The Ultimate FREE Harry Potter Streets of London Walking Tour

London is one of the most exciting cities in the world, and it has a rich history spanning centuries. The streets of London are filled with historic buildings and beautiful parks, museums, and many other attractions. But in recent years, various landmarks throughout the city have become a bit of a pilgrimage for some diehard Harry Potter fans. Come with me on an adventure through modern-day London, to see buildings that inspired places the book and locations used in various Harry Potter films! As you walk, imagine yourself in the footsteps of your favourite characters. With various parts of the city feeling like you’ve actually entered the Wizarding World. What better way to see the real London than through the eyes of Harry Potter?!

As we walk through the fantastic city of London, we will make stops at Harry Potter locations, destinations, and historical sights along the way! It’s a beautiful introduction to the city for anyone, not only Harry Potter fans

When to Do This Tour?

One of the first stops on the tour is the famous St. Paul’s Cathedral which can get quite busy as it is one of the most popular sites in London. I would advise setting out early in the morning so you have the best chance of avoiding the crowds. In addition to this, the tour is rather spread out across the city. Giving yourself an entire day to explore allows you to make little detours along the way to further investigate whatever catches your fancy.

Map of the Harry Potter Walking Tour

Borough Market

One of the best places to start the tour is at Borough Market. Borough Market is one of the oldest and largest food markets in London. A market has existed in this very spot since the 12th century! This incarnation of the market dates back to the 1850s. Today, the market is a fantastic place to wander in the morning looking for treats to start your day. Checking out the fresh farmers’ produce, delicious pastries and baked goods is just what you might need to cure your jet lag!

The Leaky Cauldron III

The outside of Borough Market was used as a shooting location in Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban. In this movie, the storefront under the bridge served as the entrance to the Leaky Cauldron. Harry is dropped off on this street outside the market by the enormous Knight bus. The original location for the Leaky Cauldron was too small to allow for the huge bus to pass through. Also, the director of Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, Alfonso Cuaron wanted his movie to take on a darker, more ominous tone. And this bricked-up wall under the train tracks opposite Borough Market fits the bill. To find the exact location, head to the spot marked on the map at 7 Stone Street.

Clink Street

Walk north along the historic Stoney Street to Clink Street. Clink Street is a narrow, dark and cobbled alley that is very atmospheric. The street is best known as the historic location of the notorious Clink Prison. The Clink Prison was opened in the 12th century and remained open until 1780. The phrase “in the clink,” meaning “in prison,” actually comes from this very place. Although Clink street wasn’t used in the Harry Potter movies, it feels like it could belong in the wizarding world. Perhaps a side street off of Knockturn Alley. There are so many places like this in London where you can imagine J. K. Rowling wandering getting inspiration for her world-building. Clink Street has also been used for other films like Oliver Twist, An American Werewolf in London and Bridget Jones’s Diary.

When you come to the end of Clink Street, continue along Bankside Street next to the Thames River until you reach the Millennium bridge.

Millennium Bridge

The Millennium Bridge is a modern steel suspension bridge used by pedestrians to cross the great River Thames. Londoners nicknamed it the “Wobbly Bridge” as it started to sway back and forth in a more than alarming fashion on the very first day the bridge opened to the public. The bridge had to be closed down immediately and underwent repairs for almost two years to fully stabilized it and stop the swaying! Although their original unveiling was rather underwhelming, the artful design of the bridge has become one of the most iconic places for tourists to see in London.

The Millennium Bridge is featured in the opening scene of Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince. Famously, the bridge is destroyed by Fenrir Greyback and his hoard of Death Eaters during their attacks on Muggleborns.

In the book, a muggle describes the attack as such:

Just before the attack, we saw these plumes of smoke in the sky. If you looked directly at them, they disappeared, but you could see them out the corner of your eye. Then it all went dark and suddenly everything was exploding. If I hadn’t stopped to try to see the smoke, I’d be dead by now. I know that these were devils, punishing for our decadent Western lifestyle.

Muggle Penelope Taylor

Standing on the bridge lookout to the east at London Bridge and Tower Bridge. These bridges are the backdrop for Harry and the rest of the Order of the Phoenix as they travel with Harry on Broomsticks through the city of London.

