Did you know that all of our two-day Harry Potter Studio Breaks include a visit to London? While you can spend the day exactly as you please, you might like to carry on the magical theme throughout your coach trip and embark on your very own wizarding adventure in London.
To help get you started we have unlocked (Alohomora!) a round-up of some of the most iconic London filming locations that were featured on the big screen in the Harry Potter films. Shhhh, this will allow all muggles to take a peek into the hidden world of wizards and witches!
Millennium Bridge and Westminster
The Millennium Bridge is instantly recognisable from the fifth film, Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix. Offering incredible views of the city and connecting attractions either side of the River Thames like St Paul’s Cathedral and Shakespeare’s Globe, it provided the location for the horrific Death Eater attacks in the opening of the film. You will also find the Palace of Westminster (the Houses of Parliament) within walking distance or a quick tube ride away from the bridge, which Harry flies over on his way to 12 Grimmauld Place. If you do make this journey by tube, you’ll come out at Westminster Underground Station, which provided the backdrop for part of Harry and Arther Weasley’s journey through London, when Arthur struggled with the Oyster card system.
London Zoo
Depending on how much time you want to spend on your Harry Potter locations tour, you might like to visit London Zoo (admission is not included in the price of our two-day break). This is where Harry went with the Dursley’s for Dudley’s birthday during Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone and we’re sure you also remember the iconic scene in the reptile hut when Harry learns he can talk to snakes after having a casual conversation with a Burmese python!
Leadenhall Market
Nestled within the City of London and typically very quiet at the weekends, Leadenhall Market provided the location for its on-screen twin; Diagon Alley. Boasting an ornate architectural style, this medieval covered market seems like the obvious choice to appear in the first film and provided the location for Harry and Hagrid’s shopping spree, including the exterior for The Leaky Cauldron in the first film. Note: a different entrance is used in the third film, which can be found in Borough Market.
King's Cross Station
King’s Cross Station holds extra special significance for Harry Potter fans. Not only did J.K Rowling think up the idea of the boy wizard on a delayed train from Manchester to London King’s Cross in 1990, but it is also where Harry first took the Hogwarts Express to his magical school and symbolises the gateway between the muggle and wizarding worlds. It’s even the setting for ‘limbo’ when Harry meets Dumbledore again after the seventh horcrux is destroyed.
And if you’re looking for Platform 9 and ¾ then you’re in luck! Look out for the luggage trolley poking out of the wall and don’t forget to grab a photo.
Charing Cross Road and Piccadilly Circus
Wands at the ready for this one! Remember when Harry first discovered Diagon Alley with Hagrid? Well get ready to experience that level of excitement for yourself as you stroll up Charing Cross Road towards Leicester Square and spy the historic Cecil Court on the right. This quaint little side street is a true hidden gem that’s packed full of photogenic Victorian shop fronts, which many Potterheads believe provided the inspiration for Diagon Alley.
While you’re in the area, why not pay a visit to Piccadilly Circus? It’s just a ten minute walk away from Cecil Court and is one of the spots Harry, Ron and Hermione briefly apparated to after escaping from the Death Eater wedding crashers at Bill and Fleur nuptials in the seventh movie. Watch out for oncoming buses!
Explore London Like a Wizard with National Holidays
Are you ready to explore London’s dazzling streets and unveil the secrets behind the movie magic? This is a ‘siriusly’ magical way for wizards and witches of all ages to explore our capital city. You’re more than welcome to dress up in your Hogwarts house colours too.
Cameras at the ready - you can share you photos with us on Facebook or tag us on Instagram using #NationaHolidaysPics