London The Best of Harry Potter Guided Tour (Free for Kids)

Explore London’s Harry Potter Magic for Just $20.59

This guided tour of London’s best Harry Potter filming locations offers an engaging three-hour experience for fans and families alike. Priced at only $20.59 per person, the tour is a perfect way to combine sightseeing with Harry Potter magic, especially since kids under 13 join free. The tour departs from King’s Cross Station, home to the legendary Platform 9 ¾, and takes you through iconic sites including Goodwin’s Court, Borough Market, and London Bridge.

With small group sizes, the tour ensures a personalized experience, enhanced by a local guide who shares insider info and movie trivia you won’t find in guidebooks. The tour also includes a visit to two Harry Potter shops with a special discount code, giving fans a chance to browse for souvenirs and memorabilia. The 3-hour walking experience offers a well-paced mix of discovery, photo opportunities, and fun facts, making it ideal for families and movie enthusiasts.

Key Points

• Affordable price at just $20.59 per person for a comprehensive 3-hour tour
• Kids under 13 can join for free, making it family-friendly
• Visits to key filming locations including King’s Cross Station, Goodwin’s Court, and Borough Market
• Expert local guide shares exclusive Harry Potter trivia and insights
• Includes stops at two Harry Potter shops with discount code HP394
• Tour departs from King’s Cross and ends near London Bridge Station, with minimal walking

Starting at King’s Cross Station and the Magic of Platform 9 ¾

The tour begins at King’s Cross Station, a must-see for Harry Potter fans. Here, the guide leads your group inside this historic station, famous for being the portal to Hogwarts. You’ll see the Platform 9 ¾ trolley, but note that queues can be long, so arriving 45 minutes before is recommended if you want a photo there. The admission ticket to this part is free, and it sets the stage for your magical journey.

Within this stop, visitors get a sense of the station’s charm and significance in the Harry Potter universe. The station’s architecture and bustling ambiance provide a perfect backdrop for photo captures and a glimpse into the real-world setting that inspired J.K. Rowling. The proximity to the main departure point makes it easy to begin your adventure with ease.

Walking Down Cecil Court: Harry Potter’s Magical Shopping Street

Next, the tour takes you along Cecil Court, a historic London street lined with colorful independent shops and overhanging signs reminiscent of Diagon Alley. This short walk allows plenty of photo opportunities as you admire the quaint, old-world charm of the street. It’s a great spot to imagine the magical shops that Harry and his friends might have visited.

This stop offers a quick but evocative taste of the famous wizarding shopping district. The shopfronts and atmosphere help bring the Harry Potter world to life, making it a favorite for fans wanting to see a more authentic London setting. The visit here lasts about 10 minutes, so it’s a brief but memorable part of the tour.

Discovering the Dark Secrets of Goodwin’s Court

The guide leads you through Goodwin’s Court, a dark and mysterious alley that Harry Potter fans will immediately recognize. This narrow, atmospheric street has a gothic feel, perfect for conjuring images of dark arts and secret plots from the series. Visitors are encouraged to keep voices low to maintain the mysterious vibe.

This stop lasts around 10 minutes and is ideal for fans interested in set locations that evoke the mystery and magic of the Harry Potter universe. Its intimate, shadowy ambiance offers a visual link to the more secretive aspects of the wizarding world portrayed on screen.

The Palace Theatre and the Stage of Harry Potter’s Stage Debut

Your group then visits the Palace Theatre, known for hosting the Cursed Child play, a major part of the Harry Potter stage story. The guide points out the famous Harry Potter signage and discusses the theatre’s role in bringing Harry’s world to the stage.

Spending around 10 minutes here, visitors can snap photos of the theatre’s façade and learn about the stage adaptation. This stop highlights the theatrical success of Harry Potter beyond the films, emphasizing the franchise’s cultural impact and theatre connections.

Shopping at the House of Spells with a Special Discount

A highlight of the tour is the visit to the House of Spells, where fans can browse an assortment of Harry Potter merchandise. From wands and chocolate frogs to butterbeer, sweets, and books, this shop offers a wide selection of themed products.

The guide provides a discount code (HP394), giving visitors a special deal on their purchases. The 15-minute stop is perfect for fans wanting to buy souvenirs or just enjoy the magical shopping atmosphere. The shop’s variety ensures there’s something for every Harry Potter enthusiast.

