The Best Harry Potter Tour & The London Dungeons

If you’re a Harry Potter fan dreaming of wandering through the wizarding world in London, this tour might catch your eye. It promises a walk through iconic filming spots, some magical shopping, and a visit to the chilling London Dungeons—all packed into about five hours. We haven’t done it ourselves, but based on the info and reviews, it’s worth considering if you want a mix of Potter magic and London’s darker side.

What we really like about this experience is the opportunity to see several famous film locations in a small-group setting—meaning more personalized attention and fewer crowds. Plus, the inclusion of tickets to the Globe Theatre and Charles Dickens Museum adds a literary twist that’s perfect for fans of London’s storytelling heritage. Only one potential downside: it involves two tube journeys, so you’ll want to be comfortable with quick transit.

This tour is best suited for fans who want a comprehensive, fun day exploring London’s Harry Potter sites but also enjoy a bit of theatre, shopping, and spooky history. If you’re traveling with friends or fellow Potterheads who love seeing the city’s filming locations and historical spots, this could be an engaging way to spend a day.

Key Points

• Small group size ensures more personalized guidance and a relaxed atmosphere.
• Includes entrance tickets to the Globe Theatre, Charles Dickens Museum, and London Dungeons.
• A mix of Harry Potter sights and iconic London landmarks offers a well-rounded experience.
• Efficiently covers key locations in about five hours, making it good for those with limited time.
• Includes time for shopping at the House of Spells with a discount code.
• Involves two tube journeys, so being comfortable with London transit helps.

A Closer Look at the Tour Itinerary

Starting Point: King’s Cross Station – Platform 9¾

The journey kicks off at the famous King’s Cross Station, where you’ll meet your guide and fellow Potter enthusiasts. This spot is an absolute must-see for fans, and you’ll get the chance to snap a photo with the iconic trolley—though expect queues, so arriving 45 minutes early is wise if that’s high on your list. The station’s architecture itself is impressive, and it sets the tone for a magical day.

Cecil Court – A Magical Shopping Street

Next, you’ll stroll down Cecil Court, a charming old London street filled with independent shops and overhanging signs. It’s got that vintage, magical feel that’s reminiscent of Diagon Alley—without the crowds. Perfect for photos and getting a sense of old London charm.

Goodwin’s Court – A Mysterious Alley

Then, your guide will lead you through Goodwin’s Court, a narrow, dark alley that Harry Potter fans will recognize immediately from the films. The atmospheric setting makes it a fun spot for photos, and the dark, slightly whispery vibe adds to the magic of the day.

Palace Theatre – The Stage of Harry Potter & the Cursed Child

From there, you’ll stop at the Palace Theatre in the West End, home to the Harry Potter and the Cursed Child play. It’s an exciting moment for fans, especially seeing the Harry Potter sign in real life. If you’ve seen the show or plan to, this adds a theatrical layer to your experience.

House of Spells – Shopping for Magic

The tour then takes you to the House of Spells, where you can browse and buy wizarding essentials—wands, chocolate frogs, butterbeer, and more. The guide offers a discount code (HP394), which is a nice perk. Expect about 15 minutes here, giving you time to explore and maybe pick up a keepsake.

Leicester Square – The Heart of Cinema

Next, you’ll visit Leicester Square, the vibrant hub of London’s cinema scene. It’s a lively, colorful spot for photos with the Harry Potter Statue and to soak in the buzz of London’s movie premieres.

Westminster & Borough Market – Filming Locations and Food

Your walk continues through Westminster, where many Harry Potter scenes were filmed, giving you a chance to recognize some familiar spots. Afterward, you’ll head to Borough Market, one of London’s most famous food markets, and a filming location for the Leaky Cauldron and the Third Hand Emporium. It’s a lively, sensory-rich environment, perfect for soaking in local flavors and atmosphere.

London Bridge & Final Sightings

The tour finishes near London Bridge, with more filming locations and sights that inspired Rowling’s universe. It’s a great place to reflect on the day’s sights, photos, and stories.

