Welcome all Potterheads and fans of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. If you have, like me, grown up with Harry Potter or simply love the stories, you must be wondering where the movie scenes were shot. A fair share of Harry Potter was filmed in Scotland, but some pretty iconic scenes took place nowhere else but in London.
If you are a true Harry Potter fan visiting London, you absolutely need to visit these 10 famous Harry Potter filming locations in London.
Read until the end for a bonus attraction that will make your stay in London truly memorable!
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10 famous Harry Potter filming locations in London
1. King's Cross x Platform 9 3/4
The first Harry Potter filming location in London on our list is the iconic platform 9 3/4 from the memorable scene of Harry entering the Wizarding World. Like in the movie, you will find platform 9 3/4 spot nowhere else but on London’s King’s Cross station. Unlike in the movie, the platform 9 3/4 isn’t actually between platforms 9 and 10 (you would need a train ticket for that), but next to the Harry Potter Wizarding World Shop across the station. Look for a wall with a luggage trolley attached to it.
The platform 9 3/4 is accessible during King’s Cross opening hours. As a tip, make sure to come early enough to avoid the crowds of Harry Potter fans standing in line for a photo.
Platform 9 3/4 at King’s Cross London
2. St Pancras International
Whereas platform 9 3/4 was shot at King’s Cross station, the shots of the exterior of the station were taken at St Pancras International Station across the street. Remember when Harry and Ron take off from outside the station with Ron’s flying car in the “Harry Potter and Chamber of Secrets” and how the car later becomes invisible above the station? Yep, that was filmed here.
St Pancras International
3. Millennium Bridge & St Paul's Cathedral
Another iconic filming location from the Harry Potter movies is at the Millennium Bridge, one of London’s most memorable bridges. More specifically, the Millenium Bridge appears in the opening of “Harry Potter and the Halfblood Prince”, when it was destroyed by the Death Eaters.
For another Harry Potter filming location, visit St Paul’s Cathedral located at the beginning of the Millennial Bridge. St Paul’s Catherdal’s magnificent marble staircase served as a path to Professor Trelawney’s divination class.
The Millennium Bridge (left) and St Paul’s Cathedral (right)
4. 23-29 Claremont Square x Sirius Black Ancient Home
How many Sirius Black fans do we have here? Our next filming location served as Sirius Black’s family house and appeared in “Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix” as the Order of Phoenix headquarters. It is in the borough of Islington in northern London where you can find this filming location. The house became famous in the news for being for sale a few years back.
The address is easily reachable by London public transport.
23-29 Claremont Square, source: Harry Potter Wiki
5. London Zoo
The London Zoo is one of the first London filming locations that appears in the Harry Potter movies. It is where Harry realizes the snake in the terrarium spoke with him. If you fancy a conversation in parseltongue, head down to the reptile house at the London Zoo.
Fancy a trip to the London Zoo? Purchase the London Zoo tickets
London Zoo
6. Leadenhall Market x Diagon Alley
Ever wondered where the entrance to the Diagon Alley was shot at? It was at Leadenhall Market, one of London’s famous covered markets. Leadenhall Market served as the entrance to Leaky Cauldron, London’s Wizarding pub in “Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone.”
You are unlikely to find brooms or owls like in the movie but rather a good amount of fresh produce and florist stores. Put Leadenhall Market on the list of free things to do in London and pass by if you’re in London during the Christmas period to see the iconic Christmas Lights.
Leadenhall Market
7. Great Scotland Yard x Ministry of Magic
Moving on to another iconic Harry Potter filming location in London – the exterior of The Ministry of Magic. You will find this filming location just south of the Trafalgar Square. The scenes filmed at the Great Scotland Yard appear in “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows” when Harry, Ron, and Hermione use the polyjuice potion to infiltrate the Ministry of Magic.
Great Scotland Yard, source: Shazz
8. Picadilly Circus x Death Eaters
Picadilly Circus is a popular London tourist attraction per se, but it also briefly appeared in “Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince (Part 1)”, after Harry, Ron, and Hermione flee from the Death Eaters at Bill & Fleur’s wedding. Where else would you hide from the Death Eaters if not on one of London’s busiest squares?
Picadilly Circus
9. Borough Market
Borough Market, or better, its arches, served as the entrance to the Leaky Cauldron and first appeared in the “Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban”. The change from the Leadenhall Market was made after a dark twist and turn of events took place in the movies. The colorful stores were switched with a darker, moody atmosphere.
In real life London, Borough Market is London’s oldest and most famous food and retail market in Southwark and a popular tourist and local spot.
Borough Market
10. Australia House x Gringotts Bank
Finishing our list with a pot of gold. Literally. The Australia House was used as Gringotts Bank, the Wizarding bank that appeared in several Harry Potter movies. You won’t find any goblins here in real life, but you can apply for a passport renewal or an Australian visa.
You can have a quick peek inside the Gringotts bank during weekdays between 9 am and 5 pm, however, you might find yourself rather unlucky should you try on the weekends as the doors are closed for visitors
Australia House, source: Wikipedia
BONUS: Warner Bros Studio Tour London
Did you know you can visit the Warner Bros Studios, the production house of all Harry Potter movies? This experience is a must-do for every Harry Potter fan. You get to see the behind-the-scenes, costumes and props used in the Harry Potter movies. The Warner Bros Studio is not in London, but don’t worry, you can pre-book the Harry Potter Warner Bros Studio Tour with transport included.
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Hi, it's Neja
I am an expat from Slovenia,
living in Milan since 2021 and writing a travel blog for all of you who are curious about life in Italy or traveling in Europe.
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