Harry Potter Filming Locations You Can Visit in London

London played a starring role in the Harry Potter films, with real streets, bridges, stations, markets, and landmarks transformed into the wizarding world. The best part is that many of these locations are places you can still visit today.

Whether you are a dedicated Harry Potter fan or simply curious, here is a comprehensive guide to the Harry Potter filming locations you can visit in London, along with practical tips to help you plan your visit.

King’s Cross Station (Platform 9¾)

King’s Cross Station is one of the most famous Harry Potter locations in the world. While the actual filming of the Hogwarts Express scenes took place on a set, the idea of Platform 9¾ lives on here.

Today, visitors can:

• Take photos with the luggage trolley disappearing into the wall
• Visit the official Harry Potter shop
• Explore the historic station itself

Tip: The photo spot can be very busy from late morning onwards. Early mornings or evenings are usually quieter.

Location: King’s Cross Station, N1C

Millennium Bridge

The Millennium Bridge appears dramatically in Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, where it is destroyed by Death Eaters during an attack on London.

In reality, the bridge is very much intact and offers excellent views of the River Thames, St Paul’s Cathedral, and Tate Modern. It is a key stop on many Harry Potter walking routes.

Location: Millennium Bridge, EC4

Leadenhall Market (Diagon Alley)

Leadenhall Market doubled as Diagon Alley in Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone. Its Victorian architecture and ornate covered walkways made it the perfect stand-in for the wizarding shopping street.

Visitors can still spot:

• The entrance used as the Leaky Cauldron
• Decorative historic shopfronts
• A lively weekday market atmosphere

Location: Leadenhall Market, EC3

Claremont Square (Grimmauld Place)

The exterior of 12 Grimmauld Place, the ancestral home of the Black family, was filmed at Claremont Square in Islington. The quiet Georgian square provided an ideal setting for this secretive magical residence.

While interior scenes were filmed on a set, the square itself remains largely unchanged and is worth visiting for fans.

Location: Claremont Square, N1

Australia House (Gringotts Wizarding Bank)

Australia House on Strand was used as the interior of Gringotts Wizarding Bank in Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone. Its grand marble hall and chandeliers created the impressive wizarding bank seen on screen.

Australia House is a working diplomatic building, so interior access is limited, but the exterior can be viewed freely.

Location: Strand, WC2

Lambeth Bridge

Lambeth Bridge features briefly in Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban during the Knight Bus sequence. The red-painted bridge provides a visual contrast to nearby Westminster Bridge.

It is an often-overlooked filming location that adds depth to a Harry Potter walking tour.

Location: Lambeth Bridge, SE1

Borough Market

Borough Market appears in Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban during scenes connected to the Leaky Cauldron. The bustling historic market area was used for exterior shots near the wizarding pub.

Today, Borough Market is one of London’s most famous food markets and a popular stop on walking routes through Southwark.

Location: Borough Market, SE1

Southwark Bridge

Southwark Bridge is visible in Harry Potter and the Order of The Phoenix during the Flight of The Order scene that also features several other London Bridges.

Although less well known than neighbouring bridges, it offers excellent views along the Thames and is easily combined with other nearby filming locations.

Location: Southwark Bridge, EC4

St Paul’s Cathedral

St Paul’s Cathedral was used in Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban as the inspiration for the staircase leading to Professor Trelawney’s Divination classroom at Hogwarts.

The distinctive spiral staircase seen in the film was created using elements of the cathedral’s architectural style, making St Paul’s a particularly interesting stop for Harry Potter fans exploring London filming influences.

While interior filming did not take place inside the cathedral itself, the exterior and surrounding area remain a striking landmark to visit.

Location: St Paul’s Cathedral, EC4

Scotland Place (Ministry of Magic Entrance)

A red telephone box at Scotland Place was used as the entrance to the Ministry of Magic in Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix.

The original phone box used in filming has been removed, but the location remains popular with fans visiting nearby Trafalgar Square.

Location: Scotland Place, SW1A

London Zoo Reptile House

The Reptile House at London Zoo appears in Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, during the scene in which Harry unknowingly speaks Parseltongue to a snake.

Visitors can:

• See the reptile enclosures used as the filming backdrop
• Explore the wider London Zoo site
• Combine the visit with Regent’s Park nearby

This is one of the few Harry Potter-related locations in London that requires an entry ticket.

Location: London Zoo, NW1

House of MinaLima

While not a filming location, the House of MinaLima is highly relevant for Harry Potter fans. MinaLima are the graphic designers behind many of the iconic props seen throughout the films.

Visitors can:

• View original Harry Potter graphic artwork
• See props and designs from the films
• Visit a free gallery in central Soho

Location: Greek Street, Soho

Can You Visit All These Harry Potter Locations in One Day?

Many of London’s Harry Potter filming locations are within walking distance of each other or easily connected by public transport. Visiting them as part of a guided walking tour can help you:

• See locations in a logical order
• Learn behind-the-scenes stories from a local guide
• Avoid missing lesser-known spots

If you would like to explore these sites with a knowledgeable guide, our  Harry Potter walking tour in London covers many of the locations listed above, alongside other famous landmarks.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Harry Potter filming locations in London free to visit?

Most filming locations, such as King’s Cross Station, Leadenhall Market, Millennium Bridge, and Lambeth Bridge, are free to visit. Some locations, including London Zoo, require an entry ticket, while others like Australia House can only be viewed from the outside.

What is the best time to visit Harry Potter filming locations in London?

Early mornings are generally best, especially for popular spots like Platform 9¾ at King’s Cross. Visiting outside peak tourist seasons can also help avoid crowds.

Final Tips for Harry Potter Fans Visiting London

• Wear comfortable shoes, as many locations are best explored on foot
• Combine filming locations with nearby historic sights
• Plan visits early in the day for popular locations

From iconic bridges to hidden streets, London offers a magical experience for Harry Potter fans. Seeing the filming locations in person brings the wizarding world to life in a unique and memorable way.