16 Magical Harry Potter Things to Do in London🧙‍♂️

London is packed with spellbinding experiences for Harry Potter fans – from secret hotel chambers to real filming locations and cocktail bars where you brew potions with wands! Whether you’re a diehard fan or just Potter-curious, there’s magic around every corner. In this post, I’m sharing 16 of the best Harry Potter things to do in London, plus a handy map at the end.

Hi, I’m Hazel – a British travel blogger who lives just outside London. I’ve read the books, watched the films (many times over), and visited all the top wizarding spots across the city. Here’s what to check out 👇

Disclaimer: This post is written by me (an independent travel blogger) and is not affiliated to Warner Bros., JK Rowling, Penguin Publishing or any other official Harry Potter agency. All opinions are my own, and facts are reproduced to the best of my knowledge.

1. Watch Harry Potter and the Cursed Child 🎭

Step into the next chapter of Harry’s life with this award-winning West End play.

Set 19 years after the original series, it’s a magical two-part performance with jaw-dropping effects.

The Palace Theatre looks incredible all lit up at night, and you can even book a walking tour that includes show tickets!

📍 Palace Theatre, Shaftesbury Ave.

2. Take the Warner Bros. Studio Tour 🏰

This incredible experience takes you through real sets, props, and costumes used in the films.

You can walk down Diagon Alley, visit the Great Hall, or step into the Forbidden Forest, feeling the magic as you wander through these iconic locations. 

You can even see behind-the-scenes secrets, from animatronics to special effects that made the films so magical. 

The experience is slightly outside of London City, so you will need to do a little travelling to get there.  Or book a tour which includes pickup from your London hotel (recommendations below):

3. Explore the Dark Arts Exhibit 🕯️

This is a Dark Arts special exhibition at the Warner Bros. Studio Tour London, which delves into the more sinister side of the wizarding world.

You can walk through the Forbidden Forest, learn about the making of the Death Eaters, and uncover the secrets behind the darker magical creatures. 

There are often seasonal features (especially for Halloween) which include processions and classroom-duelling features. There are Dementors hanging around, so be warned!

It’s separate from the main Warner Bros Studio experience.

4. Visit Real-Life Filming Locations 🎬

Visit some of London’s most iconic Harry Potter filming locations, including Leadenhall Market, which served as Diagon Alley and contains the famous site of the Leaky Cauldron pub.

At St. Pancras Station, you can see where Harry and Ron made their daring escape in the flying Ford Anglia. 

You can visit Tower Bridge, which was dramatically destroyed by Death Eaters in The Order of the Phoenix, and stand where key moments from the films unfolded.

You could visit lots of Harry Potter London filming locations in one day. See my three main posts about Harry Potter filming locations – including HP filming locations in England, HP filming locations in London, and HP filming locations in Scotland – for more details.

5. Escape from a Wizarding School 🔐

If you love puzzles, try one of London’s Harry Potter-style escape rooms.

Top picks include:

6. Break Into Hexmoor – A Wizarding Prison Cocktail Experience🍹

Swap Diagon Alley for dark intrigue at Hexmoor, an immersive wizarding prison bar in East London.

You’ll be “incarcerated” in a magical cell, solve puzzles, and brew your own cocktails under the watchful eye of prison wardens – all with dramatic lighting and special effects.

It’s theatrical, mysterious, and packed with atmosphere. Expect bubbling potions, flickering spells, and a storyline that unfolds as you drink. Perfect for fans who like their magic served with a twist.

📍 Unit 11, 127 Hackney Rd, London E2 8GY.

7. Speak Parseltongue at the Reptile House 🐍

Where it all began! Visit the very enclosure where Harry first spoke to a snake in The Philosopher’s Stone.

The Reptile House at London Zoo is part of Regent’s Park – a perfect half-day out with or without magical creatures.

The enclosure where the snake lived is still there, and it’s become a popular attraction for visitors wanting to relive the moment where Harry’s magical powers first emerge. It’s also inside one of London’s 8 Royal Parks (Regent’s Park) which makes it a great day out too.

Get your London Zoo entry tickets in advance to avoid disappointment.

📍 London Zoo, Regent’s Park NW1 4RY

8. Stay in a Wizard Chamber 🛏️

For a truly magical stay, book a room in the Wizarding Chambers at the Georgian House Hotel in Pimlico. 

Behind a secret bookcase door, you’ll find a portrait-lined corridor leading to a room with a magical wizardry theme. There are stained glass windows, stone walls, archways, cauldrons, and a luxurious four-poster bed draped with velvet curtains. 

The hotel also offers a themed afternoon tea, and a potion-making experience, making it the perfect spot for a wizarding-inspired getaway. Book your stay here.

Disclaimer: Please note this experience holds no association with Harry Potter, JK Rowling or Warner Brothers. It is a wizard-themed experience only.

