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What is a Harry Potter walking tour in London?

If you’ve ever wondered where Harry and his friends really roamed, a Harry Potter walking tour in London is the answer. These tours take you through the city’s most iconic filming locations, from Leadenhall Market to King’s Cross Station, where some of the most beloved scenes came to life. Along the way, you’ll hear behind-the-scenes stories, uncover hidden movie details, and experience the magic of London through the eyes of your favourite wizards.

Plan your visit to Harry Potter filming locations in London

harry potter
  • From King’s Cross: 9:30 am to 4 pm
  • From Borough Market: 10:30 am to 7 pm
  • Walking tour with Thames River Cruise: 10:30 am to 7 pm
  • Private Black Cab tour: 8 am to 8 pm
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  • The first tours of the day around 10 am on weekdays and 10:30 am on weekends are ideal for avoiding crowds.
  • Tuesday to Thursday are generally quieter than weekends, offering a more relaxed experience.
  • November to March sees fewer tourists, while December adds festive charm with holiday decorations.
Plan your visit

Borough Market: London SE1 9AH, UK | Find on Maps

  • By train: South-eastern Railway to London Bridge (0.3 km)
  • By tube: Circle line to Monument (0.6 km)
  • By bus: Bus lines 17, 43, 141, 149 to London Bridge
  • By ferry: RB2 to London Bridge City Pier (0.4 km)

King’s Cross Station: London N1C 4QP, UK | Find on Maps

  • By train: GWR, SWR to King’s Cross Station (0.1 km)
  • By tube: Piccadilly line to King’s Cross St. Pancras (0.1 km)
  • By bus: Bus lines 91, 205, 259, 390 to St. Pancras International Station (0.1 km)
Directions

What to do on a Harry Potter walking tour

Snap photos at Platform 9¾

What’s a good Harry Potter walking tour without the famous pose at Platform 9¾, right? Head up to King’s Cross Station where you can recreate the scene as the trolley disappears into the wall. Add a scarf or wand for extra Hogwarts vibes and start your day with a bit of magic.

Walk around 15+ attractions

Follow the tour and explore over 15 magical locations across London. Wander down cobbled streets, peek into hidden alleys, and spot Diagon Alley, the Ministry of Magic, and the spot where Death Eaters staged their attack. There’s plenty more to look forward to along the way.

Recreate scenes

Don’t forget to bring your favourite movie moments to life. You’ll have plenty of chances to do that. Pretend to dodge Death Eaters, run through alleys, or cross Millennium Bridge fighting for your life. It’s the perfect spot for a souvenir photo!

Explore Warner Bros. studio

Step behind the scenes to see Hogwarts in all its glamour and frenzy. Check out authentic costumes, props, and sets used in the movies, along with the life-size Hogwarts Express. Walk the sets as this is where you can truly see the fictional scenes translated to reality.

Take a Thames river cruise

Hop on a short river cruise for a fresh perspective on London. Sit back, enjoy the skyline, and imagine the wizarding world hiding along the Thames. Evening cruises are magical for golden hour photos and give your feet a well-earned break between walking stops.

Shop for souvenirs

Now, here’s something you shouldn’t miss! Visit the Harry Potter shop at King’s Cross Station to grab your wands, scarves, mugs, and other magical keepsakes at the end of your trip. The tour might be over, but there’s no need to wipe the magic from your mind.

Engage in interactive games

Your walking tour is guaranteed to be a lot of fun. Actively engage in Sorting Hat ceremonies and house quizzes, and be part of the action instead of just watching. Your guide will do all it takes to make this a fun experience for you.

Go café hopping

There’s more to your Harry Potter tour than just spotting film locations. Explore hidden cafés, recharge with a Butterbeer, enjoy pastries, or sip a cozy hot chocolate. Keep your eyes open because you never know what magical treat you might find!

Things you will see on your Harry Potter walking tour

King’s Cross Station
10 Downing Street
Great Scotland Yard
Trafalgar Square
Cecil Court
Goodwin’s Court
St. Paul’s Cathedral
Borough Market
The Golden Hinde
The Clink Prison Museum
Millennium Bridge
Australia House
Leadenhall Market
Warner Bros. Studio
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King’s Cross Station

A buzzing railway station turned into a pop-culture legend! King’s Cross is where every young wizard’s journey begins. Pose with the trolley at Platform 9¾ and feel like you’re about to board the Hogwarts Express.

