Harry Potter fans: you’re in for a treat! There are many Harry Potter tour options in London, from studio tours to themed pubs. All the essential locations from the films can be visited in real life. You can even eat at some of them if you’re feeling peckish (or just want to try some butterbeer). Here’s your guide to some of our favorite Harry Potter experiences in London.
Welcome to the Harry Potter studio tour
This isn’t just a tourist trap for those who can’t get enough of J.K. Rowling’s magical world. The Harry Potter tour of the studio is a great day out for all the family. There is plenty to do and see, not just for fans of the movies!
See all the sets, props, and costumes from all eight films
You’ll be able to walk through some of your favorite scenes from Harry Potter and his friends’ adventures at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. You’ll see where Harry rode on Buckbeak in Chamber of Secrets; where Fred Weasley died during Deathly Hallows Part 2 (the film was shot in reverse so that they could show him getting killed off); Dumbledore’s office; Hagrid’s Hut; Gryffindor Common Room; Professor Umbridge’s classroom; Dumbledore’s tombstone — you name it!
Ride the Hogwarts Express
It only runs once an hour, but it takes you from Watford Junction Station to King’s Cross Station – so if time is tight, this could be worth skipping as some other attractions around King’s Cross are free (e.g., Platform 9 ¾). However, if time isn’t an issue, take advantage of this opportunity as riding on top of a steam train makes for excellent photos!
Visit Leaky Cauldron restaurant at Universal Studios London
If you’re hungry after exploring many different filming locations, then head over here before visiting Diagon Alley because its food is delicious!
We recommend trying their fish & chips or chicken pie with mash potatoes & gravy plus side salad (some may prefer soup rather than fries). They also have alcoholic drinks such as Butterbeer which tastes like cream soda. Still, it won’t get anyone drunk even if someone has several servings…so don’t worry about having fun without being intoxicated by alcohol.”
Enjoy a pint at the authentic Hog’s Head pub
The Hog’s Head Pub is located in the village of Godric’s Hollow, which was used as a filming location for the Harry Potter films. The pub replicates the one featured in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1 and 2. It serves real ales and can be visited by locals and tourists alike!
The pub also sits next to a restaurant that serves traditional English food made from local ingredients (if you want to eat before going on your tour) and dishes inspired by Harry Potter. There are even dishes for vegetarians, vegans, and anyone with gluten allergies!
Eat at the Leaky Cauldron
The Leaky Cauldron is a restaurant in London that serves traditional British food, including fish and chips and shepherd’s pie. The cost of a meal at the Leaky Cauldron is £22.50 (USD 30), which includes a drink and dessert.
The Leaky Cauldron serves breakfast Monday through Friday from 8:00 am until 10:00 am. Lunch is served from 11:30 am until 4:00 pm, and dinner from 5:00 pm until 11:00 pm. Late-night drinks are served from 11:00 pm until 1 is on Saturdays only. Reservations are recommended but not required for all meals except lunch (which requires reservations).
Step inside Platform 9 3/4
You can catch the Hogwarts Express at Platform 9¾ and travel to Hogsmeade Station. This is where you will find yourself in a magical world. You can see the luggage trolley that Harry Potter and Ron Weasley had to push through as they tried to get onto the magic train. You can see the barrier that kept Muggles away from this mystical place. There is even a sign showing you how long it takes for your train ride (about 2 hours).
If you look closely, some bricks are also missing from this wall!
Hogwarts in the Snow
Hogwarts in the Snow is a Harry Potter tour experience unlike any other. What looks like snow falling from the sky is foam, but it feels natural and looks so good that it might fool you into believing it’s real.
The show occurs several times during the day and lasts just under 10 minutes. It’s best to arrive at least half an hour before your scheduled show time to avoid getting stuck in traffic or spending too much time waiting in line with other tourists.
Note: There are two types of shows available—one for adults only, which features adult language/themes, and one appropriate for all ages, which does not include those themes or language.
Visit ‘Diagon Alley’ in London’s Covent Garden
Covent Garden is in the center of London and very easy to find. It’s just a few minutes from Covent Garden tube station, which directly links to Heathrow Airport. You can also get there on the Underground from most other parts of London.
The area around Covent Garden was once full of market stalls selling fruit, vegetables, clothes, and other goods. Today it’s more like an outdoor shopping mall than a marketplace.
There are plenty of shops, including places where you can buy everything you need for your Harry Potter tour! The best place in Covent Garden to start your Harry Potter tour is right outside King Street, where you’ll find Diagon Alley:
Visit Ollivander’s wand shop (01278 499 462)
Buy your magic wand here. They have loads of different types, so be sure to try them all out before thinking about which one suits you best! The staff at Ollivander’s are accommodating, so don’t worry if you’re unsure which kind to choose. Ask them for advice on what might suit your personality best (or maybe even let them select one for you).
They also stock fake wands with special effects such as lights or sounds – perfect if your child wants something special but isn’t old enough for an actual magic one!
Warner Bros. Studio Tour London – The Making of Harry Potter
Warner Bros. Studio Tour London is a must-see for Harry Potter fans. You can see this attraction’s sets, props, and costumes from all eight films.
The tour takes you through the studio, where they filmed most of the action scenes from all eight Harry Potter films. Highlights include seeing Dumbledore’s Office, the Gryffindor common room (replicated in real-life), Harry’s bedroom at Privet Drive, Hagrid’s Hut, and much more!
Conclusion
If you want to see the Harry Potter tour in London, be prepared for a magical day of exploring.
You can take as much or as little of your time as you like, but if you’re feeling particularly pressed for time, there are tours that can be booked in advance to save some time.
If you’re a hardcore fan, start saving up! These tours aren’t cheap by any means. But think about how many places you’ll be able to visit and spend time exploring – it will all be worth it in the end.