St. Paul’s Cathedral

Walk across the Millennium Bridge toward the north side of the Thames. The view along the Millennium Bridge of St. Paul’s Cathedral is perfectly framed and makes for a stunning photo op. St. Paul’s Cathedral is our next stop on tour and is located directly north of the bridge. St Paul’s Cathedral was founded in the late 17th century, designed by famed architect Sir Christopher Wren. It was designed in the English Baroque style. English Baroque is an architectural style comprised of flamboyant and dramatic elements. But the building you see today is merely another iteration of many churches which stood on this site. The first church built on this site dates all the way back to 604 AD! But it was destroyed during the Great Fire of 1666 in London.

The great dome is one of the most striking parts of the building. It has dominated the London Skyline for over 300 years. Soldiers and priests during WWII protected it with their life attempting to save it from the bombing. Its endurance was seen as “a symbol of togetherness, survival and suffering” after the terror of the Blitz.

Tickets

Entry into St. Paul’s Cathedral does require paid admission. So if you’re looking to avoid paying the entry fee you can just skip entering the interior of the church. But as the Church is such an incredible sight to see, even though the Harry Potter filming location is small, I would advise booking your tickets in advance to explore this amazing place.

Buy your Tickets online to save some money! Adult tickets cost £17, Children (age 6 – 17) are £7.20 and Families (2 adults + 2 children) cost £41.20. Kids under 5’s are Free. If you don’t buy your tickets in advance Adult tickets cost £20, Children (age 6 – 17) are £8.50 and Families (2 adults + 2 children) cost £48.50.

Paul’s Cathedral Staircase

Inside the church, make your way to the southwest tower staircase. This stunning geometric staircase was used in several films, including Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban. The staircase served as the entrance route to the Divination Classroom.

While you’re visiting the Cathedral, it’s worth taking a trip up to the roof. From here you get an incredible view all across the city of London. If you have young witches and wizards with you, be sure to check out the Whispering Gallery. The whispering gallery is the circular enclosure beneath the dome. Here, if one person whispers softly against the walls their voices can be heard on the other side. This is due to the special acoustics derived from the ingenious architecture, which is very much like magic.

The Royal Exchange

Head east along Cannon Street to Queen Victoria Street until you come to the splendid Royal Exchange. Today this building serves as a large shopping mall. The Royal Exchange was founded in the 16th century by the merchant Sir Thomas Gresham. Traditionally, the Royal Exchange steps are where certain royal proclamations are readout. Either by a herald or crier, announcements such as the dissolution of parliament or the death of a monarch can be heard here. The Royal Exchange marks the entry into London’s financial district.

George and Vulture

On our way to the Market, we will take the back alleys towards the George and Vulture. The alleys behind the pub are another example of the alleyways that evoke the design of Diagon Alley or Knock Turn Alley. Other famous writers like Charles Dickens himself frequented these remnants of Victorian London.

Leadenhall Market

Continue east along Cornhill until we reach the Leadenhall Market. Just walking up to grandiose Leadenhall Market is a cinematic experience. There is no doubt about why J. K. Rowling would have wanted to include this amazing building in her story.

The huge red-painted columns with golden angels peer out down upon you are you enter. While it’s not the oldest market in London, the Leadenhall Market dates back to the 14th century. And the spot where the first market was built once marked the center into the Roman city of London. The current incarnation of the building was designed in the 1800s. But it saw a huge renovation in 1990 to bring the historic character of the market back to life. Today the building simply gleams. The light casting itself down from the windowed rooftops makes the interior sparkle.

The glass-covered roof is embellished with green, maroon and cream-painted architecture details. All of the shop front, which looks out onto the cobblestone streets, are designed to have a uniform appearance. Making the entirety of the space even more impressive in architectural character. The Marketplace was used twice in the very first Harry Potter film. Harry and Hagrid as seen walking through it on their way to find the entrance to the Leaky Cauldron.

The Original Leaky Cauldron

The next spot where Harry and Hagrid visit is located along a narrow alley inside (marked on the map.) Along the Bull’s Head Passage you’ll spot the bright blue painted opticians shop called The Glass House. This building served as the facade to the original Leaky Cauldron. Inside, Harry and Hagrid found the bricked-up back wall which magically revealed the entrance to Diagon Alley.

Claremont Square

From the market, hop on the tube at Bank Station heading towards Angel Station on the northern line. In 15-minutes, you’ll be away from the busy financial centre and out into the quiet streets of Islington. 5-minutes walk from the station is Claremont Square. On the south side of Claremont Square is a row of townhouses. These townhouses were used as the location of Sirius Black’s residence at #12 Grimmauld Place. These houses replaced the previous location used for Grimmauld Place in the Order of the Phoenix film. In Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part One, the trio returns here to Grimmauld Place to discover one of their first Horcrux clues.

