The best time to join a Harry Potter walking tour in London
Harry Potter walking tours in London operate at different times depending on the starting point and type of tour. Here’s a clear overview of the starting points, ending points, timings, and seasonal notes to help you plan your magical itinerary.
Starting point & time
King’s Cross station: 9:30 am
Borough market: 9:30–10:30 am
Private black cab tour: 8 am
Ending point & time
King’s Cross walking tour : around 12 pm–3 pm
Borough market walking tour : around 12 pm–3 pm
Private black cab tour: Flexible, typically ends around 4 pm
Seasonal notes
November–March: Fewer crowds and cooler temperatures, making it ideal for quieter tours.
December: Festive decorations and peak tourist season, so expect larger crowds.
Weekdays (Tuesday–Thursday): Less crowded, making it the best time to join a tour.
Try to reach your starting point at least 15 minutes early, especially if your tour begins at 10 am.
Keep an eye on the weather. Even a little rain can make cobblestones slippery, so comfy shoes are a must.
Some streets have uneven pavements or steps. If that sounds tricky, the private black cab tour is an easy and comfortable alternative.
Access to certain filming spots can change without notice, so stay flexible and enjoy going with the flow.
Don’t be late! Last entries start closing shortly after the tour begins, and you don’t want to miss any of the magic.
Best time to go on a Harry Potter walking tour
Winter: From November to March, crowds are smaller, making it the ideal time for a walking tour and better photo opportunities. December adds festive decorations and holiday events, creating a magical atmosphere, though it may be slightly busier than other off-season months.
Spring: Spring, from April to June, offers mild weather and clear skies, making it comfortable to walk between filming locations and perfect for photography.
Summer: July through August is the busiest season, with long daylight hours and warmer temperatures, so early tours are recommended to avoid crowds.
Autumn: Autumn, in September and October, provides moderate crowds, cooler temperatures, and beautiful autumn colours that enhance the tour experience.
Monday: Mondays may have limited availability for some attractions or combo tours, so checking schedules in advance is advised.
Mid-week: Tuesday through Thursday are the quietest days, allowing visitors to enjoy a more relaxed tour and take photos without large crowds.
Latter-half: Fridays through Sundays are busier, so it is recommended to book early tours to secure a spot and avoid crowds.
Morning: Morning tours around 10 am on weekdays and 10:30 am on weekends are the best for beating the crowds and getting clear photo opportunities.
Midday: Midday tours are busier, but the lighting is still good for photography, especially on clear days.
Late afternoon / Golden hour: Late afternoon or golden hour tours provide soft, magical lighting and are ideal for combining with a Thames River cruise.
How long does a Harry Potter walking tour take?
Harry Potter walking tours usually take about 2.5 to 3 hours, giving you plenty of time to wander around London and visit all the magical movie locations. Here’s what a typical day on the tour looks like:
Within 2–3 hours
You can start the walking tour from either King’s Cross or Borough Market. Along the way, you’ll see spots like Platform 9¾, Millennium Bridge, and Leadenhall Market. Don’t forget to snap photos and maybe pop into a few souvenir shops for a wand or scarf!
Within 4 hours
In addition to the main walking tour, you can add a visit to Warner Bros. Studio to check out real sets, props, and costumes from the movies. Take a longer break for coffee or snacks, explore quieter corners, and soak in even more of the magic at your own pace.
With 5–6 hours or a full day
Combine the walking tour with a Thames River cruise or a visit to the Tower of London. This way, you can see more of London, enjoy a leisurely lunch along the route, and fully dive into the wizarding world of Harry Potter.
Frequently asked questions about Harry Potter walking tour timings
Tours from King’s Cross usually start at 9:30 am, while tours from Borough Market begin around 10:30 am. Private Black Cab tours run from 8 am, giving you flexible timing to explore London at your own pace.
Most walking tours last about 2.5 to 3 hours, allowing you to visit key filming locations like Platform 9¾, Millennium Bridge, and Leadenhall Market while taking photos and enjoying brief stops at souvenir shops.
The first tour of the day, around 10 am on weekdays and 10:30 am on weekends, is ideal for beating the crowds. Early morning departures provide quieter streets and better opportunities for photos.
Yes! November to March generally has smaller crowds and cooler weather, while December offers festive decorations and holiday events. Summer months are busier with longer daylight, so early tours are recommended.
Absolutely. You can combine your tour with a Thames River cruise or a visit to the Tower of London. If you have 4 to 6 hours available, you can fully enjoy these experiences alongside the walking tour.
Yes, it is recommended to book in advance, especially for weekends or peak tourist seasons. Advance booking ensures your preferred start time and helps avoid long lines or sold-out tours.
