Sights worth seeing,
September 13 2024
Calling all Potter heads - London is full of Harry Potter tourist attractions, from the famed Diagon Alley in Leadenhall market, to platform 9¾ at King’s Cross Station - hunt down all of London’s Harry Potter locations and enjoy a magical day out with friends and family.
One of the most famous Harry Potter landmarks in London was filmed at the Millennium Bridge, nearby Blackfriars train station. At the beginning of the film Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince, the death eaters destroy the iconic city landmark in plain view of muggles after kidnapping the wand-maker, Olivander, from his shop in Diagon Alley. The bridge from Harry Potter is overcast by a dark skull-shaped figure in the sky before being destroyed by Voldermort’s followers and collapsing into the river.
It’s worth mentioning, despite being obliterated in the movie, the bridge is perfectly safe and a wonderful way to see the city skyline from above the Thames River.
The filming location for the bustling Diagon Alley was London’s famous Leadenhall Market by Monument or Bank stations. It’s one of the most vibrant Harry Potter sights in London, featured in the first movie – Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone. The market is teeming with life, and while broomsticks and wands may be hard to come by you can stop and enjoy various boutiques, restaurants, and bars on your way through the alleys. The rich history of the market dates to the 14th century, featuring original Victorian architecture that’s both intriguing and beautiful.
Undoubtedly one of the most influential London Harry Potter spots is hosted in Leicester Square. The Scenes in the Square walkway features sculptures of various characters from British movie history, including the famous wizard himself. The bronze sculpture of Harry Potter in London’s Leicester Square depicts a moment from the first movie, during Harry’s first Quidditch tournament. It’s a free London attraction nearby Leicester Square station and offers the perfect photo opportunity for Potter heads in the city.
Kings Cross Station was used as a filming site in many of the Harry Potter movies, the iconic station is where Harry and Ron find their way to Platform 9¾ on their first year at Hogwarts and the site of the Harry Potter Store in London.
Visitors can take pictures with a through-the-wall-trolley as though they’re on their way to the Hogwarts Express train platform and browse the shop for official Harry Potter merchandise like clothes, wands, and sweet treats. This spot is accessible from both Kings Cross and Kings Cross St Pancras Stations.
Other activities for Harry Potter fans in London include Harry Potter bus tours of the most iconic London locations, a viewing of Harry Potter and The Cursed Child in theatre, a grown-up-friendly Cocktail and Potion Making class at The Cauldron or the iconic Harry Potter Studio Tour based just outside of London in Watford.
As the filming site for so much of the famous franchise, there are many Harry Potter-related activities to see and try in London. For a full weekend in London of Harry Potter appreciation why not stay for a night or two at one of our Thistle Hotels in Trafalgar Square, Piccadilly, Bloomsbury Park, Holborn or Park Lane?
