12 Best Harry Potter Things to Do in London with Kids & Teens

Which Harry Potter Experience in London Should You Choose?

If you're visiting London specifically for Harry Potter, I'd choose one of the main paid experiences and then add a few free locations around it.

One thing worth knowing before you book: Warner Bros. Studio Tour is outside central London, while most of the other attractions in this guide are spread across the city. It makes a difference when planning your day.

1. Warner Bros. Studio Tour London – The Making of Harry Potter

Best for: Harry Potter film fans of all ages

If you're only going to book one Harry Potter experience in London, this would be my first choice.

The Warner Bros. Studio Tour London takes you behind the scenes of the Harry Potter films, with original sets, props, costumes and special effects used throughout the series.

You'll get to see places such as the Great Hall, Diagon Alley and the Forbidden Forest, as well as the Hogwarts Express at Platform 9¾. There's also the chance to learn how some of the films' most famous scenes were created.

It's much more than a museum of Harry Potter memorabilia, which is why I'd allow a full day for the experience once travel time is included.

Harry Potter Studio Tour with Branded Bus Transfers

The Studio Tour is based at Leavesden, near Watford, rather than in central London. If you're travelling without a car, booking a package with transport can make things much easier.

GetYourGuide offers a Warner Bros. Studio Tour package with branded bus transfers, combining admission to the studios with return coach transport from London.

Check the departure point and exact timings before booking, particularly if you're planning to travel into London by train on the same day. Coach branding may also vary depending on the vehicle used.

Check Warner Bros. Studio Tour Availability

Use the calendar below to check dates, ticket prices and availability for the Studio Tour package with transfers.

2. See Harry Potter and the Cursed Child in the West End

Best for: Older children, teenagers and theatre lovers

If your children love the Harry Potter books and films, a trip to see Harry Potter and the Cursed Child could be a lovely addition to a London weekend.

The show is performed at the Palace Theatre in London's West End and follows Harry, Ron and Hermione years after the events of the original books, with a new generation of characters at the centre of the story.

It's known for its theatrical illusions and special effects, making it something quite different from visiting the filming locations.

An important change for 2026: From 9 October 2026, the London production became a single-part show. Previously, audiences needed to watch two separate parts, but the new production lasts approximately 2 hours and 55 minutes, including an interval.

That makes it much easier to fit into a weekend in London.

I'd recommend booking in advance if you're visiting during a school holiday or hoping for a particular performance. It's also worth comparing seating options rather than automatically choosing the cheapest ticket.

For a full Harry Potter weekend, you could visit the Studio Tour on one day and book the theatre for the following afternoon or evening.

If you're making a special day of it, you could also have a look at my guide to unique afternoon teas in London for kids and teenagers. There are some lovely options for a birthday or family treat.

3. Take a Harry Potter Filming Locations Walking Tour

Best for: Families who want to explore central London with a guide

You don't have to travel to the Warner Bros. Studios to see places connected to the Harry Potter films.

There are several filming locations around central London, and a guided Harry Potter walking tour is a good option if you'd rather have somebody show you where they are.

As well as visiting recognisable locations, you'll hear stories about the films and learn how ordinary London streets were transformed into parts of the wizarding world.

It's also a way to see more of London without spending the day working out directions and deciding where to go next.

These were the prices showing for a November 2026 departure. Check your chosen date before booking.

I'd choose this option if you're happy to spend a few hours on your feet and enjoy hearing the stories behind the filming locations.

4. Explore Harry Potter Filming Locations by Bus

Best for: Families who prefer not to spend hours walking

If a three-hour walking tour doesn't appeal, you can also see Harry Potter filming locations on a guided Harry Potter bus tour.

This is a good alternative if you're travelling with children who aren't keen on long walks, or you want to see different parts of London while hearing about the films.

The guide will point out filming locations and explain how they were used in the movies, so you'll still get the stories behind the places you're visiting.

Some bus tours also include short stops where passengers can get off for photographs. Check the exact itinerary before booking, as the route and amount of walking vary between operators.

The prices above were showing in October 2026. Check the booking page for your travel dates, meeting point and tour duration.

5. Try a Witchcraft and Wizardry Escape Room

Best for: Families with older children and teenagers

If your children enjoy puzzles and solving mysteries, the Witchcraft & Wizardry Escape Room at Escape London is another experience worth considering.

The story involves returning to a school of magic, recovering a stolen wand and escaping before your magical powers are taken away.

You'll have 60 minutes to work together, solve clues and complete the challenge.

Although the theme will appeal to Harry Potter fans, this is an independently created wizard-themed escape room, rather than an official Harry Potter attraction.

The puzzles are rated as difficult, so I'd be inclined to choose this for older children and teenagers who enjoy a challenge. It's also a good indoor activity for a rainy day in London.

Allow extra time for the briefing before the game. Younger participants may need adult supervision depending on their age.

Free Harry Potter Things to Do in London

You don't need to book an expensive experience to enjoy a Harry Potter-themed day in London.

Several filming locations are in public areas, and there are also shops and photo opportunities you can visit without buying a ticket.

