Harry Potter’s London: all the locations from the saga

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For over two decades, Harry Potter’s adventures have enthralled millions of people around the globe. Yet many fans may not realise that beneath all the cinematic magic lie real-life locations, nestled in the heart of London. Far from being just a backdrop, the British capital acts almost like another character in the saga. Its cobbled streets, historic buildings, and unique atmosphere helped bring J.K. Rowling’s universe to life. In this article, we’ll explore all of London’s famous Harry Potter locations so you can follow in the footsteps of the world’s most famous wizard. Wands at the ready, cloaks on—let’s discover Harry Potter’s London!

Filming the Harry Potter Saga in London

London was chosen as the main filming location for the Harry Potter saga for good reason. With its rich heritage and almost mystical atmosphere—especially when the fog sets in—the city provided the perfect backdrop to realise J.K. Rowling’s vision. These real-life settings blended seamlessly with fictional elements, using iconic sites to represent key places from the story.

Leavesden Studios

Situated on the outskirts of London, Leavesden Studios also played a central role in the films. Many interior sets were built here, including Hogwarts’ Great Hall, classrooms, and dormitories. Today, the studios are open to the public as the Warner Bros. Studio Tour London – The Making of Harry Potter, giving fans a unique glimpse behind the scenes of the production.

🎥 On a film set  Here’s everything you need to know to visit the Harry Potter studios in London, to complete your visit.

King’s Cross Station and Platform 9¾

No Harry Potter trip would be complete without visiting King’s Cross Station, where Harry boards the train to Hogwarts via the mystical Platform 9¾. While scenes were mainly shot on Platforms 4 and 5, the station has placed a trolley embedded in the wall between Platforms 9 and 10, complete with a luggage cart and an owl cage, so fans can re-enact that famous dash through the wall.

It’s the perfect spot for a souvenir photo. You can even borrow a house scarf of your choice to make the picture extra authentic.

The Harry Potter shop, unmissable

Right next to the cart is the Harry Potter Shop at Platform 9¾, a store dedicated entirely to the world of the saga. You will find wands, scarves, uniforms, and many other official items to enrich your collection of souvenirs.

Until 2023, every 1st of September (just like in the books), the station would announce the (fictional) departure of the Hogwarts Express, much to fans’ delight. In 2024, this tradition was cancelled—who knows what the future holds?

📖 Fun fact: J.K. Rowling once admitted she mixed up King’s Cross with Euston Station when writing the books. The film producers also used St Pancras International next door for some exterior shots, thanks to its impressive Gothic architecture.

St Pancras International: the other departure for Hogwarts

With its iconic neo-Gothic facade, St Pancras International is one of London’s most striking railway stations. In the books and most of the films, Hogwarts departures occur at King’s Cross, but the filmmakers chose St Pancras for certain scenes in Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (2002).

For example, when Harry and Ron miss the train and decide to take the Weasleys’ flying Ford Anglia, the car takes off in front of St Pancras, making the most of its grand setting.

Leadenhall Market: The Entrance to Diagon Alley

Here is another of the London locations featured in Harry Potter. Leadenhall Market, located in the financial district of the City of London, is one of the oldest markets in the capital, dating back to the 14th century. With its Victorian architecture, stained glass roofs, ornate beams and cobblestones, the market offers a unique atmosphere that appealed to the directors of the Harry Potter saga.

In Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone (2001), Leadenhall Market was used to represent the bustling streets of Diagon Alley , the famous wizarding shopping street. It is here that Harry first discovers the magical world with Hagrid, in order to buy his school supplies before his first year at Hogwarts.

Beyond its connection to Harry Potter, Leadenhall Market is an important historical site. Originally built as a meat and poultry market, it was rebuilt in 1881 by architect Sir Horace Jones, who was also responsible for Tower Bridge. Today, the market is home to a variety of shops, restaurants and pubs, while retaining its old-world charm.

The Leaky Cauldron at 42 Bull’s Head Passage…

The entrance to the Leaky Cauldron , the pub that serves as a gateway between the Muggle and wizarding worlds, was filmed at 42 Bull’s Head Passage, a small alleyway located within the market. In real life, this address is home to an optician’s shop called “The Glass House”. The shop’s distinctive facade was used for the purposes of the film, providing an authentic and mysterious setting.

…and 7 Stoney Street (Borough Market)

Borough Market , one of London’s oldest food markets, was used as a filming location for the entrance to the Leaky Cauldron in Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban . Specifically, the entrance is located at 7 Stoney Street. The pub’s façade provided the perfect atmosphere to represent the transition between the Muggle and wizarding worlds. The market itself is a popular destination for its varied stalls and lively atmosphere.

