Magic from the screen: visit the places where Harry Potter was filmed

Magic from the screen: visit the places where Harry Potter was filmed

June 11, 2025

Do you dream of being transported at least for a moment to the magical world of Harry Potter? Now you have the chance! We invite you on an extraordinary journey in the footsteps of the young wizard and his friends. In this article, we will take you to the places that served as the backdrop for the unforgettable adventures in the Harry Potter film series. From the impressive movie studios to the mysterious streets to the iconic platform, each of these places has its own magical story and is waiting to be discovered. Get ready for an unforgettable adventure that will take you right into the heart of J.K. Rowling's wizarding world. Whether you're a longtime fan of the series or just beginning your Harry Potter adventure, these locations are sure to fire your imagination and make you feel like a real wizard or witch. It's time to start your magical journey!

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Warner Bros. Studio Tour London - The Heart of Harry Potter's Magic

The first and most important point of our magical journey is the Warner Bros. Studio Tour London. This is a place that every Harry Potter fan simply must visit. Located in Leavesden, near Watford, the studio offers an unforgettable experience to immerse yourself in the wizarding world.

The Studio Tour is no ordinary museum - it's a real journey behind the scenes of film production. Here you can see the original costumes, props and sets used during the filming of all eight Harry Potter films. The Great Hall of Hogwarts, the Diagon Alley, Dumbledore's office - all these iconic places can be seen here with your own eyes.

One of the most impressive features of the tour is the huge model of Hogwarts Castle. This amazing structure of more than 50 square meters is filled with the finest details and makes a huge impression on visitors. As one review says: 'The giant mock-up makes an electrifying impression with its incredible amount of detail and its sheer size.'

The studio also offers interactive attractions. You can get on a broomstick and feel like you're at a Quidditch match, drink a cream beer at a specially prepared bar, or see how the special effects used in the films work. This is a great opportunity to feel part of a magical world.

It is worth remembering that a visit to Warner Bros. Studio Tour London requires advance reservations. It is best to buy tickets in advance, especially during the holiday season, when the place is very popular. Ticket prices are not among the lowest, but as most visitors stress, they are worth every penny.

The studio is available year-round, but it's worth checking opening hours before visiting, as they can change depending on the season. Also keep in mind that a tour can take up to a full day - many fans spend 4-6 hours here, soaking up every detail of the magical world.

Warner Bros. Studio Tour London is a place that delights both children and adults. It is not only an attraction for Harry Potter fans, but also a fascinating lesson on how great film productions are made. As one visitor sums up: 'A great experience for any Harry Potter fan. The grand hall - wow. There was a lot of information about the filming process, special effects and costumes.'

Dangled Street - magical shopping in the heart of London

After visiting the Warner Bros. Studio Tour, it's time to move into the heart of London, where another magical attraction awaits - Diagon Street, known in the original as Diagon Alley. Although the real Diagon Street exists only in the world of Harry Potter, its cinematic counterpart can be found in the heart of the British capital.

The Diagon Street in the movies was based on several London locations, but its most recognizable part is Leadenhall Market. This Victorian covered market with its distinctive glass roof and colorful stores served as the backdrop for the scenes set on the magical street. Walking through Leadenhall Market, you can feel an atmosphere straight out of a movie - winding alleys, old stores and atmospheric pubs bring to mind a wizarding world.

One of the most recognizable places is the entrance to the Hollow Cauldron, which in the film is hidden behind an inconspicuous wall. In reality, it's an optical store on Bull's Head Passage, which has become a must-visit spot for all fans of the series. As one visitor notes: 'A must-see for Potter fans. The atmosphere and architecture are truly worthy of a visit.

While you won't buy wands or potion ingredients here, Leadenhall Market offers many charming stores and restaurants where you can feel the magical atmosphere. It's worth noting the architectural details that make the place fit perfectly into the aesthetics of the Harry Potter world.

Diagon Alley is available to visit all year round, without tickets. The best time to visit it is during the opening hours of the stores, which is usually between 10:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. It is worth remembering that it can be quite crowded on weekends.

For those who want to delve even deeper into the magical world, we recommend taking one of the many themed walks around London in the footsteps of Harry Potter. Guides often share interesting facts from the film set and show less obvious locations associated with the series.

The Diagon Alley is not only a treat for Harry Potter fans, but also a great opportunity to explore a charming part of London. As one tourist notes: 'It's so charming! The architecture here is just beautiful and for a moment you almost forget that you are on the busy and modern streets of London.

It's worth remembering that although Leadenhall Market is the main inspiration for Diagon Alley, film scenes were also shot in other locations. For the complete experience, fans can also visit Borough Market or Cecil Court, which also served as a backdrop for magical scenes.

Peron 9 and 3/4 - the magical gateway to Hogwarts

Our magical journey in the footsteps of Harry Potter would not be complete without a visit to the famous Platform 9 and 3/4. This place, which in the books and films served as a gateway to the wizarding world, is located at King's Cross station in London.

In fact, at King's Cross station we can find a specially prepared attraction for fans of the series. Between platforms 9 and 10 is the famous luggage cart, which 'bumps' into the wall. It's the perfect spot for a souvenir photo, where you can pretend you're just passing through the magical barrier onto the Hogwarts Express platform.

As one visitor describes: 'Super place. Fantastic souvenir store. Prices high, but you have to be set for higher prices in such places. It is possible to have your photo developed and to take your own camera. Staff very friendly and helpful.'

However, it is worth remembering that the place is very popular with tourists. Queues to have your photo taken can be long, especially during the holiday season and on weekends. As another tourist notes: 'A very crowded place. If you're nearby it's worth going in and seeing, but it's rather a shame to come especially. If you want a photo you will have to wait like 40/60 minutes.

Next to the 'platform' is the official Harry Potter souvenir store. It's a paradise for fans of the series - you can find wands, Hogwarts house scarves, candy from the magical world and many other goodies. As one review said: 'As a huge HP fan, I was mega disappointed with the platform... I was expecting something different and not half a cart in the wall with a kilometer-long queue for a photo (Saturday). The store, however, made up for my disappointment! I felt like a child in a toy store.'

Platform 9 and 3/4 are open year-round, 24 hours a day, but the gift store has its own opening hours, usually from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. Admission to the 'platform' is free, but you have to pay for photos taken by a professional photographer.

While some may be disappointed that it is not the 'real' platform between 9 and 10, as in the books, the place has its own charm and magical atmosphere. It's a great opportunity to feel like a Hogwarts student embarking on a journey on the Express.

It is worth remembering that King's Cross station is not only an attraction for Harry Potter fans. It's also an important transportation hub from which you can easily get to other parts of London or even outside the city. So after a visit to Platform 9 and 3/4, you can continue exploring the British capital.

In conclusion, while Platform 9 and 3/4 may not be as impressive as the Warner Bros. Studio Tour or as atmospheric as Diagon Alley, it is nevertheless an important point on the map for any Harry Potter fan. It's a place where magic mixes with reality, allowing you to be transported to the wizarding world for a while.

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