London has no shortage of Harry Potter spots, and if you're someone like me who grew up with the series, it’s fun to walk around the city and recognize places from the films. Some of these locations were used for actual scenes, while others served as inspirations for the wizarding world. I decided to visit as many as I could during my trip, and it turned into a really enjoyable quest.
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| didn't want to be late for the train |
Below are the places I visited, each with its own little connection to the Harry Potter universe.
9 Harry Potter Locations in London
1. Leadenhall Market
Leadenhall Market is one of the prettiest markets in London, with its ornate ceiling, cobblestone walkways, and colorful shop fronts. Fans might recognize it as one of the filming locations for Diagon Alley - specifically the blue door of an optician’s shop, which was used as the entrance to the Leaky Cauldron in Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone.
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| remember 11-year-old Harry walking with Hagrid here? |
Even without the Harry Potter tie-in, Leadenhall is worth a visit. The atmosphere is lively, and the architecture alone makes it a great spot for photos. It’s also surrounded by restaurants and cafés, so it’s easy to find a place to grab a bite while you’re in the area.
2. Cecil Court
Cecil Court is often said to be the inspiration for Diagon Alley. The street is lined with independent bookstores, antique shops, and quirky stores that give it a charming, almost magical vibe. You won’t see any obvious Harry Potter signs here, but the atmosphere alone is enough to make the connection. I even saw a couple of people in their Hogwarts uniforms.
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| real-life Diagon Alley |
It’s a nice little street to explore, and many of the shops have interesting window displays. If you like browsing for unique finds, this is a nice place to slow down for a bit.
3. Goodwin’s Court
Goodwin’s Court is one of those blink-and-you’ll-miss-it alleys, but it’s worth walking through. Many fans believe it was the inspiration for Knockturn Alley because of its narrow layout, old-fashioned lampposts, and shopfronts with small-paned windows. It genuinely feels like stepping into another era.
It’s not an actual filming location, but the resemblance is strong enough that you can easily imagine dark wizards lurking about. The alley is quiet and atmospheric, which makes it a fun little detour.
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| caught skulkin' around Knockturn Alley |
4. King’s Cross Station (Platform 9 ¾)
No Harry Potter trip is complete without stopping by Platform 9 ¾ at King’s Cross. There’s a photo spot where you can “run” through the wall with a trolley - scarves are provided, and a staff member will help you pose. If you want the printed photo, it’s £15, but if you’re on a budget like me, you can simply ask someone to take your picture with your phone. The staff won’t mind at all.
It is touristy, but it’s still a fun little stop. Just be prepared for queues. I went at around 9am and waited about 30 minutes. When I walked past the area again later that morning, the line had doubled, so going early really helps.
Right next to it is the official Harry Potter shop styled after a mini Honeydukes. It’s a great place to browse for wands, chocolate frogs, house scarves, and other merchandise you won’t always find elsewhere. This is also where you can get your printed photo. You can even get a customized Hogwarts acceptance letter.
5. St. Pancras Renaissance Hotel
St. Pancras Renaissance Hotel is instantly recognizable from Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets. It’s the backdrop for the scene where Ron pulls up in the flying Ford Anglia and rescues Harry, parked right outside the hotel’s iconic red-brick facade.
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| no flying Ford Anglia this time |
The hotel itself is beautiful, with Gothic Revival architecture and intricate details. Even if you’re not checking in, just walking around the outside gives you a sense of how grand the building is. Since it’s connected to St. Pancras Station, it’s also an easy stop if you’re already in the area.
6. Millennium Bridge
The Millennium Bridge is featured in the opening of Half-Blood Prince, where Death Eaters attack London and cause the bridge to collapse. Seeing it now - peaceful, filled with pedestrians and views of St. Paul’s Cathedral - is a funny contrast to how dramatic it looked in the film. It’s a nice spot for photos, especially if you’re already in the area. The bridge itself isn’t long, but the scenery around it makes the stop worthwhile even if you’re not a fan.
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| I thought this bridge was iconic because of that one scence |
7. Piccadilly Circus
Piccadilly Circus appears in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1, in the scene where Harry, Ron, and Hermione sprint through London traffic after escaping Bill and Fleur’s wedding. It’s always lively here, with shops, restaurants, and theaters surrounding the area. Even if you’re just passing through, it’s nice to stop for a bit, take in the atmosphere, and recognize a spot that made its way into the films.
8. Harry Potter Statue in Leicester Square
In Leicester Square, there’s a small Harry Potter statue that shows him mid-flight on his broom during a Quidditch match. It’s part of the 'Scenes in the Square' trail that features famous movie characters. It’s a quick stop, but if you’re already in the area, it’s fun to see it in person. Leicester Square is lively, full of cinemas and shops, so the statue fits right into the movie theme of the area.
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| the boy who lived... in Leicester Square |
9. House of MinaLima
House of MinaLima is another must-visit for Harry Potter fans. It’s the graphic design house behind many of the iconic props from the films - things like Hogwarts acceptance letters, the Daily Prophet, textbooks, packaging from Honeydukes, and the Marauder’s Map. Their London shop feels like walking into a mini art gallery dedicated to the wizarding world.
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| mischief managed |
Inside, you’ll find prints, posters, postcards, and limited-edition pieces featuring their designs. Even if you’re not planning to buy anything, it’s worth stepping in to admire all the details up close. The space is beautifully curated, and it’s one of those places where you end up lingering longer than expected because there’s so much to look at.
London is packed with Harry Potter-related locations, both official and inspired, and the best part is you can visit most of them just by walking around the city. It’s an easy and fun way to add something familiar to your sightseeing itinerary, especially if you’re already exploring the usual landmarks. Whether you go all-in as a fan or simply stop by a few spots, it adds a nice extra layer to your London trip.
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