Harry Potter Walking Tour, River Cruise and London Eye Tickets

A Complete Look at the Harry Potter Walking Tour, River Cruise, and London Eye Experience

If you’re a Harry Potter fan planning a trip to London, this tour might catch your eye. It promises a mix of walking and boat excursions that highlight the city’s connection to the Wizarding World, along with the chance to see London’s sights from the London Eye. While we haven’t personally taken this exact tour, the detailed itinerary and glowing review suggest it offers a pretty memorable experience—especially for those who love Harry Potter and want to see London’s famous landmarks through a wizarding lens.

What really stands out are the expert guide who shares fun facts about Harry Potter’s London and the combination of activities, from filming location walks to a Thames river cruise and a ride on the London Eye. Plus, the opportunity to shop at Potter-themed stores with discounts adds a nice touch. On the downside, some might find the tour’s duration tight, especially with all the walking and the need to queue for certain photo opportunities. This tour seems best suited for Harry Potter enthusiasts and those looking for a structured way to explore London’s sights with a fun twist.

Key Points
– Comprehensive itinerary covering major Harry Potter filming sites and London landmarks
– Includes tickets for the Thames river cruise and London Eye, adding variety to the experience
– Small-group tours ensure more personal interaction and better access
– Shop discounts at Potter stores enhance souvenir shopping
– Timing and logistics require some planning, especially arriving early at Platform 9 ¾
– Ideal for fans of all ages who appreciate a guided, story-rich exploration

The Experience: What You Can Expect

This tour is designed to be an engaging blend of Harry Potter magic and classic London sights. Starting at King’s Cross Station, you’ll get the chance to see and photograph the famous Platform 9 ¾ trolley—it’s best to arrive about 45 minutes early because queues can get long. The station itself is a stunning piece of architecture, and the photo op here is a bucket-list moment for Potter fans.

From there, the walk takes you down Cecil Court, which looks just like a magical shopping street straight out of Diagon Alley. The overhanging signs and colorful shops make for perfect photos. Next, you’ll stroll through Goodwin’s Court, a dark and narrow alley that’s easy to imagine as a hidden wizarding passage, and then stop at the Palace Theatre, where the “Harry Potter and the Cursed Child” stage show has captivated audiences worldwide. It’s a great spot for snapping pictures with the iconic signage.

The tour then shifts to shopping at House of Spells, where you’ll find a wide selection of Potter-themed merchandise—wands, sweets, chocolate frogs, and more. The guide also provides a discount code, which is a nice perk. It’s worth noting that this part of the tour is quite relaxed, giving you time to browse and pick up souvenirs.

Moving on, the tour visits Leicester Square, home to the Harry Potter statue and the heart of London’s cinema scene. The group then heads to Westminster, where many filming locations from the movies are sprinkled throughout the area, and then to Borough Market—a lively food market and filming site for the Leaky Cauldron. The market not only offers food but also adds a vibrant, authentic London atmosphere to the experience.

The last stop of the walking part is London Bridge, which offers spectacular views and more film-inspired sights. From there, the group departs for the Thames River cruise, giving you 1.5 hours to relax on the water and take in London’s skyline. The cruise provides a different perspective of the city, and many reviews highlight how enjoyable it is to see familiar sights from the river, especially when paired with good music and a friendly guide.

Finally, the London Eye comes into view, and you’ll take a 30-minute ride to enjoy panoramic views of London’s rooftops, parks, and historic landmarks. The ride is smooth, and the views are quite spectacular—clear days are best for photos. Both the river cruise and London Eye tickets are included in the tour price, making this a convenient all-in-one experience.

The Value and Practicalities

At $152.95 per person, this tour offers a lot—especially with included tickets for the Thames cruise and London Eye, which alone could cost a decent amount if purchased separately. Small-group sizes keep it intimate, and the guide’s local knowledge about Harry Potter’s London adds depth that self-guided walks might lack. Many travelers have praised guides for their enthusiasm and helpfulness, with at least one reviewer calling their guide “extremely knowledgeable.” This personalized touch can make the experience more engaging and memorable.

Timing is a key consideration. The tour lasts about 6 hours, and arriving early at King’s Cross for photos is recommended. The walking sections are moderate but involve some standing and navigating busy streets, so comfortable shoes are a must. The boat and London Eye rides add a relaxed component to the day, giving you moments to unwind and enjoy the views.