King’s Cross

Hop back on the Northern line and take the tube 6-minutes west to the infamous King’s Cross Station. King’s Cross is undoubtedly the most famous of all Potterheads. As it is the location of Platform 9 ¾. The platform features in almost every one of the Harry Potter movies, as does the station itself.

Even before Harry Potter, King’s Cross was one of the busiest stations in the United Kingdom. It was home to both local and international trains making their way in and out of the central station. The station was opened in 1852. During the late 20th century, the area around the station became known for its seedy and downmarket character. To aid in redeveloping the area, a huge renovation was undertaken in the 21st century. They aimed to restore the building to its former glory. All of this would have been taking place while J. K. Rowling was writing her book and no doubt the focus on the station would have lent itself to inspiring J. K. to include it in her book. Although the station has always been a busy hub, its feature in the Harry Potter books and films really brought about a new age of King’s Cross’ popularity.

Platform 9 ¾

The original platform where Platform 9 ¾ would have been located is now where platforms 4 and 5 are positioned. Tourists flocked to the station, and they found that they were interfering with the daily commuters. So the station created its very own Platform 9 ¾ designated area. The tourist site is marked with the iconic Platform 9 ¾ sign along with a luggage cart disappearing into the wall. This allows tourists to come to the station and get that memorable photo without preventing anyone from catching their train.

Be sure to walk along the platform and watch the trains come and go. This is reminiscent of the last scene with Dumbledore in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. During this scene Harry and Dumbledore contemplate the idea of death as they stand on the platform inside what Harry assumes is Kings Cross station.

The Harry Potter Shop at Platform 9 ¾

While in King’s Cross, be sure to pop into the Harry Potter Shop at Platform 9 ¾. This Harry Potter memorabilia shop is where you can buy official merchandise including wands, robes, scarves, and even your own personalized Hogwarts acceptance letter!

St. Pancras Station

Head outside and walk across the street to get a beautiful view of the incredible St. Pancras Station. St. Pancras Station is located directly opposite Kings Cross. The filmmakers used the exterior of St. Pancras as the exterior of King’s Cross in the movies. This was because the real King’s Cross exterior felt less than impressive. Especially when compared to the beautiful red brick Victorian Gothic architecture of St Pancras.

One of the most famous scenes where St. Pancras is depicted is when Harry and Ron flew the Ford Angelina to Hogwarts when they couldn’t pass through the brick wall onto the Platform.

Lincoln’s Inn Fields

Head back inside King’s Cross and hop on the tube via the Piccadilly line to Holborn station. On your walk south along Kingsway street, make a stop on the north side of Lincoln’s Inn Fields. The buildings at #25, 26 27 were the exteriors for #12 Grimmauld Place in the Order of the Phoenix.

High Commission of Australia

Head back to the Kingsway main street and walk along it until you reach Aldwychm. Turn left and head east until you reach the regal High Commission of Australia building. Australia House, as it is also called, is used for Australian Government agencies within the High Commission, including the National Library of Australia.

In Harry Potter, the interiors of Australia House served as Gringotts Wizarding Bank in the Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone. The film transformed the interior into a goblin-run bank with the mere addition of a few tall bank teller desks and a large chandelier.

Cleopatra’s Needle

For a more scenic walk towards our next destination, head on down to the River and walk west along the famous Victoria Embankment. About halfway down, you might notice a huge Obelisk sitting on the edge of the River, flanked on either side by two black granite sphinxes. This is truly an ancient Egyptian obelisk named ‘Cleopatra’s Needle.’ Although it’s named after Cleopatra, she has no connection with the structure. 

The original obelisk was erected in the Egyptian city of Heliopolis in 1450 BC. In 1819, Muhammad Ali Pasha gifted Britain the obelisk, and it was installed here in October 1877. If you look closely, you might notice a large fragment missing from the pedestal. This was where a bomb was dropped on London during a World War I airstrike.

Great Scotland Yard

Head west towards a very iconic destination for any London visitor, Great Scotland Yard. The original Metropolitan Police Commissioner’s office was located here at #4 Whitehall Place. The reason for the name of the Yard referring to Scotland, while being in London, is because the buildings in which the police moved in to was originally the Scottish Embassy. The Scottish Embassy inside the walls of Whitehall Palace was built in 1515. But the Metropolitan Police offices moved in in the 17th century when the street housed government buildings and residences for civil servants.

