Gringott's bank, or the house of the High House of Australia in London, where Harry Potter had his vault
June 11, 2025
Do you dream of being transported, at least for a moment, to the magical world of Harry Potter? It turns out that you don't have to go to a movie studio or theme park to feel the atmosphere of J.K. Rowling's books. In the heart of London there is a building that brings to mind the famous Gringott's Bank - this is the High Commission of Australia. This impressive edifice, although it has completely different functions from the magical Goblin Bank, is sure to spark the imagination of both younger and older fans of the series about the young wizard. We invite you on an extraordinary journey where you will discover how reality intertwines with literary fiction to create a fascinating place to visit during a family outing to the British capital.
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Architectural wonder at the Strand
The Australian High Commission is housed in an impressive building on the Strand, one of London's most famous streets. The address of the Strand, London WC2B 4LA is not only the headquarters of the Australian diplomatic mission, but also a true architectural gem that attracts the eyes of passersby and arouses the admiration of tourists.
The edifice, built in the Victorian style, impresses with its wealth of architectural details. Its facade, decorated with intricate stone carvings and imposing columns, is reminiscent of the grandest buildings of the wizarding world. The monumental staircase leading to the entrance and the massive bronze doors give the impression that behind them are countless vaults full of gold and magical artifacts.
Interestingly, the Australian High Commission building was not designed with the movie adaptation of Harry Potter's adventures in mind. Its history goes back much further into the past, which adds to its authenticity and makes a visit to the place even more fascinating. One can imagine how J.K. Rowling, walking through the streets of London, was inspired by similar buildings to create Gringotts Bank in her imagination.
Although the High Commission of Australia has primarily diplomatic functions, its employees are aware of how many people are attracted to the building's architecture. It's worth noting that while you can't freely tour the interior, the view from the outside alone provides an unforgettable experience. It's a great opportunity to take a souvenir photo and feel like a character from a Harry Potter novel, standing in front of the entrance to a magical bank.
Between reality and fiction - the The magical atmosphere of London
The Australian High Commission, although a real-life institution, is a perfect example of how the reality of London intertwines with the fictional world of Harry Potter. It's a place where magic seems to be at your fingertips, and the line between the real and the imagined is blurred.
Walking down Strand Street, one can feel like a participant in a magical trip. The neighborhood, full of historic buildings and mysterious alleys, perfectly matches the atmosphere created by J.K. Rowling. Not surprisingly, many fans of the series about the young wizard believe that this is where the entrance to Diagon Alley is hidden.
Note the architectural details of the Australian High Commission building. The stone gargoyles adorning the façade, the intricate window ornaments or the intriguing symbols placed above the entrance - all of this stimulates the imagination and makes it easy to believe in the existence of a magical world hidden from the eyes of muggles.
For families with children, a visit to this place can be a great opportunity to talk about how reality inspires writers of literature and film. You can search together for elements that could be found in the magical world of Harry Potter, creating your own stories and developing the creativity of the little ones.
Interestingly, the Australian High Commission is not the only place in London that is associated with the Harry Potter saga. There are other locations nearby that may have inspired J.K. Rowling, such as the Cecil Court bookstores and the mysterious backstreets of Covent Garden. So you can plan an entire tour 'in the footsteps of Harry Potter', making a visit to London an unforgettable adventure for the whole family.
It is worth remembering that although the Australian High Commission building fascinates with its appearance, it is primarily a place where diplomats work. So let's respect its function and behave appropriately when taking photos or admiring the architecture. This will allow us to enjoy the magic of the place without interfering with the daily work of the institution.
Practical information for visitors
When planning a visit to the High Commission of Australia, it is worth keeping in mind a few practical aspects that will allow us to fully enjoy this remarkable attraction of London.
First of all, the Australian High Commission building is an active diplomatic post, which means that it is not open to the public inside. However, its impressive facade and exterior architecture are available to admire year-round, 24 hours a day. The best time to visit is during daylight hours, when all the architectural details can be appreciated.
The location on the Strand 'London WC2B 4LA' is easily accessible by public transportation. The nearest subway stations are Temple (District and Circle lines) and Charing Cross (Bakerloo and Northern lines). You can also take advantage of the numerous bus lines that run along the Strand.
Note that this is a busy part of the city, especially during business hours. If you want to take photos without a crowd of passersby, it's best to come early in the morning or at the weekend.
For those who would like to learn more about the operation of the Australian High Commission, we recommend visiting the official website: https://uk.embassy.gov.au/lhlh/home.html. There you will find up-to-date information about the operating hours and possible events open to the public.
The High Commission of Australia enjoys a good reputation among visitors, as evidenced by an average rating of 3.7 stars. Many praise the professionalism and friendliness of the staff, especially in matters related to passports and travel documents. Here is an excerpt from one of the positive reviews: 'I really want to say how lovely all the girls working at the passport office were. Especially Rosie, who helped me, was extremely warm, friendly and welcoming.
It's worth noting that there are no public toilets in the building, which may be important for families with young children. However, there are many cafes and restaurants in the area where you can use the facilities.
For Harry Potter fans, we recommend combining a visit to the Australian High Commission with other attractions related to the series, such as Platform 9 and 3/4 at King's Cross station and The Harry Potter Shop at Platform 9 3/4.
Keep in mind that while the building is fascinating in its resemblance to Gringott's Bank, it is first and foremost a workplace. So let's maintain proper respect and silence, especially during business hours.
A visit to the Australian High Commission is not only a treat for Harry Potter fans, but also an opportunity to admire London's magnificent architecture and learn a piece of the city's history. It's a place where reality meets the magic of literature, creating an unforgettable experience for the whole family.
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