10 magical things to do in London for Harry Potter mega fans

London plays an important role in the wizarding world of Harry Potter. The city is both a location in the story, and many of its streets, buildings, and sights were used during filming, making London the top location for Harry Potter fans. These Harry Potter-themed things to do in London will apparate you directly into the magic of the capital; from day trips to the Warner Bros. Studio where they filmed the movie, to iconic buildings, hidden station platforms, and everything else in between. So grab your wand and your owl and come with us on a tour through the best things to do in London for Harry Potter fans.

1. Warner Bros. Studio

The ultimate stop for any Harry Potter fan in London is visiting the Warner Bros. Studios in Leavesden. This tour is perfect for Harry Potter fans and can be enjoyed on a day trip from London. You’ll see detailed sets, props, and costumes from the movies as you read stories from behind-the-scenes. The walkthrough tour of the studio includes a journey through the Hogwarts Great Hall, the the Gryffindor Boys' Dormitory, and a visit to Dumbledore’s Office.

2. Take a picture at Platform 9¾

King’s Cross Station is famously featured in the Harry Potter books and movies as one of the gateways to the Wizarding World. Specifically, Platform 9¾—located between platforms 9 and 10—is where young wizards and witches run through one of the brick pillars to reach the Hogwarts Express. The station has installed a trolley lodged in the brick wall between the platforms where you can snap a picture.

3. See Harry Potter and the Cursed Child in the West End

Harry Potter and the Cursed Child debuted in 2016, and is playing at the Palace Theatre in London’s West End. The story takes place 19 years after the events in the books, with a new generation of witches and wizards studying at Hogwarts. The theater production takes place in two parts, so visitors have the option to book tickets for both parts consecutively, with a break for dinner and further exploration of London in between.

4. Take a Harry Potter walking tour in London

Locations for the Harry Potter movies can be found all over London, and there are various walking tours you can do that will take you to them all. You will stroll down Diagon Alley, visit the Leaky Cauldron, Borough Market, and enjoy London’s historic landmarks as you go. Get ready for awesome photo opportunities on a London tour that takes you to some of the city’s most magical attractions. 

5. Take a potion-making class at The Cauldron

Okay, so these might be cocktails disguised as potions, but that’s even better, right? This Harry Potter-themed activity takes place at the Cauldron pub in North-East London and it's the perfect place to immerse yourself further into the wizarding world after a busy day exploring Harry Potter sites in London. It's also the perfect rainy day activity!

6. Visit the Harry Potter Photographic Exhibition

London’s Covent Garden offers another opportunity for Harry Potter fans to see photos from the Harry Potter movies. The Harry Potter Photographic Exhibition captured hundreds of the most iconic cinematic stills from the movies, including behind-the-scenes photographs, which are on display in their large gallery space. The exhibition has photo ops using green screens which can show you flying over London on a broomstick, and unique Ministry of Magic ID cards for visitors — all cool souvenirs to remember your trip by. 

7. Enjoy the Potion Room afternoon tea at Cutter & Squidge

Cutter & Squidge is a family-run, all-natural bakery that hosts a number of different charming and inviting high tea options. One of these is the Wizarding Afternoon Tea. Although not officially associated with Harry Potter, it draws on similar magical elements that will transport you to the wizarding world.

8. Admire the House of MinaLima

MinaLima is the dynamic graphic design duo behind many of the creative props and prints used in the Harry Potter movies, as well as the more recent Fantastic Beasts films. MinaLima designed iconic props including the Marauder's Map and the Hogwarts School acceptance letters all Harry Potter fans dreamed of receiving when they turned 11 years old.

Their House of MinaLima in London is a free gallery and shop, where visitors can admire some of the prints and designs made by Mirafora Mina and Ricardo Lima. 

9. Visit Oxford

The gorgeous University town of Oxford is only 1 hour from Paddington Station by train, making it a fantastic day trip from London. There are many excellent Harry Potter attractions in the city and university, including filming locations like the New College Cloisters, Christ Church dining hall, and Duke Humfrey’s Library (Hogwarts Library) which can only be visited on a guided tour. Harry Potter tours of Oxford are a great way to get the lowdown on all these magical locations.

10. Stay in the Wizard’s Chamber

After ticking off some, if not all, of these Harry Potter things to do in London, rest your head in one of the Georgian House Hotel’s special Wizard Chamber rooms. The Georgian House Hotel is situated in a historic townhouse from the 1850s in London’s Pimlico neighborhood. Just a 10-minute walk from Victoria Station and the River Thames and a 20-minute drive from Buckingham Palace, the Georgian House is a great place to stay in London, whether or not it’s a portal to the wizarding world.

FAQ

What to do in London for Harry Potter fans?

There are plenty of Harry Potter attractions in London for fans to check out. From filming locations at King’s Cross Station, Borough Market, and the Millenium Bridge to an evening at the theater with ‘Harry Potter and the Cursed Child’, there are plenty of enchanting things to see and do in the city. For even more Harry Potter attractions, head to Warner Bros. Studios in Leavesden for the ultimate Harry Potter studio tour or even take a day trip to Oxford. 

Where should Harry Potter fans go?

If you’re a big Harry Potter fan, you should absolutely take a trip to the Warner Bros. Studios in Leavesden and take part in the Making of Harry Potter Studio Tour. The studios are just an hour outside of London and a fantastic day trip for any wannabe witches and wizards. Other must-see sights in London for Harry Potter fans are Platform 9¾ and the Cursed Child on the West End. There are also plenty of Harry Potter attractions to enjoy outside of London, if you have time.

How much time do you need at the Harry Potter studios?

You will need approximately 3 hours 30 minutes to complete the Harry Potter Warner Bros. Studio Tour. On the tour you will see countless costumes, props, and sets from the movies. The studio also hosts special Harry Potter-themed exhibitions so make sure you check out the website to see what’s on during your visit!

Is there a dress code for Harry Potter play London?

No, there is no dress code to see the Cursed Child Part 1 & 2 on the West End, however dressing up in your best Hogwarts attire is very welcome!