The London Dungeon – An Immersive, Spooky Experience

Post-walking tour, you’ll head to The London Dungeon, which is included in the ticket price. Here, you’ll find a two-hour immersive journey into London’s darker past, with plenty of scares and laughs. Our review mentions that it’s the “scariest place in London” and a mix of fun and fright—more suited for older teens and adults.

What Are the Pros?

We think the small group size (limited to 15 participants) makes a significant difference—more interaction with your guide and less crowded sightseeing. The inclusion of admission tickets to key locations like the Globe Theatre, Charles Dickens Museum, and London Dungeons adds a lot of value—you’re not just paying for the walking, but for access to iconic sites and experiences.

The itinerary blends Harry Potter magic with genuine London landmarks—it’s not just a themed tour, but a practical way to see some of the city’s best sights. Plus, the shopping stop at the House of Spells provides a fun break and an opportunity to buy souvenirs.

What Could Be Better?

The tour involves two tube journeys, which could be inconvenient if you’re not comfortable navigating London’s public transit. Also, the review from a disgruntled customer highlights that logistical issues can happen—such as missed meeting points or delays—so it’s worth arriving early and staying alert.

Pricing at around $93 per person isn’t cheap, but when you consider the included entries and the experience, it’s a solid deal for dedicated Harry Potter fans who love seeing film locations and exploring London’s literary side.

Who Would Love This Tour?

If you’re a Harry Potter enthusiast eager to walk in the footsteps of your favorite characters and see London through a wizarding lens, this tour offers a fun mix of sights and stories. It’s also a good pick if you want an overview of central London’s landmarks with a magical twist, especially if you’re interested in theatre, shopping, and spooky history.

Travelers who enjoy guided walks, small-group experiences, and a bit of theatrical flair will find this tour engaging. However, if you prefer a more relaxed pace or are traveling with very young children, you might want to consider other options, as the two-hour Dungeon experience is quite immersive and potentially intense.

FAQs

Is this tour suitable for children? While the tour itself is mostly walking and sightseeing, the London Dungeons can be quite scary, so it’s better suited for older kids and teens. The walking part, however, is manageable for most ages with decent stamina.

Do I need to book in advance? Yes, the tour is typically booked around 43 days in advance, and it’s recommended to reserve early, especially during peak times.

What should I bring? Comfortable walking shoes, a contactless bank card or Oyster card for tube rides, and snacks or drinks if you want to stay energized during the walk.

Are the tickets for the Globe Theatre and Dickens Museum included? Yes, both are part of the package, along with the London Dungeons.

How long is the walking part? About 3 hours, with stops for photos, exploring, and shopping.

Can I cancel the tour? Yes, cancellations are free up to 24 hours before the start, which adds some peace of mind when booking.

What’s the meeting point? The tour begins at Platform 9¾ at King’s Cross Station, a popular spot for Harry Potter fans.

Are transportation details included? The tour involves two tube journeys, so be prepared for brief transit segments.

Is the tour suitable for solo travelers? Absolutely, many solo travelers find it a great way to meet fellow Potter fans and enjoy a guided experience.

Final Thoughts

This Harry Potter-themed walking tour combined with the London Dungeons offers a lively, engaging way to experience London through the lens of your favorite wizarding stories. You’ll cover a great mix of filming locations, iconic landmarks, and fun shopping, all in a small-group setting that encourages interaction and personalized attention.

While it does involve some transit and can be busy at certain stops, the inclusion of tickets to major attractions makes it a good value for fans who want a multi-faceted experience in a manageable timeframe. The dark allure of the London Dungeon adds a fun, if slightly spooky, capstone to the day.

If you’re looking for an active, story-rich adventure with a dash of London’s literary side—and you’re a Harry Potter fanatic—this tour ticks many boxes. Just remember to arrive early for photo ops, prepare for some walking, and enjoy the magic and mystery that London offers.