London: Harry Potter Film Locations Sightseeing Bus Tour

This review takes a close look at the London Harry Potter Film Locations Sightseeing Bus Tour, a popular way for fans and curious travelers alike to see the city’s most famous wizarding sites. The tour, operated by Manchester Bus Tours Ltd, promises to combine London sightseeing with a sprinkle of Harry Potter magic, all aboard a retro Routemaster bus that’s painted purple and reminiscent of the Knight Bus.

What makes this experience particularly appealing? We love the way it offers a fun, engaging way to explore central London’s key landmarks through the lens of the wizarding world. The interactive quiz keeps things lively, and the photo stops at iconic sites like Leadenhall Market and Lambeth Bridge add authenticity to the experience. Plus, the knowledgeable guides bring Harry Potter’s world to life with fun facts and lively commentary.

A potential consideration? The duration is about 2 hours of active sightseeing, which might feel a bit rushed if you want to linger at certain locations. Also, as it’s a sightseeing tour, entry tickets to locations are not included, so plan to explore some sites further on your own if interested.

This tour is best suited for Harry Potter fans who want a compact yet immersive experience that combines London’s sights with movie magic. It’s also great for those who enjoy guided tours, photo opportunities, and interactive elements to spice up their city exploring.

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Key Points

Unique Transport: Travel on a vintage Routemaster bus painted in a vibrant purple, adding charm and character to the experience.
Comprehensive Route: Covers London’s top Harry Potter filming locations and major landmarks in a 2-hour guided loop.
Interactive Fun: Includes a Harry Potter quiz and props, making the tour engaging for fans of all ages.
Photo Opportunities: Stops at Leadenhall Market, Horse Guards Parade, and Lambeth Bridge offer perfect photo moments.
Expert Guides: Guides like Paul and Wayne are praised for their knowledge and friendly, lively explanations.
Convenient Meeting Point: Starts and ends near Embankment Station, central and easy to access.

You can check availability for your dates here:

The Experience: Every Stop in Detail

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Starting Point at Embankment

The tour kicks off at 40b Victoria Embankment, an easy-to-reach spot just a short walk from Embankment Station and close to Trafalgar Square. It’s a lively hub for travelers, so you’ll probably find plenty of fellow Harry Potter enthusiasts eager to start the journey. The vehicle is a classic Routemaster bus, painted in a distinctive purple, immediately setting a whimsical tone.

Australia House & Royal Courts of Justice

The first stops include Australia House and the Royal Courts of Justice. While these are primarily sightseeing stops, they also serve as the first glimpses of London’s regal and historic architecture, which doubles as filming backdrops in the wizarding films.

St Paul’s Cathedral & Borough Market

Next, the bus approaches St Paul’s Cathedral, giving travelers a chance to snap photos of this iconic London landmark. The Borough Market stop is brief but offers a chance for a quick walk and a peek at the vibrant food scene, adding a dash of real London to the mix.

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Tower Bridge and Leadenhall Market

One of the highlights is the photo stop at Tower Bridge, a stunning piece of architecture that appears in multiple Harry Potter scenes. Then, the bus pulls into Leadenhall Market for a guided 20-minute stop. This historic market is famous as the entrance to Diagon Alley in the films, and many fans love capturing that shot of the ornate roof and cobbled streets. One reviewer describes the stop as “a chance to view the Leaky Cauldron and get a coffee,” which hints at how lively and atmospheric the area is.

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The London Eye & Westminster

Passing by the London Eye and Westminster, the tour offers sweeping London views that are perfect for those wanting a broader sense of the city’s layout. The guide’s commentary enriches the experience by pointing out filming locations or fun facts about these landmarks.

Horse Guards Parade & Trafalgar Square

The Horse Guards Parade provides a captivating photo stop, and the tour includes a guided 20-minute stop here, with a chance to see the famous mounted guards. Trafalgar Square follows, offering more iconic sights and a bustling London atmosphere.

Soho & Piccadilly Circus

Finally, the bus moves through Soho and Piccadilly Circus, areas known for their vibrant nightlife and bright billboards. These stops give a taste of London’s lively cultural scene and are great for photos, especially at night.

