Harry Potter Locations Outside Of London
If you are looking for a day trip from London, a visit to the Harry Potter filming sites in Oxford is a perfect option. There are 38 colleges that make up the University of Oxford, and some of these were used for filming scenes in the Harry Potter movies. You can explore on your own but I would recommend a walking tour. You can also hire a private driver-guide like we did for a full-day trip.
A must-do stop is at Christchurch, where the Great Hall is what was used for the Great Hall/Dining Hall at Hogwarts. You can also visit the staircase where McGonagall greeted the first-year students in Chamber of Secrets.
In New College you can see the Cloisters that were used for some of the hallways scenes, and the tree where Draco Malfoy was turned into a ferret.
If you have a car or hire a driver, you can also stop in Lacock Abbey, where they filmed the Potters house in Philosophers Stone and the Potions classroom. Find more Harry Potter filming sites in the countryside here.
PIN THIS FOR LATER
Find this useful? Share it!
How To Get To Warner Bros Studio
If you are staying in London the easiest way to get to the Harry Potter Studio is to take the tube.
Depending on where you are in London there are two stations that have direct transportation to the Harry Potter Watford Station which is where you will get off. Eustan and Birmingham New Street has a direct line.
Once you get off at the Watford Station you will take a bus to the Harry Potter Studio. There is a small fee to ride the bus. Dont worry, this bus is specifically for the Harry Potter Studio and is not a city bus.
Other Harry Potter London Tours
Below are a schedule and description of various free and paid Harry Potter London walking tours. We also list bus and taxi tours.
Disclosure:
TIP: If you are considering purchasing a multi-day, hop-on, hop-off bus ticket, keep in mind that Big Bus Tours offers a free, daily Harry Potter Walking Tour with any 2 or 3-day ticket.
You May Like: Harry Potter World Universal California
Hours In London: The Perfect Two
For first-time visitors to London, its easy to imagine the city as a whirlwind of big red buses, royal palaces, and historic pubs. But scratch beneath the postcard-perfect surface, and youll find yourself at the heart of one of the most dynamic destinations on Earth. Home to a diverse and creative population, this two-day itinerary will help you explore everything from its must-see museums to its most energetic neighborhoods, via several foodie moments.
Shop For Books On Diagon Alley
Spend time perusing Cecil Court, JK Rowlings inspiration for Diagon Alley. On this tiny pedestrian street, youll find all sorts of novelty bookshops that were the inspiration for Flourish and Blotts as well as a coin shop that was the inspiration for the use of Gallions as currency in Harry Potter. You can check out the huge coins in the window!
Unfortunately, this street is currently covered in scaffolding. Ive seen it on better days and its really quite nice. The shops are still worth visiting and you can try to imagine the quaint look it will have when the scaffolding comes down.
You May Like: Where To Watch Harry Potter Movies
Harry Potter Warner Brothers Studio Tour
The ultimate Harry Potter experience for fans who want to take a day and explore everything to do with the Wizarding World. But you must buy tickets in advance.
If you book with our link, you will save at least 10% on your tickets .
At Harry Potter studios, you can:
- Step into the film sets: The Great Hall, the Forbidden Forest, and Diagon Alley.
- See the original costumes: Quidditch, the Yule Ball, the Beauxbatons, and more.
- Find the props: Potions Classroom, Memory Cabinet, and Prof. Umbridges Pink Office.
- Observe the art design: Hogwarts Castle model, graphic designs, and technical drawings.
- Watch creature effects: The Basilisk, Buckbeak, Goblin Heads, and Aragog.
- Visit the official Warner Bros. Harry Potter shop.
- And much, much more.
When planning your Warner Brothers studio tour, and if you have the option, we recommend going during a holiday. They have themed exhibits for Halloween, the winter holidays, and Valentines day, including candlelight dinner packages, and more.
How fun would it be to have dinner during Halloween in the Great Hall while 100 pumpkins floated above your head? Or taking a partner on Valentines day where youll be greeted with a Love Potion cocktail before being whisked away for a fancy dinner in the Great Hall?
This tour ranks among the absolute best Harry Potter attractions. Sign me up. Again. Get your tickets in advance though. They often sell out so its best to be on the ball with this one.
See Harry Potter And The Cursed Child On Stage If You Can
The latest addition to the Harry Potter universe is the new stage play, Harry Potter and the Cursed Child. Based on JK Rowlings short story of the same name, this sequel set 19 years after the end of the series follows Harry and his youngest son, who struggles with his complicated family legacy.
You can catch a show at the Palace Theatre in Londons famous West End. The play is set in two parts, with both playing back to back on Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday if youd like to see each part on consecutive days, part 1 plays on Thursday and part 2 plays on Friday. One ticket gives you access to both parts, however you do have the option to see them both on the same day or to buy two separate tickets for two separate days. As of this writing, prices range from £15 to £70 per part.