Millennium Bridge and the Death Eater Attack

In Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince (2009), the Millennium Bridge is the setting for a dramatic scene in which it is destroyed by Death Eaters. This dramatic sequence does not appear in J. K. Rowling’s books, but was added to the film to illustrate the escalating threat posed by Voldemort’s return and the impact of the magical world on the Muggle world.

A symbolic architectural choice

The Millennium Bridge is a pedestrian suspension bridge that crosses the River Thames, connecting the Tate Modern on the south bank to St Paul’s Cathedral on the north bank. Opened in June 2000, it is famous for its sleek, modern design by architects Foster and Partners. The contrast between its contemporary architecture and the surrounding historic buildings made the bridge an ideal choice for the film’s makers.

The Millennium Bridge has become an iconic location for fans of the saga. Crossing it, visitors can enjoy panoramic views of the Thames, St. Paul’s Cathedral and the Tate Modern. It is also an opportunity to mentally relive the scene from the film, while appreciating the unique architecture of the bridge.

👉 And if you really want to discover the city, don’t miss our guide to London .

Australia House: Gringotts Bank

Australia House , located on London’s Strand, is home to the High Commission of Australia in the United Kingdom. This impressive building, built between 1913 and 1918, is renowned for its ornate Edwardian architecture, making it an ideal location for depicting opulent locations in film.

Gringotts Bank in Harry Potter

In Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone (2001), the interior of Australia House was used to represent the interior of Gringotts Bank , the wizarding bank run by goblins. The glittering chandeliers, high ceilings, marble columns and mosaic floors provided the perfect setting to convey the grand and mysterious atmosphere of the bank.

Due to its diplomatic function, public access to Australia House is generally restricted. Filming required special permits, and staff had to adhere to strict security measures.

📖 Fun fact: The building was designed by British architect Alexander Marshall Mackenzie, in collaboration with his son. The foundation stone was laid by King George V in 1913. Interestingly, the construction used materials sourced from Australia, including marble and timber, to symbolise the close ties between Australia and the United Kingdom.

London Zoo: Discovering Harry’s Powers

London Zoo, located in Regent’s Park, is one of the world’s oldest scientific zoos, having been operating since 1828. It is home to a wide variety of animals and was the setting for a memorable scene in Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone (2001).

The Reptile House: Where it all began

In the film, it is at the Reptile House at London Zoo that Harry discovers he can talk to snakes, revealing his gift for Parseltongue . While out with the Dursleys for Dudley’s birthday, Harry interacts with a Burmese python, which he accidentally frees by making the glass of its enclosure disappear. This scene marks a turning point in Harry’s life, as it is one of the first visible manifestations of his magical powers.

🤩 Unforgettable nights. Want a truly extraordinary experience? Then have a look at our selection of hotels with views of London.

🎫 Visit the Reptile House

• Immersive experience: The Reptile House is home to an impressive collection of reptiles and amphibians, including snakes, lizards and crocodiles. It is one of the oldest parts of the zoo, having been open since 1927.
• Commemorative plaque: A plaque marks the exact location of the filming, allowing fans to relive this key moment in the film.
• Educational Activities: The zoo offers programs to educate the public about reptile conservation and the importance of preserving their natural habitat.

Piccadilly Circus: The Death Eaters Escape

In Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 1 (2010), Piccadilly Circus is the setting for a key scene in which Harry, Hermione, and Ron flee from the Death Eaters after Bill Weasley and Fleur Delacour’s wedding is abruptly interrupted. This nighttime scene captures the bustle of central London, providing a stark contrast between the imperiled wizarding world and the everyday lives of Muggles.

The scene was actually filmed in Piccadilly Circus, requiring special permits to temporarily close certain streets. Filming took place at night to capture the vibrant atmosphere and distinctive lights of the square.

Piccadilly Circus is famous for its giant advertising screens, historic statues and constant hustle and bustle. It is a focal point for several major London thoroughfares, such as Regent Street and Shaftesbury Avenue. At the centre of the square is the Shaftesbury Fountain, topped with the statue of Anteros, often mistaken for Eros, a symbol of selfless love. The work is a prominent landmark and a popular meeting place.

St Paul’s Cathedral: the Hogwarts staircase

The spiral staircase of St. Paul’s Cathedral served as the model for the moving staircases of Hogwarts. Although the scenes were recreated in the studio, the inspiration came from this iconic London building. A visit to the cathedral allows you to admire this impressive staircase and other architectural wonders.

Scotland Place: The entrance to the Ministry of Magic

Scotland Place, located near Scotland Yard in the Westminster district of London, was used as a filming location to depict the entrance to the Ministry of Magic in Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix (2007) and Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 1 (2010). It is here that the characters use a red telephone box to access the seat of wizarding government, hidden from Muggle eyes.

