See Harry Potter filming locations with ease

Climb into a traditional black cab and visit London’s best Harry Potter filming spots. Enjoy hotel pick-up and a knowledgeable driver-guide who brings Diagon Alley, Platform 9¾ and more to life with behind-the-scenes trivia.






























































Top things to do in London

Why choose a Harry Potter black cab tour?

✔️ Private black cab for a personalised tour of film locations

✔️ Hotel pick-up and convenient round-trip transfers in Central London

✔️ Expert driver-guide shares behind-the-scenes stories and trivia

✔️ Bespoke route that focuses on Harry Potter spots or mixes with other film sites

✔️ Small groups for a relaxed, flexible experience

Couple sitting inside a London black cab with shopping bags.

What to expect on a Harry Potter black cab tour?

London black cab driving on a city street.
Black taxi driving on a London street with historic buildings in the background.
Group of tourists at Borough Market, a Harry Potter film location in London.
People walking through a narrow alley in London, reminiscent of Harry Potter's Diagon Alley.
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Hotel pick-up and smooth boarding

Your driver picks you up right at your Central London hotel, helps with luggage, and gives a quick lowdown on the route before you hop in the cab. Easy and stress-free.

Private four-hour ride in a traditional black cab

Sit back in a classic black cab for about four hours as your guide whizzes you between Harry Potter filming spots, pausing for photos or short strolls whenever you want.

Film stories and local context

Your guide spills all the behind-the-scenes secrets, like how the locations were used in the movies, plus fun trivia and London history that make each stop more memorable.

Flexible focus

The tour mostly hits Harry Potter highlights, but if you want, your guide can add other movie or TV locations for a bigger cinematic adventure.

Things to know before booking your tour

  • Tour duration: This private experience lasts four hours and includes round-trip hotel transfers within Central London.
  • Group size and vehicle: The cab can accommodate up to six guests, making it ideal for families or small private groups.
  • Accessibility: Many black cabs offer wheelchair access; confirm accessibility needs with the operator when booking.
  • What’s allowed: Flash photography and tripods may be restricted at certain stops. Check guidance from the driver-guide at each location.
  • Bad weather: Black cab tours run in typical London weather; extreme conditions may affect timing or walking stops.

Harry Potter black cab tour vs standard walking or bus tours

FeatureHarry Potter Black Cab TourStandard Walking or Bus Tour

Atmosphere

Private, personalised, flexible

Group-oriented, set route

Transport

Traditional black taxi with driver-guide

On foot or a large coach with a guide

Stops & coverage

Film sites across central London with door-to-door pick-up

Fixed itineraries; less flexible for customised pick-ups

Best for

Fans wanting comfort, private commentary, and hotel transfers

Walkers or budget-conscious visitors

Highlights of your tour

Platform 9¾ sign at Harry Potter studio tour, featuring Hogwarts Express emblem.
Leadenhall Market in London with people dining under ornate Victorian architecture.
Millennium Bridge over River Thames with St. Paul's Cathedral in London.
St Paul’s Cathedral dome and towers in London against a clear blue sky.
Statue and fountain in Leicester Square, London, surrounded by trees and people relaxing.
Southwark Bridge over the Thames with Tower Bridge in the background at sunset, London.
Borough Market entrance with visitors exploring food stalls in London.
Replica of the Golden Hinde ship docked in London, UK, near historic buildings.
Ruins of the Great Hall at Winchester Palace in London, featuring a large rose window.
Entrance to The Clink Prison Museum in London with medieval decor and signage.
Group of people outside Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre in London.
Tour group exploring Harry Potter film locations near Millennium Bridge, London.
Skyline view of London with Blackfriars Bridge and modern skyscrapers.
London Eye with nearby buildings, viewed during afternoon tea experience.
Harry Potter film locations walking tour near Scotland Yard, London.
Statue of William Gladstone in London surrounded by trees and historic buildings.
Nelson's Column at Trafalgar Square with fountains and surrounding buildings in London, UK.
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King’s Cross Station and Platform 9¾

You’ll spot the exact brick wall where Harry disappears into Platform 9¾ and the bustling station concourse that doubled for multiple Hogwarts departures. Insider tip: early morning shots avoid the crowds and catch better photos.

Leadenhall Market

Those cobblestones and archways? Totally Diagon Alley. The Leaky Cauldron scenes were filmed right here, with shopfronts and hidden corners giving that authentic magical street vibe. Your guide will point out subtle film details you’d miss alone.

Millennium Bridge

Remember it toppling under Death Eaters in Deathly Hallows? From here, you can imagine the chaos while taking in stunning Thames views. The guide explains how they blended real bridge shots with CGI magic.

St Paul’s Cathedral (Hogwarts staircase scene)

That grand staircase? Hogwarts magic happens here. Angles and clever camera tricks made it feel like the school, and your guide will share which spots were tricky to film. Perfect for Potter photo nerds.

