by As a loyal Harry Potter fan, coming to London is like stepping into a world full of magic. In this ancient yet modern city, there are many must-visit time slots for Harry Potter fans that will make you feel like you are in the Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry in the movies.
First stop: Platform 9 3/4, King’s Cross Station
To embark on a Harry Potter tour of London, you must start at King’s Cross Station. At this busy transport hub, you’ll find the iconic Platform 9 3/4, an exposed brick wall that instantly recalls the scene when Harry first stepped on the Hogwarts Express. The staff will kindly provide visitors with scarves and wands to help them complete the perfect clock photo.
Stop two: Warner Bros. Harry Potter Studios
Warner Bros. Harry Potter Studios is located in Hertfordshire, outside London, where the real Harry Potter films were filmed. In the studio, visitors can get up close and personal with real props, sets and costumes used in the film. From the candle-filled hall to the Forbidden Forest, from the Gryffindor common room to Diagon Alley, every corner is full of magic. A chance to experience flying on a broomstick and taste a butterbeer.
Third stop: The Leaky Cauldron
Lidenhall Market, in London’s financial district, was the setting for the Leaky Cauldron in Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone. The blue entrance to the market seems to lead to another magical world. Here, you can feel the blend of magic and reality, as if the next moment someone will push through the door and take you to Diagon Alley to buy a broomstick.
Fourth stop: Christ Church College, Oxford
Christ Church College, Oxford is the setting for the dining hall and corridors of Hogwarts College. With its gorgeous decor and rich history, this old college feels like you’re in the ballroom of Hogwarts. Walking around the campus, you will see many scenes similar to those in the movie and feel a strong atmosphere of magic.
Fifth stop: London Zoo
The herpethouse at London Zoo was where Harry first discovered that he could talk to snakes. The scene, though brief, left a deep impression on many Harry Potter fans. In the zoo, you can observe various reptiles up close and imagine Harry’s state of mind at that time.
In addition to these must-check stops, there are many Harry Potter-related attractions worth visiting in London. Examples include the original Gringotts Bank at the Australian Embassy in London and the Death Eaters attack scene on the Millennium Bridge. Whether alone or with friends, you can find your own magical world in London.