If you're visiting London on a budget, I'd choose a few places close together rather than travelling from one side of the city to the other trying to see everything.

I've also got a separate guide to free things to do in London with teenagers, which is worth looking at if you're planning a full weekend and want to keep costs down.

6. Visit Platform 9¾ at King's Cross Station

Best for: A free Harry Potter photo opportunity

One of the most famous Harry Potter attractions in London is Platform 9¾ at King's Cross Station.

You'll find a luggage trolley that appears to be disappearing through the wall, recreating the journey to the Hogwarts Express.

It's free to visit and you can take your own photographs, although professional photographs and souvenirs are available to purchase.

There's also an official Harry Potter Shop at King's Cross, selling everything from wands and scarves to stationery and gifts.

This is an easy stop if you're travelling into London through King's Cross or St Pancras, although the photo queue can be busy.

It's also worth remembering that the photo spot is in the station concourse, not on a working railway platform.

7. Explore the House of MinaLima

Best for: Harry Potter artwork and unusual souvenirs

House of MinaLima is one of the more unusual Harry Potter places to visit in London, particularly if you're interested in the design work behind the films.

Miraphora Mina and Eduardo Lima created much of the graphic design used in the Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts films, including newspapers, packaging, posters and other printed details that helped bring the wizarding world to life.

At their London gallery and shop, you can see examples of this artwork and browse illustrated books, prints and other merchandise.

It's a good stop for older children and teenagers who enjoy art and design, but there's enough recognisable Harry Potter material for younger fans to enjoy too.

Because it's in Soho, you can combine it with Leicester Square, Covent Garden or the Harry Potter West End show without needing to travel far.

8. Visit Leadenhall Market – The Leaky Cauldron Filming Location

Best for: Harry Potter filming locations and photography

Leadenhall Market is one of London's prettiest covered markets, with a colourful Victorian roof, ornate shopfronts and narrow passageways.

It was used in Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone as part of the route towards the Leaky Cauldron and Diagon Alley.

Look out for Bull's Head Passage, where the exterior of the Leaky Cauldron was filmed.

Even without the Harry Potter connection, the market is worth visiting for its architecture. It's also an easy place to stop for photographs while exploring the City of London.

The market's public walkways can be visited without buying anything, although individual shops and restaurants have their own opening hours.

9. Find the Leaky Cauldron at Borough Market

Best for: A filming location combined with lunch

Borough Market is another Harry Potter filming location that's easy to include in a day exploring London.

In Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, the Knight Bus drops Harry off outside the Leaky Cauldron. The location used for that scene was on Stoney Street, beside Borough Market.

Unlike the version seen in the first film at Leadenhall Market, this is a different exterior location.

It's a quick stop for Harry Potter fans, but Borough Market is also one of London's best-known food markets, with plenty of choices for lunch or snacks.

I'd combine this with a walk along the South Bank or a visit to the Millennium Bridge, rather than making a separate journey just for the filming location.

10. Walk Across the Millennium Bridge

Best for: A free Harry Potter filming location with London views

Remember the scene in Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince when Death Eaters attack London and the Millennium Bridge is destroyed?

You can walk across the real Millennium Bridge for free.

It connects the area around St Paul's Cathedral with the South Bank, near Tate Modern and Shakespeare's Globe.

It's one of the easiest Harry Potter locations to include in a general London sightseeing itinerary, and you get some lovely views along the Thames at the same time.

If you're already visiting Borough Market, you could walk along the river towards the Millennium Bridge, making a few sightseeing stops along the way.

11. Find the Harry Potter Statue in Leicester Square

Best for: A quick, free photo stop

Leicester Square is home to the Scenes in the Square sculpture trail, celebrating famous characters from cinema.

One of the sculptures features Harry Potter flying on his Nimbus 2000 broomstick, inspired by his first Quidditch match in Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone.

It's a lovely little stop for fans, particularly if you're already visiting the West End or exploring nearby Covent Garden.

You could visit before a performance of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, as the Palace Theatre is only a short walk away.

12. See the Building Used for Gringotts Wizarding Bank

Best for: Harry Potter fans exploring central London

Australia House on the Strand has another connection to the Harry Potter films.

Its impressive interior was used for scenes inside Gringotts Wizarding Bank, where goblins guard the wizarding world's money.

The building is the Australian High Commission, so it isn't a visitor attraction where you can simply walk inside to see the filming location.

However, you can see the exterior while exploring this part of London.

I wouldn't make a special trip across London solely to visit Australia House, but it's worth adding if you're already nearby.

How to Plan a Harry Potter Day in London

You probably won't be able to fit all 12 experiences into one trip, and I wouldn't recommend trying.

London is a big city, and travelling between attractions can take longer than expected, especially with children.

Here are a few ways I'd plan a Harry Potter-themed visit depending on how much time you have.

Option 1: A Budget Harry Potter Day in London

Morning: Start at King's Cross Station for the Platform 9¾ photo spot and Harry Potter Shop.