9. ..or try out other wizard-related accommodation 🧳

In addition to the Georgian House hotel above, here are two other wizard-related hotels you could try: 

The St. Pancras Renaissance Hotel
The architecture of the St. Pancras Renaissance Hotel was used for the exterior shots of King’s Cross Station in the films. You could book a stay here and easily visit Platform 9¾, which is located just steps away at the adjacent King’s Cross Station.

The Wizarding Suite at The Clermont, Charing Cross
This luxurious suite at The Clermont hotel (formerly Amba Hotel) features elegant, dark interiors with touches reminiscent of the wizarding world. Though subtle, the magical atmosphere and proximity to famous filming locations make it an attractive option for Potterheads.

10. Take a Themed Afternoon Tea 🫖

Head to the Wands and Wizards Exploratorium in Soho for a “Wizard’s Afternoon Tea” with interactive wand-mixing and magical treats. Think Butterbeer-inspired drinks and Golden Snitch cakes.

There is also a guided tour available, which includes afternoon tea at Wands & Wizards here.

11. Join a Guided Harry Potter Tour 🧭

You can’t do better when looking for Harry Potter things to do in London than a guided tour.

Take a dedicated Harry Potter tour around London and explore key filming locations with an expert guide. You’ll visit sites like Great Scotland Yard (entrance to the Ministry of Magic), Australia House (Gringotts Bank), and more. 

Here are some of the top-rated Harry Potter tours from Viator:

12. Visit the MinaLima Gallery 🖼️

Explore the enchanting work of MinaLima, the graphic designers behind the Harry Potter films, at their gallery and shop in Soho. 

This creative duo designed some of the most iconic visuals from the series, including the Marauder’s Map and Daily Prophet. You can admire their magical designs and even purchase a print or piece of memorabilia to take home.

13. Snap a Pic at Platform 9¾ 📸

Don’t miss the classic photo opp at King’s Cross Station, where a trolley disappears into the wall. There’s a Harry Potter shop right next door too.

Head to King’s Cross Station and capture a magical moment with the famous trolley at Platform 9¾. The trolley looks as if it’s disappearing into the wall, just like in the films! 

This is a must-do for Harry Potter fans, offering the perfect photo opportunity to commemorate your visit.

Here is a popular Harry Potter walking tour which also includes platform 9 3/4.

14. Shop at the Harry Potter Store 🛍️

After your photo, step into the Harry Potter Shop at Platform 9¾, where you’ll find an array of exclusive merchandise.

From house scarves and wands to collectible memorabilia, the shop is a treasure trove for fans wanting to take home a piece of the wizarding world.

📍 King’s Cross Station

15. See the Harry Potter sculpture in Leicester Square.

In Leicester Square, you’ll find a bronze sculpture of Harry Potter from The Philosopher’s Stone, capturing him in a moment of discovery. 

Quick tip: the statue is on the north terrace of Leicester Square, near the Cineworld cinema.

16. Browse the Harry Potter Aisle at Hamleys 🧸

Head to Hamleys on Regent Street (the iconic toy megastore) where a whole section of the ground floor is dedicated to Harry Potter. 

From wands and robes to magical toys, this is the ultimate stop for fans of all ages looking to immerse themselves in the world of Hogwarts.

Map of Harry Potter Things to Do in London 📍

Use this Google Map to find all the spots listed in this post. Zoom in, tap the icons, and use it on your phone as you explore.

FAQs for Harry Potter things to do in London. 

Below are some frequently asked questions about Harry Potter things to do in London. 

Where can I find real filming locations?

Try King’s Cross, Leadenhall Market, the Millennium Bridge, Claremont Square, and Lambeth Bridge. Most are walkable or tube-accessible.

Is the Warner Bros Studio Tour in London?

It’s just outside, in Leavesden. Book tickets with transfers or take a train from Euston to Watford Junction.

Can I stay in a Harry Potter-themed hotel?

Yes! The Georgian House Hotel and The Clermont in Charing Cross both have wizard-themed rooms.

Is there a Harry Potter afternoon tea in London?

Yes, at Wands and Wizards Exploratorium – it’s hands-on, creative, and full of magical surprises.

Where can I buy Harry Potter merchandise in London?

Try the shop at Platform 9¾, MinaLima, or Hamleys for a great selection.

What’s the best experience for families?

The Warner Bros. Studio Tour, the Platform 9¾ photo spot, and London Zoo’s Reptile House are all great for kids.

Q: What are the best guided tours of Harry Potter things to do in London?

A: Below are the top-rated tours of Harry Potter things to do in London, from Viator:

• Harry Potter Tour of England by Black Taxi Tour from London.
• Warner Bros. Studio Harry Potter Tour with Superior Transport from London.
• Harry Potter Walking Tour with Platform 9 ¾.
• Harry Potter Tour and Magical Afternoon Tea.