Don’t Be a Muggle: Harry Potter’s London

I went to uni in London and I still have friends that live there. I took Bob to visit last year and I chickened out of visiting the centre with her. Friends ended up coming to meet me in North London so that I didn’t have to negotiate the tube with a pushchair.

I can’t wait until Bob is a bit older and I am a bit braver as there are lots of things to do with children in London.

When I was asked if I would like to host a guest post about Harry Potter’s London I got very excited! I knew about Platform 9 3/4 at Kings Cross and I have even tried to run through it! I seem to have misplaced the photo but I have one of my friend’s attempt.

I didn’t realise that there were so many other magical things to do! I might have to go on my own as I’m not sure I can wait until Bob is old enough. I will take her again later though, I’m not mean!

Guest Post

When planning London city breaks with your children, there’s always opportunity to sneak some fun into your itinerary. Why not let it be a magical adventure with Harry, Ron, Hermione and the rest of the Hogwarts students? Children visiting London will be spellbound by trips to London landmarks and attractions related to the Harry Potter series. This article will look at fun things to see and do in relation to the stories of the boy wizard and his friends.

The Warner Brothers Film Studio London

For the most inclusive Harry Potter experience in London, visit the Warner Brothers Studio London in northwest London. Tours of the film studio, which is built at a former airfield, feature a behind-the-scenes look that will fascinate people with even a casual knowledge of the Harry Potter franchise. The walking tour includes the Great Hall of Hogwarts, Dumbledore’s office, sets from Diagon Alley, the Gryffindor Common Room and Hagrid’s hut. There’s also the 50-foot model of Hogwarts Castle that was used in the filming.

To get even more information, rent a digital guide of the studio. Actor Tom Felton, who plays Harry’s nemesis Draco Malfoy in the films, narrates the English-language version of the guide.

Not all of the Harry Potter films’ scenes were shot in the studio, however. There are also real-life locations you can visit while tracking the boy wizard’s journeys through London.

Platform 9¾

One of the most famous of these locations is the Platform 9¾ at King’s Cross Station, where Hogwarts students depart at the beginning of the school term. While there is no actual Platform 9¾, the station has put up a plaque where it would be. Visitors can take a photo with the iconic sign as if they were on their way to wizarding school. In the films, the exterior of the former St. Pancras railway station was used instead of King’s Cross railway station’s facade. You’ll need to visit both buildings for the full experience.

Reptile House

No homage to Harry would be complete without visiting the place where his journey to the wizarding world started: at the Reptile House in the London Zoo. Harry learns he can talk to snakes while at the zoo and becomes mesmerised by a Burmese python. We can’t promise the python is still there, but there are plenty of snakes, lizards and other reptiles on display for you to try your Parseltongue with.

The Leaky Cauldron

Elsewhere in London, Charing Cross Road is a good place to visit to find the Leaky Cauldron. That’s the where Harry and his friends stayed while shopping for school supplies and planning to fight You-Know-Who. In the stories, the back of the pub led to Diagon Alley. If you’re not in the market for some wizarding textbooks, the area has many used bookstores that may intrigue Muggle bibliophiles.

Diagon Alley

Filming locations for Diagon Alley took place in several London areas. Borough Market and Leadenhall Market are good places to go to capture the feel of the film set. Leadenhall Market especially is worth a visit; this covered market building has been in action since the 14^th century. It stands on the centre of Roman London. Borough and Leadenhall markets have been used in other films as well, including “Bridget Jones’ Diary” and “The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus.”

Gringott’s Bank

While we can’t guarantee you’ll find goblins or dragons beneath Australia House, the wizarding bank was filmed in this spacious interior. Australia House, on the Strand, was opened by King George V in 1918. It is the seat of the Australian High Commission. The building is not open to the public, but you can take pictures of the outside.

Westminster Tube Station

Several scenes take place at the Westminster Tube Station, particularly in “The Order of the Phoenix,” when Harry visits with the Weasleys. In the scene, Mr. Weasley doesn’t know how to use the ticketing machine, but we trust that you do.

About the Author: Regina Bellingham is a travel agent who specialises in arranging travel for families. She loves creating personalised adventures for her clients.