London: Harry Potter Tour with River Cruise & London Eye

If you’re a Harry Potter enthusiast or just love exploring London through a different lens, this tour might be just what you’re looking for. We haven’t personally taken this exact experience, but it’s a popular choice for those wanting a mix of movie magic, sightseeing, and spectacular views—all in one day.

What stands out? First, the small-group setting makes it personal and less rushed. Second, the combination of walking tour, river cruise, and London Eye ride packs a lot of the city’s highlights into a manageable six hours. Still, it’s worth mentioning that, for some, the price might seem a bit steep when you consider food and additional transport costs. Overall, if you’re a Harry Potter fan or enjoy a blend of themed and scenic activities, this tour is likely to hit the right notes.

That said, this experience is especially suited for those who want a comprehensive glimpse into London’s cinematic and historic spots without organizing everything themselves. Families, couples, or friends who appreciate a mix of fun, culture, and great views will find it appealing. Just keep in mind, it’s a walking tour, so comfortable shoes are a must, and some might find the pace a bit brisk if you’re not used to walking around a lot.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Key Points

• Ideal for Harry Potter fans and sightseeing enthusiasts wanting a mix of film locations, iconic sites, and great city views.
• Small-group size ensures a more personalized experience and better interaction with your guide.
• Includes a Thames River cruise and London Eye ticket—great for capturing the city from different angles.
• The tour covers major spots like King’s Cross, Leicester Square, Westminster, and Borough Market.
• Cost vs. value: At around $150, it offers a lot, but you’ll need to budget for extras like food and transport.
• Accessible and flexible: The tour is wheelchair friendly and offers flexible cancellation options.

The idea of walking through the streets that doubled as Hogwarts scenes or Diagon Alley is undeniably appealing for fans. This tour leans heavily into the cinematic side of London, highlighting over 10 real movie locations. From the famous Platform 9 ¾ at King’s Cross to the Leaky Cauldron, you’ll get plenty of photo ops and behind-the-scenes stories that bring the wizarding world to life.

What the Tour Looks Like

Your journey begins at King’s Cross Station, a natural starting point for Harry Potter fans. Meeting in front of the Parcel Yard, you’ll be guided to the Harry Potter Shop at Platform 9 ¾ for a quick photo and shopping stop. The queues here can be long, so arriving at least 45 minutes early is recommended if you want that perfect trolley shot without a crowd.

From there, the tour moves into some of London’s most charming streets, like Cecil Court and Goodwin’s Court, which evoke the nostalgic feel of Diagon Alley and Knockturn Alley. These narrow, historic lanes are often overlooked by travelers but are treasure troves for fans seeking that authentic London vibe. Your guide, who is described as fun and knowledgeable, will share stories and trivia that make these stops even more engaging.

Next, you’ll visit sights like the Palace Theatre, home to the Harry Potter and the Cursed Child stage show, and explore the House of Spells shop, perfect for browsing magical merchandise. Leicester Square, with its bright lights and lively atmosphere, offers a bustling backdrop, and the stroll through Westminster covers iconic landmarks like Big Ben and Parliament, blending Harry Potter magic with London’s storied history.

The Highlights: Film Locations and Famous Sights

The tour isn’t just about Harry Potter; it’s also about experiencing London’s cinematic and cultural pulse. Borough Market, with its vibrant food scene, offers a lively break, and the walk over the London Bridge provides a scenic view of the city’s skyline.

The 40-minute Thames River cruise is a pleasant way to relax and see the city from a different perspective. It’s a short but worthwhile cruise, giving you views of Tower Bridge, the Shard, and other landmarks. Many reviews mention that the cruise offers a relaxing break, especially after a busy morning of walking.

The London Eye Experience

Ending your day with a ride on the London Eye is the perfect way to see London’s skyline. With fast-pass options available, you can skip the long lines, which are common at popular attractions. The two-hour visit allows plenty of time to enjoy the spectacular 360-degree views, spotting famous landmarks and getting a sense of the city’s layout from above.

Travelers often comment that the views from the Eye are simply breathtaking, making it a highlight of the entire experience. It’s especially nice if the weather cooperates, offering clear sights of the Thames, the Tower of London, St. Paul’s, and beyond.

