harry potter locations in london

London's Wizarding Wonders: Exploring Harry Potter's Hotspots

Discover the best Harry Potter locations in London which you can visit yourself! These filming and inspirational locations can be found all over the city. Below is a list of the top locations including in which film they were used in, which neighbourhood in London they are located and the closest underground station to make it easier for you to find your way and experience the magic.

harry potter locations in london

Click or tap any of the following locations to scroll down directly to it.

  1. Leadenhall Market - Diagon Alley
  2. King's Cross Station - Platform 9¾
  3. Australia House - Gringotts Bank
  4. London Zoo - Reptile House
  5. Millennium Bridge - Brockdale Bridge
  6. Great Scotland Yard - Ministry Of Magic
  7. Piccadilly Circus
  8. Westminster Bridge
  9. Lambeth Bridge
  10. St. Paul's Cathedral London
  11. Claremont Square - Grimmauld Place
  12. Borough Market - Leaky Cauldron
  13. Cecil Court, Goodwin’s Court & Brydges Place - Diagon Alley
  14. Merchandise And Shops Of Harry Potter
  15. Harry Potter Film Locations Map
  16. Questions About Harry Potter Locations In London
Hotels in London England UK.

kindly read the below before proceeding (spoiler Alert!)

Below are some spoilers about the movies. If you haven't yet watched Harry Potter and planning to in the coming future, we recommend coming back later and checking out the locations.

Our underground station details are provided for your convenience, but it is always wise to check your itinerary to ensure you are going the right way.

1. leadenhall market - Diagon Alley

Leadenhall Market in London.Leadenhall Market

Leadenhall Market is one of London's oldest markets dating back to the 14th century. It houses a variety of shops, cafes and restaurants. In the Harry Potter series, Leadenhall market is the filming location of Diagon Alley, one of the prime locations in the Harry Potter movies.

Diagon Alley is a magical shopping street. It is known that there are multiple locations in London where Diagon Alley could have been filmed, namely Cecil Court at Charing Cross Road

  • Movie: Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone
  • Neighbourhood/District: City of London
  • Closest underground station: Bank 400 m

Read More: Check Out Our Visit To The Harry Potter Studio Tour in London

2. King's Cross Station - Platform 9¾

Replica of Plaform 9 3/4 at King's cross station.Platform 9¾ Replica - Hogwarts Filming Locations

The King's Cross Station which opened in 1852 is both one of London's busiest train stations and also one of Harry Potter's most notorious locations. King's Cross is a railway that passes through the UK for both local and long-distance trains.

In this very station, a couple of iconic scenes were filmed, when the main characters go through Platforms 9 and 10 to get to Platform 9¾ every beginning of the semester. Also in the very first film when Hagrid gives Harry the ticket on the bridge inside the station.

The actual Platform 9¾ is between Platforms 8 and 9 since Platforms 9 and 10 are in a separate building from the main train station and JK Rowling wanted the platforms in the main building. Apart from that the actual Platforms 9 and 10 are alongside each other separated by tracks, so a magical brick wall between them was just not possible.

In the station, there is a replica of the famous Platform 9¾ where you can take a photo while sort of pushing the famous trolley through the wall. Typically there is a long line but it is worth waiting. Exactly next to the platform replica, is a shop dedicated just to merchandise and souvenirs of Harry Potter. So if you are a wizarding fan, stop by and have a wizarding experience.

Every 1st of September at 11 am people gather at King's Cross Station for the announcement that 'Hogwarts Express is departing on Platform 9¾'. This is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, so if you happen to be in London on the 1st of September, we highly recommend you do not miss it.

  • Movie: All Harry Potter movies
  • Neighbourhood/District: Camden and Islington
  • Closest underground station: King's Cross St. Pancras 10 m

St. Pancras Renaissance Hotel: This hotel is used as the exterior of Hogwarts Express (King's Cross Station) and also when Harry and Ron used their flying car to get to Hogwarts when they couldn't go inside Platform 9¾.

3. Australia House - Gringotts Bank

Australia House in London.Australia House in London

The Australia House serves as the Australian High Commission in the United Kingdom. It is a grand neoclassical building right in the heart of the city. This building is open on weekdays only

In the Harry Potter movie, this building was used for the one and only Gringotts Bank which was run by the goblins. The marvellous interior says it all with marble columns and ornate chandeliers. The famous Vault 687 which belonged to the Potter family was located at Gringotts Bank as well as Vault 713 where the Philosophers Stone was kept safe.

