Harry Potter Walking Tour: Explore the Magic of London’s Wizarding World

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London is a city that has a special place in the hearts of Harry Potter fans. The streets and locations of this magical city have been immortalized in the books and films, making it a must-visit destination for Potterheads. From the Muggle entrance to the Ministry of Magic to the bridge destroyed by the Death Eaters, there are countless spots that will transport fans to the world of Harry Potter.

To help fans get the most out of their visit, a self-guided Harry Potter walking tour of London has been created. This tour takes visitors through the real-life locations used in the films, as well as some of the spots that inspired JK Rowling’s books. While it’s a big tour that can take all day, visitors can split it over two days if they prefer. So put on your comfy shoes and get ready to explore the magical side of London!

Key Takeaways

  • London is a must-visit destination for Harry Potter fans, with countless locations that have been immortalized in the books and films.
  • A self-guided Harry Potter walking tour of London is available, taking visitors through the real-life locations used in the films and the spots that inspired JK Rowling’s books.
  • The tour can take all day, but visitors can split it over two days if they prefer.

Practical Information about the Harry Potter Walking Tour of London

Starts

The Harry Potter Walking Tour of London begins at Kings Cross Railway Station, where visitors can find the famous Platform 9 ¾.

Finishes

The tour ends at Lambeth Bridge, Westminster.

Distance

The tour covers a distance of 13km, with a short underground trip between Angel and Bank.

Time

The walking time for the tour is 3 hours and 15 minutes. It is suggested to allow for 5-6 hours to complete the tour.

Difficulty of Tour

The tour is considered medium difficulty, as it covers a reasonable distance with flat terrain.

Admission Fees

The only admission fee required for the tour is the TfL fees for the underground trip between Angel and Bank.

Places Visited on the Tour

The tour includes a variety of famous locations from the Harry Potter series, such as King’s Cross, St Pancras Station, Claremont Square, Leadenhall Market, Tower Bridge, Stoney Street, The Millennium Bridge, St Paul’s Cathedral, Australia House, Goodwin’s Court and Cecil Court, The House of Minalima, Piccadilly Circus, Great Scotland Yard, Westminster Station, and Lambeth Bridge.

Accessibility

Visitors should be aware that there are a number of cobbled streets on the tour that may be difficult to navigate by wheelchair or with a pushchair. Additionally, there is no lift access at Angel Station to access the Northern Line. Visitors who require lift access can miss stop three (Claremont Square) and get the Circle or District Line to Liverpool Street Station for Leadenhall Market. Alternatively, visitors can consider starting the tour at Claremont Square, then doing Stop Two (St Pancras) followed by Stop One (King’s Cross) and then getting the underground to Liverpool Street for Leadenhall Market. There are stairs between Leadenhall Market and Tower Bridge and again between Tower Bridge and Stoney Street, but visitors can take a less direct route to avoid these. There are stairs to descend from the Millennium Bridge, but there is also a wheelchair accessible lift as an alternative.

Stops on the Harry Potter Tour of London

Stop One – King’s Cross Station

The first stop on the Harry Potter Tour of London is King’s Cross Station, located at Euston Rd, Kings Cross, London N1 9AL. King’s Cross is the setting for the departure of the Hogwarts Express in the Harry Potter books and movies. Visitors can take a photo at the spot between Platforms 4 and 5 where Platform 9 ¾ is supposed to reside. The Harry Potter Shop is also located here, where visitors can purchase their own wand. The trolley half-buried into the wall is poised for visitors to take that classic shot. However, visitors should be prepared to queue for hours for this photo opportunity. If visitors are planning on going to the Harry Potter Studios in Leavesden, it is recommended to skip queuing at King’s Cross as there are several spots in the studio’s reconstruction of Kings Cross where visitors can get the same shot without any queues.

Watch The Scene: Harry Finds Platform 9 ¾ in The Philosopher’s Stone

The walking distance from The Harry Potter Shop at Platform 9 ¾ to St Pancras Renaissance Hotel is a 6-minute walk towards Pancras Rd. Visitors should turn left onto Pancras Rd, turn right, take the stairs, and the St Pancras Renaissance is on the right.

Stop Two – St Pancras Renaissance Hotel

Located at Euston Rd, Kings Cross, London N1C 4QP, St Pancras Renaissance Hotel is a short walk from King’s Cross Station. The hotel doubles up as the exterior of the station from which the Hogwarts Express departs. The front of the station, now the St Pancras Renaissance Hotel, was originally the Midland Grand Hotel designed by Sir Gilbert Scott. The filmmakers used the exterior of St Pancras in the films rather than King’s Cross due to its beautiful Gothic architecture. The hotel is featured in The Chamber of Secrets when Harry and Ron purloin the Ford Anglia to fly to Hogwarts.

Watch the Scene: Harry, Ron and the Flying Car in The Chamber of Secrets

The walking distance from the St Pancras Renaissance Hotel to Claremont Square is a 17-minute walk. Visitors should walk north-east and take the stairs, turn right onto Pancras Rd, and shortly after turn left onto Euston Rd/A501. Walk along Euston Road for 130 metres, then take the left-hand fork onto Pentonville Road. Carry on along Pentonville Road for 800 metres before turning right onto Claremont Square. Follow the square to turn left and numbers 23-29 are across the road.

