The Best Harry Potter Tour & Tower Bridge

Discover the magic of London’s Harry Potter filming locations combined with a visit to Tower Bridge in this engaging 6-hour tour costing $67.52 per person. Starting from King’s Cross Station, this tour takes you through notable landmarks used in the Harry Potter films, with plenty of opportunities to take photos, shop for souvenirs, and learn about the cinematic magic. The tour also includes skip-the-line entry to Tower Bridge, where you explore Victorian Engine Rooms and exhibitions.

Ideal for Harry Potter fans who want a mix of film history and iconic London sights, this tour offers small group sizes and flexible start times. While the tour is packed with highlights, a review notes that certain stops could benefit from more engaging commentary or clearer narration. Still, the overall experience provides an enjoyable blend of film locations, cultural landmarks, and fun shopping.

Key Points

• 6-hour guided tour exploring Harry Potter film locations and London landmarks
• Starts at King’s Cross Station, with photo opportunities at Platform 9¾
• Includes discounts at 2 Harry Potter shops with a special code
• Skip the lines at Tower Bridge with pre-paid tickets and explore Victorian Engine Rooms
• Small group size of up to 20 travelers for a more personalized experience
• Tour departs in the morning or afternoon, with flexible timing options

The Tour Starts at King’s Cross Station, Home of Platform 9¾

The adventure begins at King’s Cross Station, a striking historic building with a beautifully preserved facade. Here, the guide meets the group and leads you to the famous Platform 9¾, the starting point for Hogwarts Express. Visitors are encouraged to arrive about 45 minutes early to beat queues for a photo with the iconic trolley, as the platform can get crowded. The admission is free, but arriving early ensures a better shot.

The station itself offers a chance to appreciate its Victorian architecture and lively atmosphere before heading inside. This stop sets the tone for a day filled with film-inspired sightseeing and London landmarks.

Exploring Cecil Court: London’s Magical Shopping Street

Next, the tour takes you down Cecil Court, a charming old London street lined with independent shops and colorful signs reminiscent of magical shopping streets in Harry Potter. This 10-minute walk offers a perfect photo opportunity, capturing the quaint, nostalgic feel of a scene straight out of the wizarding world. It’s an ideal spot for fans seeking authentic movie-inspired visuals.

While the stop is brief, it provides a chance to soak in the ambiance of a classic London alley that looks just like Diagon Alley or Hogsmeade. The walk gives a glimpse into the city’s quaint charm and hidden corners that inspired JK Rowling’s universe.

Stepping into Goodwin’s Court, a Recognizable Harry Potter Filming Location

The tour then moves to Goodwin’s Court, a narrow, atmospheric street that Harry Potter fans will recognize. Its dark, mysterious vibe is perfect for fans interested in film sets and cinematic history. Visitors are advised to keep voices low to preserve the quiet, almost magical atmosphere.

This spot offers a sight of London’s historic alleyways and the kind of secretive corners that could easily serve as a magical clandestine location in the films. The 10-minute stop highlights the dark arts and hidden corners of London’s architecture.

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

A quick stop at the Palace Theatre allows fans to see where the Harry Potter and the Cursed Child stage production has brought the wizarding world to life. The theatre’s famous Harry Potter sign makes for a great photo, while the exterior offers a glimpse into London’s vibrant theatre scene.

This 10-minute visit underscores the cultural impact of Harry Potter beyond the films, showing how the story continues to thrive on stage. It’s a quick but meaningful stop for enthusiasts eager to see Harry Potter’s theatrical roots.

Shopping at the House of Spells with Special Discounts

The tour guides visitors to the House of Spells, a dedicated shop where butterbeer, sweets, chocolate frogs, wands, and books are available. The shop offers discounts using a special code (HP394), making it a great spot for purchasing souvenirs or magical merchandise.

Spending about 15 minutes here, fans can browse a wide array of Harry Potter-themed items, all while enjoying the chance to shop in a dedicated, themed environment. The shop adds a fun, interactive element to the tour and enhances the overall magical experience.

