For Harry Potter fans, England is the perfect travel destination to live out their wizard dreams. With odes to the magical book series every which way, this a once in a lifetime vacation for bookworms and movie fans. As a huge Potterhead myself, these are the absolute best and must try Harry Potter related experiences in London.
Harry Potter Afternoon Tea Experience – Cutter and Squidge
This mystical afternoon tea experience in Soho, London offers a variety of themed foods, teas, and dessert. With options for those with food restrictions, this is a great stop for every Potterhead. While being served, guests are led through a “potions class” by a witch or wizard. Your potions teacher makes the experience very enjoyable by teaching what spells to use on each food item and what magical ingredients are available for your tea. Guests are also all given the option of wearing a Hogwarts robe and having a wand! The potions room is excellently decorated and extremely detailed. As photos and videos are allowed, this is a amazing opportunity for a perfect picture moment. I personally loved the experience and highly enjoyed the food as well. I would recommend this afternoon tea experience to all of my friends and family!
Cutter and Squidge Official Website: https://cutterandsquidge.com/pages/afternoon-tea-london
Warner Bros. Studio Tour London
If you have to choose one Harry Potter activity to do on your trip, this is the one to do! The Warner Bros. Studio Tour will make you feel as though you have been directly transported into the wizarding world. With amazing photo opportunities, an epic gift shop, real props, and butterbeer, this experience is hard to top. Visitors will have the chance to walk down the original Great Hall, bow to Buckbeak, and walk through the Hogwarts Express. Every prop you can imagine is waiting for you at this location! Just imagine being right next to the real Goblet of Fire or the cupboard under the staircase. The butterbeer is also different from the more well-known Universal Studios version and is a must-try item. I highly recommend taking a trip out to this location and giving yourself at least half a day or more to explore.
The Making of Harry Potter Studio Tour Official Website: https://www.wbstudiotour.co.uk/
Harry Potter and the Cursed Child
The Cursed Child is a two part play that takes place in London’s Palace Theater and is one of my favorite plays of all time. This is a true bucket list experience you don’t want to miss as the Palace Theater is the only place in the world to see the full, uncut version of the play. As a book lover who always says the book is better, I must admit that the play brings out a different type of magic that can only be seen in person. The music, the amazing actors, and the whole experience is completely different than just reading the book. The play is divided into a 2 hour 40 minute first half, and a 2 hour 35 minute second half that may be seen in one day or viewed on two separate days. As the theater is very old, I would advice you to wear thin clothing as there is no air conditioning and it may get a bit warm.
Book Tickets Here: https://uk.harrypottertheplay.com/
Kings Cross Station – Platform 9 3/4
To feel like a real Hogwarts student, head to Kings Cross Station where you can find Platform 9 3/4 waiting for you! The station has installed a photo area where you may pose with a trolly that seems to be disappearing into the platform. Not only this, but the professional photographer will offer you a choice of Hogwarts house scarves for you to choose from, so be sure to know which house you are in before going! A Harry Potter shop offering a wide selection of awesome merchandise may also be found right next to the platform as well.
The Real Leaky Cauldron and Diagon Alley
London’s Leadenhall Market is a beautiful location that was used in the first Harry Potter movie to film scenes for Diagon Alley and the Leaky Cauldron. Walking tours are offered for those who want to know more about the filming and who want a guide to take them directly to the film spots. Although a bit difficult to find, it is also possible to find the film locations on your own as well! Apart from the Harry Potter film scenes, this is an extraordinary marketplace with a vintage, classy vibe.
The Millennium Bridge
An often overlooked filming location, the Millennium bridge appeared in the beginning of the 6th Harry Potter movie as death eaters started spread fear. Shown collapsing as muggles crossed, this suspension bridge is completely safe and waiting for you to visit! With a wonderful view over the River Thames, this may be a nice addition to your Harry Potter bucketlist if you have the time.