Britain’s cobbled alleyways and ancient castles provided both the inspiration for J.K. Rowling’s renowned Harry Potter series and the perfect backdrop to help bring the series to life through film. From the platform where students boarded the Hogwarts Express to shortcuts taken to escape Death Eaters, these sites will make even the most serious of muggles wonder whether magic exists. Trace the footsteps of Harry, Ron and Hermione by visiting these famous filming locations around London.
King’s Cross Station, London
All aboard the Hogwarts Express! As any Potter fan knows, you have to run at the wall between Platforms 9 and 10 in order to reach Platform 9 3/4. While we don’t recommend running at the wall (because you’re like a muggle), you can snap a picture or visit the shop to purchase Harry Potter memorabilia.
Millennium Bridge, London
Located in central London, the bridge is identifiable by its unique shape. It is featured in the intro scene of Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince, shown being destroyed by death eaters.
Leadenhall Market, London
One of London’s oldest markets was used as the filming location and inspiration behind Diagon Alley in Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone. The entrance to The Leaky Cauldron is also filmed here (although it’s actually an optician’s office!).
Piccadilly Circus
This bustling street in London’s West End is seen in Part 1 of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, when Harry, Ron and Hermione nearly get hit by a double-decker bus trying to escape the pursuit of death eaters that showed up at Bill and Fleur’s wedding.
Australia House
Scenes from Gringott’s, the famous goblin-run bank in Diagon Alley, were filmed inside of the Australian Embassy in London. Though visitors aren’t permitted inside, you can admire the famous exterior (or maybe peer inside the window’s to see if any magic is brewing).