7 places in London every Harry Potter fan should visit - 2 hour-long Harry Potter London walking tour with a map
Distance to cover: 3.1 miles (5 km)
If you click on the map, a new window will open for live navigation in the field.
London plays a big part in the Harry Potter story.
The original idea to create the boy wizard came to J.K. Rowling on a train journey from Manchester to London (back in 1990).
Two of London’s streets were the most likely real-life inspirations for the Diagonal and Knockturn alleys, and many iconic scenes from the Harry Potter series took place in the British capital.
Naturally, all the Harry Potter movie premieres took place here as well.
Below you will find a description of the Harry Potter London walking tour around 7 places in London that every die-hard fan of “the boy who lived” will enjoy seeing.
You can visit all of them for free!
“- Can we find all this in London?
- If you know where to go…”
Enjoy the read and the walk!
HARRY POTTER PLACES IN LONDON
Goodwin’s Court
This Harry Potter walking tour of London starts at Goodwin’s Court - a charming, narrow street in the Covent Garden area believed to be a real-life inspiration for the Knockturn Alley in Harry Potter series.
This unique street is known for its historic architecture, including several 17th-century buildings that have been preserved over the years.
Today, in the windows of some of the flats on this street, you can even see the owls - a reference to the Harry Potter story.
The Goodwin’s Court is a charming hidden gem of central London definitely worth seeing.
The nearest tube stations are Leicester Square, Covent Garden, and Charing Cross.
2. Cecil Court
The second place to see on this Harry Potter London trail is another London pedestrianized street with a magic twist to it, called Cecil Court.
Located only steps away from Goodwin’s Court is often missed by tourists.
This street is lined with beautifully preserved Victorian buildings.
At the ground level, you can find many, not ordinary stores that seem to have been plucked straight out of another time and perhaps even another world. Alice Through the Looking Glass and The Witch Ball are two examples of the names of the stores on this street.
You can find this world of wonder between Trafalgar Square, Leicester Square, and Covent Garden.
3. The statue of Harry Potter
A few steps away from the Leicester Square tube station, you can find a bronze statue of Harry Potter.
It is one of many movie statues placed in this bustling London neighborhood.
You can also find there statues of Mary Poppins, Batman, Paddington Bear, and many more. You can read more about it here.
The bronze statue of Harry Potter depicts this one of the most beloved characters in modern literature on his broomstick (obviously!). It is a great opportunity for a selfie with the world's favorite boy wizard.
Why Harry Potter's statue is located at Leicester Sq?
The premiere of the first Harry Potter movie, "Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone" (known as "Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone" in the US) took place on November 4th, 2001 at the Odeon Leicester Square - one of London's most prestigious movie theaters. This premiere marked the beginning of a cinematic phenomenon that captivated audiences around the world for over a decade. The movie's success paved the way for seven more adaptations of Rowling's books, making Harry Potter one of the most successful film franchises of all time.
4. Hamleys
Hamleys is London’s oldest and biggest toy shop providing happiness* for kids (and adults) in its current location since 1881!
*35 000 toys spread over 7 stories and sold by the elf-looking staff!
It is also a haven for Harry Potter fans.
The shelves of this shop are lined with a dizzying array of Harry Potter merchandise, from plush toys of beloved characters to replica wands, robes, and other costume accessories.
If you visit this place, you will also have an opportunity for a photo with a giant figure of Hagrid (what’s not to love about that?).
Hamleys has also a wonderful daily tradition: the very first customer waiting outside the shop doors in London has the privilege of holding the big bell announcing the opening of the shop.
5. The House of MinaLima
The next point on this Harry Potter walking tour is the House of MinaLima - my personal favorite London spot related to Harry Potter.
The House of MinaLima is a colorful gallery & shop & studio run by the graphic design duo (Miraphora Mina and Eduardo Lima), who worked on the Harry Potter movies.
Visitors to this place can browse through a stunning selection of Harry Potter artwork, prints, and other merchandise spread over two stories.
In this place, the fans of the Harry Potter series can immerse themselves in the world of wizardry and learn more about the design process behind the films.
The House of MinaLima is located in Soho.
6. St. Pancras Renaissance Hotel London
Pancras Renaissance Hotel is a luxury (5-star) hotel in London located in the vicinity of Euston, King's Cross, and St Pancras railway stations that had been featured in the Harry Potter movies.
The hotel is a stunning building worth visiting for Harry Potter fans and architecture enthusiasts alike!
This beautiful structure was designed by Sir George Gilbert Scott, a grandfather of Giles Gilbert Scott-a man who was responsible for the design of the red telephone box!
7. Platform 9¾ at King's Cross Station
Platform 9 3/4 is a fictional platform in the Harry Potter series that serves as the departure point for the Hogwarts Express train, which takes students to the Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. In the books and movies, it is located at King's Cross Station in London.
The King's Cross Station in London was a special place for the author of Harry Potter books, J.K. Rowling - her parents met on a train to Scotland departing from this station.
Today, between platforms 9 & 10, you can find the iconic luggage trolley, which has been set up to look like it's disappearing into the wall just as it does in the books and movies.
You can take your own photo here or purchase it from a professional photographer in the nearby Harry Potter-themed souvenir shop.
Why you should visit this platform 9¾ on the 1st of September at 11:00?
Well, this is the date and the time when the Hogwarts Express departs from Platform 9¾. And King's Cross Station does a special suitable announcement at exactly 11:00 every year on 1st of September.
Platform 9¾ at King's Cross Station closes the list of my 7 most enjoyable to-visit (for free) places in London connected to the wizardry world of Harry Potter.
One more thing, before you go for this walk…
The Harry Potter London walking tour described below should take you just over an hour. However, you will probably like to spend quite a bit of time in each of these locations, so take this into account when planning the timing for this walk.
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