Harry Potter Walking Tour, River Cruise and London Eye Tickets

The Harry Potter Walking Tour, River Cruise, and London Eye Tickets offer a compelling way to see London with a magical twist. Priced at $152.95 per person, this 6-hour experience combines iconic filming locations, themed shopping, and breathtaking city views. The tour is operated by Top Sights Tours Group LLC and has earned a perfect 5.0 rating based on one glowing review. It’s ideal for Harry Potter fans of all ages who want a mix of sightseeing, shopping, and memorable moments around the city.

This tour emphasizes authentic filming locations and exclusive access to Harry Potter-themed shops, alongside notable London landmarks. The inclusion of tickets for the London Eye and a Thames river cruise makes it stand out from typical city tours. While the tour involves walking and some transport, it’s suitable for most travelers, and the overall pacing feels well-balanced. The only potential consideration is the need for a contactless bank card or Oyster card for the tube journeys.

Key Points

• Combines Harry Potter-themed sights with classic London landmarks
• Includes tickets for the London Eye and a 1 hour 30-minute Thames river cruise
• Visits iconic filming locations like Kings Cross Station and Westminster
• Shop at 2 themed stores with a special discount code
• Small group size for a more personalized experience
• Perfect for fans of all ages, with some stops suitable for children

Meeting at Platform 9¾ at King’s Cross Station

The tour begins at King’s Cross Station, the famous departure point for Hogwarts-bound students. Travelers meet at Platform 9¾, where they can take photos with the trolley—though queues can be long, so arriving 45 minutes early is advised. The tour starts promptly, and from here, participants step into a London filled with Harry Potter connections. It’s an excellent photo opportunity and sets the tone for the day ahead.

Exploring Cecil Court, the Magical Shopping Street

A short walk takes you to Cecil Court, a charming street brimming with independent shops and overhanging signs, reminiscent of the magical shopping streets in Harry Potter. This stop offers great photo opportunities amid its colorful facades. The area’s ambiance transports visitors into a scene straight from the wizarding world, making it a favorite for fans and photographers alike.

Discovering Goodwin’s Court’s Dark Charm

Next, the guide leads you through Goodwin’s Court, a narrow, atmospheric street that Harry Potter enthusiasts will recognize instantly. Its dark, mysterious vibe pairs well with the wizarding theme, and visitors are encouraged to speak quietly to preserve its secretive feel. This stop provides a real sense of London’s hidden alleyways, perfect for those who enjoy atmospheric strolls.

Visiting the Palace Theatre and Harry Potter on Stage

The tour pauses at the Palace Theatre, home of the Harry Potter and the Cursed Child stage production. Visitors can admire the iconic Harry Potter signage and take photos outside this historic venue. For fans of the stage adaptation, it’s a chance to see where the magic has been brought to life on London’s West End.

Shopping at the House of Spells

A highlight for many is the visit to the House of Spells, where visitors can browse for wands, sweets, chocolate frogs, butterbeer, and books. The shop offers a discount code (HP394) for purchases, adding extra value. It’s the perfect place for fans to pick up souvenirs or just enjoy a magical shopping experience.

Leicester Square’s Harry Potter Statue and Cinema Scene

Next, the tour stops at Leicester Square, home to the Harry Potter statue. Here, visitors can take photos with the familiar figure and appreciate London’s role as a top cinema hub. The square’s vibrant atmosphere makes it an energetic spot to enjoy the bustling city life while paying homage to the wizarding world.

Filming Locations in Westminster

A walk through Westminster reveals filming locations from the Harry Potter movies. The guide points out real-life places that inspired JK Rowling’s universe, allowing fans to connect the cinematic scenes with their actual settings. Expect to see some of London’s most famous landmarks, offering a blend of history and film magic.

Borough Market and the Wizarding World

Borough Market offers a lively atmosphere and a chance to explore London’s culinary scene. The tour highlights locations used as the Leaky Cauldron and Third Hand Emporium on film. Visitors can enjoy vibrant food stalls and sample local delicacies, making this stop a sensory highlight.