On the corner of Scotland Place and Great Scotland Yard is where they shot the exteriors of the Ministry of Magic. These exteriors were used in the film Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix. Harry and Mr. Weasley used a red telephone box to enter the Ministry of Magic. The red telephone box was a temporary installation by the film production but you can still walk the streets around it.

Horse Guards Avenue

Walk south along Whitehall Court to Horse Guards Avenue. Horse Guards Avenue is located east of the Horse Guards building and parade area. The Avenue is situated on the site once occupied by the Palace of Whitehall. Also located on the street is the entrance to the real Ministry of Defence. But interestingly enough, in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part One, it was used as the film location of the Ministry of Magic. In the film, Harry, Ron and Hermione disguise themselves as Ministry employees. They enter the building via a Gentlemen’s public toilet, set into the middle of the road. The film added the toilet entrance, but the street they walked along is unchanged from how you see it today.

Westminster Bridge

It would be a shame to come all this way and not continue along the Victoria Embankment to stand atop Westminster Bridge. Westminster Bridge is a stunning lookout point across at the golden exterior of the Houses of Parliament to the south and the great London Eye to the northeast.

Interesting to note is that the colour green the bridge is painted was made to match the same colour as the leather seats in the House of Commons inside the Palace of Westminster. In Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, the order and Harry are seen flying across London, and their silhouettes pass by this iconic sight.

Trafalgar Square

On our way to our next destination make a short stop in Trafalgar Square, just north along Whitehall Road from the bridge. Trafalgar Square is the most popular public square in Central London, established in the early 19th century. It is located around the area formerly known as Charing Cross. The square’s name commemorates the Battle of Trafalgar, the British naval victory in the Napoleonic Wars over France and Spain. The site is one of the most popular places for tourists and sees thousands of visitors every day!

But in 2011, in prime tourist season, the entire square was overtaken by the cast, crew and fans of Harry Potter. It was here that they held the red carpet ceremonies for the 8th and final Harry Potter film, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part Two. The cast greeted adoring fans, and huge tv screens were set up all over the square to broadcast a series of tear-jerking speeches. A heartwarming goodbye for everyone in attendance to these beloved characters they had fallen in love with over the years.

Leicester Square

Just off Charing Cross Road, north past Trafalgar Square is Leicester Square. Leicester Square is a charming little parkette featuring a series of iconic statues. They include depictions of Shakespeare, Paddington Bear, Mr. Bean, Mary Poppins, Laurel and Hardy, and even Bugs Bunny.

But in 2020, the city unveiled the newest addition to the collection featuring Harry Potter. Harry is seen, sculpted in bronze, riding his famous Nimbus 2000. The statue is set to be located here until 2023, but hopefully, they will keep it for a little longer. In the meantime, see it while you can!

Cecil Court

Cross back onto Charing Cross and make your way slightly north towards an old narrow alley filled with ancient bookshops. This street is called Cecil Court. Cecil Court is known for its Victorian shop fronts and has been dubbed “Booksellers’ Row” since 1930 as it has become a hub for historic book shops. Cecil Court is one of the few streets known to have been the inspiration for Diagon Alley. Although no one street feels exactly like the famous wizard shopping thoroughfare, various of these inspirations sites lend a little of their personality to the creation of Diagon Alley.

No doubt Rowling would have loved visiting the amazing antique book shops in Cecil Court. Flourish and Blotts would fit right in here. It’s interesting to note that Mozart, the famed composer, lived on Cecil Court when he came to live in London in April 1764. His first apartment in England was located above a barber’s shop in Cecil Court. A blue placard now marks the spot where he once lived.

Goodwin’s Court

Walk east across Cecil Court, and pass over onto Goodwin’s Court. Goodwin’s Court is one of those ancient laneways that feels like it has been plucked right out of the past. Goodwin’s Court is this wonderful hidden away alley full of historic cottages. Most of which date back to the medieval and Georgian era! This amazing secret passageway is thought to have been one of the streets which inspired Knockturn Alley. Knockturn Alley is the darkened shopping area off Diagon Alley. Here the shops are devoted to the Dark Arts and included the haunting Borgin and Burkes.