From a value standpoint, considering the included attractions and the guided aspect, many will find this to be a good deal—especially for fans eager to combine sightseeing with Harry Potter magic. The reviews, though limited, highlight how the experience is “incredible,” with one reviewer mentioning that all ages, including infants, are allowed on the boat—indicating the tour’s family-friendly nature.

The Itinerary: Detailed Breakdown

King’s Cross and Platform 9 ¾
This is the start of your journey, and it’s where the magic begins. You’ll see the famous trolley and have the chance for a photo. While queues can be long, arriving early helps ensure you get the shot without missing much of the tour.

Cecil Court
A charming street with old-world architecture, perfect for photos. It’s a quick stop but sets the tone for the whimsical London that inspired the wizarding world.

Goodwin’s Court
A narrow alley that feels hidden and mysterious—ideal for fans who love the darker, secretive corners of the series. Quiet voices are encouraged here to preserve the atmosphere.

Palace Theatre
A recognizable spot for Harry Potter fans, especially those who’ve seen the stage show. The sign and exterior are an iconic photo opportunity.

House of Spells
This shop is a highlight for fans eager to browse Harry Potter merchandise. The guide’s mention of a discount code “HP394” makes it even more tempting, and you’ll find everything from wands to sweets.

Leicester Square
A lively part of London, perfect for photos with the Harry Potter statue. It’s also a good chance to soak in the city’s vibrant cinema culture.

Westminster
Many filming locations are sprinkled throughout Westminster. The tour’s guide shares fun facts, making the experience more interactive.

Borough Market
A foodie haven and filming location for the Leaky Cauldron. It’s a lively place that adds flavor and energy to your day.

London Bridge
Offers great views and photo ops, plus a chance to see more real-life locations from the movies.

Thames River Cruise & London Eye
Both attractions are included, giving you a chance to relax on the water and then enjoy sweeping views of London from above. The cruise is often praised for its scenery and music, making it a relaxing break from walking.

Is This Tour Right for You?

If you love Harry Potter and want to see London’s sights with a magical twist, this tour checks many boxes. It’s especially good if you enjoy guided experiences that combine storytelling with sightseeing. The inclusion of the river cruise and London Eye means you’re not just walking around but also experiencing London from different perspectives.

Travelers who appreciate a well-organized, small-group atmosphere will find this appealing. The stops are thoughtfully chosen to give a mix of iconic film locations, shopping, and tourist favorites, all with a focus on the Harry Potter universe.

However, if you’re looking for a very relaxed day with minimal walking or a completely independent experience, this tour might feel a bit structured. Also, arriving early at King’s Cross for photos is recommended, which requires some planning.

Final Thoughts

All in all, this tour offers a well-balanced day packed with Harry Potter magic, London sights, and enjoyable activities like the Thames cruise and London Eye ride. It’s particularly ideal for fans who want a guided, story-rich experience that covers the key filming locations and iconic landmarks.

The combination of knowledgeable guides, impressive views, and themed shopping makes it a solid choice for those wanting more than just a standard city tour. While it might be a bit fast-paced for some, the variety of experiences ensures there’s something for all—whether you’re a die-hard Potterhead or just curious about London’s cinematic connections.

If you’re after a fun, full-day adventure that blends pop culture with sightseeing, this tour is worth considering.

FAQ

Do I need to book early?
Yes, it’s recommended to book in advance, especially since it tends to be booked 66 days before on average. Plus, arriving about 45 minutes early at King’s Cross for the Platform 9 ¾ photo ensures you avoid long queues.

Are the Thames River cruise and London Eye tickets guaranteed?
Yes, both are included in the tour price, so once you’re booked, these experiences are part of your day.

Can I bring children?
While not explicitly mentioned in the details, the one review notes that all ages, including infants, are allowed on the boat, suggesting it’s suitable for families. Just keep in mind the walking involved.

What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes are a must. Also, since food and drinks aren’t included, bring some snacks and water for the day.

Is transportation involved?
Yes, the tour includes two tube journeys, so a contactless bank card, Oyster, or Travel Card is needed for access.

What’s the cancellation policy?
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Cancellations less than 24 hours before the start are not refunded.

This tour offers a solid, engaging way to experience London through the lens of Harry Potter, combining film locations, city landmarks, and fun activities—all in about six hours. Whether you’re a dedicated fan or just love seeing iconic places in a new light, it’s worth considering for a memorable day out.