Leicester Square & Harry Potter shop

This area hides a gem of wizarding memorabilia and was used for street shots. Your guide shares trivia about the bustling scenes filmed here, and the nearby Harry Potter shop is a quick, fun stop.

Southwark View Point

This isn’t just any viewpoint; filmmakers used this angle for sweeping chase sequences. From here, you get both cinematic insight and a gorgeous view of the Thames and London’s skyline.

Borough Market

Even if you’re not hungry, this market’s alleyways inspired bustling, magical streets. Cobblestones, stalls, and hidden corners gave the Harry Potter films an authentic, chaotic charm without CGI heavy lifting.

The Golden Hinde

This replica ship appears in background shots, adding period charm to scenes. Your guide shares how props and angles made it feel part of the wizarding world rather than just a London dockside.

Winchester Palace

These ancient ruins provided perfect textures for darker, dungeon-like exteriors. Filmmakers loved the stonework for outdoor Hogwarts sequences that needed an authentic, historical feel without leaving London.

The Clink Prison Museum

Even from outside, you can see why filmmakers chose this for hidden magical spaces. Narrow corridors and textured stone gave scenes a believable, grim, mysterious vibe, ideal for wizarding dungeons.

Shakespeare’s Globe

The recreated theatre appears subtly in some aerial shots. Its classic architecture gave filmmakers a recognizable London landmark that fit seamlessly into chase sequences, blending magic with real city charm.

City of London School

Some classroom exteriors were inspired by this building’s facades. Your guide points out features that were mirrored on screen, making ordinary London streets feel like Hogwarts halls.

Blackfriars

Bridges, quays, and stonework here helped film chase scenes, mixing old-world London with magical storytelling. You’ll get behind-the-scenes insight on why this area was chosen for action shots.

Embankment & London Eye

Yes, the London Eye makes a cameo! The riverside views here were used to give scale and epic context to magical chase sequences, and your guide will point out subtle CGI additions.

Great Scotland Yard

This building’s façade inspired Ministry of Magic exteriors. Your guide shares why its imposing architecture made the perfect backdrop for wizarding authority scenes without needing heavy set dressing.

Australia House

Check out the street-level spots of Australia House, used for Gringotts’ exteriors. Your guide explains how simple shopfronts and building angles were transformed with props and camera tricks into the wizarding bank.

Trafalgar Square

The square appears in Death Eater sequences. Knowing the historical and spatial context, your guide explains how filmmakers staged chaos here while still capturing London’s iconic landmarks.

How to make the most of your tour?

  • Ask for your highlights: Before you start, tell your driver-guide which Harry Potter spots matter most so they can tailor the route and timing.
  • Plan the lighting for photos: London streets can be tricky with shadows and reflections. Ask your guide which spots catch natural light best or have the softest evening glow for magical, cinematic photos.
  • Strategic stops for Platform 9¾: Instead of joining the main queue, your guide can often drop you at slightly off-angle entrances or quieter corners to get that classic shot without throngs of tourists.
  • Timing snack breaks smartly: Some markets or cafes are busiest midday. If you plan to grab a butterbeer-themed snack or souvenir, your guide can schedule stops during slower hours for a relaxed experience.
  • Combine with nearby landmarks: Your driver knows shortcuts and hidden paths between locations. You can squeeze in extra film-related spots or iconic London views without wasting time in traffic.
  • Optimize walking segments: Some streets, like Millennium Bridge or Southwark, have better flow at certain times. Let your guide adjust the order of stops to avoid congestion or road closures, especially on weekends.

Frequently Asked Questions about the Harry Potter black cab tour

Can the route be customized?

Yes. The tour is bespoke, so tell your guide which spots you prefer and they’ll rearrange stops and timing to suit your group.

Does the tour include Warner Bros. Studio?

This city black cab tour focuses on London filming locations. The Warner Bros. Studio Tour is a separate full-day experience outside London and is not included.

How much walking is required on this tour?

Short walks occur at select locations for photos or entrances, but most travel is in the black cab for comfort and convenience.

Can I take a tripod or selfie stick during the tour?

Yes, small photography equipment is allowed, but guides recommend lightweight tools for easy setup during brief stopovers at filming locations.

How suitable is the tour for children under 12?

Very suitable, as most walking is minimal and stops are entertaining; guides also share engaging stories tailored to younger visitors.

Can multiple groups book the same cab?

Typically, no. The tour is private, but booking multiple cabs simultaneously can allow larger parties to tour together without sharing commentary.

What should I know about London traffic on the tour?

Guides plan routes around congestion, using shortcuts and flexible timing to avoid delays, ensuring smooth travel between Harry Potter film locations.

How do guides handle rainy or cold weather?

Tours proceed in most weather; cabs are covered and comfortable, and guides can adjust walking stops to keep passengers dry and warm.