Return to Embankment

The tour wraps up back at the starting point, leaving travelers with a sense of having covered both the wizarding world and some of London’s most famous sights in just a couple of hours.

Why This Tour Works for You

The real strength of this experience lies in its ability to blend London sightseeing with Harry Potter magic. The guides, highlighted in reviews as “full of knowledge and great characters,” make a real difference, turning what could be just another city tour into an engaging story. Reviewers mention guides like Paul and Wayne as energetic and enthusiastic, which helps keep the group entertained despite London traffic or longer stops.

The interactive elements, like the quiz and props, are especially popular with families or large groups. These playful touches make sure kids stay engaged, and fans can test their knowledge along the way.

Transport-wise, the vintage Routemaster bus adds a nostalgic, fun vibe that keeps the mood light and immersive. Plus, the photo stops at key locations like Leadenhall Market allow fans to replicate Harry Potter scenes or simply enjoy beautiful London scenery.

Pricing and value are also points in its favor, especially considering the guided tour, transportation, and interactive elements included. While entry tickets to Harry Potter sites aren’t included, the tour offers a compact, well-rounded experience that’s perfect for those who want a taste of London’s film locations without arranging separate tickets or tours.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This Harry Potter-themed bus tour is ideal for fans who want to combine London sightseeing with their love of Harry Potter in a lively, interactive way. It’s particularly good for visitors who prefer guided experiences and enjoy photo opportunities at iconic sites. Families with kids, groups of friends, or solo travelers who appreciate engaging guides will find this tour both fun and informative.

However, those looking for a more in-depth or exclusive Harry Potter experience—like visiting Warner Bros. Studio or exploring lesser-known filming locations—might want to consider other specialized tours. This experience is best viewed as a bite-sized, entertaining overview of London through a magical lens.

The Sum Up

The London Harry Potter Film Locations Sightseeing Bus Tour offers a bright, engaging way to explore central London while indulging in a bit of wizarding magic. Traveling on a vintage Routemaster, with lively guides and interactive activities, keeps the experience fun and memorable. The stops at major landmarks and the photo opportunities make it a great choice for fans and first-time visitors alike.

While it’s not a deep dive into the Harry Potter universe or a ticketed site visit, it strikes a practical balance by combining sightseeing with fandom. The reviews consistently praise the guides’ knowledge and charisma, making the journey both educational and entertaining.

This tour is perfect for those who want a lighthearted, family-friendly, and visually appealing way to see London’s sights through a Harry Potter filter. It’s also convenient for travelers on a tight schedule wanting a comprehensive snapshot of the city’s magical and historic corners.

FAQ

How long does the tour last?
The tour lasts approximately 2 hours, with some variation due to traffic. It includes stops at specific locations and a guided commentary.

Where does the tour start and end?
It begins and ends at 40b Victoria Embankment, a central spot near Embankment Station, Trafalgar Square, and Charing Cross.

What’s included in the price?
The ticket covers live guided commentary, transportation on a vintage Routemaster bus, interactive props, and a Harry Potter quiz. Entry tickets to filming locations are not included.

Can I bring my phone for the quiz?
Yes, it’s recommended to bring a mobile phone to participate in the interactive quiz during the tour.

Are there any breaks or meal stops?
No dedicated meal stops are included, but the guide recommends taking photos and enjoying quick visits at stops like Borough Market.

Is this suitable for children?
Yes, the playful elements and engaging guides make it appealing for families, though parents should supervise children at photo stops.

Do I need to book in advance?
Yes, reservations are recommended, especially since availability can vary. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

What should I wear?
Comfortable clothing and shoes are advised, especially if you plan to hop off at stops or do some quick exploring.

Will I see all Harry Potter filming locations?
The tour covers the main spots like Diagon Alley’s entrance (Leadenhall Market), the Knight Bus crossing Lambeth Bridge, and other iconic sites, but not every filming location in the city.

For fans and London explorers alike, this tour promises a lively, charming way to enjoy the city’s sights with a Harry Potter twist. Whether you’re a muggle or a wizard at heart, it’s a fun, well-rounded outing that combines history, pop culture, and a dash of magic.

You can check availability for your dates here: