Harry Potter Azkaban Tour (Film Locations & Prison)

Discover London’s Iconic Harry Potter Landmarks and Film Locations

The Harry Potter Azkaban Tour in London offers a 4-hour guided experience featuring famous filming sites and locations that inspired J.K. Rowling. For $52.27 per person, this group tour takes you through some of the most recognizable spots from the wizarding world, with the chance to browse themed shops and enjoy included admission to the Clink Prison Museum. The tour is designed for small groups, ensuring more personalized attention, and is perfect for fans eager to combine sightseeing with a touch of magic.

This tour is best suited for those who want insider knowledge, want to visit film locations, and enjoy walking explorations around London’s historic and cinematic spots. While the guided experience is rich with iconic stops, travelers should note that queues at Platform 9¾ can be long, and arriving 45 minutes early is recommended if a photo with the trolley is desired. The tour also involves two Tube journeys, so a contactless bank card, Oyster, or Travel Card is necessary.

Key Points

• 4-hour guided walking tour exploring Harry Potter filming locations and landmarks in London.
• Visits to Platform 9¾ at King’s Cross, Millennium Bridge, and Leadenhall Market.
• Small-group size enhances the experience with more personalized guidance.
• Included admission to the Clink Prison Museum at the end of the tour.
• Visit Potter-themed shops with a special discount code.

Starting at King’s Cross Station and the Magic of Platform 9¾

The tour kicks off at King’s Cross Station, the iconic station where the journey to Hogwarts begins. Visitors meet the guide next to Platform 9¾ and are encouraged to arrive 45 minutes early if they want a chance to pose with the famous trolley. The station itself is a beautiful historic building, instantly recognizable for Harry Potter fans.

From this first stop, the guide provides context about the filming location and its significance within the wizarding universe. While queues for photos can be long, the early arrival ensures the best chance to capture a memorable shot. The station’s atmosphere provides a perfect introduction to the tour’s theme, blending real-world history with the magic of Harry Potter.

Stroll Down Cecil Court and Discover Magical Shopping Streets

Next, the tour takes you down Cecil Court, a charming London street lined with independent shops and overhanging signs, reminiscent of the magical shopping streets in Harry Potter. This area offers a lively ambiance and fantastic photo opportunities, especially for those wanting a glimpse of the wizarding world’s bustling markets and stores.

The walk through Cecil Court also introduces visitors to London’s historic charm, blending the real and fictional worlds. The street’s colorful storefronts and vintage feel evoke the magic of Diagon Alley, making it a favorite for fans looking for authentic atmospheres.

Exploring Goodwin’s Court and Its Dark, Mysterious Vibe

The next stop is Goodwin’s Court, a narrow, dark alley that exudes mystery—perfectly fitting for followers of the Harry Potter series. The dark, atmospheric street is immediately recognizable to fans and offers a sense of the wizarding world’s secret corners.

Visitors are encouraged to keep their voices low as they walk through, adding to the sense of intrigue. This location captures the essence of the secretive and sometimes ominous side of London, echoing scenes from the series. The street’s historic architecture enhances the feeling of stepping into the wizarding world’s hidden alleyways.

The Palace Theatre and the Magic of Harry Potter Stage Productions

The tour pauses at the Palace Theatre, where the Harry Potter and the Cursed Child stage show is performed. The theatre’s façade features the Harry Potter Sign, making it an ideal spot to take photos. This location underscores the ongoing popularity of Harry Potter on stage and the lasting cultural impact of the series.

Standing outside the theatre, visitors can appreciate how the story has moved from book pages and films to live performances, broadening the magic’s reach. The theatre also adds a touch of theatrical history to the overall experience.

Shop at the House of Spells with Exclusive Discount

A highlight of the tour is a visit to the House of Spells, where enthusiasts can browse for wands, sweets, chocolate frogs, butterbeer, and other memorabilia. The shop offers a special discount code (HP394), making it an attractive stop for fans wanting to purchase souvenirs or themed merchandise.

The shop’s vibrant displays and extensive selection make it a fun stop, whether for browsing or shopping for gifts. It provides a tangible connection to the wizarding universe, with plenty of photo opportunities and a chance to pick up unique items.

Capture Photos at Leicester Square and Explore the Cultural Heart of London

Next, the group visits Leicester Square, a hub for UK cinema and film premieres. Here, the Harry Potter Statue offers a fun photo opportunity, and the lively atmosphere reflects London’s role in the film industry.

This stop combines the magic of Harry Potter with the glamour of London’s entertainment scene. The guide shares insights about Leicester Square’s place in movie history, enriching the experience for fans and casual visitors alike.

