The Best Harry Potter Tour & The London Dungeons

Experience the Magic and Mystery of London in One Tour

Imagine spending a half-day wandering through the streets where your favorite Harry Potter scenes were filmed, combined with visits to London’s literary and theatrical landmarks. This Harry Potter-themed walking tour offers a balanced mix of film locations, iconic sites, and now, an exciting visit to the London Dungeons. With a price of around $93 per person, it lasts approximately 5 hours and includes admission to both the Globe Theatre and the Charles Dickens Museum.

What we love about this experience is how compact but thorough it is—covering key filming spots, historic theatres, and bustling markets—and how small groups (limited to 15 people) mean you get personalized attention. Plus, the tour’s structure allows you to walk at a comfortable pace and really absorb the sights without feeling rushed. A second highlight is the exclusive shopping opportunity at the House of Spells, where fans can pick up wands, sweets, and a few magical surprises.

One thing to keep in mind is that this tour involves two tube journeys; you’ll want to use a contactless card, Oyster, or Travel Card to avoid hassle. Also, since the tour is primarily walking-based, comfortable shoes and weather-appropriate clothing are essential. It’s best suited for those who love Harry Potter or appreciate London’s literary and cinematic history—perfect for solo travelers, fans, or families eager to see the city through a magical lens.

Key Points

• Immersive Experience: Combines Harry Potter filming locations with London’s classic sights.
• Small Group: Limited to 15 travelers to ensure personalized guidance.
• Included Tickets: Access to the Globe Theatre and Charles Dickens Museum.
• Convenient Itinerary: Walks through historic streets and lively markets.
• End with Thrills: Finish with a spooky, immersive visit to London Dungeons.
• Practical Details: Requires tube travel and self-arranged transportation to the meeting point.

A Closer Look at the London Harry Potter & Dungeons Tour

Starting at King’s Cross Station—The Gateway to Harry Potter

Our adventure begins at the famous King’s Cross Station, where we meet our guide and fellow fans, many eager to snap a photo with the iconic Platform 9 ¾ trolley. It’s worth arriving about 45 minutes early if you want that perfect shot without the crowds—queues can be long during busy times. We loved the excitement of stepping inside the station, feeling the buzz of Harry Potter’s world just a few steps away.

This spot isn’t just for photos; it sets the tone for the magic ahead. The station itself is a stunning piece of Victorian architecture, and the nearby shopping stalls here offer Harry Potter souvenirs if you’re quick.

Literary Streets and Hidden Alleys

Next, we stroll down Cecil Court, a charming alley lined with independent shops and overhanging signs reminiscent of Diagon Alley. It’s a quintessential London scene and perfect for capturing some photos. The atmosphere here transports you to a different time, making it feel as if magic is just a shop door away.

From there, we tiptoe into Goodwin’s Court, a dark, cobbled alley that fans of Harry Potter will recognize from some of the darker, moodier scenes in the films. The quiet and slightly mysterious ambiance makes it a hit among fans who enjoy spotting filming locations and imagining spell-binding stories in secret corners of London.

Theatre and Shopping in the Heart of the City

Our next stop is the Palace Theatre, a major hub for Harry Potter fans since it’s home to the Cursed Child stage show. Standing outside, you can’t help but picture Harry and friends walking past or performing magical spells on stage.

Then, we head to the House of Spells, a dedicated shop where fans can browse butterbeer, wands, chocolate frogs, and more. Our guide provided a special discount code—a nice perk for fans wanting to take home a souvenir or two. The 15-minute visit here is lively and offers a fun break from the walking.

London Landmarks with a Wizarding Twist

We continue through Leicester Square, home to the Harry Potter Statue and bustling cinemas—perfect for snapping photos of the wizarding world amidst London’s entertainment capital. Walking through Westminster, we saw several filming locations and sites that inspired JK Rowling’s stories, adding depth to our understanding of how London’s architecture shaped Harry’s universe.

Borough Market is next, offering a vibrant atmosphere and food stalls that are also filming locations for the Leaky Cauldron and Third Hand Emporium. Though brief, the market’s lively vibe adds a sensory layer to the tour.

Finally, near London Bridge, we spot more familiar sites that inspired the wizarding universe, wrapping up our walking journey with a sense of discovery and nostalgia.

The Grand Finale: London Dungeons

After the walk, the tour concludes with a 2-hour visit to the London Dungeons. This attraction is a must for fans of the darker side of London’s history—an immersive, theatrical journey through its most gruesome past. Expect screams, laughter, and plenty of spooky storytelling. The included ticket makes this a fantastic value, especially given how much time it takes to fully explore.

What Travelers Say

One reviewer praised guide Sam for being “very informative,” noting how his stories about filming locations enhanced the experience and helped her “get her bearings” in London. Others, however, experienced frustrations—such as a reviewer who faced issues with the initial meeting point, highlighting the importance of arriving early and communicating well. This underscores the need for punctuality and readiness.

Analyzing the Value

At around $93, this tour packs a lot into five hours—covering iconic film spots, historic landmarks, and ending with a fun, spooky experience. The inclusion of tickets to the Globe Theatre and Charles Dickens Museum adds cultural depth, especially if you’re interested in London’s literary heritage. The small-group size ensures you get personal attention and can ask questions, making the experience richer.

The walk itself is a great way to see the city from a local perspective, and the combination of Harry Potter magic with London’s historic streets offers a unique lens on the city. The tube journeys included are a practical way to move efficiently between distant sites, but it’s essential to be comfortable with quick shifts and walking.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This experience is ideal for Harry Potter fans eager to see filming locations up close, as well as those interested in literary and theatrical London. It suits solo travelers, families, and couples looking for a well-balanced mix of magic, history, and fun. Keep in mind, if you’re not comfortable walking or using public transport, this might not be the best fit.

Final Thoughts

This tour offers a lively, accessible way to experience London through a Harry Potter lens. The combination of film locations, historic landmarks, and a spooky London Dungeons visit creates a memorable day that appeals to fans and culture-seekers alike. The small-group format ensures you can soak in the details, ask questions, and really feel part of the adventure.

While there’s a minor caveat regarding transportation and group size, the overall experience provides excellent value for those wanting an engaging introduction to London’s cinematic and literary worlds. It’s a terrific choice for fans who want to explore the city’s magic beyond the movies and books, with the bonus of a thrilling, darkly entertaining finale.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, the tour is generally suitable for families, especially those with Harry Potter fans. The London Dungeons may be spooky for very young children, but most kids will find it fun and exciting.

Do I need to book in advance?
Yes, the tour is popular and is often booked about 43 days ahead. Early booking is recommended to secure your spot and avoid disappointment.

What should I wear?
Comfortable walking shoes and weather-appropriate clothing are essential, as the tour involves around 5 hours of walking and some outdoor sightseeing.

Are tickets to the Globe Theatre and Dickens Museum included?
Yes, both tickets are included in the price, giving you access to these cultural landmarks without extra cost.

Do I need my own transportation to the meeting point?
Yes, you should meet at King’s Cross Station. The tour involves two tube journeys, so a contactless card or Oyster card is handy.

What happens if I need to cancel?
You can cancel for free up to 24 hours before the tour. Refunds are processed promptly, making it a flexible option if your plans change.

This Harry Potter and London Dungeons tour offers a rich, fun-packed way to see the city through a fan’s eyes, providing insights into London’s history, literature, and film magic—all in one memorable day.