London is full of fascinating Harry Potter Sights and adventures to get you in the mood for magic before seeing the West End show.
If you want to take a trip to the incredible Harry Potter and the Cursed Child in the West End, why not make your day a bit more magical by planning some other activities? London has many magicians Harry Potter-Themed fun on offer.
A trip to Warner Brothers Studios, where all the films were shot Harry Potter Movies are a must for any aspiring Gryffindor (or other house of the Sorting Hat’s choosing!), as is brewing potions in the “cauldron” and visiting the official shop at King’s Cross Station.
Book Harry Potter and the Cursed Child Tickets at the London Theatre.
Warner Brothers Studio Tour
If you’ve always dreamed of entering the Great Hall at Hogwarts, shopping in Diagon Alley or taking a ride on Hagrid’s motorbike, then you must visit Warner Brothers Studios where you can take a look behind the scenes of the hit film. Harry Potter film franchise, from the amazing sets to costumes, props and more.
Start your adventure just like Harry, Ron and Hermione by heading to Platform 9¾ where you’ll find the famous steam engine of the Hogwarts Express. You can pose with your own luggage trolley and disappear right into the wall.
Plus, there’s everything from Dumbledore’s office to Gringotts Wizarding Bank, a Nimbus 2000, Voldemort’s snake Nagini, the Ministry of Magic – and you can even buy a mug of Butterbeer.
Address: Studio Tour Drive, Leavesden, Hertfordshire
Price: ££
Book tickets for the Warner Brothers Studio Tour at the London Theatre.
London Zoo
It was in the zoo’s reptile house that Harry Potter realised he might have magical powers. In the first book, Harry talks to a boa constrictor trapped in a cage, and after his terrible cousin Dudley elbows him to the ground, he accidentally causes the glass front of the tank to disappear – allowing the snake to escape.
If you go to London Zoo, you can visit the reptile house where this scene from the movie starring Daniel Radcliffe as Harry was filmed – although you’ll discover that the enclosure is actually home to a black mamba. It’s still a great day out.
Address: Regent’s Park, London NW1
Price: £
The Wizard Walk of London
This is a fantastic way to explore this great city – but with a Harry Potter Twist! Join an expert guide on a walking tour of London and explore various places that were either used as filming locations or inspired JK Rowling to create her magical creation.
For example, visit the building that became the magic pub The Leaky Cauldron in the first film, as well as the Clink Prison Museum, which served as the inspiration for the terrifying Azkaban. St. Paul’s Cathedral appeared in the third film, while the Millennium Bridge met a bad end in the sixth film and Borough Market made a cameo appearance when Harry took the Knight Bus.
Address: Meeting point in front of Pizza Express, 20-22 Leadenhall Market, London EC3
Price: £
The boiler
Have you ever thought that if you were accepted into Potions class at Hogwarts, you were guaranteed to make it big? Here’s your chance to find out at The Cauldron specialty bar in Dalston. Sign up for The Cauldron London Potion Making Experience and you’ll receive a wizard’s robe, a wand and a masterclass in spell-casting.
Using your magical powers and some top mixology tips from experienced potion masters, you’ll enter an enchanted forest and learn to brew otherworldly elixirs in your cauldron – aka delicious molecular cocktails. Cheers!
Address: 5D Stoke Newington Road, London N16
Price: ££
House of MinaLima
This charming gallery in Soho is dedicated to the fine art of Harry Potter And Fantastic Beasts Films. Led by the designers who actually worked on both, Miraphora Mina and Eduardo Lima, it is a real passion project – and offers exciting insights into the world of films.
The gallery’s free exhibition is spread over four levels and features prints and graphics created for the films, as well as beautiful books and art prints that you can buy. You’ll also see familiar props, such as the Hogwarts letters with their red seal and pages from The Daily Prophet.
Address: 157 Wardour Street, London W1
Price: £
The Harry Potter Shop at Platform 9¾
Get everything you need Harry Potter Merchandise, treats and gifts for fellow superfans at the official shop, located – of course – at King’s Cross Station. First, get your photo taken as you push your trolley through the magic wall, then head inside to enjoy a magical shopping experience.
Here you will find everything from tailor-made Harry Potter From bags to t-shirts, hats, homewares, jewelry and more. You can even choose a handmade wand, order a personalized Hogwarts robe or raid the candy cart. Fancy a chocolate frog?
Address: King’s Cross Station, London N1
Price: ££
Harry Potter and the Cursed Child
Now you are ready for the ultimate Harry Potter Experience: the phenomenal West End play that continues Rowling’s wizarding saga after the book series. Harry is now an adult and his son Albus is on his way to Hogwarts, where he befriends Scorpius Malfoy and inevitably gets into trouble while battling dark forces.
As brilliant as the books and movies are, there’s nothing like the jaw-dropping wonder of seeing magic happen right before your eyes, whether it’s someone transforming after drinking a Polyjuice Potion or the Time-Turner at work. You get the chance to see all your favorite characters again and meet new friends.
Book Harry Potter and the Cursed Child Tickets at the London Theatre.
Photo credit: Manuel Harlan
