London: A Magical Family Adventure: Five days of Harry Potter filming locations, world-class museums, royal landmarks, and the best of the UK capital — woven with wizarding magic at every turn

Arrive & Settle In

Check into your hotel and get your Oyster cards. For a family staying centrally, the South Bank, Waterloo, or Southwark areas put you walking distance from Day 1's highlights.

Shakespeare's Globe Theatre

Begin your South Bank walk at the reconstructed Elizabethan theatre where Shakespeare's plays premiered. The Exhibition & Tour runs every day and is fascinating for all ages — the "Under Globe" archaeology section is unexpectedly thrilling.

⚡ Millennium Bridge — The Bridge of Doom

This is the one. The Millennium Bridge (a real, working pedestrian bridge across the Thames) is the bridge that Death Eaters destroy in the opening of Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince. Walk across it, take photos, and feel the magic. The views of St Paul's Cathedral on one side and Tate Modern on the other are spectacular.

Tate Modern

One of the world's greatest modern art museums, housed in a spectacular former power station right next to the Millennium Bridge. Even if art isn't everyone's thing, the Turbine Hall installations are always jaw-dropping — and entry to the permanent collection is free.

Westminster Golden Hour Walk

Cross Westminster Bridge on foot as the late afternoon sun turns everything golden. Big Ben, the Houses of Parliament, and the river all glow magnificently. The South Bank opposite Westminster has great viewpoints and a vibrant evening atmosphere.

Train from London Euston to Watford Junction

Take the overground train from London Euston to Watford Junction — a quick 20-minute journey. From Watford Junction station, take the official Warner Bros. shuttle bus directly to the Studio Tour gates (£2.50/person return, runs every 20 minutes).

🏰 The Great Hall & Hogwarts Sets

Walk into the actual Great Hall from the films — the long tables, floating candles, and house banners are all here. Then explore an extraordinary sequence of authentic sets: Dumbledore's office, the Gryffindor common room and dormitory, the Potions classroom, and more. Every prop, costume, and creature is real.

⚡ Diagon Alley — Full Scale Outdoor Street

Step outside into the full-scale outdoor construction of Diagon Alley — Weasleys' Wizard Wheezes, Gringotts Bank, Ollivanders, Madam Malkin's robes. It's exactly as it appears in the films. Walk it slowly, take photos in every doorway.

🧹 Broomstick Flying Experience & Interactive Wand Magic

Kids (and adults) can pose on a broomstick in front of a green screen for professional flying photos. At the interactive wand section, follow the scripted moves to cast spells at marked spots throughout the tour.

🏔️ Hogwarts Castle Model

The tour ends with the most breathtaking set piece: a 1:24 scale model of Hogwarts Castle used for all exterior shots in all 8 films. Walk around the entire perimeter as the lighting shifts from day to night. It's genuinely awe-inspiring.

🚂 Platform 9¾ at King's Cross Station

The trolley half-disappearing into the wall at King's Cross is one of the most iconic Harry Potter images. Inside the real station, you'll find the official Platform 9¾ installation: a luggage trolley embedded in the wall, a scarf (changed seasonally), and a professional photo op. The adjoining Harry Potter Shop sells exclusive merchandise not available elsewhere.

King's Cross Area Walk — Granary Square & Coal Drops Yard

Just north of King's Cross, the area around Granary Square has been transformed into one of London's most exciting new neighbourhoods. The Regent's Canal path, Coal Drops Yard's independent shops, and the spectacular fountains at Granary Square make this a lovely 30-minute wander.

🏛️ British Museum

One of the world's greatest museums and — unofficially — inspiration for Gringotts Bank. The Great Court's spectacular glass and steel roof (designed by Norman Foster) channels the same grand, vaulted energy as the wizarding bank. Inside: the Rosetta Stone, Elgin Marbles, Egyptian mummies, the Lewis Chessmen, and treasures from every civilization on Earth.

🧙 Australia House — Gringotts Bank Filming Location

Walk south to the Strand and look for Australia House — its ornate banking hall interior was used as Gringotts Bank in Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone and Chamber of Secrets. The exterior is grand Victorian architecture. (Note: the interior is only open on special Heritage Open Days — but the exterior is always worth seeing.)

Covent Garden Piazza

A 5-minute walk from Australia House, Covent Garden is one of London's most vibrant public spaces. Street performers, market stalls, boutique shops, and Apple Market fill a magnificent Victorian covered market. Always lively in summer.

🧺 Borough Market — The Leaky Cauldron's Neighbourhood

London's greatest food market is at its magnificent best on Saturday mornings. Dozens of artisan producers line the Victorian iron and glass market with cheeses, breads, charcuterie, fresh produce, international street food, and exceptional coffee. This is where food-loving Londoners shop.

🧙 Leadenhall Market — The Real Diagon Alley

A 15-minute walk from Borough Market, Leadenhall Market is a breathtaking Victorian covered market with soaring painted arches, cobblestones, and ornate ironwork in burgundy and gold. This is the filming location for Diagon Alley and The Leaky Cauldron pub exterior in Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone. Even without HP, it's one of London's most beautiful spaces.

🏰 Tower of London & Crown Jewels

One of Britain's greatest historic sites, with over 900 years of history. The Crown Jewels are genuinely spectacular — you glide past on a moving walkway staring at the actual Imperial State Crown, the Orb, and the Sceptre. The Yeoman Warder ("Beefeater") guided tours are outstanding — funny, theatrical, and genuinely informative about the Tower's dark history.

Tower Bridge

Walk across Tower Bridge for views of the Thames and the Tower of London. The Tower Bridge Exhibition lets you walk across the high-level glass walkway 42 metres above the river — genuinely breathtaking views (and slightly terrifying if you're nervous about heights).

🦕 Natural History Museum

One of the most spectacular museum buildings on Earth — a grand Victorian cathedral of science. The diplodocus skeleton (now replaced by Hope the blue whale) in the Central Hall has wowed millions of children. The dinosaur galleries, the earthquake room, and the Darwin Centre are all exceptional. Free entry, which makes it one of the world's great bargains.

🏺 Victoria & Albert Museum (V&A)

The world's greatest museum of art, design, and culture. The Raphael Cartoons, the fashion gallery, the cast courts (enormous plaster casts of Trajan's Column and Michelangelo's David), and the jewellery collection are all extraordinary. Even if the family only has an hour here, the atmosphere is unforgettable.

🌳 Hyde Park & Kensington Gardens

London's most famous royal park is next door and perfect for a lazy summer afternoon. Hire pedalo boats on the Serpentine, watch the famous Diana Memorial Fountain, visit the Peter Pan statue (Kensington Gardens), and let the kids run free on the expansive lawns. July sunshine in Kensington Gardens is genuinely one of London's greatest pleasures.

🐍 London Zoo Reptile House (optional extension)

If you have time before departure, London Zoo is a 20-minute taxi or Tube ride from South Kensington. The Reptile House is where Harry Potter first discovers he can talk to snakes — and accidentally releases the boa constrictor. The actual building still looks exactly as it does in the film.