The whole experience covers about six hours, including walking, sightseeing, and the boat and eye rides. The tour is wheelchair accessible and runs with live English-speaking guides. It’s designed for those comfortable on their feet, so wear good walking shoes and dress according to the weather.

You’ll need to manage a couple of tube journeys (about £6 total), so bringing a contactless card or Oyster is advisable. The tour doesn’t include food or drinks, so packing a snack or two is a good idea, especially if you want to keep your energy up for the full day.

The tour starts early or later depending on availability, so check the schedule ahead of time. You can cancel up to 24 hours beforehand for a full refund, adding some flexibility if your plans change.

King’s Cross & Platform 9 ¾: Starting at the historic station, the excitement is palpable for Harry Potter fans. The shop here is a must-see, but queues can be long. Arriving early helps.

Harry Potter Shop at Platform 9 ¾: A quick stop for photos and souvenirs. Many visitors highlighted the fun of snapping a photo with the trolley disappearing into the wall.

Cecil Court & Goodwin’s Court: These quaint alleys are like stepping into a magical London, full of history and character that echo the wizarding world.

Palace Theatre: Known for Harry Potter’s stage production, it’s interesting to see the real venue that brings the wizarding stories to life on stage.

House of Spells: A shopping stop where fans can browse and buy magical merchandise, often with discounts using the included code.

Leicester Square & Westminster: These iconic spots give a broader sense of London’s vibrant life, with some of the most photographed landmarks in the city.

Borough Market & London Bridge: Not only great food spots but also picturesque views of London’s historic and modern architecture.

River Thames Cruise: A peaceful 40-minute ride that offers a fresh perspective on the city’s skyline and riverside landmarks.

London Eye: The grand finale, with breathtaking views that make clear why this is one of London’s top attractions.

This tour offers a well-rounded glimpse into London’s cinematic and historic fabric, all wrapped in a fun, themed package. It’s ideal for Harry Potter fans eager to see movie locations, but also for those who just want a leisurely day exploring London’s sights from street level and above.

The small-group format makes it friendly and engaging, perfect for travelers who enjoy a more personal experience. It’s also a good choice if you prefer a structured, guided day rather than trying to piece together multiple activities yourself.

However, keep in mind that it’s quite active—there’s a fair amount of walking, and it’s best suited for those comfortable on their feet. The price is reasonable for what’s included, but be prepared for additional costs if you want to buy souvenirs or snacks.

In short, if you’re visiting London and want a convenient, fun way to see some key spots with a magical twist, this tour offers a great way to spend a memorable day.

Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, the tour is generally family-friendly, especially since it’s designed to appeal to Potter fans of all ages. Just note that it involves walking and some standing, so younger children should be prepared for that.

Do I need to bring my own transportation to the meeting point?
Yes, you’ll meet at King’s Cross Station, so planning your own travel there is necessary. The tour includes two short tube journeys, costing around £6 total, so a contactless card or Oyster is recommended.

How long is the walking part of the tour?
The walking tour lasts about 3 hours, covering various locations in central London. Wear comfortable shoes, as you’ll be on your feet most of the time.

Are the Thames cruise and London Eye included in the price?
Yes, both are included. The cruise lasts about 40 minutes, and the London Eye visit is scheduled afterward, with optional fast-pass tickets available.

Can I cancel this tour?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, offering some flexibility if your plans change.

Is the tour wheelchair accessible?
Yes, it is wheelchair friendly, making it accessible for travelers with mobility needs.

What should I bring on the tour?
Comfortable shoes, a camera, snacks, drinks, and weather-appropriate clothing are recommended. Remember, large luggage or oversize bags are not allowed.

Will I get enough time at each stop?
Most stops are planned with around 10-20 minutes for photos and brief visits, but some, like the London Eye, allow more time for sightseeing.

Is the tour available in other languages?
This tour is conducted in English. If you need another language, check with the provider for options.

If you’re after a day that combines movie magic, scenic views, and London’s iconic sights, this Harry Potter-themed experience offers a thoughtfully curated way to enjoy the city. It’s a good pick for fans and casual travelers alike who want an engaging, memorable day without the hassle of organizing multiple tickets and transport.

You can check availability for your dates here: