See the places where the magic happened across London on one of these fantastic Harry Potter tours.
(Photo: Getyourguide.com)
The story of the boy beneath the stairs, who learned to harness magic and use it with his friends to save the world from Voldemort’s evil, gripped readers all over the world. No wonder then that so many Potter fans flock to London to see sites across the city that either influenced locations contained within the books or became immortalised on film. The best way to see as many as possible is on a guided Harry Potter tour.
Magical London Harry Potter Guided Walking Tour
This tour starts in the way any good Harry Potter walking tour should, with a Sorting Hat to work out which House you belong to. From there it’s out into the streets to the sites that inspired or became locations in the books and films. Wander through Diagon Alley and pass Gringott’s Wizarding Bank, plus around 15 other locations. Many sites are directly related to the Harry Potter world, while others, such as Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre, contain a sense of magic and wonder that may have had an impact. From £15 per person.
A Tour for Muggles
This hugely popular Central London walking tour is aimed primarily at muggles. Real-life London locations had a huge impact on the sets of the Harry Potter films, such as the Leaky Cauldron, and the Ministry of Magic. This is a fun way to see many of the British capital city’s highlights, such as St Paul’s Cathedral and The Golden Hinde galleon, whilst seeing them imbued with Potter lore. Tours are run by a fellow Muggle, last around two hours, and usually take place in any weather. From £17 per person.
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Warner Bros. Studio Tour and River Thames Cruise
Perhaps the ultimate Harry Potter experience takes place in Watford, to the north of London, at the Warner Bros’ Studio, which was constructed specially for the filming of the movie adaptations. Today, many of the sets remain just as they are, offering an interactive exploration of the films where you can actually feel part of the world. This great combo tour combines entrance ticket to the studio tour (please note that you must make your own way there), with a hop-on, hop-off sightseeing cruise of the Thames. From £75 per person.
Warner Bros. Studio Tour and the Making of Harry Potter
If you’d prefer an option that includes transportation to and from London, along with your entrance tickets to Warner Bros. Studio, then that can also be conjured up. You’ll have around four hours on location to explore the sets used for many memorable scenes from the Harry Potter world, including Dumbledore’s office the Great Hall. There is also an opportunity to go behind the scenes of the films and learn how special effects helped bring the magic to life on the big screen. Transfers are from near Victoria Station in Central London. From £97 per person.
(Photo: Getyourguide.com)
Harry Potter Family Package with Transfers from London
For families and other groups of up to four people, this handy package deal to visit the Warner Bros. Leavesden Studio is a good way to save a little money. Much like the tour mentioned above, you’ll meet the bus near Victoria Station for transfers to the studios, where you will have around four hours to explore the sets and props that helped make the Harry Potter films famous. Fun activities include trying butterbeer and learning to ride a broomstick. From £356 per group.