Harry Potter in London: The bucket list for Potterheads!
By Astrid Hofer
This year has we celebrate 20 years since the release of the very first Harry Potter movie, Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone starring Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, and Rupert Grint. Based on JK Rowling’s books, the Hogwarts franchise has since become one of the most successful movie series in Muggle history. As a result, millions of Potterheads travel to London each year to check out the film’s shooting locations and experience the wizarding world first hand. If you are one of the fans who want to plan a trip to London, here are my Top 8 things you must see and do!
Warner Bros. Studios – Walk through Harry Potter sets
If you only have time for one Harry Potter adventure, make it this one! The Warner Bros. Studio Tour is a wizarding wonderland where you will be able to walk through some of the most famous movie sets, check out the casts’ costumes, ride a broomstick and try a butterbeer! The tour starts at Hogwarts’ famous Great Hall which was built for the first film in 2000 and played a key role in the series. Other sets you can explore include Diagon Alley, Platform ¾, Harry’s Gryffindor bedroom, and the Magic Forest. Book an early time slot for your visit as you will find yourself wandering around this wizard wonderland for hours, snapping selfies along the way.
The Harry Potter studios are located 20 miles outside of London. Shuttles from Watford Junction take you right to the entrance.
Harry Potter Store King’s Cross – The official shop at Platform ¾
While we wouldn’t encourage trying to get onto the Hogwarts train by running towards a wall, King’s Cross station is still a must-visit. The Harry Potter Shop at Platform ¾ was the first of its kind worldwide and sells all the official merchandise from Hogwarts uniforms to owls, wands, Dobby toys, and chocolate frogs. You can also get your personalized acceptance letter to Hogwarts! Want proof that you’ve made it to the platform? Get your photo taken while pushing a trolley outside the store. Be aware though that lines can be long. To save time, come early in the morning or snap your shot after the store has closed.
Harry Potter and the Cursed Child – The world’s only Hogwarts theatre play
Ever wondered what happened to Harry and his friends after the final book? The two-part play Harry Potter and the Cursed Child at Palace Theatre has all the answers! The story starts 19 years after Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows and follows Harry, now Head of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement at the Ministry of Magic, and his son Albus Severus Potter, a first-year student at Hogwarts. This is one of the most popular West End productions, so tickets tend to be snapped up months in advance. However, it’s totally possible to still score a seat the day of the show! Register for the ticket alarm on the website and check online or at the box office regularly for last-minute returns. (COVID -19 restrictions are also affecting shows, so check the website for up-to-date information.)
The Cauldron – Master your potion mixing skills at a magic bar
If you are interested in mixing potions (or just fancy an Instagram-able cocktail!), The Cauldron in Dalston has got you covered! Upon arrival, you will receive wands and a welcome drink as well as mixing introductions to brew two magical cocktails of your choice. Have your camera ready when you step into the shoes of the witches and wizards as all potions come with different special effects like changing colors or unexpected smoke. The classic potion session is an adult-only experience due to the use of alcohol. However, The Cauldron also offers family-friendly experiences on selected days.
House of MinaLima – The headquarters of Harry Potter designers
While we do love the official Harry Potter store, this place in Soho is the real deal! House of MinaLima was founded by Miraphora Mina and Eduardo Lima, the design duo behind the Harry Potter movies. The magic-loving Muggles crafted all the graphic elements seen in the series from potion labels to Harry’s school books, the covers of the “Daily Prophets” and handwritten acceptance letters from Hogwarts. Part store, part gallery, MinaLima houses an extensive exhibition of original designs as well as their other artworks including special editions of the “Harry Potter” and “Fantastic Beasts” books. The artists’ studio is in the same building, so you might bump into the duo while browsing their designs.
Harry Potter Walking Tours – A fun-packed stroll to movie locations
Many scenes of the Harry Potter movies were shot in London and a guided tour is a great way to check out the locations while hearing fun stories along the way. Taking you to the Ministry of Magic, the Millennium Bridge, and many sights in between, the two-hour tip-based Harry Potter Tour by Strawberry Tours ranks among the most popular. Bonus point: It starts at the Palace Theatre, so you can check for last minute returns for the play. Another great operator is Tour for Muggles starting at Leadenhall Market (Diagon Alley). The team encourages you to bring wands but leave your brooms at home.
The Millennium Bridge – The bridge destroyed by Death Eaters
Linking the Southbank to St Paul’s Cathedral, this futuristic steel construction is one of the most popular selfie spots in town. Harry Potter fans will immediately recognize the Thames landmark as Brockdale Bridge from Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince. The opening scene of the sixth movie, one of the most memorable in the whole series, shows Death Eaters flying over London, destroying everything in their way including this bridge. Several Muggles were killed during the attack. For a bird’s eye view, head to the visitor terrace of the Tate Modern gallery at the south side of the Thames. It’s for free!
Leadenhall Market – Explore famous Diagon Alley
Fancy a stroll through Diagon Alley? Leadenhall Market in the heart of London’s financial center was modeled as the wizarding street in Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone and Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire. Harry and Hagrid went shopping for wands right outside of the famous London market before he first headed to Hogwarts. The wizards’ and witches’ beloved Leaky Cauldron pub is located at 42 Bull’s Head Passage. And while, unfortunately, Muggles cannot enter the secret meeting spot, the market dating back to the 14th century is still a great place for a drink.