  • Movie: Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone and Deadly Hallows Part 1 and Part 2
  • Neighbourhood/District: Covent Garden
  • Closest underground station: Temple 240 m

Transport yourself into the Harry Potter World and stay in a hotel inspired by the Harry Potter series! The Georgian House Hotel is split into multiple chambers with iconic features from the series. Book your stay now and create a lifetime of memories.

4. London Zoo - Reptile House

Reptile House at London Zoo London.Reptile House

The London Zoo is one of London's top attractions for both locals and tourists to visit which is open to the public in Regent's Park.

In the movie, the London Zoo more accurately the Reptile House was used as a filming location when Harry with his aunt and uncle visit the reptile house and Harry has the iconic Parseltongue Talk with a snake.

  • Movie: Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone
  • Neighbourhood/District: Camden Town
  • Closest underground station: Mornington Crescent 1.8 km

Recommended Page: Things To do in london on a rainy day

5. Millennium bridge - Brockdale Bridge

Millennium Bridge in London.Millennium Bridge

The Millennium Bridge also known as the Wobblers Bridge for Londoners was opened in the year 2000 and is a pedestrian suspension bridge which links St. Paul's Cathedral to the Tate Modern Art Gallery in Southbank.

This Brockdale Bridge as known in the Harry Potter series was used during the Death Eaters attack where the bridge was destroyed due to the violent swaying. 

  • Movie: Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince
  • Neighbourhood/District: City of London
  • Closest underground station: Blackfriars 550 m

Tour Harry Potter Locations on Foot: Go on a two-hour walk and learn about the Harry Potter Series while visiting some of their locations and inspirations. This tour is great if you do not want to venture into the city alone to discover these locations.

6. Great Scotland Yard - Ministry of Magic

Great Scotland Yard Sign.Great Scotland Yard Sign

Great Scotland Yard holds great historical significance as it once served as the headquarters of the London Metropolitan Police Service.

In the Harry Potter series, this particular street was used as a location when Harry and Mr Weasley made their way to a telephone booth which was the entrance to the Ministry of Magic. Once they entered the phone booth they needed to enter a five-digit code (62442) to descend into the Ministry of Magic. When visiting this location, the telephone booth is not there as it was a prop for just the filming.

  • Movie: Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix 
  • Neighbourhood/District: Westminster
  • Closest underground station: Embankment 350 m

Great Scotland Yard: This location was used again in Harry Potter and the Deadly Hallows Part 1 when Harry, Hermione and Ron sneak their way into the Ministry of Magic.

7. Piccadilly Circus london

Piccadilly Circus Station London.Piccadilly Circus Underground Station

Piccadilly Circus is one of London's most bustling areas with endless entertainment both during the day and night. Thousands of people walk through this area every day.

In Harry Potter, Harry, Hermione and Ron are spawned in Shaftesbury Avenue Piccadilly Circus directly in front of Bus 19 which nearly runs them over. They were escaping after a Death Eaters attack at Bill and Fleur's wedding. Immediately after, they walk down the street and into an alleyway then into a café.

  • Movie: Harry Potter and the Deadly Hallows Part 1
  • Neighbourhood/District: Soho
  • Closest underground station: Piccadilly Circus 70 m

related page: discover 8 harry potter tours in london

8. Westminster Bridge

The bridge crossing to City of Westminster in the distance.The bridge that crosses to the City of Westminster and South Bank

The City of Westminster is where some of London's iconic landmarks are located such as the Houses of Parliament, Big Ben, Buckingham Palace, and Westminster Abbey. Apart from these, the neighbourhood has several parks and museums to visit.

In Order of the Phoenix, Harry Potter, Professor Moody, Nymphadora Tonks, Kingsley Shacklebolt, Remus Lupin and Elphias Doge fly their broomstick under Westminster Bridge and passes London's Iconic landmarks such as the Tower Bridge, Tower of London, Big Ben and Houses of Parliament.

  • Movie: Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix
  • Neighbourhood/District: City of Westminster
  • Closest underground station: Westminster Tube Station 20 m

Westminster Tube Station: This station was used when Harry and Arthur Weasley pass through Westminster Tube Station and Arthur struggles to pass through the ticket barriers with the Oyster card.

9. Lambeth Bridge - Harry Potter Filming Locations London

Lambeth Bridge London.Lambeth Bridge in the Distance

The Lambeth Bridge which crosses the River Thames links the City of Westminster and the Borough of Lambeth. From this bridge, you get to see Westminster Bridge as well as the House of Parliament and the London Eye.

This location was used when the Knight Bus picks Harry Potter up from near his house and takes him to the Leaky Cauldron. On the way, the bus drives over Lambeth Bridge and also squeezes into a small gap between two London Buses.

