London: Harry Potter Film Locations Sightseeing Bus Tour

If you’re a Harry Potter fan planning a trip to London, chances are you’re eager to see the city through the lens of the wizarding world. The London: Harry Potter Film Locations Sightseeing Bus Tour offers a fun and engaging way to do just that. With a blend of iconic sights, behind-the-scenes film locations, and a touch of magic, this tour promises a unique day out, especially for those who love the movies but also want to soak in London’s famous landmarks.

What really caught our eye about this tour are two standout features: first, the guided commentary that’s packed with film location facts, and second, the interactive quiz which keeps the experience lively and engaging. These elements work together to make the tour more than just a sightseeing ride—they turn it into a mini Harry Potter adventure.

A potential downside? Since the tour involves a bus ride around London’s busy streets, you should be prepared for traffic delays, which can extend the journey time beyond the scheduled two hours. Also, keep in mind that entry to the specific film locations isn’t included—so if you want to go inside places like Leadenhall Market or Borough Market, you’ll have to explore them on your own.

This experience is best suited for Harry Potter enthusiasts, casual fans curious about film locations, or anyone interested in seeing a different side of London’s historic sites through a magical lens. It’s a fun, family-friendly tour that offers a playful mix of sightseeing and fandom.

Key Points

• Interactive and Informative: A guided bus tour with engaging commentary and a fun quiz.
• Photo Opportunities: Multiple stops at iconic locations perfect for photos, including Leadenhall Market and Lambeth Bridge.
• London Landmarks: Combines Harry Potter locations with famous city sights like Tower of London, Big Ben, and the London Eye.
• Transportation: An original, vintage Routemaster bus that adds a nostalgic and authentic vibe.
• Duration & Convenience: About 2 hours of touring, starting and ending in central London at a convenient location.
• Cost & Extras: Price covers transportation, guide, quiz, and props but does not include entry tickets to locations.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An In-Depth Look at the Tour Experience

Starting Point & Overall Setup

The tour kicks off at the Embankment, a bustling spot just a short walk from Trafalgar Square and Charing Cross Station. Here, you’ll hop onto a colorful, vintage Routemaster bus that transports you around central London. This bus isn’t just a mode of transport; it’s part of the charm, painted purple to evoke the Knight Bus from the movies, which instantly sets a whimsical tone for the day.

The guide, often praised for being full of knowledge and lively, helps you feel like part of a shared adventure from the very beginning. Whether you’re a seasoned Harry Potter fan or just a curious traveler, the guide’s friendly vibe makes the experience approachable and engaging.

What to Expect on the Route

The journey takes you around London’s most recognizable landmarks, all linked through the film’s locations. As you cruise past the River Thames, you’ll see sites like St Paul’s Cathedral and Tower of London, which, although not directly related to Harry Potter, add context and a sense of place to the tour.

One highlight for many travelers is the stop at Leadenhall Market, which served as the entrance to Diagon Alley in the films. The 20-minute guided walk here offers a chance to admire the historic architecture and snap some photos of the famous canopy. Reviewers particularly appreciated this stop, calling it a “great way of seeing the Harry Potter locations in the city” and mentioning how well the bus’s decoration and props fit the theme.

Another highlight is the stop at Whitehall’s Horse Guards Parade, where you get a 20-minute walk and photo opportunity. This is often praised for the chance to see a famous London spot through a Harry Potter lens, with reviews noting the guide’s enthusiasm and explanations adding depth to the experience.

Throughout the tour, you’ll pass by the Leaky Cauldron (at Borough Market), Great Scotland Yard, Borough Market, and other iconic spots. While some locations are purely for photos, others help you understand the film’s filming context, enriching your knowledge and appreciation.

The Quiz & Props

One of the tour’s unique selling points is the interactive Harry Potter quiz, which keeps everyone involved. You’ll need to bring your phone, as it’s used for the quiz, which tests your film knowledge. This approach adds a fun, competitive element, making the quieter parts of the journey more lively.

Plus, the tour features props and costume elements—like wands—that add to the immersive feel. These small touches help fans feel like they’re part of the magic, even just for a little while.