In the films, Harry and Mr. Weasley go to this address for Harry’s disciplinary hearing. Later, Harry, Ron, and Hermione infiltrate the Ministry using the same access point. By dialing “62442” (which is “MAGIC” on a traditional telephone keypad), the booth transports them underground to the Ministry’s reception hall. This means of access emphasizes the secret coexistence between the magical and non-magical worlds.

Filming at Scotland Place required the temporary installation of a red telephone box, as there is none in reality at this location. This box was specially designed for the film and removed after filming. The scenes where the box descends underground were shot in a studio, with only the exterior shots being filmed on location. This allowed for the combination of sophisticated special effects with real London scenery.

The choice of Scotland Place is not insignificant. Its proximity to government buildings, such as the former headquarters of the London Metropolitan Police, adds an authentic dimension to the location that is supposed to house the Ministry of Magic. However, filming in this area required special permits due to the strict security measures related to the surrounding government buildings.

Great Scotland Yard: the other entrance to the Ministry

In addition to Scotland Place, Great Scotland Yard was also used to represent the entrance to the Ministry of Magic in some scenes. This location, steeped in history as the former headquarters of the Metropolitan Police, adds an extra layer of realism to the film’s settings.

Claremont Square: 12, Grimmauld Place

Another Harry Potter filming location in London. Located in the Islington borough, Claremont Square was used to represent the exterior of 12 Grimmauld Place, Sirius Black’s family home and the headquarters of the Order of the Phoenix. The Georgian facades of the houses lining the square perfectly match the description of the location in the books. Although the exact address is fictional, the exterior scenes were filmed here, adding an authentic touch to the urban London environment in the films.

Lambeth Bridge: the Knight Bus route

Lambeth Bridge appears in Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (2004) in the scene where the Knight Bus speeds through the streets of London. The bus crosses the bridge by weaving between two double-decker buses, demonstrating its unique magical abilities. The choice of this bridge, with its view of the River Thames and the nearby Palace of Westminster, provides a recognizable London skyline.

Westminster Station: the wizarding underground

In Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix (2007), Harry and Mr. Weasley travel on the London Underground to the Ministry of Magic. The scenes were filmed at Westminster Station, one of the most modern stations on the network, characterized by its steel and glass architecture. This sequence highlights the culture clash between the wizarding world and the Muggle world, with Mr. Weasley marveling at the automatic turnstiles.

Surbiton Station: The meeting at the café

In Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince (2009), the opening scene shows Harry waiting for Dumbledore in a café. This sequence was filmed at Surbiton Station, located in southwest London. The art deco station and its adjoining café provided the perfect setting for this modern scene, contrasting with the usual magical environments of the series.

The Ministry of Magic: The Old London City Hall Premises

The Ministry of Magic, the nerve centre of wizarding government, is a key location in the Harry Potter saga. Although most of the Ministry’s interior scenes were filmed at Warner Bros. Studios Leavesden, the architecture and set design draw heavily on London’s aesthetic. The creators drew on the Art Deco style found in many of the capital’s buildings, as well as historic underground stations such as those on the Northern Line. The vast halls adorned with imposing columns, the dark-hued, glossy tiles and brass details give the Ministry a solemn and mysterious atmosphere, reflecting the importance and antiquity of this magical institution.

Lincoln’s Inn Fields: the Magicobus park

Lincoln’s Inn Fields, London’s largest public square, appears briefly in The Prisoner of Azkaban when the Knight Bus stops to pick up Harry after his escape from Privet Drive. The park’s leafy setting in the middle of the city provides an interesting backdrop for this nighttime scene.

Bonus: What is the Dursleys’ exact address in Harry Potter?

In the Harry Potter universe, the Dursley family lives at 4 Privet Drive, Little Whinging, Surrey. This fictional address has become iconic as Harry’s childhood home with his uncle Vernon, aunt Petunia, and cousin Dudley. Little Whinging is a fictional town in the county of Surrey, in the southeast of England. J. K. Rowling chose this address to reflect the mundane and conformist nature of the Dursley family, in stark contrast to the magical world to which Harry belongs.

For the first film, Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, exterior scenes of the Dursleys’ home were filmed at 12 Picket Post Close, Bracknell (📍 see map), in Berkshire, about 25 miles (40 km) west of London. The house was selected for its typically British suburban residential appearance. However, by the second film, an exact replica of the house and surrounding area was built at Leavesden Studios to facilitate the logistical requirements of filming. It is important to note that 12 Picket Post Close is privately owned, and visitors are asked to respect the peace and quiet of the current residents.

We hope this article on Harry Potter places to visit in London has helped you plan your next (magical) trip. Don’t hesitate to give us your comments, we know that the community of fans of the young wizard and his friends is very demanding!