Covent Garden

From Goodwin’s Court, head east along King Street. King Street will eventually become the Covent Garden. The Covent Garden Market was originally located here. This former fruit-and-vegetable market served the community from as far back as the 1200s. The Abbot of Westminster Abbey had a walled garden here with large orchards. In 1654 a small open-air fruit-and-vegetable market opened inside what was now a fashionable square.

Noble Collection

Continue north along James Street until you reach Neal Street. On the corner of Neal and Earlham, you’ll find the official Noble Collection store. The Noble Collection is a boutique shop that sells Harry Potter merchandise and gifts. This includes a fantastic range of Harry Potter wands, prop replicas, jewellery, sculptures and more. The Noble Collection creates these replicas with some of the most exquisite designs and the finest craftsmanship. In their quest for perfection, they sought out the most talented and acclaimed sculptors and artists to recreate the designs from the films.

And the shop in Covent Garden is especially interesting. It features an exclusive archive section, featuring some of the Noble Collection‘s discontinued lines, as well as signed replicas and merchandise (not for sale). But they are gorgeous to look at even if you don’t want to buy anything. It feels like walking through a Harry Potter prop museum. If you don’t have the chance to go on the Warner Bros. Studio tour, this is a good substitute for some of the props.

Palace Theatre

Walk west along Earlham Street to the corner of Shaftsbury Road and Charing Cross Street. This is where you’ll find the Palace Theatre, where the theatrical installment of the Harry Potter story continues with Harry Potter And The Cursed Child. The theatre is set to host the show until March 2022. Even if you can’t score a ticket to the show, the outside of the theatre is well worth a stop as it features that iconic Harry Potter logo and beautiful exterior. A great place for a photo op!

Cutter & Squidge

Make your way west along Shaftsbury Avenue and then north towards Brewers street where you’ll find Cutter & Squidge. If you’re looking to get a bite to eat, you MUST make reservations in advance for Cutter & Squidge. Cutter & Squidge offers a wonderfully themed Afternoon Tea inside their “Potions Room.” Afternoon tea in London is a must for any tourist. But a Harry Potter-themed Afternoon Tea is jaw-droppingly perfect! As you enter the dark cave-like “potions room” you are donned with a robe and sit at a school-style desk where you await your Potions Master. Throughout the experience, you will learn how to make drinkable and edible potions! Plus you’ll be able to enjoy one of many of their delicious sweet and savoury classic British pastries.

House of MinaLima

To work off your lunch, head along Wardour Street towards the red marquee which marks the entrance to the House of MinaLima. The House of MinaLima is run by graphic designers Miraphora Mina and Eduardo Lima. Mina and Lima (hence the name) worked on the Harry Potter films, creating iconic graphics such as the Daily Prophet, Marauder’s maps, the Quibbler, candy boxes at Honeydukes and more. When the movies wrapped, they work on getting the rights to sell their creations to the public. Today, anyone can pick up their own copy of Advantage Potion Making or find their personal Marauder’s map.

Just walking around this shop feels like being inside a Harry Potter museum. The piles of Daly Prophets covering the walls along the staircase look almost as if they were about to move. This is definitely the place I spend the most money as so many of their treasures are too beautiful to leave behind. But the great thing is that there are items at any price point. Their Metro Card Holders run just £3.95 and come in a myriad of designs. Their notebooks are my personal favourite as they are designed to look like books from Harry Potter and cost only £12.95.

Piccadilly Circus

Let’s backtrack and head south back down Wardour Street and then west along Shaftsbury Avenue towards bustling Piccadilly Circus. Piccadilly Circus is kinda like the Times Square of London. It’s loud, slightly obnoxious and pretty much somewhere everyone has to see one to say they’ve been to London. But unlike Times Square, this road junction and public space were originally built in 1819! The word “circus” in this context is Latin for the word meaning “circle.” Piccadilly Circus is surrounded by large shopping centres and huge entertainment venues.

Being such a busy area, it was the perfect place for Hermione to choose to escape during the Death Eaters attack on the Burrows in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part One. Hermione knew the area well as a Muggle, where she came to the theatre with her mother and father.

Westminster Abbey

For our last Harry Potter stop on the tour, let’s hop on the tube at Green Park station just down the road from Fortnums. Take the Jubilee Line south to Westminster Station. From there walk south along St. Margaret Street right past both Westminster Abbey and the Palace of Westminster. If you haven’t had the chance to visit Westminster Abbey this is your opportunity to do so. Westminster Abbey is another church with an admission fee. Adults cost £18, Children (6 – 17) are £7 and Children (0 – 5) are Free.