Late morning: Head towards Soho to visit House of MinaLima, then walk to Leicester Square for the Harry Potter statue.

Afternoon: If you've still got time, travel towards the City to visit Leadenhall Market, then head towards Borough Market and the Millennium Bridge.

It's a fairly full sightseeing day with some travel between stops, so you can easily leave out the final few locations if the children have had enough.

All the Harry Potter stops in this itinerary can be visited without paying admission, although you'll need to budget for transport and food.

Option 2: A Harry Potter Weekend in London

Day 1: Book the Warner Bros. Studio Tour with transfers and allow most of the day for the experience.

Day 2: Visit Platform 9¾, House of MinaLima and Leicester Square, then watch Harry Potter and the Cursed Child at the Palace Theatre if there's a performance that suits your plans.

This would be my choice for a family visiting London specifically for Harry Potter, as it combines the film sets, free attractions and the West End show without cramming everything into one day.

Option 3: Harry Potter Sightseeing Without the Studio Tour

If the Warner Bros. Studio Tour is outside your budget, or you've visited before, you can still plan a Harry Potter-themed day in central London.

Book a guided walking or bus tour of the filming locations, then spend some time exploring the free attractions nearby.

For families with teenagers, you could swap the tour for the Witchcraft & Wizardry Escape Room or the West End show, depending on what they'd enjoy most.

How to Save Money on Harry Potter Activities in London

Harry Potter experiences can make an expensive day out, particularly when you're paying for several children.

There are a few ways to keep the cost down without missing out on the things you really want to do.

Choose One Main Paid Experience

Rather than booking the Studio Tour, a guided tour and the theatre all in one trip, I'd pick the attraction your family is most interested in and add free stops around it.

Check Children's Ticket Prices

Family ticket costs can vary quite a bit between activities. Always check the child age bands when comparing tours, particularly if you're travelling with teenagers.

Use the Free Filming Locations

King's Cross, Leadenhall Market, Borough Market, Leicester Square and the Millennium Bridge are all places you can visit without purchasing attraction tickets.

Book Popular Attractions in Advance

The Warner Bros. Studio Tour and West End show are the two experiences I'd book first if your travel dates are fixed. Waiting until the last minute can mean fewer choices of tickets and times.

Use My GetYourGuide Discount Code

If you're booking tours or activities through the GetYourGuide app, use code BUILDABREAK5 to save 5%.

You can use the code when planning other London activities too, not just the Harry Potter experiences featured here.

Harry Potter London FAQs

Is the Harry Potter Studio Tour in central London?
No. Warner Bros. Studio Tour London is based at Leavesden, near Watford. You'll need to travel outside central London to visit. You can arrange your own transport or book a package that includes return transfers.


How long do you need at Warner Bros. Studio Tour London?
I'd allow most of the day if you're travelling from central London. You'll need time for the return journey as well as exploring the sets, displays and exhibitions.


Can you visit Harry Potter filming locations in London for free?
Yes. Several filming locations are in public spaces, including Leadenhall Market, Borough Market and the Millennium Bridge. You can also visit Platform 9¾ at King's Cross without paying an entrance fee.


Is Harry Potter and the Cursed Child suitable for children?
The theatre recommends the show for ages 8 and over. Children under 5 are not admitted, and those under 15 must be accompanied by an adult. The performance includes theatrical effects and some darker themes, so consider what your own child enjoys watching.


Is the Harry Potter West End show still in two parts?
No. The London production changed to a one-part version from 9 October 2026. The show now lasts approximately 2 hours and 55 minutes, including an interval.


Which Harry Potter activity is best for teenagers?
I'd look at the Warner Bros. Studio Tour, Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, or the Witchcraft & Wizardry Escape Room. A guided filming locations tour is another option if they enjoy exploring London.


Can you see Harry Potter attractions in London in one day?
You can visit several free filming locations in one day, particularly if you group them by area. However, I'd treat the Warner Bros. Studio Tour as a separate full-day activity rather than trying to fit in every attraction around it.


Are the Harry Potter walking and bus tours the same as the Studio Tour?
No. The walking and guided bus tours visit filming locations around London. Warner Bros. Studio Tour is a separate attraction outside the city, where you can see original sets, costumes and props from the films.

Visiting London at Christmas or Halloween?

If you're planning a Harry Potter trip during the school holidays, it's worth looking at what else is happening in London at the same time.

For an October half-term break, my guide to Halloween in London for families has more ideas for themed days out and seasonal activities.

If you're visiting in November or December, have a look at my guide to Christmas in London with kids and teenagers. You could combine your Harry Potter experience with some of London's festive attractions.

I'd recommend checking opening dates and booking popular seasonal activities in advance, especially during school holidays.

More Family-Friendly Things to Do in London

If you're planning a full weekend in London, there's plenty to do beyond the Harry Potter attractions.

For something a little different, you might also like my guide to the best spa days for teenagers in London, particularly if you're planning a special birthday or a trip with older children.

Between the Harry Potter experiences, London's free attractions and some of the other family days out, you can easily put together a full weekend without needing to book an expensive activity every day.