The popularity of the Harry Potter books and movies has made ‘the boy who lived’ into something of a British institution. And with many of the film series’ scenes shot on location in London, it’s no surprise that the city still hosts a number of wizarding attractions. Here’s a list of our favourite muggle-friendly activities for Potter fans of all ages.
Warner Bros. Studio Tour: The Making of Harry Potter
The Warner Bros. Studio Tour is often considered the ultimate Harry Potter experience. The sprawling tour is set across two huge sound stages that hold some of the film’s most memorable sets, including Diagon Alley, Dumbledore’s Office and the Gryffindor Common Room. Learn how the creators brought the magic of the book to life in the prop design department, which holds authentic costumes, and hang out with Dobby and Aragog in the creature effects lab. This is a must for any Harry Potter fan.
Adult: £33, Child: £25, Children 4 and under: FREE
Family (2 Adults + 2 Children): £101
King’s Cross Station, Platform 9 ¾
You can now visit the real Platform 9 ¾ at King’s Cross Station for a quirky photo opportunity. Here, wannabe Hogwarts students can appear to push their luggage trolleys through the platform’s brick wall, just like Harry in The Philosopher’s Stone. Take photographs free of charge on your own camera, or you can choose to part with a few Galleons for a proper professional photo; there is also a Harry Potter-themed gift shop nearby selling licensed and exclusive merchandise.
Price: FREE
Muggle Walking Tour
Take a scenic stroll around London to some of the Harry Potter movies most iconic and harder-to-find locations, on this guided walking tour. The tour takes you to the entrance of The Leaky Cauldron pub, St Paul’s Cathedral and Big Ben, and comes complete with a tour guide to tell you anecdotes along the way. There’s even time to squeeze in a 15-minute boat ride along the Thames, following the route Harry and friends made on their broomsticks in Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix.
Adult: £12, Child (11 and under): £10
(+79p transaction fee per person)
Wizard Chamber at the Georgian House
Enjoy a spellbinding night of luxury in one of The Georgian House’s Wizard Chambers. These Gothic-themed rooms boast large four-poster beds, cauldrons and plenty of attention to detail to recreate an authentic wizard’s bedroom. The cost of the room includes a full English breakfast in the morning and the house is only a short walk to Victoria Station, where you can get the Harry Potter Tour Bus that takes you directly to the Warner Bros. Studio Tour.
1 night, 2 people inc. breakfast: £209
