It may have been more than 20 years since you first read Harry Potter, worked out which house you belonged to (Ravenclaw, at your service) and became a fully fledged Potterhead, but the magic of the franchise is still very much alive.
And to please the fandom, Harry Potter themed attractions and tours continue to pop up – especially in London, which makes cameos in both the books and movies.
So, if you’re planning on taking a trip to the capital this summer – or you’re simply a Potter loving Londoner – we’ve rounded up some of the must-visit spots for any self-respecting fan of The Boy Who Lived.
Warner Bros. Studios Tour
If you’re so-so about Harry Potter, this place is cool. But if you’re a huge fan, you genuinely may never want to leave.
All eight Harry Potter films were made in Leavesden in Watford, over the course of more than 10 years. Once filming wrapped, the crew were left with a treasure trove of props, costumes and sets – now displayed for visitors at the Warner Bros. Studio Tour, adjacent to the working studios where the series was filmed.
From the Night Bus and 4 Privet Drive, to the Weasley’s Cottage, Diagon Alley, and the Ministry of Magic, you’ll feel like you’ve been whisked away to the Wizarding World.
For an extra slice of magic this summer, the ‘Discovering Hogwarts Experience’ includes live demonstrations which will show visitors how Hagrid was brought to life, and how spells like the famous Wingardium Leviosa were achieved on screen. And, for the first time since filming, candles will once again adorn the ceiling of the Great Hall. PSA: expect to see grown-adults hold back tears as you walk into the iconic Great Hall – it’s quite something.
Tickets are available from the WB Studios Tour website. Discovering Hogwarts runs until 4 September and is included within the ticket price.
Leadenhall Market
Leadenhall Market dates back to 1321 (yep, it’s over 700 years old) and originally sold meat and poultry. Now, the historical spot in The City is home to shops, bars and restaurants – but it has some Harry Potter credentials too.
The market was used as the inspiration when bringing Diagon Alley to life on screen, and featured in the early series too, when its exterior was used as the entry to the magical shopping street. The Leaky Cauldron is actually an opticians in the market.
The market is free to visit, and is open seven days a week.
King’s Cross Station, Platform 9¾
Who knew a brick wall could be so exciting? Just don’t go running into it.
Harry famously rocked up at King’s Cross station where he was told to go to a weird platform that didn’t exist. Well now, it actually does (sort of).
Fans can go and take a photo at Platform 9¾, holding onto a luggage trolley that’s mysteriously disappearing through a wall. And, there’s a Harry Potter shop in the station, so lots of magical fun to be had.
It’s also a free slice of HP magic, so you can’t really go wrong.
House of MinaLima
Graphic designers Miraphora Mina & Eduardo Lima accepted a once in a lifetime job in 2001: to help design and shape the world of Harry Potter for the film franchise.
Located in the heart of Soho, on Wardour Street, House of MinaLima is a gallery and store showcasing their works. They also designed the graphic props for the Fantastic Beasts series too, so this is a must visit for any Potterhead.
It’s open every day, including bank holidays, from 11am to 7pm.
Australia House
Does Australia House look a little familiar to you? Perhaps if you picture an angry looking goblin in a suit it might refresh your memory?
Australia House served as the exterior shots for Gringotts Bank, the wizarding bank, in the Harry Potter series.
The filming was done inside the building, which is not normally open to the public – although with some tactical peaking through the doors, you can get a glimpse of the rather grand interior.
If you’re lucky, you’ll spot the crystal chandeliers that feature in the film – but even from the outside, the imposing building is worth a visit.
Australia House is located on The Strand – the nearest tube is Temple.
Millennium Bridge
This is a great one for the summer months.
The Millennium Bridge featured in the scary opening of Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, when it’s destroyed by the Death Eaters.
Thankfully, IRL the bridge remains in tact, and is fun to visit – not least because it’s a stone throw some of the best attractions in the capital. One side you’ve got St Paul’s Cathedral, and on the other side of you’ll find Shakespeare’s Globe.
Keep walking along the Southbank, and you’ll find an array of food market, street performers, and of course the London eye. Grab a drink, have a summer stroll, and take in the sights.
Harry Potter and the Cursed Child
Once you’ve pounded the pavements viewing the many magical sights the capital has on offer, why not rest your weary legs, and take in a play.
Harry Potter and the Cursed Child tells a new story – 19 years on from when Harry, Ron and Hermione finally vanquished Voldemort. This tale focuses on a new generation of witches and wizards, who go back in time to try and right some wrongs.
It’s currently into its six year on the West End, and continues to be beloved by Harry fans.
The play is shown at the Palace Theatre, Shaftsbury Avenue. Tickets are available to buy online.
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