  • Movie: Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban
  • Neighbourhood/District: City of Westminster
  • Closest underground station: Westminster 1 km

10. St. Paul's Cathedral london

St. Paul's Cathedral in London.St. Paul's Cathedral London

This majestic building is a timeless symbol of London's exceptional history and culture, standing the test of time for centuries. Built and completed by 1711, designer Christopher Wren has created a masterpiece in the heart of London. St. Paul's Cathedral has held many historical events, state funerals and royal weddings.

This location was used after Hermione stormed off from Divination class where she had a crystal ball and then Harry and Ron went down the spiral staircase speaking about her ordeal and finding the crystal ball on the staircase.

  • Movie: Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban
  • Neighbourhood/District: City of London
  • Closest underground station: St. Paul's 170 m

11. Claremont Square - Grimmauld Place

Claremont Square London.Claremont Square

Claremont Square is a small square in Islington surrounded by mature trees on all four sides.

After the scene of flying his broomstick under the Westminster Bridge, Harry Potter, Professor Moody, Nymphadora Tonks, Kingsley Shacklebolt, Remus Lupin and Elphias Doge make their way to Grimmauld Place an ancestral home of the Black Family.

  • Movie: Harry Potter Order of the Phoenix
  • Neighbourhood/District: Islington
  • Closest underground station: Angel 400 m

12. borough market - leaky cauldron

A shop at Borough Market.Borough Market

Borough Market is one of the many markets around London. This particular market is highly popular and is located very close to London Bridge.

As mentioned in one of the previous locations (Lambeth Bridge), Harry Potter catches the knight bus to visit the Leaky Cauldron. Here at Borough Market is where the Leaky Cauldron was used as a location. Harry stayed in room 11 until the start of the new term at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.

  • Movie: Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban
  • Neighbourhood/District: Southwark
  • Closest underground station: London Bridge 70 m

13. cecil court, Goodwin’s Court & Brydges place - diagon alley

Brydges Place in London.Brydges Place London

J.K Rowling took inspiration from these three locations as well as others for the popular street Diagon Alley. The inspiration came from the narrow and diagonal street (Brydges Place and Goodwin's Court) and the shops on either side of the street (Cecil Court). As we Wizardry fans know, Diagonal Alley plays an integral part in the Harry Potter series and is amongst the most recognised and well-known locations throughout the whole series.

These places played an important role as inspirations of Diagon Alley in Harry Potter films.

  • Neighbourhood/District: Soho
  • Closest underground station: Leicester Square

14. merchandise and shops of harry potter

A wall full of purchasable wands at the Warner Studio Bros Shop.Wands at the Warner Studio Bros Shop

In London, you will have the privilege of purchasing a few merchandise of Harry Potter. Apart from the shop at Warner Bros Studio in Watford, there are a few more shops in central London where merchandise is available.

  • The Noble Collection, at Neal Street, Covent Garden
  • Hamleys, The World's Finest Toys & Games, Regent Street
  • House Of Minalima, Wardour Street Soho. A design studio showcasing graphic props of Harry Potter and Fantastic Beast films.
  • Warner Bros. Studio Tour London, Watford. This is the main studio for the making of Harry Potter. Here you get to explore the iconic sets of this series.
  • The LEGO Store at Leicester Square.

harry potter filming locations map

questions about harry potter locations in london

Is there a London Harry Potter walking tour around the Harry Potter Locations in London?

The simple answer is yes! There are a couple of tours where you tour around central London with a licensed guide who explains all about the locations you visit. Note, you do not visit all the locations as there is only limited time. Check the itinerary of the tour to see what you are visiting.

Which London train station was used for the exterior shots of King's Cross in Harry Potter?

The exterior of King's Cross Station was filmed at the St. Pancreas Hotel, just a short distance away from the station.

Are there other locations around the UK where the Harry Potter movies were filmed?

Yes, apart from London there are plenty of other locations around the United Kingdom which were used for filming or inspiration.

These include Oxford, Wiltshire, Gloucester and Scotland amongst others.

Where can I find the entrance to the Leaky Cauldron in London?

The outside of the Leaky Cauldron was filmed at the Borough Market in London.

Where is Platform 9¾ located in London?

Platform 9¾ was filmed at King's Cross station.

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Photo sources & resources

  • Australia House - Australia House by Colin Smith, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
  • Reptile House - William Hook from Stafford, United Kingdom, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
  • Millennium Bridge - Image by Pablo Valerio from Pixabay
  • St. Paul's Cathedral - Image by Tinnapat from Pixabay
  • Claremont Square - Andy F / Claremont Square, Islington (3)
  • Great Scotland Yard Sign - Image by Jori Samonen from Pixabay
  • Borough Market - dtobias, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
  • Brydges Place - Paul the Archivist, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

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