While tickets have been selling out quickly since the play opened last summer, you can still order them online for shows now through July 22, 2018, or try your luck with the Friday Forty lottery, when 40 tickets are released for sale Friday at 1:00pm for performances the following week. The show will also be opening on Broadway at the Lyric Theatre in New York City starting April 22, 2018.
You May Like: What Is Harry Potter Illustrated Edition
The Cauldron The Harry Potter Cocktail Bar In London
Sorry kids but if youre under 18, time to skip ahead because The Cauldron is strictly one for the adults.
What if I told you that there was a Harry Potter-inspired cocktail bar in London where you can make your own potions. You would think that was pretty awesome wouldnt you?
Good. Because thats exactly what I am telling you.
The Cauldron is a cool pop up in Stoke Newington where you can don your robes, pick up your wand and spend a few hours cooking up a few real-life brews.
Read More: Whats it Really Like to Visit The Cauldron?
Harry Potter And The Cursed Child Play
If you are visiting London with older kids , another of the cant miss Harry Potter things to do in London is J.K. Rowlings Harry Potter and the Cursed Child play.
Playing at the Palace Theatre, this multiple Tony award winning play is the 8th story in the Harry Potter series. The Cursed Child story takes place 19 years after Harry, Ron and Hermione saved the wizarding world from the evil Lord Voldemort. This time, its their childrens turn for adventure at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.
When we visited London with our kids, we really wanted to take them to see The Cursed Child play, but its nearly 6 hours long . We felt this was a little too long for our kids attention span.
If the running time of the Cursed Child isnt a concern for you, you must book your seats as early as possible. Good seats for 3 or more people are often very limited 3-4 weeks before the show date.
A Shorter Harry Potter and the Cursed Child Play
A much shorter 3.5 hour version of the Cursed Child play has started to run at select theaters around the world. As of press time, the London play was still the 6-hour version.
Read Also: Where To Stream Harry Potter Free
Check Out Harry Potter
As youd probably guess, there are many Harry Potter-themed places around London. From bars to hotels to shops, there is something for every fan.
Here are some of the best Harry Potter-themed places in London:
- The Cauldron: Don a cape while brewing your own Harry Potter-themed drinks
- Cutter & Squidge: Afternoon Tea in the Potion Room? Yes, Potion Master.
See Related: Ultimate Packing Checklist for London
Marvel At Some Of The Graphic Art From The Harry Potter Movies
This mesmerising gallery in Soho allows you to admire all the amazing graphic art from the Harry Potter movies. Make your way through four floors of designs at House of MinaLima, from the Harry Potter film series and Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them, to a number of illustrated fairy tale books. There is also a shop where guests can purchase graphic prints, as well as various accessories and stationery. Youll find House of MinaLima at 26 Greek Street, Soho. See more here.
Recommended Reading: How Much Did Harry Potter Movies Make
Harry Potter Walking Tour London
This post is a guide to Harry Potter tours and sights in London. We offer a guided tour of film locations as well as a self-guided tour to do on your own.
Learn how to stay at a Harry Potter-themed hotel or how to get to the Warner Bros. Studio Tour, as well as other Potter sights outside of the nation’s capital.
See Harry Potter And The Cursed Child Play
If you are a true Harry Potter fan, this show is a must! It is set 19 years after the last book/movie and is the story of Harry Potter and Ginny Weasleys middle child, Albus Severus Potter and his journey to discover himself and his purpose. The play is viewed in two separate parts. You can see it on the same day back to back or on two separate days. We opted to see it over two days to extend the magic!
I would recommend Harry Potter and the Cursed Child for kids 10 and up who are really into Harry Potter and have read all the books or seen all the movies. The play can get quite scary with Dementors and Voldemort and the storyline is complicated and its very long. It was wonderful and we loved it, but I was glad my younger kids werent there. If you do take younger kids I highly recommend choosing the two-day option.
Youll need to book your Harry Potter play London tickets well in advance. Its no easy feat, so be sure to book these tickets before you plan anything else. There are five ways to get Harry Potter London tickets, including a Friday lottery. They are not cheap, but actually much cheaper than seeing it on Broadway in New York City.
This is a once in a lifetime opportunity, so I think its worth it to splurge on really good seats. We chose the stalls, row R, stage right and they were pretty good seats. Although I would have loved to be a few rows closer!
Cost
You May Like: Where Is The Best Harry Potter World
Harry Potter Photographic Exhibition
One of the newest Harry Potter London attractions is the photographic exhibition. New for 2021, Harry Potter fans are invited to see a collection of behind-the-scenes images from the film series. Located in Covent Garden, the Harry Potter photographic exhibition treats fans to hundreds of photographs from some of the movies most iconic and pivotal moments.
While you are visiting the Harry Potter photographic exhibition, be sure to get a photo taken of you flying over London on a Quidditch broom, enjoy a bottled butterbeer and then leave for home with your personal Ministry of Magic ID card.