10 Downing Street

Home to Britain’s Prime Minister, Downing Street also played a quick cameo in Half-Blood Prince. Remember that scene where the Minister for Magic visits through a portrait? Yep, that’s here.

Great Scotland Yard

A historic London street that secretly doubles as the Ministry of Magic’s entrance. Imagine Harry and Mr. Weasley ducking into the red phone booth to access the wizarding world. It’s pure magic hiding in plain sight.

Trafalgar Square

One of London’s liveliest landmarks and a major Half-Blood Prince moment. Look up and picture Death Eaters swooping past Nelson’s Column while life goes on below. The energy here is electric in film and real life.

Cecil Court

A charming Victorian alley packed with bookshops and vintage stores, Cecil Court oozes Diagon Alley vibes. Whether or not it truly inspired J.K. Rowling, the magic (you may feel!) here is undeniable.

Goodwin’s Court

Hidden between Leicester Square and Covent Garden, this narrow cobbled alley feels straight out of Knockturn Alley. Its gas lamps, iron railings, and shadowy charm make it perfect for Potter-style photos.

St. Paul’s Cathedral

St. Paul’s Cathedral, one of London’s most famous landmarks with its massive dome, stood in for Gringotts in Deathly Hallows and the entrance to Trelawney’s classroom. Stand in front of it and let your imagination transport you to the world that existed in another realm.

Borough Market

Besides being one of London’s top foodie spots, Borough Market doubled as the exterior for the Leaky Cauldron in Prisoner of Azkaban. Remember the scene when Harry arrives here via the Knight Bus?

The Golden Hinde

Sir Francis Drake’s famous ship, the Golden Hinde, inspired Durmstrang’s vessel for the Triwizard Tournament. Strolling along the decks, you can almost imagine champions preparing for the magical yet dangerous challenge that shook Hogwarts.

The Clink Prison Museum

This is a 12th-century prison that gives off serious Azkaban vibes. Step inside, hear tales of real prisoners, and imagine Dementors gliding through the halls.

Millennium Bridge

The Millennium Bridge is where Death Eaters attack in Half-Blood Prince. Its sleek design contrasts London’s historic skyline, making it a thrilling stop.

Australia House

Australia House inspired Gringotts Bank. With marble columns and glittering chandeliers, it feels like stepping into a vault full of wizard treasures.

Leadenhall Market

This Victorian market doubled as Diagon Alley in Philosopher’s Stone. Peek through the blue door at 42 Bull’s Head Passage to find the Leaky Cauldron entrance.

Warner Bros. Studio

The Warner Bros. Studio Tour lets you walk through Hogwarts itself. Explore original sets, costumes, props, sip Butterbeer, and hop on the Hogwarts Express.

Visitor tips

  • Some Harry Potter walking tours include spots from the films that don’t always align perfectly with the main route. Bring a map so you can wander and discover even more magical places on your own.
  • Keep an eye out for hidden Harry Potter-themed shops while exploring London. The Harry Potter Shop at Platform 9¾ and House of MinaLima in Soho are full of cool souvenirs and fun little surprises off the usual path.
  • London sometimes hosts temporary Harry Potter events or pop-up exhibitions, like Magical Mischief or Wizarding World experiences. Check what’s on or ask your guide if anything special is happening during your visit.
  • If your tour goes past The George Inn, take a closer look at the pub sign. Lots of historic pubs have whimsical designs with broomsticks, cauldrons, or magical animals. It’s a fun little nod to the wizarding world.
  • If your tour ends near Trafalgar Square, think about hopping on the bus route that inspired the Knight Bus. It might not actually fly, but a double-decker ride through London feels like stepping into the story.
  • Bring a small notebook or use your phone to jot down any fun facts your guide shares. You’ll want to remember all these magical details later!

Frequently asked questions about Harry Potter walking tours

Absolutely! Wearing your house robes or any Harry Potter-themed gear is a fun way to get into the spirit. Plus, it makes for some fantastic photos during the tour.