From Diagon Alley to Platform 9¾: London’s Must-Visit Harry Potter Sites

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If you are taking a cruise from Southhampton and planning a pre cruise stay in our great capital, you will know London is a treasure trove for Harry Potter fans. Offering a magical journey through the city where many iconic scenes from the beloved series were brought to life. From the bustling King’s Cross Station to the enchanting Leadenhall Market, there are countless spots that capture the essence of J.K. Rowling’s wizarding world.

Where to Find Harry Potter In London

Harry Potter Things To Do In London
Photo Credit Sarah Christie

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Whether you’re keen to explore filming locations, visit themed shops, or simply soak up the atmosphere, this guide will take you through the must-visit Harry Potter locations in London. Get ready to step into the pages of the books and the scenes of the films!

1. Millennium Bridge

Harry Potter Millennium Bridge
Photo Credit: Donna Vallance Like Love London.

The Millennium Bridge in London appears in “Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince,” the Millennium Bridge is depicted as the Brockdale Bridge. In a dramatic scene, the Death Eaters, who are followers of Lord Voldemort, destroy the bridge shortly after the film’s beginning. This scene demonstrates the chaos and danger in the wizarding world and sets the tone for the rest of the movie.

2. Platform 9¾ at King’s Cross Station

Harry Potter Platform 9 34
Photo Credit: Donna Vallance Like Love London.

Platform 9¾ at King’s Cross Station is a fictional location in the Harry Potter series. It’s a magical platform where Hogwarts students catch the Hogwarts Express to go to school. They must walk through an invisible barrier between Platforms 9 and 10 to access it. This platform is a significant starting point for many adventures in the series.

3. Leadenhall Market

Harry Potter Leadenhall Market
Photo Credit: Donna Vallance Like Love London.

Leadenhall Market was used to depict Diagon Alley, a magical shopping district in the wizarding world. The market’s ornate architecture and cobblestone streets provided an ideal backdrop for the wizarding shops and bustling atmosphere of Diagon Alley, where Harry Potter and other characters purchased their school supplies and interacted with other witches and wizards.

4. Harry Potter Statue

Harry Potter Leicester Square
Photo Credit: Donna Vallance Like Love London.

The sculpture depicts Harry flying on his broom and can be found as part of the movie statue trail around Leicester Square.

5. Lambeth Bridge

Harry Potter places in London Photo Credit 2004 Warner Bros.
Photo Credit: 2004 Warner Bros.

Lambeth Bridge makes an appearance in “Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban,” the Knight Bus, a magical triple-decker bus used for wizarding transportation, is shown squeezing between two double-decker buses on Lambeth Bridge.

6. Australia House

Harry Potter Australia House
Photo Credit: Donna Vallance Like Love London.

Australia House was a filming location for “Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone” / “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone” in the United States. In the film, Australia House was used to represent Gringotts Wizarding Bank, a pivotal location in the wizarding world where wizards and witches store their money and valuable possessions.

The interior of Australia House, with its impressive marble and banking hall, provided an ideal setting for Gringotts in the movie.

7. Reptile House at London Zoo

Harry Potter places in London Photo Credit 2001 - Warner Bros.
Photo Credit: 2001 – Warner Bros.

The Reptile House at the London Zoo is a notable location in “Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone” (also known as “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone” ); Harry Potter visits the Reptile House during a trip to the zoo. While there, he has a strange encounter with a Python who can communicate with him through Parseltongue, a rare ability to speak to snakes.

This is an essential moment in the series because it is the first time Harry realizes he possesses unusual magical abilities.

8. St. Pancras International Station

Harry Potter St Pancreas
Photo Credit: Donna Vallance Like Love London.

St. Pancras International Station in London is another significant location featured in the Harry Potter series. In the series, St. Pancras is the location of the entrance to the magical platform, Platform 9¾. However, in the films, the exterior shots of King’s Cross Station were filmed at St. Pancras International Station, making it an iconic spot for Harry Potter enthusiasts to visit and take photos, commemorating the gateway to the magical world.

9. House of MinaLima

Harry Potter Mina Lima
Photo Credit: Sarah Christie Extraordinary Chaos

The House of MinaLima is a must-visit for fans of the “Harry Potter” films and the broader wizarding world. It’s not a location from the movies but rather a real-life magical experience in London. The House of MinaLima is a gallery and shop creted by graphic designers Miraphora Mina and Eduardo Lima, who worked on the graphic design for the “Harry Potter” film series.

10. Warner Bros. Studio Tour London – The Making of Harry Potter

Photo Credit: Sarah Christie Extraordinary Chaos.

The Warner Bros. Studio Tour London – The Making of Harry Potter is a popular attraction in Leavesden, near London. It allows fans of the Harry Potter series to explore authentic sets, costumes, props, and behind-the-scenes insights from the making of the films. Visitors can enjoy interactive experiences, learn about the filmmaking process, and immerse themselves in the magical world of Harry Potter.

Also See, Top 10 Harry Potter Themed Hotels/Airbnbs

Top 10 Harry Potter Themed HotelsAirbnbs, Photo Credit Sarah Christie
Photo Credit: Sarah Christie.

No matter how old you get, you will probably never stop if you once loved the Harry Potter series. There is something magical about either passing down the nostalgia you feel for the books and films onto your children or having watched them grow up during the Harry Potter hype. And because of its longevity, Harry Potter-themed hotels and Airbnbs are still very popular in 2023, so we’ve compiled a list of the best for you.

Elf Movie Locations to Visit in New York

Elf Loctions in New York, Central Park © Warner Home Video
Photo Credit: Warner Home Video.

Elf Location to visit in  New York with the kids. Follow the steps of Buddy the Elf in New York.

This article originally appeared on Mini Travellers.

Author

  • Sarah Christie is a passionate family travel expert. With years of experience exploring the world by sea, Sarah specialises in helping families plan unforgettable cruise holidays with practical tips, honest reviews, and insider advice. From navigating mega ships with little ones to finding the best family-friendly excursions, she’s on a mission to make cruising stress-free and magical for all ages. Now that her children are grown up, Sarah is also embracing a new chapter of cruising as a couple, exploring adult-only experiences, romantic escapes, and bucket-list destinations with a fresh perspective.

    She also co-hosts the popular Magically Cruising Podcast, where she shares cruise news, destination insights, and first-hand experiences to inspire both first-time cruisers and seasoned sailors.

    Contact me on travelingchristie@gmail.com

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