More Great Tours Nearby

The Balance of Sightseeing & Fandom

While the main focus is on Harry Potter locations, the tour also showcases London’s top tourist sights. It’s a clever way to combine fandom with sightseeing, making it appealing to a broader audience. As you watch Westminster Abbey, Big Ben, and the London Eye, you’ll also be reminded of the scenes in the movies, creating a layered experience.

The Practical Side: Timing & Comfort

The tour lasts approximately 2 hours, including stops at key locations, with some reviews mentioning it can extend slightly due to London’s traffic. The journey is on a vintage Routemaster bus, which is comfortable enough for a short ride, but bear in mind it can get warm during summer or crowded during peak times.

The meeting point is easy to find—just a short walk from Embankment Station—and the tour ends back where it started, which is convenient for onward plans or dinner nearby.

Price & Value

In terms of cost, the ticket covers the bus ride, guide, quiz, and props, which makes it quite a nice package. Remember, it doesn’t include entry to any locations, but since most stops are just photo opportunities or short walks, that’s easy to manage separately.

Reviewers like Monica appreciated the guide’s effort, noting that “Paul & Wayne are great,” and highlighted how they kept everyone comfortable and engaged. Considering the personalized elements, the tour offers good value for a fun, fandom-centric experience in the city.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This tour is perfect if you’re a Harry Potter fan who enjoys lively, guided experiences. It’s also suitable for travelers interested in seeing London’s top sights from a different angle. Families, couples, or groups of friends will find it a lighthearted and memorable way to explore the city in a short period.

Since the tour involves some walking and standing during stops, it’s best for those who are reasonably mobile. But overall, it’s a family-friendly outing and good for anyone with a curiosity about film locations.

Final Thoughts

The London: Harry Potter Film Locations Sightseeing Bus Tour offers a cheerful, engaging way to see London’s highlights while indulging your Harry Potter fascination. The guides are praised for their knowledge and character, turning what could be just a simple sightseeing ride into a playful, educational experience. The stops at key locations like Leadenhall Market and Lambeth Bridge provide great photo moments, and the quiz injects some friendly competition.

While it’s not a comprehensive inside tour of film studios, it’s a fantastic option for fans wanting to connect with the films and the city simultaneously. The vintage Routemaster bus adds a nostalgic charm that enhances the whole trip.

Overall, if you’re after a light, fun, and informative experience that pairs London’s iconic sights with Harry Potter magic, this tour is a solid choice.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I join this tour if I don’t know much about Harry Potter?
Yes, while it’s designed for fans, the tour is also accessible for those with a casual interest. The guide’s explanations help fill in the gaps, and the quiz is optional.

Is the bus comfortable?
The bus is a vintage Routemaster, which is charming and nostalgic, but it’s a short ride. Expect limited legroom and seating typical of classic London buses, so it’s best suited for those comfortable with a bit of bus travel.

Are the stops long enough to explore?
Stops typically last around 20 minutes, which is enough for a quick photo or a brief walk. It’s not a full sightseeing tour of each location but more of a highlight reel.

Does the tour include entry to any Harry Potter sites?
No, entry tickets are not included. Most stops are photo opportunities or quick walks; if you want inside access, you’ll need to explore those locations on your own.

What should I bring?
Bring a mobile phone for the quiz, and dress for the weather since some stops are outdoors. Comfortable shoes are recommended.

Is this tour family-friendly?
Yes, it’s suitable for families and children, especially if they enjoy Harry Potter. Keep in mind the walking parts and the short duration—it’s a light, fun experience.

How do I book or cancel?
You can reserve your spot in advance. Cancellations can be made up to 24 hours before the tour for a full refund, making it flexible if your plans change.

Where does the tour start and end?
It begins and ends at the same spot on Victoria Embankment, close to Embankment Station and Trafalgar Square, making it easy to incorporate into your sightseeing day.

Whether you’re a dedicated wizard or just love a playful way to see London’s sights, this tour offers a charming, insightful, and fun experience. Just remember to bring your curiosity—and maybe a wand or two!

You can check availability for your dates here: