Days Out, Family Time
by Editor

Harry Potter London Tours for Muggles, Wizards and Magicians

I have one very keen little Potter lover, who I call ‘Miss Pixie Potter’ as for a 3 year old, her knowledge and secret passion for all things Harry is pretty impressive, which is why I had to rename her. The older sister is also pretty partial to a bit of time spent on the sofa with Harry, Hermione, Ronald, and Draco Malfoy, and if you were curious, they are only allowed to watch the first movie unaccompanied, due to the scary scenes in the following movies.

Die hard Harry Potter fan or not, there are worst ways to spend your time in London with or without the kids! I have put together a round up of what’s on offer in London for those that want to spend a day playing Wizards, and leave the Muggles behind.

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Above : St Pancras International. Outside you’ll see the Neo-Gothic facade of St Pancras where the Weasley’s magical Ford Anglia takes off in Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets.
TOURS & WALKs : 
Every* Monday: HARRY POTTER FILM LOCATIONS IN THE CITY – 6.30 pm from Bank tube
Every Saturday: HARRY POTTER ON LOCATION IN LONDON TOWN – 2 pm from Westminster tube
Every Sunday: HARRY POTTER FILM LOCATIONS IN THE CITY – 2 pm from Bank tube
There’s a 3 galleon*** charge for kids for the very good reason that the Harry Potter Walks are for all ages! **But not for tinies – under 8s. They go free. It’s the normal £9 for adults, £7 for concessions.
Runs 7 days a week! & Includes Boat Ride on River Thames.
Departs: Mon/Tues @ 12pm, Wed/Thurs/Fri @ 12pm & 7pm, Sat @ 12pm & 4pm, Sun @ 10.30am & 2pm. Duration – 3 hours (approx.)
Meeting Point – (Map) in front of the TKTS Booth, in Leicester Square, London WC2H 7DE
The Harry Potter London Tour and Treasure Hunt are self guided tours. They are from the site of free London walks and brought to you by London Blue Badge Tourist Guide and author Richard Jones with the intention of providing a DIY tour and Treasure Hunt that will enable you to explore some of London’s hidden away and most fascinating places at little or no cost.

The tour is divided into easy to follow sections that guide you through the streets of London and each section of the Harry Potter Tour ends at a Harry Potter Film location. You can download a PDF of the tour directions (last updated May 2012), and a little extra PDF Potter treasure hunt and Quiz walk. Click on the link above to find the website.

Visit Britain website : 10 Harry Potter locations

In your own time, visit the 10 London locations featured on the above website. They also have a page for the 10 UK film locations, if you are feeling very keen, and fancy a trip to Wales and Scotland during your pilgrimage.
  1. ‘Platform 9 ¾’ at King’s Cross Station
  2. St Pancras International
  3. Piccadilly Circus
  4. Reptile House, London Zoo
  5. Millennium Bridge
  6. Charing Cross Road
  7. Leadenhall Market
  8. Australia House, The Strand
  9. Westminster Tube Station
  10. Lambeth Bridge

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Warner Bros. Studio Tour London

Click on the link, listen to the music, iron your cape and get ready for the real deal! This is the official studio tour at Leavesdon where they filmed all 8 films. They promise that you can step inside and discover the actual Great Hall, and explore Dumbledore’s office and discover never-before-seen treasures. Learn how creatures were brought to life with green screen effects, animatronics and life-sized models, and rediscover other memorable sets from the film series, including the Gryffindor common room, the boys’ dormitory, Hagrid’s hut, Potion’s classroom and Professor Umbridge’s office at the Ministry of Magic.
The studio is located 20 miles North-West of London and less than 3 miles from the M1 and M25 motorways. Regular public transport links serve the attraction and a shuttle bus service from Watford Junction train station is available.

The 3 hour luxury air-conditioned mini coach tour includes many of the film locations and inspirations from all 8 films in the series including Kings Cross Station which was used to film Platform 9 ¾, 12 Grimmauld Place and the sites used for the Leaky Cauldron.

With the locations scattered across the capital the Harry Potter Tour of London is the best way to see the sites and you’ll also get to see many other familiar landmarks along the way too.

Learn about magic, how the films were made, the books and see how good your Harry Potter knowledge is. Along the way you’ll have the chance to get off the bus on several occasions, stretch your legs, take pictures and see the locations up close too.

Saturday 2pm: (Feb – Oct) and Saturday at 1pm: (31 Oct – 16 Feb)
Sunday 10am: (Jul – Sep) & Wednesday: 2pm (Jun- Aug) and 1pm (31 Oct)
Christmas Dates: Thursday 27 Dec at 1pm

Duration : 3 hours

(all the information above was correct at the time of writing, please check online before you book, or contact mycultureclub.com if you would like a concierge service with your itinerary).