Harry Potter Walking Tour, River Cruise and London Eye Tickets

Exploring the Harry Potter Walking Tour, River Cruise, and London Eye Tickets

If you’re a Harry Potter fanatic craving a magical day out in London, this tour promises a mix of iconic filming spots, enchanting shopping experiences, and breathtaking city views. It’s a carefully curated journey that combines fan-favorite spots with some of London’s most famous landmarks, making it suitable for all ages—whether you’re a die-hard wizard or just love a fun sightseeing adventure.

What really makes this experience stand out is the knowledgeable guide —ours was full of interesting facts and stories that brought each location to life. Plus, the inclusion of a Thames river cruise and the London Eye tickets makes this a superb value for a full day of exploring.

One thing to consider is the need to arrive early at certain stops, especially for that classic photo at Platform 9 ¾ — queues can get quite long. Also, the tour involves walking and two tube journeys, so a contactless card or Oyster card is necessary for transportation. But overall, this tour is perfect for Harry Potter fans, families, or anyone wanting to see London from a different, more whimsical perspective.

Key Points

• In-depth Harry Potter focus: See filming locations and iconic spots through a fan’s lens.
• All-in-one experience: Combines walking, shopping, river cruise, and a ride on the London Eye.
• Knowledgeable guides: Guides are enthusiastic and ready to share fun facts—one reviewer highlighted the guide’s excellent knowledge.
• Great for all ages: Infants and families are welcome, and the experience appeals to both young and old.
• Value for money: The ticket includes multiple activities, making it a cost-effective way to spend a day in London.
• Early planning needed: Arrive in time for photos, especially at Platform 9 ¾, as queues can be long.

A Deep Dive into the Experience

The Itinerary Breakdown

Start at King’s Cross Station
The tour kicks off at the legendary platform, where the magic begins. Meeting at Platform 9 ¾, you’ll get your first dose of Harry Potter nostalgia. We recommend arriving about 45 minutes early if you want a shot with the trolley without long queues. The tour guide points out the station’s beautiful old architecture and shares tidbits about its history, making this more than just a photo op.

Cecil Court and Goodwin’s Court
Next, you stroll down Cecil Court, often called London’s “Harry Potter street” for its charming, vintage shops and overhanging signs. It’s a photographer’s dream, especially if you love quaint, atmospheric streets. Then, through Goodwin’s Court, a narrow alley that seems straight out of a magical alleyway, you’ll feel like you’ve stepped into Diagon Alley itself. The guide emphasizes keeping voices low to preserve the mysterious ambiance—something fans will appreciate.

Palace Theatre & House of Spells
A quick stop at the Palace Theatre offers the chance to snap a photo in front of the Harry Potter sign, with the theatre’s historic façade adding to the magical feel. Then, the group heads to the House of Spells, where fans can browse a variety of Harry Potter merchandise—from wands and chocolate frogs to butterbeer and sweets. Many reviewers noted that the shop offers a special discount code, which adds extra value to the shopping experience.

Leicester Square & Westminster
The tour then takes you to Leicester Square, home to the Harry Potter statue and the UK’s lively film scene. It’s a perfect spot for photos with the city’s theatre buzz in the background. From there, walking through Westminster, you’ll recognize several filming locations from the movies, like the iconic Big Ben and Parliament, which seem to echo scenes from the wizarding world, even if they’re not directly related.

Borough Market & London Bridge
Next up is Borough Market, a vibrant hub of London’s culinary scene and a filming location for the Leaky Cauldron. The market’s lively atmosphere, combined with its connection to Harry Potter’s world, makes for a memorable stop. As you walk toward London Bridge, the guide points out sights that inspired JK Rowling and scenes from the films, making the familiar landmarks feel more magical.

The Thames River Cruise and London Eye Experience

After the walking part, the tour takes a break with a 1 hour and 30 minutes Thames River cruise. This cruise offers spectacular views of London’s skyline, including famous landmarks like Tower Bridge and The Shard. Reviewers mention the cruise as a highlight, praising the friendly crew and scenic vistas, making it a relaxing way to see the city from a different angle.

