Harry Potter World London

Can you believe it’s been over two decades since the first Harry Potter book was released? It’s hard to imagine a time before Harry, Ron and Hermione were part of our lives! Since the last book in the series was released in 2007 we’ve had a blockbusting film franchise, spin-off films and plays, studio tours and attractions all over the globe.

So whether you’re a wannabe Wizard or a self-confessed Muggle, there are loads of fun Harry Potter themed things for you and your family to do in London. Read on for our pick of the best ones to book this year....

The Making of Harry Potter

The Warner Brothers Studio Tour is an award-winning experience that’s been welcoming fans of Harry Potter since 2012. You can walk around actual sets used in the films, including the Great Hall, Forbidden Forest and Diagon Alley.

There’s also an incredible collection of movie props, from potion bottles to the memory cabinet and Professor Umbridge’s office. From November to January you can also experience Hogwarts in the Snow, with the Great Hall transformed with Christmas trees and festive decorations. You’ll also find out how the filmmakers make snow that never melts and fire that doesn’t burn!

Walking Tour

Brit Movie Tours offer a walking tour of Harry Potter’s London, where you can visit locations used in the films, including the Ministry of Magic and the entrance to the Leaky Cauldron. The tour takes about 2.5 hours and you’ll also be shown around iconic London landmarks like St Paul’s Cathedral, Millenium Bridge, Tate Modern, Borough and Leadenhall Markets. You’ll also find out fascinating facts about the books and making of the films, and London’s rich wizarding history.

Platform 9¾ at King’s Cross Station

Who can forget the iconic scene in Harry Potter when he’s told that to board the Hogwart’s Express to his new school, he has to run straight through a brick wall! Fans can find the ‘real’ Platform 9¾ at King’s Cross Station in London, and it’s an open platform so there’s no ticket required. With half a luggage trolley embedded in the brick wall, it’s the perfect opportunity for a magical selfie.

There’s also a Harry Potter themed shop that’s been designed to look like Ollivander's wand shop, full of all the HP merchandise you could wish for.

Afternoon tea for Wizards! 

After all that walking around, you’ll be ready for a nice sit down and a cup of tea! The Potion Room, based at Cutter and Squidge bakery in Soho, offers an ‘immersive afternoon tea for wizards’. This includes an interactive potion class where you can have fun mixing up all manner of potions and concoctions, just like Harry and his pals. The sweet and savoury treats are all inspired by classic British flavours, and you’ll be joined by a Potion Master for the 2-hour experience.

We don’t know about you, but this list of Harry Potter attractions has made us want to read all the books again and arrange a HP movie marathon! Now where’s our copy of the Philosopher’s Stone…