An Insider's Guide To Harry Potter's London Locations

Muggles, grab your broomsticks and go in search of the Harry Potter film sets around the city

From historic markets to characterful train stations, London’s landmarks have been immortalised in the wizarding world of Harry Potter. Whether it’s the opulent Australia House masquerading as Gringotts Wizarding Bank or Leadenhall Market as Diagon Alley, these locations have brought the imagination of J K Rowling to life on the big screen. You’ve read the books and seen the films, now follow in the footsteps of Harry and his Hogwarts chums by going in search of the Harry Potter London locations captured in the films’ most iconic scenes.

Diagon Alley

With its colourful ornate interior and characterful cobbles, the Victorian Leadenhall Market looks plucked from the pages of Harry Potter. Little wonder that this historic location in the City of London was in two films. In Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone it was used as Diagon Alley, and in Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, an optician in Bull’s Head Passage was used as the entrance to wizard’s pub, The Leaky Cauldron.

Platform 9 and 3/4

You’ll instantly recognise this Harry Potter London location at King’s Cross station from the queue of Potterheads waiting their turn to snap a selfie with the trolley vanishing into the wall of Platform 9 and ¾. In the films, the Hogwarts Express departs from this platform at King’s Cross. Don’t forget to grab a little piece of Potter at The Harry Potter Shop, designed to resemble Ollivander’s Wand Emporium. 

Westminster Tube Station

In Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, Harry Potter and Mr Weasley used Westminster Tube Station on their way to Harry's hearing at the Ministry of Magic. It had to be closed to the public for an entire day for filming. In the film, you can see Mr Weasley struggling with his ticket when exiting the ticket barriers.

Gringotts Wizarding Bank

Located on the Strand, the grandiose Australia House is home to the Australian Embassy. But in Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone the stately building transforms into Gringotts Wizarding Bank. All polished marble floors and twinkling chandeliers, Australia House’s 160-foot Exhibition Hall made the perfect setting for Hagrid to take Harry to the bank for the first time.

Warner Bros. Studios Tour London – The Making of Harry Potter

The ultimate Harry Potter London location, Warner Bros. Studios Tour London – The Making of Harry Potter traces the footsteps of the young wizard himself. This incredible experience whisks you behind the scenes to deliver a magical insight to the creation of the films. Wander through the striking Great Hall with its tables laid for a banquet, tiptoe into the spooky Forbidden Forest and get up close to props, costumes and special effects.

Millennium Bridge

Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince begins with a dramatic scene of London's Millennium Footbridge collapsing as Death Eaters fly over the capital destroying everything in their wake. In the film, it’s known as Brockdale Bridge and is the target of the Death Eaters who are escalating their attacks in the muggle world. Stretching over the River Thames from the Southbank to St Paul’s Cathedral, the famous footbridge offers some of the best views in London.