It goes without saying that you couldn’t find a better city to visit than London if you’re a fan of the Harry Potter movies (unless Hogwarts existed in real life, of course!)
Not only were these blockbusters filmed in and around the real life enchanted nooks and crannies across the capital, but this magical franchise has also inspired London so much that there are endless themed experiences popping up all the time for fans to enjoy.
So, as a celebration of everyone’s favourite bespectacled wizard, we have here for you the most recent helpings to satisfy your Harry Potter cravings…
Harry Potter Studio Tour, Warner Bros. Studios, Leavesden.
I honestly can’t count the times we’ve recommended this day out to avid Harry Potter fanatics but it really is one of the most memorable and satisfying ways for a fan to spend their day; immersing themselves in the delights of the of the original movie sets.
‘The Potion Room’ Afternoon Tea, Cutter & Squidge, Soho.
Even though Cutter & Squidge have been very careful to underline that they’re not officially associated with the Harry Potter franchise, you can safely assume you’ll be walking in to one of Professor Snapes’ potion classes for this afternoon tea experience, wizard cloaks and all! The plus side being that you can eat and drink your incredible concoctions afterwards.
‘Platform 9 ¾’, King’s Cross Station.
Don’t let the magic be lost by the fact that you have to queue up for one of the most iconic Harry Potter photographs imaginable: Platform 9 ¾ is real and it’s there for all of us fans to enjoy.
‘Harry Potter and the Cursed Child’, Palace Theatre, Shaftesbury Avenue.
If you were left wanting (or possibly needing) more after the Deathly Hallows came to its dramatic end then we just couldn’t recommend this theatre production any more. However, you’ll be looking at a hefty (albeit totally worth it) wait for tickets so be sure to book as far in advance as you can.
Harry Potter Walking Tour (Various Locations Across the Capital)
As a huge advocate for travels on foot, I’d say that one of the many Harry Potter walking tours is the perfect way, not only to see a huge amount of the filming locations, but also to take in London itself. Win-win, if you ask me!
‘The Leaky Cauldron’, Bull’s Head Passage, Leadenhall Market.
If you don’t fancy being shown round by a guide, you can always opt to find the most iconic Harry Potter spots yourself, one of which is the ‘Leaky Cauldron’ pub which is easily tracked down as a blue-fronted opticians in Leadenhall Market.
‘Diagon Alley’, Charing Cross Road.
You’ll also be in for a real treat if you head to the quaint and oddly-bewitching streets of Charing Cross Road, full of book shops and antiquated little buildings, which formed the basis of the enchanted ‘Diagon Alley’.
‘Gringotts Wizarding Bank’, a.k.a. Australia House, Strand.
There was no question they were going to need a pretty impressive building to encapsulate the magical wizarding bank of Gringotts and for this they decided on the imposing majesty of Australia House, very near Trafalgar Square.
The Reptile House, London Zoo.
For those of you interested in Harry’s first unwitting foray in to ‘Parseltongue’ (in other words, the first time he talks to a snake), you can visit London Zoo and step inside the actual Reptile House where it was set.