Whether you root for Gryffindor or Slytherin, one thing we have in common is our love for the Harry Potter series. Since you're all geared up for England, why not take some time to visit scenes from Harry Potter? Get your wands and brooms ready, Potterheads!
1. Go on the Warner Bros. Studio Tour
When visiting the studio, taking pictures for personal mementos is more than allowed! I mean really, I would definitely want to take a picture in the Hogwarts Express although I still have not received my letter ?
Did we also say that you would be able to try the famous salty Butterbeer? Butterbeer is being sold at the Backlot Café, where most of the outdoor scenes are placed like Privet Drive.
Opening Hours: Opens every day except for 14 – 18 November and 24 – 26 December.
Opening Times vary across the calendar. Find out more here.
Tickets need to be purchased online.
Address: Warner Bros. Studio London, Studio Tour Drive, Leavesden, WD25 7LR
Getting Here:
- There are direct transfers by bus from Central London to the studio. Read more here.
- Otherwise, you may opt to take the National Rail train from London Euston station to Watford Junction. To get tickets, go ahead to their website From Watford Junction, there will be a Harry Potter Studio Tour coach that will take you directly to the Studio for a fee of £2.50. The bus ride will take approximately 15 minutes and a valid booking confirmation or ticket is needed for the ride. Plan to arrive at the station 45 minutes before your tour time, as this will allow ample time for your trip.
Taste of Lahore Watford
Taste of Lahore is a Halal Monitoring Committee certified restaurant that serves delicious Punjabi food at Watford Highstreet. Serving freshly prepared Punjabi curries, Tikka Kebabs and Roasted Chicken; Taste of Lahore becomes a safe bet for Muslims visiting Watford.
Address: Taste of Lahore Watford, 170, High Street, WD17 2EG
Contact Number: 01923 233322
Opening Hours: Saturday – Thursday, 12.00pm – 12.00am
Friday, 2.00pm – 12.00am
#HHWT Tip: The Watford Islamic Mosque is also near the restaurant. Drop by the mosque to perform your prayers to make your trip more convenient!
2. Join the Muggle Tours!
Muggle Tours has been repeatedly quoted in Time Out London for its walking tour of film locations around London. This is a great way to explore the trails of Harry, Ron and Hermione that are usually invisible to the eyes of a muggle.
Priced from £10 to £12, you will be able to enjoy yourself through several locations starting with the river Thames to Leicester Square by walking and a tube ride for approximately two and a half hours.
Credit: Jim Nix
Among the places that will be covered are the entrance to the Leaky Cauldron, the visitors’ entrance to the Ministry of Magic, No. 12 Grimmauld Place and many more. I mean, not only it is a great way to visit these places with great insights, but it is also a great way to meet and network with other Potterheads you will meet along the way!
Tour Details: For tour dates, time and bookings, visit their website here.
Where: From London Bridge to Leicester Square (by way of walking and taking the tube)
Duration: Lasts approximately 2-2.5 hours.
Cost: £12 and £10 for kids 11 and under + £0.79 transaction fee per person.
3. Make your way to Platform 9 3/4 , Kings Cross Station, Central London
Another obligatory visit for Potterheads while you are in Central London.
Though you have not received your letter from Hogwarts yet, you can just try your luck at the Platform 9 ¾ at Kings Cross Station.
Credit: lorindacarol
There might be some muggles in queue but coming early can easily do the trick!
Address: King’s Cross Station, Euston Road, London N1 9AL, United Kingdom
Getting Here: It’s easy to get here, as it is right in the train station itself! Stop at King’s Cross St. Pancras Underground Station via Circle, Metropolitan, Piccadilly, Hammersmith & City, Northern or Victoria line.
4. Visit the Reptile House, ZSL London Zoo
Remember when Harry first discovered he could speak in Parseltongue? He was visiting the Reptile House in the ZSL London Zoo at Regent’s Park. Come here if you want to give a try if you too, can speak Parseltongue ?
Prices to the London Zoo range from £17.60 to £24.25 depending on the age factor. After a visit at the zoo, why not hang out at Regent’s Park just to contemplate about life. London Central Mosque is also just near Regent’s Park if you want to pop in for your prayers!
Opening Hours: Opens every day except 25 December
| Opening times |
| Dates | Opening | Last entry | Closing |
| From 25 March 2016 | 10:00 | 17:00 | 18:00 |
| From 5 September 2016 | 10:00 | 16:30 | 17:30 |
| From 22 October 2016 | 10:00 | 16:00 | 17:00 |
| From 31 October 2016 | 10:00 | 15:00 | 16:00 |
Ticket prices range differently across the calendar and may be purchased online or at the gates. To find out more, please go to their website here.
Address: ZSL London Zoo, Regent’s Park, London, NW1 4RY, United Kingdom.
Getting Here:
Nearest Underground Station : Camden Town, Regent’s Park
By Bus:
274 bus route - Service number 274 runs from Marble Arch and Baker Street, to Ormonde Terrace
C2 bus route - Pick up the C2 from Victoria station, Oxford Circus or Great Portland Street to Gloucester Gate
Nearest docking station for Santander Cycle Hire - one in the car park opposite the main Zoo entrance and also in the Zoo's main Gloucester Slips car park.
Camden Town
Since ZSL London Zoo is already nearby Camden Town, we recommend you explore Camden Town for Halal food! You will be spoilt for choices with Halal street food in Camden town as it is relatively easy to spot them from Kebabs, Couscous and even Malaysian food! Just keep your eyes open for the Halal sign – which I’m sure most Muslim travellers have mastered the art.
Nearest Underground Station: Camden Town (Northern line)
Or opt to walk to Camden Town by foot from ZSL London Zoo!
There are other exciting places in England where Harry and his friends explored and it is nearly impossible to list them down in an article. Perhaps another article should do the trick! If you have come across other places that might interest other Potterheads, please do not hesitate to drop a comment below! We'd love to hear from you ?