There is SO MUCH to say about Westminster Abbey; I’ll have to save that for an entirely separate post. In short, Westminster Abbey is the most important religious buildings in London. Westminster Abbey is the traditional place of Royal coronations, weddings, and burial site for English and British monarchs. Our earliest records show religious buildings on this site as early as 1080. The current incarnation of the church began construction in 1245 on the orders of King Henry III.

The Abbey is the burial site of more than 3300 persons, including 16 monarchs, 8 Prime Ministers, poets, actors, scientists, military leaders, and the Unknown Warrior. Westminster Abbey is sometimes described as “Britain’s Valhalla,” after the iconic hall of the chosen heroes in Norse mythology.

Walking the halls and interiors of Westminster, there are many references and things that remind me of Hogwarts. As such an iconic piece of British architecture, no doubt the film and J. K. Rowling herself would have taken aspects of Westminster to inspire their world-building.

Lambeth Bridge

Our last Harry Potter location is found on Lambeth Bridge. Lambeth Bridge is located south down from Westminster along Millbank Street. Lambeth Bridge is painted, just as Westminster Bridge, in the same colours as the leather benches in the House of Lords (red and black.)

The bridge was featured in Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban when the Knight Bus had to squeeze between two oncoming double-decker buses.

One of the best parts of the trip to Lambeth Bridge is the view over the river towards the most iconic sights of the city of London. If you end your tour here when the sun is setting you’ll have one of the most gorgeous ends to a wonderful day exploring this city of Muggles and Magic!

Additional Wizarding Activities

Although this brings us to the end of the walking tour, here are a few other places or things to do in London to continue your Harry Potter experience!

Georgian House Wizard Chambers Hotel

If you’re looking for somewhere to sleep that has some Harry Potter flare, you need to check out the Georgian House Hotel. Inside the walls of this heritage hotel, you can discover a series of rooms inspired by the world of Harry Potter. You can opt to stay in their Wizard Chambers located on the lower ground floor. These rooms include gothic features, stained glass windows, stone walls, archways, trunks, cauldrons, four-poster beds hung with velvet curtains, and many other curious artifacts. There are even wood-burning stoves, cauldrons in fireplaces, and tapestries that complete the look.

The rooms are definitely a splurge ranging from £277 to £389 per night, but if you are a huge fan and looking to complete your Harry Potter experience, you should check it out.

Warner Bros. Studio Tour London

After your Harry Potter Walking tour, no Harry Potter enthusiast trip to London is complete without going on Warner Bros. Studio Tour. The Warner Bros. Studio Tour is located about an hour by train from London in the city of Watford. Here, you can walk in the footsteps of Harry Potter and explore the wonders of the Wizarding World by seeing THE ACTUAL sets, props and costumes used in the Harry Potter films. You can explore the entire Great Hall, Forbidden Forest, Diagon Alley and even see the Hogwarts Express.

Props include parts of the potions classroom, the memory cabinet, Umbridge’s office and more! The costumes are my favourite part as you can see so many of the details up close, which you might have missed in the movies. Tickets MUST be booked WELL in advance as they book up really early! Tickets cost £47.00 for adults and £38.00 for children 5-15.

Reptile House at the London Zoo

The Reptile House at London Zoo is seen in the first Harry Potter film, the Philosopher’s Stone. It was here that Harry was taken with his cruel cousin Dudley. Inside the Reptile House, Harry meets a snake and learns he can even speak with it.

The London Zoo is located about 30-minutes outside the centre of London but easily accessible on the Northern Line. It might be a little out of the way, but if you love Zoos and are also a huge Harry Potter fan, it’s worth the trip as the set is identical to the one in the movie.

Natural History Museum London

The Natural History Museum in London was built in 1883 and contains 80 million items within five main collections: botany, entomology, mineralogy, paleontology and zoology. As the museum is so old, it even includes specimens collected by Charles Darwin. The museum is itself a gorgeous place to explore but walking into its Central Hall you feel like you’re entering the Great Hall in Hogwarts. There are definitely many similarities and no doubt this British institution was an inspiration for the castle.

While we ourselves might never be able to enroll in Hogwarts, by exploring these areas in London, we can experience a bit of the atmosphere, which is what the Wizarding World is all about! Let me know in the comment what your favourite Harry Potter film is and where you are most looking forward to visiting in London!

Happy Travels, Adventurers

The Creative Adventurer

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