Stop Three – Claremont Square

Located at 23 Claremont Square, Islington, London N1 9LX, Claremont Square is a quiet terrace of Georgian houses in Islington. It is the film location for 12 Grimmauld Place, the home of the Order of the Phoenix. It is used in Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix and is used again by the trio in The Deathly Hallows Part I. Claremont Square was the perfect location for Grimmauld Place, which is described in the books as being close to King’s Cross Station and a small square with terraced houses. Visitors can see the properties at numbers 23 to 29 Claremont Square in real life.

Watch The Scene: Harry Arrives at Grimmauld Place with The Order of The Phoenix

The walking distance from Claremont Square to Angel Station is a 5-minute walk. Visitors should walk east on Claremont Square, turn left to stay on Claremont Square. At the end of the road, turn right onto Pentonville Road. After 250 metres, turn right onto St John Street – Angel Underground Station is on the left. Visitors should take the Northern Line to Bank and exit Bank Station onto Cornhill. Walk along Cornhill for 300 metres, turn right onto Gracechurch Street where the entrance to Leadenhall Market is located on the left.

Stop Four – Leadenhall Market

Located at Gracechurch St, Langbourn, London EC3V 1LT, Leadenhall Market is one of London’s most beautiful markets. It was originally built in the 15th century as a wool, leather, meat, and fish market but the current architecture dates back to the Victorian times. It was used as a filming location for Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone as the area of muggle London used to access Diagon Alley. Visitors can exit the market onto Lime Street and walk down Bull’s Head Passage to see the entrance to the wizarding pub, The Leaky Cauldron, which was used as the entrance for Diagon Alley in the Philosopher’s Stone.

Watch the Scene: Walking to The Leaky Cauldron and into Diagon Alley

The walking distance from Bull’s

Eat, Drink & Visit on the Harry Potter Walking Tour

The Harry Potter Walking Tour not only takes you to famous filming locations, but also offers opportunities to explore some of London’s best-known food and drink spots. Borough Market, located next to Stoney Street, is a great place to stop for lunch with its wide variety of food options. For a classic pub experience, Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese on Fleet Street is a must-visit. Additionally, the tour takes you past iconic landmarks such as Tower Bridge and St. Paul’s Cathedral, which are worth visiting if time allows.

Love Harry Potter? These Should Also Be On Your Radar

Warner Brothers Studio Tour

If you are a Harry Potter fan, then the Warner Brothers Studio Tour is a must-visit location. This tour is where most of the magic behind making the films happened. You can see the sets and props in real life, walk along Diagon Alley, and explore all the rooms in Hogwarts. It’s an experience that you won’t forget.

Although the tickets are quite expensive and you have to book them well in advance, it’s absolutely worth it.

London Zoo’s Reptile House

Have you ever had the sneaking suspicion that maybe, just maybe, you could speak Parseltongue? Well, there’s no better place to test out that theory than in the Reptile House at ZSL London Zoo. It’s the location where Harry first speaks Parseltongue and sets a snake free.

The Cauldron – The Harry Potter Cocktail Bar in London

The Cauldron is a Harry Potter-inspired cocktail bar in London that’s strictly for adults. It’s a cool pop-up in Stoke Newington where you can don your robes, pick up your wand, and spend a few hours cooking up some real-life brews. You can make your own drinkable and boozy potions, which is pretty awesome.

Harry Potter and the Cursed Child – The Harry Potter Theatre in London

Harry Potter and the Cursed Child is a play that’s split into two parts, and it’s a must-see for any Harry Potter fan. Although the author of this article hasn’t seen it yet, everyone she’s spoken to says it’s awesome. You can book your tickets for Harry Potter and the Cursed Child here.

Cutter and Sqidge – The Harry Potter Afternoon Tea in London

If you’re a foodie Harry Potter fan, then the Harry Potter afternoon tea at Cutter and Squidge is a must-visit location. London does a jolly good afternoon tea at the best of times, but when you add in a few drinkable and edible potions, it gets so much better.

School of Witchcraft and Wizardry – The Harry Potter Escape Room in London

If you’re a fan of escape rooms, then the School of Witchcraft and Wizardry is a must-visit location. You and your team of fellow witch and wizard wannabes are locked in a room, and your task is to solve a series of Harry Potter-themed enigmas to defeat the dark side and win your freedom. It’s a brilliant experience that you won’t forget.

Harry Potter Walking Tour Practical Tips and Map

For those looking to embark on the London Harry Potter walking tour, it’s important to wear comfortable shoes and allocate a full day for the experience. The tour is extensive and covers many locations throughout the city. Additionally, for those traveling from outside of London, Georgian House offers Harry Potter themed rooms for lodging. It’s recommended to check prices and availability in advance. A map of the tour can be found on the official website to help plan out the day.