Harry Potter In London: Practical Information And Map
I hope its clear by now that theres so much magic in London its just a matter of finding it. Here are a couple of practical tips to help you along the way.
- Wear comfortable shoes to go and do the self-guided walk and allow yourself all day to do it, its a biggie!
- Ive given you tonnes of information to allow you to explore Harry Potters London on your own, but if you want to book a guided tour, check these out.
- If you dont live in London, Georgian House has created a series of Harry Potter themed rooms where you can stay. Check prices and availability.
Thats a wrap guys. I hope you have an absolutely brilliant time discovering all the places featured in this guide. Happy exploring!
Love this? Save and Share on Pinterest!
Looking for more Harry Potter tips and Guides? Check these out.
Also Check: Who Is The Most Powerful Witch In Harry Potter
Kings Cross: Harry Potters Train Station In London
How do you get to Hogwarts? Why, you take a train from Platform 9 and 3/4 at Kings Cross station of course! The scenes from Harry Potter and the Philosopherâs Stone and Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets were filmed on location at Kings Cross station, actually between platforms four and five.
Of course, youâll struggle to actually find a real Platform 9 and 3/4 at Kings Cross station today. For a long while there was a trolley located in the wall near platforms nine, however, as it became so popular, it was moved, and can now be found in the main concourse of Kings Cross station, next to a Harry Potter store.
You can have your photo taken pushing the trolley âthroughâ the wall, although be aware that as this is probably the most famous Harry Potter location in London, queues can be lengthy! Lines can be 1 hour to 2 hours long to take a photo so be prepared.
Donât panic if you donât get your shot here though, if you happen to visit the Warner Bros Studio tour , they have a row of trolleys stuck in walls, just ready for you to get the perfect photo!
Go For A Harry Potter Themed Afternoon Tea
Upgrade your Harry Potter in London experience by paying a visit to Cutter & Squidges Secret School of Wizarding Alchemy.
At this immersive London dining experience, youll sit at school tables and learn the art of potions with a real-life potion master, before getting to enjoy your tasty concoctions alongside a lavish Harry Potter themed Afternoon Tea.
Don’t Miss: What Genre Is Harry Potter
Take A Harry Potter London Tour For Muggles
We took the Tour for Muggles through London and it was so worth it! Our tour guide was Ellie Lovegood . She took us on a walking tour of London and showed us sites for filming and inspiration from the books and films. She was super knowledgeable about not only Harry Potter but also about London and its history. We learned a lot about the city. Combining history and Harry Potter! It doesnt get much better than that!
This Harry Potter tour went quite quickly. I had a tough time keeping up myself so it might not be suitable for slower children or strollers.
Cost
Platform 9 And Harry Potter Shop At Kings Cross Station
Get down to Kings Cross Station and re-enact your own Harry Potter moment, posing for a photo with a luggage trolley which disappears into the wall! Yes, its not actually at the point between platforms 9 and 10 as you might think but hey its no less fun for it! Find the trolley in the main hall area you wont miss it. There are even staff on hand to offer you your favourite Hogwarts house scarf!
You can even get yourself some Harry Potter goodies while youre at it. Next door is the Harry Potter shop at Platform 9 ¾ selling you robes, scarves, sweets, bags, mugs, books all the essentials. Open 8am 10pm every day except Sunday .
Recommended Reading: Which Harry Potter Book Has The Most Pages
Best Harry Potter Things To Do In London
As any proper wizard knows, the Harry Potter books were based in England, so many of the movies take place in London proper. But with so much to see, and even more magic to experience, its hard to decide which Harry Potter things to do first.
But dont worry. Weve got you covered.
Below, we provide you with our specially curated list of the best Harry Potter things to do in London.
Get That Photo At Platform 9
A cute freebie for passing Potter fans, a luggage trolly embedded in the wall at Londons Kings Cross station gives us all the chance to take that first step on our journey to Hogwarts. A nearby Harry Potter gift shop gives you the opportunity to buy your own wand. Potterheads also gather here on September 1 each year, which is the traditional day for new students to catch the Hogwarts Express.
Recommended Reading: Is Harry Potter Making Another Movie
Take The Jacobite Steam Train
The Jacobite Steam Train has been described as the greatest railway journey in the world.
It is a must for all Harry Potter enthusiasts visiting Scotland although you dont have to be a die-hard Potterhead to appreciate it. It is a fabulous experience for anyone.
The Jacobite train from Fort William to Mallaig takes you on a 41 mile journey through the incredibly scenic Scottish countryside and, of course, over the Glenfinnian Viaduct .
The Jacobite costs £30 for a child and £52 for an adult .
If you dont want to take the train, you can just go and watch as it passes. The train crosses the viaduct twice a day once at 10.15 am and again at 3.15 pm .
If you are thinking of visiting the Isle of Skye you can get the ferry from Mallaig. Read more on some of the top destinations in Skye .
The Jacobite