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Harry Potter Guided Walking Tour in London – Everything You Need to Know
Are you a Harry Potter fan looking for a new and magical experience? If you are heading to London then, look no further! There is no better way to bring the world of J.K. Rowling to life than by joining a guided tour of all the magical locations featured in the Harry Potter movies.
London walking tours allow you to discover the places where the iconic magical scenes were filmed. As a Harry Potter fan, no one can imagine the thrill of standing in the very spot where a scene was recorded. By joining a guided tour, you can take a peek into Hogwarts life and explore the sights and sounds of Diagon Alley.
But did you know that there are plenty of Harry Potter – themed tours in London? In this guide, we look at all the best Harry Potter walking tours available throughout London, as well as how to make the most of your magical experience. So keep reading and get ready for a fun-filled fantasy escape!
What Is a Harry Potter Guided Walking Tour?
A Harry Potter guided walking tour is an organized experience of iconic sites from the Harry Potter movies that can be found in and around London. Most of these sites include restaurants, shop fronts, forgotten streets, parks, and more.
The tours are usually led by experienced guides who will take participants to iconic spots such as Covent Garden’s TheLeaky Cauldron, Platform 9 ¾ at King’s Cross Station and more. During the tour, you will also get to visit some of the lesser-known production sites such as London’s Leadenhall Market and Gringott’s Bank.
These types of tours are designed to give participants a taste of J.K. Rowling’s spell-binding world and bring it to life. They make for an unforgettable experience – and an opportunity to snap some special pictures along the way.
What Can I Expect on the Tour?
During the course of your walking tour, a knowledgeable guide will discuss major and minor scenes from the movies. This includes scenes from both the books as well as some from the different locations throughout London. The tour will also allow you to visit some iconic places that played pivotal roles in certain scenes, such as Gringott’s Bank and Leadenhall Market.
Along the way, the guide will provide more information about the locations and offer fun facts about the stories and scenes that were filmed there. Furthermore, some tours may include movie props such as wands and sorting hats while others might even feature meet-and-greet sessions with some of the actors from the movies.
Why Should I Go on a Harry Potter Walking Tour in London?
There are several reasons why you should go on a Harry Potter walking tour in London. Here are just some of them:
- It’s a unique experience: If you’re a fan of Harry Potter, a walking tour is an excellent way to get up close and personal with the franchise’s world.
- It’s educational: Going on one of these tours puts you in touch with London’s vast history. From Roman times to present day, you can get a glimpse into how this iconic city has evolved through time.
- It’s interactive: During your tour, you can interact with your guide and ask them questions about anything related to the stories.
- It adds value to your holiday: Visiting sites and places that are connected to popular culture adds value to your experience in London.
- It’s entertaining: Most importantly, it is entertaining! It’s a fun experience – and one that you can enjoy with family and friends.
Where Can I Go on a Harry Potter Guided Walking Tour in London?
Luckily for Harry Potter fans, there are plenty of places all over London where you can join a guided tour. Here are just some of the places you can visit:
- The Leaky Cauldron: Featured prominently in several of the movies, The Leaky Cauldron is one of the most recognizable places in London.
You can find it in Covent Garden near St Martin’s Courtyard. - Millennium Bridge: This iconic bridge plays an important part in “Harry Potter and The Half Blood Prince”.
You can find it over River Thames between South Bank and St Paul’s Cathedral. - Woolwich Foot Tunnel: This underground pedestrian tunnel located in Woolwich is featured in “Harry Potter and The Deathly Hallows”.
You can find it near King George V DLR station. - Leadenhall Market: This beautiful market has been used as Diagon Alley several times over.
You can find it at Gracechurch Street. - Piccadilly Circus: Shown in “Harry Potter and the Order Of The Phoenix”, this popular spot was used as part of Diagon Alley.
You can find it at Shaftesbury Avenue. - St Pancras International Station: This station is most recognizable for its grand façade used as Hogwarts Express Platform 9 3/4.
You can find it on Euston Road.
Where Can I Book a Harry Potter Guided Tour?
There are many companies that offer guided walking tours dedicated to Harry Potter fans who want to explore London’s most magical spots. Most companies have similar offerings but vendors such as GetYourGuide offer extras such as exclusive discounts and guarantees on their tours. You can book your tour directly through GetYourGuide.
Tour prices usually vary between companies – however most standard tours cost approximately $45 per person and include activities such as:
- A unique perspective on various magical places around London
- A chance to enter places like Diagon Alley, Gringotts, Platform 9 3/4
- Interactive activities throughout your tour such as costume dress-up or props workshops.
- Opportunity to meet some actors from the movies.
- Goodie bags including freebies such as wands.
The length of each tour varies, but usually last somewhere around two hours. Prices may vary though, so make sure to double-check before booking your tour with any company.
What Should I Bring With Me?
There are several items that will come in handy during your trip – especially if you are attending one of the longer tours offered by some companies:
- Comfortable shoes: Make sure to wear comfortable shoes! You will be walking for several hours, so you don’t want any blisters or soreness setting in halfway through your tour.