Capturing the Magic in Leicester Square

The tour then takes you to Leicester Square, the heart of London’s cinema scene. Here, visitors can take photos with the Harry Potter statue, a favorite photo spot, and soak in the buzz of UK cinema where many film premieres happen.

Spending about 20 minutes, this stop combines iconic film location views with the lively ambiance of a major entertainment hub. It’s a great chance to connect the films with the actual London locale.

Exploring Westminster’s Film Locations

The group then visits Westminster, focusing on film locations that inspired or appeared in Harry Potter scenes. Although specific sites aren’t detailed, this 30-minute segment emphasizes the connection between London landmarks and the Harry Potter universe.

This stop involves light walking and provides insight into how London’s architecture and spots influenced J.K. Rowling’s writing and film scenes. It’s suitable for those interested in London’s role in the franchise.

Borough Market: More Film Locations and Food

Next, the tour explores Borough Market, one of London’s most famous food markets. Besides its culinary offerings, the market features recognizable filming locations for Harry Potter and other movies.

Spending 15 minutes here, visitors can enjoy visual scenes from the films and possibly explore some local food stalls if desired. The market’s vibrant atmosphere adds a lively touch to the Harry Potter experience.

The Inspiration Behind London Bridge’s Film Scenes

The final stop is at London Bridge, where the guide discusses film locations and inspirations that influenced J.K. Rowling. This 30-minute walk offers an opportunity to see the bridge and learn about its role in the Harry Potter stories.

The stop is both visual and informational, closing the tour with a notable London landmark connected to the franchise. It’s an ideal way to wrap up the sightseeing journey, emphasizing the real-world settings behind the magical tales.

Practical Details and Tour Logistics

The tour begins at Platform 9¾ in King’s Cross Station and concludes near London Bridge Station, just a 5-minute walk away. The meeting point at King’s Cross makes it easy for visitors arriving by public transport.

Throughout the 3-hour experience, the group is guided by a local expert who shares fun facts and insider stories. The tour includes two tube journeys, so visitors should bring a contactless bank card, Oyster, or Travel Card.

Although food and drinks aren’t included**, the stop at Borough Market offers a chance to enjoy local cuisine if desired. The small group size—up to 15 travelers—ensures a more personalized and engaging experience.

The Value and Audience for This Harry Potter Tour

This guided walking tour offers excellent value for fans and families, combining film location visits, shopping, and London sightseeing for a reasonable price. The kids under 13 enjoy free participation, making it especially appealing for families with young children.

The guide’s knowledge and entertaining storytelling stand out, with reviews praising guide personalities like Oliver and Sam. The discount at the Harry Potter shop adds extra value for souvenir shopping, and the short walking distances make it accessible to most visitors.

Final Thoughts on the Harry Potter London Experience

This 3-hour tour provides a well-rounded glimpse into London’s Harry Potter filming locations, blending themed sightseeing, shopping, and cultural insights. It’s ideal for fans eager to see real-world sites associated with the movies and families looking for a fun, educational activity.

While the itinerary covers many highlights, some travelers note that organization can vary, and queues at certain stops may be long. However, the small group setting and knowledgeable guides help ensure an enjoyable experience.

In all, this tour offers great value, fun facts, and memorable photo moments, making it a worthy addition to a London trip for Harry Potter enthusiasts.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the tour include transportation?
Yes, the tour involves two tube journeys, so bringing a contactless Bank Card, Oyster, or Travel Card is necessary.

Are children under 13 free?
Yes, kids aged 13 and below can join the tour free of charge.

What are the tour’s start and end points?
It starts at Platform 9¾ in King’s Cross Station and ends near London Bridge Station, just 5 minutes away on foot.

How long is the tour?
The guided experience lasts approximately 3 hours.

Is there an opportunity for souvenir shopping?
Yes, the tour includes stops at two Harry Potter shops with a discount code (HP394), making souvenir shopping convenient and affordable.

What is included in the tour?
The experience features a guided walk of London locations, visits to Harry Potter shops, and fun facts from a local guide.

Are there any additional costs?
Food, drinks, and optional souvenirs are not included, but the discount code helps reduce shopping expenses.

Is this tour suitable for those unfamiliar with Harry Potter?
While the tour is tailored for fans, anyone interested in London’s film locations or iconic landmarks will find it enjoyable, especially with a friendly guide.

Can I cancel the tour?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

What makes this tour stand out?
The small group size, knowledgeable local guides, and exclusive shopping discounts combine to create a fun, informative, and budget-friendly experience perfect for families and Harry Potter fans alike.