London Bridge and Iconic Sights

The tour’s finale on London Bridge features additional filming locations and sights that inspired the wizarding universe. This area provides a great opportunity for photos of the city’s skyline and iconic architecture, rounding out the walking component of the adventure.

Thames River Cruise: Relaxing with Scenic Views

After the walking tour, the experience continues with a 1 hour 30-minute Thames river cruise. This included ticket offers a relaxing way to view London’s landmarks from the water, with picturesque views of the skyline and historic sites. The cruise provides a different perspective, highlighting the city’s beauty from the river.

London Eye: Panoramic City Views

The final part of the experience is a ride on the London Eye, also included in the package. The 360-degree views from the giant Ferris wheel showcase London’s most famous landmarks, providing a fitting end to a day filled with magic and city explorations. The London Eye’s location near the river makes it an ideal spot for panoramic photos.

Logistics and Practical Tips

This tour is designed for convenience, meeting at Platform 9¾ at King’s Cross Station. It involves two tube journeys, so travelers should bring a contactless bank card, Oyster card, or Travel Card. The tour operates with small groups of up to 20 people, ensuring a more personalized experience. Since food and drinks are not included, bringing snacks and beverages is recommended, especially for the long day.

What Sets This Tour Apart

What makes this experience special is the seamless blend of Harry Potter-themed activities with classic London sightseeing. The inclusion of tickets for both the London Eye and Thames river cruise offers excellent value, and the stops at famous film locations and themed shops create a rich, immersive experience. The small group size ensures more interaction and personalized attention from the guide, enhancing the overall enjoyment.

Who Will Appreciate This Tour Most

This tour appeals broadly to fans of Harry Potter, but also to anyone interested in London’s cinematic and historical sights. It’s suitable for families, couples, and groups of friends, with the added bonus of stunning city views from the London Eye and scenic river cruise. The tour’s pacing and the inclusion of photo stops make it accessible for most mobility levels, although walking may be required.

Final Thoughts on the Harry Potter Experience in London

The Harry Potter Walking Tour with river cruise and London Eye tickets offers a well-rounded and enchanting way to explore London. It balances film locations and city sights, with exclusive shopping opportunities and spectacular views. The $152.95 price provides good value considering the tickets and experiences included.

While the tour involves some walking and transport logistics, the small group size and expert guide help keep the pace engaging and manageable. It’s especially suited for fans eager to see beloved locations and to enjoy a magical day around London’s iconic landmarks.

This experience delivers a fun, visually stunning, and immersive journey through London’s Harry Potter universe, making it a memorable choice for anyone looking to combine sightseeing with a touch of magic.

Frequently Asked Questions

• What is included in the tour price?
  The tour includes the walking tour of filming locations, tickets for the London Eye, and a 1 hour 30-minute Thames river cruise. It also covers visits to two Potter-themed shops with a discount code.

• Where does the tour start and end?
  It starts at Platform 9¾ at King’s Cross Station and ends near London Eye at Riverside Building, County Hall.

• How long does the entire experience last?
  The tour lasts approximately 6 hours, including walking, shopping, sightseeing, and the cruise.

• Are food and drinks included?
  No, visitors should bring their own snacks and beverages, as food and drinks are not part of the tour.

• Do I need to bring transportation cards?
  Yes, a contactless Bank Card, Oyster Card, or Travel Card is needed for the two tube journeys involved in the tour.

• Is the tour suitable for children?
  Yes, it is suitable for most travelers including children, as evidenced by the glowing review mentioning all ages being allowed on the boat.

• Can I cancel this tour?
  Yes, free cancellation is available if canceled at least 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

• How many people are in each group?
  The tour maintains small groups of up to 20 travelers to ensure a personalized experience.

• Is there a guide?
  Yes, a fun local guide leads the tour, sharing interesting facts and stories about Harry Potter’s London.

• What sets this tour apart from others?
  Its combination of filming locations, themed shopping, and iconic city views, all in a small-group setting with inclusive tickets for the London Eye and Thames cruise, makes it a comprehensive and engaging experience.