Student Bloggers

Currently Studying At: London Internship Program, England

Homeschool: University Of Puget Sound

Did you wait at your mailbox on your eleventh birthday for a white speckled barn owl with a magical letter that would change your life forever? Did you adorn yourself in wizard robes for multiple Halloweens (or just random days of the week)? Did you grow up with seven life-altering books and movies about a boy with a scar? If you did, listen up! London is brewing with magic, and I am here to help all of you witches, wizards, and muggles alike immerse yourself into the world of Harry Potter.

Warner Bros. Studio Tours

Head just outside of London to see where the magic of the Harry Potter movies were created. See where it all started for a young wizard in a cupboard under the stairs, walk through the Great Hall, visit the Burrow, and pet Buckbeak during this immersive experience. See hundreds of actual props, many of the films’ original sets, and learn the stories of how the books were brought to life on the big screen. See the dragon break apart Gringotts, buy a puking pastille from Wesley’s Wizard Wheezes, ride your broom through London or take a spin on Sirius’ motorcycle or in Ron’s enchanted car. Be sure to bring a little gold to get a treat or souvenir!

There are many tour companies that take you from central London straight to the studios via bus, or you can get there via train/bus and buy your ticket separately. 

For more information: https://www.wbstudiotour.co.uk/?&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIkdm7j6Gr5QIVDUTTCh3BjwbJEAAYAyAAEgLVGvD_BwE 

 Free Harry Potter Walking Tours

Never pass up a free walking tour in a new city, let alone one that is about Harry Potter! Strawberry Tours offers one in London that shows you the spots where J.K. Rowling’s ideas originated from. See places that inspired character names, Diagon Alley, Honey Dukes, and more. Walk down the streets the actors filmed on and learn facts about J.K. Rowling and how she created one of the biggest franchises in history. Pro tip: Be sure to tip your free tour guides for their hard work after the tour. 

For more information: https://strawberrytours.com/london/tours/free-harry-potter-tour?gclid=EAIaIQobChMI3KHerKGr5QIVx8jeCh0XPgw0EAAYASAAEgLH2fD_BwE 

Potions Classes

As a wizard or witch, you’ll want to bone up on your potion making while in London. Here are a few tasty options.

The Cauldron

Honestly, one of the coolest experiences I’ve had in London. First things first, you need to make a reservation! Choose between sitting in the dungeon or the open spaces (I highly recommend the dungeon). Once you get to class, grab your wand and a robe and let the spell casting can begin.

Each person in your group gets to pick a drink from magical beast heads on the wall (no creatures were harmed). While you’re enjoying your drink, you get to pick two potions to brew. I choose the Blood Boiling Curse and The Spaniard’s Revenge. The professor brings you all of the magical ingredients you need, yes, even troll boogies, and you get to mix together a delicious drink (alcoholic and non-alcoholic potions are available). You get to use your wand to magically stir the tasty potions, some bubble and smoke, one blows dragon’s fire. After you’re done brewing your potions, feel free to ask for more premade potions from the professor, and choose from vibrant green bubbling death to a sparkling concoction of The Bitter Glitter. 

For more information: https://thecauldron.io/london?gclid=EAIaIQobChMIuLKqu6Gr5QIVQsjeCh2sLwnxEAAYASAAEgL3TPD_BwE 

The Blind Phoenix

Just down the street from The Cauldron, you’ll find The Blind Phoenix, a Harry Potter-themed speakeasy. Use a wand to pour magical drinks from the walls and drink out of bubbling cauldrons if you can manage to get in. The Blind Phoenix has a secret entrance and only a secret code entered into the rotary phone will gain you entrance. Check their website for reservations and tips for finding their secret location. 

For more information: https://www.theblindphoenix.com 

Cutter and Squidge

I have yet to brew up any tea here, but I have a feeling I will. At Cutter and Squidge, you brew your own concoction of tea while snacking on rock cakes, scones and Butterscotch Biskie’s all under the direction of a potions master.

 For more information: https://cutterandsquidge.com/pages/afternoon-tea-london 

Harry Potter and the Cursed Child

After a cuppa tea, you can head to the west end for a show? Harry Potter and the Cursed Child is the sequel to the Harry Potter series, and while it isn’t quite the same, the magic of J.K. Rowling’s writing is still as breathtaking as ever. It’s a long show, broken up into two, three-hour performances. You can choose to see both performances in one day (I did) or over two days. Sometimes students can even score discounted tickets the day of by visiting the theater.

For more information: https://www.harrypottertheplay.com/uk/ 

Enigma Quests 

I haven’t tried this spot yet, but a friend said it magical. Enigma Quests have escape rooms that are Harry Potter themed and you need to finish the quests before “he who must not be named” finds you! 

For more information: https://enigmaquests.london/quests/school-of-witchcraft-and-wizardry-rms1003 

Millennium Bridge

Walking across the Millennium Bridge has its risks, but I still suggest giving it a visit. The bridge is located between St. Paul’s and The Globe Theatre. This is the bridge the death eaters destroyed at the beginning of Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince movie. 

Address: Thames Embankment, London SE1 9JE  

King’s Cross

Few know this, but the magical world of Harry Potter truly originated at King’s Cross Station. J.K. Rowling’s story began when her parents met at the station, and she wanted young Harry’s journey to begin at the same place. Near the platforms for the trains, you will find platform 9 ¾. You will experience a long wait to get your picture with the trolley, but it is worth it. There is also an amazing store filled with Bertie Botts Every Flavored Beans, house uniforms, Luna Lovegood’s glasses to read your Quibbler, wands, love potions, and even personalized acceptance letters, signed by yours truly, Professor Minerva McGonagall. 

Helpful Tip: Head to the above-ground station and find the board with the departure times and platforms on it and take a left. You should run directly into the platform. 

(Photo Above): This was taken at the Studio Tour but is nearly identical to the true 9 3/4 platform at King's Cross

London is brewing with all things Harry Potter, and I hope you’ve found my list as a helpful start to your magical journey.