Harry Potter Filming Locations in London
I was 7 years old when I first discovered Harry Potter. My older brother and my cousins took me to the cinema to see Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban — it was 2004, and for my age, it was pretty dark. When we got home, there was no turning back: we convinced our parents to go to Blockbuster and rent the first two films on VHS (yes, VHS — I feel old just writing that 😅). My brother got the books and read them aloud to me, and we grew up waiting for every new release. Every time London appeared on screen, we thought the same thing: one day, we have to go there. Today, I’m a tour guide in this city and I lead Harry Potter tours — and as a lifelong Potterhead, I’m sharing some of the most iconic filming locations with you. Just remember, this is Fidelio-level information: only share it with fellow Potterheads — Muggles aren’t ready for this!
10 Must-See Locations
King’s Cross
This is where the interior scene from Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone was filmed, when Harry makes his way towards Platform 9¾ — fun fact: in real life, it isn’t between Platforms 9 and 10; the scene was actually filmed between Platforms 4 and 5. The same location was also used in The Chamber of Secrets, when Harry fails to get through the barrier and ends up stealing the blue flying car with Ron… Do you remember what model it was?
The Official Harry Potter Shop
Right next to the station, the official Harry Potter shop opened in 2012. So many fans were arriving looking for the real Platform 9¾ that they decided to create their own photo spot — completely free, and with better prices than almost anywhere else.
St Pancras International
The façade of this luxury hotel is the one you actually see on screen when the characters “enter” King’s Cross. So if you’re heading to Platform 9¾, remember that the real King’s Cross station is right next door.
Leadenhall Market
This Victorian-style market appears in Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone. Look for Bull’s Head Passage and you’ll find the entrance to the Leaky Cauldron — although I could swear it was black in the films, and today they’ve painted it blue with a yellow façade (or maybe I’m colour-blind). This is where Harry enters with Hagrid and meets the stuttering professor… Do you remember his name? At the end of the passage, through the back door, Hagrid opens the wall with his umbrella wand.
Borough Market
In Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, when Harry escapes from 4 Privet Drive, the Knight Bus picks him up and takes him to the Leaky Cauldron, where Cornelius Fudge is already waiting for him. The façade used in that scene is now a taco restaurant (yes, quite a change), and you can even see where the “train” used to pass. If you visit, you’ll definitely recognise it.
Millennium Bridge
In Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, Voldemort’s followers arrive in London and destroy this bridge — do you remember what they’re called? Here’s a tip: if it’s cloudy, cross quickly, just in case they decide to recreate the scene.
Scotland Place
This is where the entrance to the Ministry of Magic is located. In Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, Harry attends his hearing accompanied by Mr Weasley — if you see the red telephone box, you know you’re no Muggle. The same location appears in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 2, when the trio attempts to steal a Horcrux from Dolores Umbridge while disguised using Polyjuice Potion… Do you know which Horcrux it was, or who they transformed into?
St Paul’s Cathedral
During Divination class, Hermione gives her interpretation and the professor — do you remember her name? — tells her that she isn’t accurate. Furious, Hermione throws the crystal ball, which rolls down the cathedral’s famous geometric staircase. Yes, you can go inside and climb them — worth it just for that.
Piccadilly Circus
In Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 2, while Bill’s wedding (Ron’s older brother) to Fleur is taking place, the Death Eaters attack and the trio Apparates right here before taking refuge in a nearby café. Do you know how the Death Eaters found them?
Harry Potter Statue
In Leicester Square, the home of London’s film premieres, this statue was installed in 2020. Do you remember which broomstick Sirius Black gave him?
Other places you should visit
House of MinaLima
In Soho, you can visit the studio of Miraphora Mina and Eduardo Lima, the graphic designers behind the visual world of Harry Potter. It is almost like a museum, with original pieces on display, including the Half-Blood Prince’s Potions book — do you remember who the prince really was?
Palace Theatre
Have you ever wondered what happened after the final Harry Potter book? Harry Potter and the Cursed Child tells the story of Harry’s younger son, Albus Severus, when he becomes friends with Scorpius Malfoy — and both of them end up in Slytherin. Together, they decide to travel through time to bring back someone who died during the Triwizard Tournament… Do you remember who? I won’t say any more — I’ll let you discover it through the trailer:
The play lasts around 3 hours and returns from 6 October. If you go, we recommend looking for seats in the centre rather than at the sides — otherwise, you may end up with a sore neck from constantly turning your head. Buy your tickets here.
Harry Potter Studios
A visit to the studios is a must — without a doubt, the most magical experience on this list. They are about 40 minutes from central London.