Leicester Square: London’s Cinema Heart and Harry Potter Statue

The next stop is Leicester Square, a hub of film premieres and cinema history. Here, visitors can take photos with the Harry Potter statue and enjoy the bustling cinematic atmosphere of this iconic square.

Spending around 20 minutes, this location offers a chance to appreciate London’s modern film culture and connect with the wizarding universe in a lively, entertainment-focused setting.

Filming Locations in Westminster

A 30-minute walk through Westminster lets guests see some of the familiar filming locations from the Harry Potter movies. This includes sights that inspired JK Rowling and were used in the films, making it a fascinating peek into the real-world backdrop of the wizarding world.

The walk provides a blend of historic landmarks and cinematic connections, enriching the understanding of how London’s architecture influenced the visual storytelling of Harry Potter.

Borough Market and Food Market Filming Spots

At Borough Market, a vibrant food hub, the tour stops for 15 minutes. This lively market is also a filming location for the Leaky Cauldron and Third Hand Emporium scenes from Harry Potter, adding a culinary and cinematic layer to the experience.

Visitors can admire the colorful stalls and historic market atmosphere, while spotting film locations that bring the wizarding world closer to real London.

London Bridge and Its Wizarding Links

A 30-minute walk along London Bridge reveals both familiar film locations and sites that inspired JK Rowling’s universe. Although brief, this segment emphasizes London’s architectural influence on the Harry Potter stories.

The area’s views of the Thames and the bridge itself serve as a picturesque backdrop to the journey through London’s urban landscape infused with magical references.

Exploring Tower Bridge and Victorian Engine Rooms

The tour culminates with 3 hours at Tower Bridge, with pre-paid tickets included to bypass queues. Visitors explore the Victorian Engine Rooms, which showcase historic machinery and exhibitions on the bridge’s construction.

This signature London landmark provides a distinctive view of the Thames, linking film locations with engineering marvels. Walking across the bridge offers stunning views and a deep dive into London’s history.

Practical Details and Logistics

The tour departs from Platform 9¾ at King’s Cross Station and ends near Tower Bridge. Group sizes are limited to 20 travelers, ensuring a more personal experience, with most travelers able to participate comfortably.

The tour requires two tube journeys, so participants should have a contactless Bank Card, Oyster, or Travel Card. Food and drinks are not included, so bringing snacks or drinks is recommended. The meeting point is at King’s Cross, with no hotel pickup available.

Final Thoughts on the Harry Potter & Tower Bridge Tour

This tour offers a well-rounded look at Harry Potter filming locations in London alongside a visit to Tower Bridge. The discounted shopping and skip-the-line access to the bridge add value, especially for dedicated fans. The small group size creates a comfortable environment, though a review notes that guidance could improve with mic systems for better narration during walking segments.

While the tour’s highlights are engaging, some stops may feel brief or less detailed, especially if the guide’s commentary is not amplified. Still, the combination of film locations, historic sites, and iconic London sights makes this a solid choice for Harry Potter enthusiasts eager to see the city through the lens of the wizarding world.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the tour?
The tour lasts approximately 6 hours, starting at King’s Cross and ending at Tower Bridge.

Are tickets for Tower Bridge included?
Yes, entrance tickets are included, allowing you to skip lines and explore the Victorian Engine Rooms and exhibitions.

What stops are part of the Harry Potter film locations?
Stops include King’s Cross Station, Cecil Court, Goodwin’s Court, Palace Theatre, House of Spells, Leicester Square, Westminster, Borough Market, and London Bridge.

Is the tour suitable for children?
Most travelers can participate, and the tour includes small group sizes. However, those interested in specific details or with mobility concerns should consider the walking distances.

What should I bring?
Participants should bring a contactless Bank Card, Oyster, or Travel Card for transportation, and snacks or drinks as food and beverages are not included.

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