absolutely worth the short trip.
I’ve been three times, and every visit felt special. Walking through the Great Hall, seeing the Hogwarts Express up close, and stepping into Diagon Alley never gets old. You also get a behind-the-scenes look at how the special effects, costumes, and props were created.
They regularly add new exhibits, so even repeat visits feel fresh. Just make sure to get your ticket early enough, they sell out fast.
👉 Read my guide on how to get there by public transport from London.
2. Watch Harry Potter and the Cursed Child
Even if you’re unsure about the book version, I know I was, the stage production is a completely different experience.
I saw the play twice at the Palace Theatre in London’s West End. The first time, I booked cheaper seats and sat quite far back, the second time, I upgraded and it made a huge difference. Being closer to the stage made the magical effects feel even more impressive.
The production value is incredible, and some of the stage illusions genuinely made the audience gasp. If you enjoy theatre like me, this is an absolute must see!
3. Take a Harry Potter Walking Tour
You can visit many filming locations on your own, but taking a guided Harry Potter walking tour adds so much more context.
When I joined one, I loved that the guide showed printed screenshots from the films so you could clearly compare the real location to the movie scene. It helped you notice details you’d otherwise miss.
You’ll visit famous spots like Platform 9¾ at King’s Cross and Leadenhall Market, but you’ll also learn about the places that inspired J.K. Rowling, like Cecil Court, which is often considered the inspiration for Diagon Alley.
If you want to combine sightseeing with behind-the-scenes trivia, this is a great option.
🪄 Check prices for a Harry Potter walking tour in London her!
4. Have a Harry Potter-Themed Afternoon Tea
I had afternoon tea at the Georgian House Hotel myself, and it’s a fun way to add some magic to your London trip.
Guests wear wizard hats, Harry Potter music plays in the background, and the entire experience feels themed. While the decor is subtle, the details make it special.
If you’re celebrating something (I did mine for a birthday), this is a memorable option.
Vegan menus are available, just request it when booking.
5. Brew Wizard Potions
The Georgian House Hotel doesn’t just offer themed afternoon tea, they also host a Wizard Potions experience where you mix your own magical drinks using ancient scroll instructions, shimmering elixirs, mysterious powders, and even “goblin goo.”
This guided potion class includes two cocktails or two mocktails. I haven’d tried it out yet myself but I would definitely opt for the mocktails.
It’s available every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, make sure to book ahead.
🪄 You can also stay in Harry Potter themed rooms at the Georgian House Hotel! (But they book up fast)
6. Join a Harry Potter Pub Quiz
If you’re visiting London and love trivia, keep an eye out for Harry Potter-themed pub quizzes.
Pub quizzes are incredibly popular in the UK, and themed Harry Potter nights happen sometimes in different venues around the city.
It’s a fun way to meet locals, test your wizarding knowledge, and experience a bit of British pub culture at the same time.
7. Visit Harry Potter Filming Locations
If you take a Harry Potter walking tour, you’ll probably already visit many of London’s most famous filming locations. But even if you don’t book a tour, you can easily explore them on your own.
- One of the most iconic spots is Platform 9¾ at King’s Cross Station, where you can take a photo with the half-disappearing trolley. Just expect queues, it’s usualy crowded.
- Another favourite is Leadenhall Market, which inspired Diagon Alley and was used as the filming location for the Leaky Cauldron in the first movie. The colourful Victorian market is beautiful even if you’re not a Harry Potter fan.
- You can also visit Cecil Court, often believed to have inspired Diagon Alley, and stroll through areas of Westminster that appeared in various scenes throughout the series.
Many of these locations are close to other major London attractions, so they’re easy to add to your sightseeing itinerary.
If you want a complete list of all the filming spots (including lesser-known ones), I’ve put together a detailed guide to Harry Potter filming locations in London.
8. Buy Some Harry Potter Souvenirs
If you’re hoping to bring a little magic home with you, London has plenty of Harry Potter-themed shops to explore.
My favourite one is House of MinaLima in Soho. The graphic designers behind many of the Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts films created this gallery and shop. You can browse original artwork, design prints, and beautifully illustrated editions of the books.
The most famous one is the Platform 9¾ Shop at King’s Cross Station. It’s directly next to the trolley photo spot, so it’s always busy. While it’s iconic, it can feel overcrowded, especially during peak hours, and browsing isn’t always the most relaxed experience.
9. Snap Some Harry Potter Inspired Photos
Not every magical moment in London requires a ticket. These quick stops are easy to add to your itinerary while you’re exploring the city.
- Platform 9¾ at King’s Cross Station
Take a photo with the famous half-disappearing trolley. It’s one of the most iconic Harry Potter sights in London, but be prepared for queues. - Harry Potter Statue at Leicester Square
As part of the “Scenes in the Square” installation, you’ll find a statue of Harry flying on his broomstick. It’s a quick photo stop in the heart of the West End, alongside other famous fictional characters like Mary Poppins and Batman (on top of a building). - The “Ministry of Magic” Telephone Box
The red phone box used to enter the Ministry of Magic in Order of the Phoenix was placed near Scotland Yard just for filming, it’s not permanently there. But since red phone boxes are everywhere in London, you can easily recreate the scene.
10. Stay in a Harry Potter-Themed Hotel
If you want to fully immerse yourself in the wizarding world, you can even stay in a Harry Potter-inspired hotel room in London.
The Georgian House Hotel offers themed Wizard Chambers and Enchanted Chambers designed to look like something straight out of Hogwarts with stone walls, four-poster beds, trunks, cauldrons, and candlelight-style lighting.
From the outside, the hotel looks like a traditional London townhouse, you wouldn’t guess there’s a magical experience waiting inside.
If you’re planning to book, make sure you specifically choose one of the Wizard or Enchanted Chambers, the standard rooms are not themed.
🤩 Check prices and availability for the Wizard Chambers here!
Want to Explore More Harry Potter Locations beyond London?
London is easily the best base for Harry Potter fans, but the magic doesn’t stop there.
If you’re willing to venture beyond the city, you can visit filming locations in Oxford, explore the historic streets of York (which feels like stepping into Diagon Alley), or discover even more real-life locations that inspired the wizarding world.
Some of my favourite Harry Potter spots in the UK are actually outside London, and they’re absolutely worth the trip if you have extra time.
If you’re planning a longer adventure, I’ve put together a full guide to the best Harry Potter destinations across the UK.
Read more about London:
- 4 Day Itinerary for London: What to See & Do
- 21 Best Things to Do in London in August
- 15 Amazing Things to Do in Soho London
- Best Fully Vegan Restaurants in Soho London
- How to get to Harry Potter Studios from London
- 21 Magical Harry Potter Locations in London
- 13 Magical Harry Potter Things to Do in London
- 10 Most Magical Harry Potter Shops in London
- Do You Tip in London? All You Need to Know
- The Best Oxford and Cambridge Tours from London
- Top 10 Most Vegan Friendly Cities in Europe You Should Visit
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