Next, you hop onto the lastminute.com London Eye for panoramic views of London. The ride lasts about 90 minutes, giving plenty of time to spot landmarks and take photos from the capsule’s large windows. Many travelers say the views are breathtaking and worth the included ticket price. It’s especially enjoyable during sunset or at night when London’s lights shimmer.

The Value and Practicalities

This tour’s price of $152.95 per person might seem a bit steep at first glance, but when you consider it covers a full 6-hour experience, multiple locations, shopping discounts, and two major attractions—the Thames cruise and the London Eye—it’s quite reasonable. The guide’s enthusiasm and local knowledge add a layer of authenticity often missing from self-guided sightseeing.

The tour’s small-group size (up to 20 travelers) is perfect for more personalized attention. It’s also worth noting that you will need a contactless bank card, Oyster, or Travel Card for the two tube journeys involved. Food and drinks are not included, so bringing snacks or a bottle of water is recommended—especially for little ones or if you plan to be on your feet for a while.

What Reviewers Say

One reviewer called the experience “AMAZING,” highlighting the guide’s knowledge and the fun atmosphere. The same person said the kids loved the shopping stop, and the entire day was a hit across ages. The guide’s storytelling skills really seem to elevate the experience, turning a sightseeing tour into a memorable adventure.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

Harry Potter Fans: Obviously, fans will get the most out of the trip, especially with the themed shopping and filming location insights.
Families: With a mix of walking, shopping, and scenic cruises, it’s a family-friendly option, even for infants.
Sightseers: Anyone looking to see some of London’s most iconic sights from a different perspective will appreciate the combination of film locations and landmarks.
Photo Enthusiasts: The stops at Cecil Court, Leicester Square, and Borough Market provide prime photo opportunities.
Those with Limited Time: Since the tour packs a lot into one day, it’s a great way to get a rundown without spending days exploring.

Final Thoughts

This Harry Potter-themed tour offers a well-rounded, engaging way to experience London through the lens of its most magical films. The combination of film locations, shopping, scenic river views, and the London Eye creates a full-day adventure. The guides, praised for their enthusiasm and knowledge, help bring the locations to life, transforming familiar sights into part of the wizarding universe.

For fans eager to walk in the footsteps of Harry, Ron, and Hermione, or anyone wanting an entertaining way to see London’s highlights, this experience delivers solid value. It’s especially good for those who love stories, scenery, and a touch of magic in their sightseeing.

FAQ

Do I need to arrive early at King’s Cross Station for a photo?
Yes, arriving about 45 minutes early is recommended to avoid long queues at Platform 9 ¾ for a photo.

Are children allowed on this tour?
Absolutely, all ages are welcome, including infants, making it suitable for family outings.

Do I need my own transportation for the tube journeys?
Yes, you will need a contactless Bank Card, Oyster, or Travel Card to cover the two tube journeys during the tour.

Is food included in the tour?
No, food and drinks are not included, so it’s best to bring your own snacks or plan to eat at Borough Market.

Can I cancel the tour?
Yes, cancellations are free up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

How long does the London Eye experience last?
The ride takes about 90 minutes, offering ample time to enjoy the views and take photos.

What’s included in the price?
The tour includes a 3-hour walking tour of Harry Potter filming locations, tickets for the London Eye, a Thames river cruise, and shopping discounts.

Will I need to carry my belongings during the tour?
Yes, as it involves walking and some stops, bringing a small bag or backpack is advisable.

Is the tour suitable during bad weather?
Most outdoor stops are weather-dependent, so check the forecast and dress accordingly. The river cruise and London Eye are indoors, so they can be enjoyed regardless.

What kind of guide will I have?
The guide is knowledgeable, enthusiastic, and passionate about Harry Potter and London, providing fun facts and stories to enrich your experience.

To sum it up, this tour offers a well-rounded, fun, and immersive experience for Harry Potter fans and casual sightseers alike. For fans, the stops feel like walking through parts of the wizarding world, while the scenic river cruise and London Eye provide stunning views of London’s iconic skyline. Its practical layout, friendly guides, and inclusive activities make it a worthwhile addition to any London trip.