Summary of Harry Potter Filming Locations in London
The Leaky Cauldron
The entrance to the Leaky Cauldron is located in Leadenhall Market. This charming building is on Bull’s Head Passage, a hidden alleyway that branches off Gracechurch Street, adjacent to Leadenhall Market.
Diagon Alley
Address: Gracechurch Street, London EC3V 1LT, UK. Phone: +44 20 7606 3030. Visit website.
Leadenhall Market served as the filming location for Diagon Alley and the entrance to the Leaky Cauldron in the initial “Harry Potter” film. This historical market, originally designed in 1881, offers a variety of trendy shops and dining choices within its ornate Victorian architecture.
St. Pancras Renaissance Hotel
Address: Euston Road, London NW1 2AR, UK. Phone: +44 20 7841 3540. Visit website.
The majestic St. Pancras Renaissance Hotel represented King’s Cross station in the “Harry Potter” series. In “Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets,” Harry and Ron parked the Weasley family’s flying car at this iconic hotel before they attempted to access Platform 9 3/4.
King’s Cross Station
Address: Euston Road, London N1 9AL, UK. Phone: +44 345 711 4141. Visit website.
To access platform 9 3/4, Hogwarts-bound students had to dashed towards a wall between platforms 9 and 10; however, in reality, this area has a train line between those platforms. For the film, platforms 4 and 5 were relabeled as 9 and 10 to create an illusion of the magical entryway to platform 9 3/4.
Ministry of Magic – Visitors Entrance
The Ministry of Magic was depicted as being accessed through a red telephone box in “Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix.” Unfortunately, this iconic phone box was simply a prop.
Located near Trafalgar Square, the entrance warrants exploration. Take a leisurely stroll along Northumberland Avenue or Whitehall, focusing on Great Scotland Yard, which runs between these streets.
Westminster Station
Address: Underground Ltd, Westminster Station, Bridge Street, London SW1A 2JR, UK. Phone: +44 343 222 1234. Visit website.
In “Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix,” Harry and Mr. Weasley passed through this station on their way to a hearing at the Ministry of Magic. Harry’s guardian had a comical interaction with the ticket barriers, showcasing the magical chaos often seen in the series.
Gringott’s Wizarding Bank
Address: Strand, London WC2B 4LA, UK. Phone: +44 20 7379 4334. Visit website.
The opulent interior of Australia House served as Gringott’s Wizarding Bank during filming. Unfortunately, the public is restricted from entering, as it houses the Australian High Commission.
Lambeth Bridge
Address: Lambeth Road, London SE1 7SG, UK. Get directions.
In “Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban,” the Knight Bus made a memorable squeeze between two London buses on Lambeth Bridge. Note that the bridge has two-way traffic, showcasing the bustling nature of London.
Grimmauld Place
Address: Clerkenwell, London N1, UK. Get directions.
Grimmauld Place, once the ancestral home of the Black family, is an elusive location depicted in the series. Number 12 is hidden from Muggles, but its most likely position is at Claremont Square, a short distance from King’s Cross station.
Leaky Cauldron Second Location
Address: 7 Stoney Street, London SE1 9AA, UK. Get directions.
In “Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban,” the filming location for the Leaky Cauldron transitioned from Leadenhall Market to Borough Market. It was here, outside a flower shop, that Harry boarded the Knight Bus.
Reptile House at London Zoo
Address: Outer Circle, London NW1 4RY, UK. Phone: +44 344 225 1826. Visit website.
A memorable scene from “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone” unfolded in the Reptile House at London Zoo, featuring Harry interacting with a speaking Burmese Python.
Millennium Bridge
Address: Thames Embankment, London EC4V 3QH, UK. Phone: +44 20 7606 3030. Visit website.
In “Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince,” London’s Millennium Bridge visually transformed into Brockdale Bridge, collapsing during a stunning scene featuring Death Eaters. Thankfully, this bridge remains undamaged in real life, connecting significant city landmarks.
Lincoln’s Inn Fields
Address: Lincoln’s Inn Fields, London WC2A, UK. Get directions.
Acting as the street outside no. 12 Grimmauld Place, Lincoln’s Inn Fields shaped the urban backdrop for “Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix.” Here, you’ll also find the renowned Sir John Soane’s Museum and the Hunterian Museum.
