5 (4579)
London
Harry Potter London: Award-Winning Walking Tour
120
Overview
Tour for Muggles: The Ultimate Harry Potter Walking Tour in London invites everyone to step into the magical world of Harry Potter! This award-winning walking tour takes guests to famous London spots from the Harry Potter movies and books.
Expect to see where the magic happened! The tour visits places like the entrance to the Leaky Cauldron at Goodwins Court and the Bank of England, which inspired Gringotts. Walk past St. Paul's Cathedral and see the Harrow School, a real-life inspiration for Hogwarts. While the tour doesn't visit the actual Brockdale Bridge (Glenfinnan Viaduct), Shakespeare's Globe, or the HMS Trincomalee, these places capture the same magical feeling. Explore the Dark Side of London and Cecil Court, another Leaky Cauldron location. This Harry Potter tour brings the wizarding world to life!
The experience includes a 2-hour walking tour with trained actor guides, and a fun quiz to test knowledge of the wizarding world. Not included are tips, hotel transportation, or food and drinks. 
Highlights
See Real Movie Locations: Visit famous London spots where Harry Potter movies were filmed.
Expert Actor Guides: Enjoy the tour with trained actors who know everything about Harry Potter.
Fun Wizard Quiz: Test your Harry Potter knowledge with an exciting quiz.
Award-Winning Experience: Join a top-rated tour loved by travelers worldwide.
Sentiment Analysis
The walking tour is highly praised for its engaging guides, immersive experience, and authentic Harry Potter locations, making it a favorite for fans. However, some find it crowded or fast-paced.
Customers loved the enthusiastic and knowledgeable guides who were also trained actors.
Many enjoyed the immersive experience and the fun quiz.
Visitors appreciated seeing the real-life filming locations and inspirations for the books.
Several reviews mention it as a must-do experience for Harry Potter fans of all ages.
Some reviewers mentioned the tour could be crowded.
A few people noted that the pace might be a bit fast for very young children.
The Journey
Leaky Cauldron Entrance (Goodwins Court)
Step into the wizarding world by visiting the real-life inspiration for the Leaky Cauldron's entrance. While the pub's interior was filmed elsewhere, Goodwins Court in London's West End, is believed to be the inspiration for the exterior of the Leaky Cauldron. Wander through this narrow, atmospheric alleyway, a hidden gem dating back to the 17th century, and imagine Harry's first steps into the magical realm. The antique shop fronts and gas lamps create a palpable sense of old-world charm, making it a must-see for any Potterhead seeking to connect with the series' enchanting atmosphere. Note that the real Leaky Cauldron was filmed inside Bull's Head Passage, which has now been replaced by a opticians.
Bank of England & Gringotts Inspiration
Uncover the potential connections between the Bank of England and Gringotts Wizarding Bank. While Gringotts is a work of fantasy, its imposing architecture and the concept of a secure, magical vault may have been inspired by the grandeur and history of financial institutions like the Bank of England. Explore the area surrounding the Bank of England, noting the impressive architecture and sense of security that echoes the descriptions of Gringotts in the Harry Potter books. Although not a direct filming location, understanding the real-world parallels adds a layer of intrigue to your wizarding journey.
St. Paul's Cathedral
Marvel at the architectural splendor of St. Paul's Cathedral, a London landmark with a fascinating history. While not directly featured in the Harry Potter films, its grand exterior and historical significance make it a must-see attraction. Explore its stunning dome, intricate carvings, and the Whispering Gallery, which offer breathtaking views of the city. Discover the cathedral's role in key historical events, from royal weddings to wartime resilience, and appreciate its enduring presence as a symbol of London's strength and beauty. Note that the Geometric Staircase was used for Professor Trelawney's Divination class.
Harrow School (Hogwarts Inspiration)
Discover Harrow School, one of England's most prestigious and historic boarding schools. Though not the primary filming location for Hogwarts, its traditional architecture, historic buildings, and academic atmosphere are often cited as an inspiration for the wizarding school's aesthetic. Wander the grounds, admire the iconic buildings, and learn about the school's rich history. While not directly part of the Harry Potter films, experiencing the atmosphere of a real British boarding school will enhance your understanding of the world that inspired J.K. Rowling. Notably, Daniel Radcliffe, who played Harry Potter, attended this school.
Brockdale Bridge (Glenfinnan Viaduct)
Witness the breathtaking Glenfinnan Viaduct in Scotland, the filming location for the dramatic collapse of the Brockdale Bridge in "Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince." Ride the Jacobite steam train (aka the Hogwarts Express) across this iconic viaduct, capturing stunning views of the surrounding Scottish Highlands. Feel the magic of the movies as you traverse the same tracks where the Hogwarts Express journeyed to school, and relive the thrilling scene of the bridge's destruction. This is a must-do experience for any Harry Potter fan seeking to immerse themselves in the cinematic world of the series.
Shakespeare's Globe
Explore Shakespeare's Globe, a reconstruction of the original Globe Theatre, and discover the surprising connections between Shakespearean drama and the Harry Potter series. Learn about the timeless themes of magic, morality, and power that both Shakespeare and J.K. Rowling explore in their works. Attend a performance at the Globe, experience the energy of a live theatrical production, and consider how Shakespeare's storytelling may have influenced the creation of the wizarding world. This exploration will offer a fresh perspective on the depth and complexity of both literary traditions.
Unknown Ship (Likely Inspired by HMS Trincomalee)
Consider the potential inspiration for the Durmstrang ship, a mysterious vessel that added an element of intrigue to the Goblet of Fire. While the specific ship used in the film is fictional, historical sailing vessels may have served as inspiration for its design and appearance. Ships like HMS Trincomalee give you the opportunity to feel what it's like being onboard a ship that could be related to the Durmstrang ship.
Dark Side of London (General Exploration)
Delve into the darker corners of London and uncover the inspiration for the sinister elements within the Harry Potter books. Explore the city's historic alleyways, graveyards, and former sites of crime and punishment, imagining the hidden world of dark magic and shadowy figures that J.K. Rowling conjured. Reflect on how London's history of poverty, crime, and urban legends may have influenced the creation of characters like Voldemort and the Death Eaters. This exploration will reveal a fascinating and unsettling side of the city that fueled the imagination of one of the world's most beloved authors.
Leaky Cauldron Entrance (Cecil Court)
Discover Cecil Court, another contender for the inspiration behind the Leaky Cauldron's entrance. This charming, pedestrianized street, lined with specialist bookshops and antique stores, evokes the same sense of hidden magic and old-world charm as the wizarding pub. Wander through the narrow passageway, browsing the eclectic collection of books and artifacts, and imagine Harry Potter's first encounter with the wizarding world. With its enchanting atmosphere and historical significance, Cecil Court provides a glimpse into the real-life inspiration behind one of the series' most iconic locations. The real Leaky Cauldron was filmed inside Bull's Head Passage, which has now been replaced by a opticians.
Know Before You Go
This two-hour walking tour includes a trained actor as your guide and a Harry Potter quiz. It does not include gratuities, hotel pickup or drop-off, and food or drinks. The meeting point is [object Object], and the tour ends at [object Object]. Please note that this experience is not wheelchair accessible. Wear comfortable shoes as you will be walking throughout the two hours.
Hot Tip
Wear comfortable shoes and bring a water bottle. Many reviewers suggest arriving a bit early to find the meeting point, especially if you're not familiar with the area. Also, some spots are better for photos than others. Listen to your guide, they know the best angles!
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