Discover Film Locations in Westminster

The tour continues through Westminster, where familiar filming locations of the Harry Potter movies are visible among the historic landmarks. Walking through this area, visitors recognize statues, government buildings, and streets that inspired scenes in the series.

This part of the tour offers a rich mix of architecture and familiar sights, making it a favorite for those interested in the real-world settings behind the films. The guide highlights how Westminster’s environment contributed to the visual storytelling of Harry Potter.

Visit Borough Market and Its Magical Filming Spots

Borough Market serves as both a lively food market and a filming location for the Leaky Cauldron and Third Hand Emporium in the Harry Potter movies. Visitors can enjoy the vibrant atmosphere and snap photos of the market’s historic buildings.

The market’s energetic vibe complements the tour, giving a taste of London’s culinary scene while connecting it to the wizarding world. The market is also an ideal place for a quick snack if desired, though food and drinks are not included in the tour.

Walking Past London Bridge and Its Inspiration for JK Rowling

The final walking segment is near London Bridge, where film locations and scenic views serve as the backdrop for the end of the tour. Along this stretch, visitors spot sights that inspired elements of JK Rowling’s universe, offering a final glimpse into the city’s connection to Harry Potter.

Walking past London Bridge, travelers can appreciate its historical significance and its visual influence on the wizarding world. The guide points out details that fans will find particularly interesting, rounding off the tour with a mix of cinematic and historical sights.

Visiting the Clink Prison Museum: Uncover London’s Darker Past

The tour concludes with an admission to the Clink Prison Museum, one of the UK’s oldest prisons. Here, visitors learn about its rowdy inmates, including debtors, heretics, and other historical figures. The one-hour visit offers a glimpse into London’s darker history, contrasting with the magical theme of the day but enriching the overall experience.

The museum’s exhibits detail the unruly, sometimes wicked, inhabitants of the prison, providing context to Britain’s justice history. The guided portion at the museum is included, giving a comprehensive look at London’s past beyond the wizarding world.

Practical Details and Tour Logistics

The tour starts at King’s Cross Station, with the meeting point next to Platform 9¾, and ends at Clink Street near London Bridge. It involves two Tube journeys, making it necessary to carry a contactless bank card or Oyster card. The small-group setting (up to 20 participants) ensures a more intimate experience, with plenty of opportunities for questions and photos.

Included in the price are admission to the Clink Prison Museum and access to two Potter shops with a discount code. However, food and drinks are not part of the package, so self-provisioning is recommended if desired. The tour is most suitable for those who enjoy walking and are comfortable exploring various London neighborhoods.

Final Thoughts on the Harry Potter Azkaban Tour

The Harry Potter Azkaban Tour offers a well-rounded look at London’s Harry Potter filming locations, blending cinematic history with real-world sights. The knowledgeable guides enhance the experience with interesting facts and storytelling, making it ideal for fans eager to see the magic in person.

While the 3.5-star rating reflects some variability—mainly due to long queues at Platform 9¾ and mixed reviews about the museum—the tour’s highlights outweigh the drawbacks. It’s a fun, accessible way to connect with the wizarding world without needing prior knowledge of London’s geography.

This tour is especially recommended for fans of Harry Potter, families, and those interested in London’s historic sites. It offers a good blend of film locations, shopping, and historic London, all packed into a manageable four-hour experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does this tour include transportation?
Yes, the tour involves two Tube journeys. A contactless bank card, Oyster, or Travel Card is required for travel.

Can I take photos at Platform 9¾?
Yes, but queues for the trolley can be long. Arriving 45 minutes early increases the chance of capturing a photo.

Is the Clink Prison Museum included in the price?
Yes, admission to the Clink Prison Museum is included in the tour fee.

How long is the visit to the museum?
The museum visit lasts about one hour, with informative guides providing context about London’s prison history.

Are food and drinks included?
No, food and drinks are not included, so bringing snacks or drinks is advised.

What is the group size?
The tour features small-group sizes, capped at 20 travelers for a more intimate experience.

What level of walking is involved?
The tour involves walking through several neighborhoods and streets, so comfortable shoes are recommended.

Can children join this tour?
Most travelers can participate, but specific age restrictions are not detailed; it’s best suited for fans familiar with Harry Potter.

How do I cancel or reschedule?
Cancellations are free if made at least 24 hours before the tour starts. Less than 24 hours in advance, cancellations are not refunded.

Is the tour accessible for people with disabilities?
While not explicitly stated, the tour involves walking through historic streets, so accessibility considerations should be checked in advance.

Where does the tour end?
The tour concludes at Clink Street, near London Bridge, where visitors can continue exploring or catch public transportation.

This Harry Potter Azkaban Tour offers a lively, insider view of London’s magical and cinematic sides, perfect for fans eager to see the wizarding world come to life amid the city’s historic streets.